Sunday, November 10, 2013
Season for giving!
Keep in mind that any item in the Everyday Hello shop can be given as a gift. Order a card to accompany a thoughtful present, or purchase a card set to give as the gift! We will gladly include a short note from you in the package and will even send you a little card in the mail to share our thanks for your purchase!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
It's the most Wonderful time of the Year!
It's finally time to start thinking about Christmas! Especially when it comes to ordering handmade cards!
I've designed some really special, reasonably priced cards for this season!
I hope they strike your fancy! Take a better look at them on everydayhello.com or on Etsy.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
A Quick Hello
Hey everyone! Sorry I've been a little quiet lately- got a lot going on. I've been working on custom orders and some new sets, including Christmas Cards: I can't believe it's that time already! I've also updated the website with some new pictures and fancy new ways to scroll through cards! Check it out at everydayhello.com
I also wanted to let you know that my Mom did a post all about Everyday Hello on her blog. Gee thanks Mom! If you are interested, Read it Now!
In the mean time I hope you all are happy and healthy and spreading love and happiness to everyone you know! I'm going to challenge you to say hello to a stranger everyday this week! I promise you'll brighten someone's day!
I also wanted to let you know that my Mom did a post all about Everyday Hello on her blog. Gee thanks Mom! If you are interested, Read it Now!
In the mean time I hope you all are happy and healthy and spreading love and happiness to everyone you know! I'm going to challenge you to say hello to a stranger everyday this week! I promise you'll brighten someone's day!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Free Card!
Winning a free card from Everyday Hello could not be easier!
Winner will be chosen at random
and announced on the EH Facebook page Sunday July 28!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Color Choices!
Recently I purchased a slew of inks and stamps! This has obviously resulted in some new cards on the Everyday Hello! My question to you all is which is your favorite color combo of these cards?
Comment on this post to cast your vote! Don't forget to share with friends- so we can see what everyone thinks!
Check out the etsy listing to see the full card set here: http://etsy.me/1dD8Jw3
Have a great day everyone!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
The Magic Behind Custom Cards
One of my favorite parts about this business is creating custom card orders. I find it really exciting to take the (sometimes vague) instructions of a client and turn it into their dream card to give to a loved one. I always get butterflies in my stomach when I reveal the custom card to the buyer- I think it's a mixture of nerves and excitement. So far each time the buyer has been thrilled and genuinely excited about their custom card! I feel so blessed to be apart of this little exchange of love- and I am so happy to help in the small way I can!
I decided today to give you all a sneak peek into my process for creating a custom card!
Here is how it works!
First the client logs onto my Etsy shop and purchases a small or large custom card.
While they are checking out they are asked 2 things:
To select an occasion for the card & a color.
After their order they'll need to visit my website to complete a more detailed form of what they are looking for. That form asks these questions:
Name
Etsy Order #
Email
Occasion
Who the card is for
Words to be displayed on card
Color Preference
Other Features to be used: i.e. stamping, misting, layering, sewing, watercolor, hand drawing, handwriting, etc.
And a nice little box to leave any extra thoughts or comments.
Once these are submitted the fun begins! I take the wishes and desires on the form and start brainstorming.
For example: A recent custom order I received gave me this information:
That pretty much sums up all the magic from start to finish when it comes to creating a custom card order! If you are on the fence about ordering one comment below or message me on my website or etsy to inquire about an idea. I am very excited to create more custom card orders, whether you have a very specific idea or just some vague thoughts. To see more custom cards I've created visit everydayhello.com and check out the previously purchased cards!
Have a fabulous day everyone! <3
I decided today to give you all a sneak peek into my process for creating a custom card!
Here is how it works!
First the client logs onto my Etsy shop and purchases a small or large custom card.
While they are checking out they are asked 2 things:
To select an occasion for the card & a color.
After their order they'll need to visit my website to complete a more detailed form of what they are looking for. That form asks these questions:
Name
Etsy Order #
Occasion
Who the card is for
Words to be displayed on card
Color Preference
Other Features to be used: i.e. stamping, misting, layering, sewing, watercolor, hand drawing, handwriting, etc.
And a nice little box to leave any extra thoughts or comments.
Once these are submitted the fun begins! I take the wishes and desires on the form and start brainstorming.
For example: A recent custom order I received gave me this information:
| Occasion | Thank You |
| Who is the Card For? | Co-worker |
| Words to be Displayed on Card | "Thanks" "Thank You" "Thank You Team Taco" or none |
| Color to Use on Card | No Preference |
| Other Features-Layering | yes |
| Other Comments or Desires | This is a thank you card to my team that I will give to them when I leave my job. Please use the images on the websites below as inspiration. Beyond that, put together whatever you'd like - I trust your artistic instincts. https://disneyworld.disney.go. http://www.disneymeetings.com/ |
From there I did my research! I checked out the websites and found out what the resort was like where she worked. Turns out it was at Coronado Springs in Disney. I discovered that Coronado Springs is fashioned after Spanish Colonial Architecture- and ideas just exploded from there!
Once I get a general idea from the form I start collecting inspiring and related images. I usually pin them to my Everyday Hello Board on Pinterest.
Here are some I collected for this project specifically.
This is a picture of the resort she was working at!
Below are some general examples of Spanish Colonial design that I loved and felt inspired by.
I then take all of the inspiration I've collected and funnel them into a card! For this card I was inspired by the blues and yellows in these pictures and the intricate tiles used on the stairs! Here is what I created:
In this particular card I used card stock paper to reflect the colors of the Spanish Colonial style and I also used a misting stencil to get an intricate "tile inspired" pattern onto the paper. The geometric patterns mixed with the floral stenciling gave me the desired look of Spanish architecture using arches and curves combined with straight lines.
After the card is created I usually send a picture of the card to my client. I like to make sure they see what they are getting before I mail it! This is a nice buffer too if for some reason something needs to be changed or adjusted.
When I revealed the card to the client she was very happy with the result! The next day the card is bundled up with love and sent on it's way in a secure and snug package right to your door!
After receiving the card my client (Meagan) said, "It was really easy to order the custom card, and you did a fabulous job even though I was pretty vague. I also was impressed by the amount of care that was taken when you shipped the card to me. I'll definitely continue to order cards in the future for special occasions."
Here is a little video of this card being bundled up!
That pretty much sums up all the magic from start to finish when it comes to creating a custom card order! If you are on the fence about ordering one comment below or message me on my website or etsy to inquire about an idea. I am very excited to create more custom card orders, whether you have a very specific idea or just some vague thoughts. To see more custom cards I've created visit everydayhello.com and check out the previously purchased cards!
Have a fabulous day everyone! <3
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Everyday Hello Redesign!
Hey all! So lately I've been in the works of developing a more clear cut brand for Everyday Hello. Part of that involves graphic design- logos, title, website, color scheme, etc. I am happy to announce that some of these changes are live!
Incase you don't remember, Everyday Hello's website used to look something like this:
I used to be pretty happy with this site. I was excited that (for the most part) I built the website myself. I used a template but changed and customized so many things. I had been meaning to get around to serious "branding" of Everyday Hello for awhile now. I did do some earlier but never really got a clear idea of what I wanted it to "look" like until now. Instead of explaining this new look I'll just show you!
To be honest I still don't think these pictures quite do the site justice! So make sure you check it out here: everydayhello.com Oh and that reminds me, I finally have connected up the domain name to the site. No more yucky long url! Everyday Hello will now be much easier to find! Hooray!
If you visit Everyday Hello's Etsy page or facebook page you will notice that some changes have been made there too, to help keep the brand cohesive. I am so excited for these changes, and I finally feel like the design of the site, the logo, color scheme all emulate the brand of Everyday Hello! Be on the lookout for an updated blog look soon!
Incase you don't remember, Everyday Hello's website used to look something like this:
I used to be pretty happy with this site. I was excited that (for the most part) I built the website myself. I used a template but changed and customized so many things. I had been meaning to get around to serious "branding" of Everyday Hello for awhile now. I did do some earlier but never really got a clear idea of what I wanted it to "look" like until now. Instead of explaining this new look I'll just show you!
To be honest I still don't think these pictures quite do the site justice! So make sure you check it out here: everydayhello.com Oh and that reminds me, I finally have connected up the domain name to the site. No more yucky long url! Everyday Hello will now be much easier to find! Hooray!
If you visit Everyday Hello's Etsy page or facebook page you will notice that some changes have been made there too, to help keep the brand cohesive. I am so excited for these changes, and I finally feel like the design of the site, the logo, color scheme all emulate the brand of Everyday Hello! Be on the lookout for an updated blog look soon!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Good Morning Sunshine
Good morning everyone! I have so much love and happiness in my heart this morning. I feel so blessed by all the people in my life right now -helping to make me feel so loved and special for my birthday. Holidays are always a sentimental time for me and I love sharing them with my family and friends.I also wanted to give you an update on the 23rd Birthday Sale that I hosted yesterday at my Etsy Shop. I am pleased to say it went very well. My profit for yesterday hit over $100, which (for my tiny little business) is really great! Thanks to all the friends that supported me in this and made some purchases. Also thanks to everyone lately for your general support of this business.
I feel like Everyday Hello has an exciting future ahead. I am feeling so great about this business and am making some dreams and plans to grow. I can't wait to see where the future takes us, and I hope you all are there for every step of the journey!
In some really good news: I will be releasing my brand new logo for Everyday Hello soon. (Some of you may have seen some updates about it on my instagram!) What an exciting time this is! God Bless!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Sharing the Birthday Love!
Hello Everyone! I'm so excited to be writing to you today with some very special news.
#1- Today is my 23rd Birthday! (Hooray!--and that wasn't even the exciting news...)
#2- Today in honor of my birthday I am offering a special discount to all of you!
This is my first ever coupon/discount offered at Everyday Hello, so as you can imagine I am totally pumped!
Here is what you should do:
1. Log on to Everyday Hello's Etsy Page.
2. Select a pre-made card, custom card, or card set that you would love to own!
3. As you purchase the card(s) enter in your coupon code: HAPPY23
4. Enjoy a 23% savings on anything in the store!
5. Receive your cards in the mail and start to spread the love.
Things to remember!
*This discount is only good for Today- June 14th! So log on right now and don't miss out!
*If you aren't seeing a card that you are in love with, remember that you can order a custom card and put in any specifics you'd like! (AKA great time to buy a personalized grad card, wedding congrats, or just a fun greeting to a friend)
*If you need some ideas on past cards I've created check out the gallery on Everyday Hello's website!
#1- Today is my 23rd Birthday! (Hooray!--and that wasn't even the exciting news...)
#2- Today in honor of my birthday I am offering a special discount to all of you!
This is my first ever coupon/discount offered at Everyday Hello, so as you can imagine I am totally pumped!
Here is what you should do:
1. Log on to Everyday Hello's Etsy Page.
2. Select a pre-made card, custom card, or card set that you would love to own!
3. As you purchase the card(s) enter in your coupon code: HAPPY23
4. Enjoy a 23% savings on anything in the store!
5. Receive your cards in the mail and start to spread the love.
Things to remember!
*This discount is only good for Today- June 14th! So log on right now and don't miss out!
*If you aren't seeing a card that you are in love with, remember that you can order a custom card and put in any specifics you'd like! (AKA great time to buy a personalized grad card, wedding congrats, or just a fun greeting to a friend)
*If you need some ideas on past cards I've created check out the gallery on Everyday Hello's website!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Perfect Pair Card Sets!
Each listing is 2 paired up cards that compliment each other and can be used for almost any occasion!
As a blog reader, you got a sneak peek earlier! Here are the links! Let me know what you think, and favorite which set you like best!
These sets will be making their debut soon are available now! Visit Everyday Hello Etsy Shop to check them out!!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Gold!
Today my mom was working on a craft project for her kids at school. It involved spray painting yogurt containers to become flower pots for little sprouts the kids were growing for Mother's Day. Well the paint ended up not being able to cover up all the wording on the containers so she turned to plan B. Find something to cover up the body of the container. She found some gold contact paper and covered the containers in that. They looked awesome after and the kids are going to finish decorating them at school! My mom had a bunch of gold contact paper left over and of course she gave it to me. (Usually crafty leftover materials end up in my hands). So the first thing I did was start playing with it!
Obviously I tried misting it first! (See last post) And it kind of worked. I used the same honeycomb stencil as last time and the same mint color- I misted the contact paper and it was all sorts of runny. I dabbed off the wet parts and was left with something like this! (below). I actually kind of like it. It reminds me of old pennies (in a good way). Then I decided I should try cutting out words! They turned out alright but I did get a few creases. Small cut out pieces of contact paper are apparently really hard to get to stick down clean. Here is what I cam up with!
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Frustrated by the creased words above I set out to make a card that the words were smooth on. In order to accomplish this I chose a super short word- and simple lettering. And I really like how this one turned out- especially with a little pink mist in the corner!
I also got the opportunity to use my gold sharpie I just purchased, by adding a cute phrase on the inside!
I am really hoping my customer is happy with this card! I am digging the gold- and I can't wait to use it on more cards!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Misting! An addicting new craft technique!
Hey all! So I'm writing today to share in my love of such a fun, amazing new crafting technique. (Well relatively new). I first fell in love with this technique while reading Dear Lizzy's post on Paper Party about different ways to use the mist! I would highly recommend checking it out her video is totally inspiring with amazingly great ideas!
So last night I was at Micheal's and ran into some of these mists (there was a sale- how was I supposed to say no?) They didn't have Mr. Huey's (a very popular misting brand) but they did carry Heidiswapp brand which sells similar mists. I bought 2- even though I wanted them all- and started playing with them as soon as I got home!
Here are 2 videos I made using Vine- to show my first experiments using Color Shine Mist.
So last night I was at Micheal's and ran into some of these mists (there was a sale- how was I supposed to say no?) They didn't have Mr. Huey's (a very popular misting brand) but they did carry Heidiswapp brand which sells similar mists. I bought 2- even though I wanted them all- and started playing with them as soon as I got home!
Here are 2 videos I made using Vine- to show my first experiments using Color Shine Mist.
The first is Color Shine Mint Green.
And I used little chipboard hearts on white cardstock.
The second I am using Color Shine Primrose.
I also am using her 6x6 Honeycomb Stencil!
After playing around for awhile with all the fun things you can do with misting- I decided to make my very first set of cards to sell on Etsy! I used the Mint Green color and the Honeycomb Stencil to create these cards. I am so pleased with how they look- and I cannot wait to make more! Check out the listing on Etsy and give me a favorite if you like them!
Have you ever used misting for scrapbooking, card making or any other crafty projects? If you have I'd love to hear about it!!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Renewed Passion
Hey there! Sorry it's been a bit since my last post. Things have been getting crazy around here! I wanted to just share my excitement with all of you about my recent sales at Everyday Hello! After my shop opened back in March I had made a few sales which was soooo exciting- but since then business had really slowed down. I was not finding as much time to make new cards to post, and was feeling slightly discouraged that I wasn't getting any sales!
Well that all changed a few weekends ago when I made a few sales to some family. It reignited that passion to craft - and the confidence that people do like my cards and will buy them. The past week or so has been a little of a blur with all the orders I got for Mother's Day Cards. I had several custom card orders and a few of my regularly listed cards sell! It has been so exciting and super rewarding to be selling my work. I even have a few custom orders (4 cards!!) still waiting to be made for upcoming events. I feel so good now that I've finally earned a little profit from my products (aka made up the money I've invested plus some) and to celebrate I went and bought a few more fun supplies to make cards with and a new organization system for storing and sorting orders! (Wooohoo I love organization!).
I am feeling so encouraged and inspired to keep making cards and especially inspired to make more custom orders. Let me just talk to you for a moment about why I LOVE custom orders. Part of the reason why I enjoy making and selling cards is because I feel like I get to be apart of the meaningful exchange of support/love/etc between two people. It's my way of helping others express their feelings and showing their loved ones just how much they care. So as you can imagine I really love getting custom card orders because I get the opportunity to create something so personal, meaningful, specialized, and unique for one specific person. If you place a custom order you have the chance to choose some features you'd like on the card but I also have an open ended comments area to share any amount of insight or personal tidbits about the recipient. It is so fun for me to turn instructions like "Loves pink, enjoys gardening, and is super girly" into a beautiful unique piece of art (card) for that person! It's like turning their personality into a fun crafty card that reflects who that person is and what they like! Such a fun creative challenge for me to tackle and I LOVE every second of it!
Ok, enough of that rant! In other news I updated the official Everyday Hello Website! Check out the gallery of purchased cards to see what I've been working tirelessly on! Here is a preview of some of them!
Also I'd really like to encourage you to consider ordering a card for someone special. I'd love the chance to be apart of that. If you have any special requests or ideas- leave a comment here or fill out my contact form on my website/or etsy and I'll get back to you ASAP!
Have a happy inspired day! I promise I'll post more very soon!
Well that all changed a few weekends ago when I made a few sales to some family. It reignited that passion to craft - and the confidence that people do like my cards and will buy them. The past week or so has been a little of a blur with all the orders I got for Mother's Day Cards. I had several custom card orders and a few of my regularly listed cards sell! It has been so exciting and super rewarding to be selling my work. I even have a few custom orders (4 cards!!) still waiting to be made for upcoming events. I feel so good now that I've finally earned a little profit from my products (aka made up the money I've invested plus some) and to celebrate I went and bought a few more fun supplies to make cards with and a new organization system for storing and sorting orders! (Wooohoo I love organization!).
I am feeling so encouraged and inspired to keep making cards and especially inspired to make more custom orders. Let me just talk to you for a moment about why I LOVE custom orders. Part of the reason why I enjoy making and selling cards is because I feel like I get to be apart of the meaningful exchange of support/love/etc between two people. It's my way of helping others express their feelings and showing their loved ones just how much they care. So as you can imagine I really love getting custom card orders because I get the opportunity to create something so personal, meaningful, specialized, and unique for one specific person. If you place a custom order you have the chance to choose some features you'd like on the card but I also have an open ended comments area to share any amount of insight or personal tidbits about the recipient. It is so fun for me to turn instructions like "Loves pink, enjoys gardening, and is super girly" into a beautiful unique piece of art (card) for that person! It's like turning their personality into a fun crafty card that reflects who that person is and what they like! Such a fun creative challenge for me to tackle and I LOVE every second of it!
Ok, enough of that rant! In other news I updated the official Everyday Hello Website! Check out the gallery of purchased cards to see what I've been working tirelessly on! Here is a preview of some of them!
Have a happy inspired day! I promise I'll post more very soon!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Personalized, Customized, and Created Just for You!
Check out these custom cards I've created for different clients! Use these to get great ideas for a custom card you might like me to create for you. I love to spend time creating unique designs for these custom orders. Each card is made with so much thought and care and produces beautiful end results to help you create a special moment with a loved one! Check out the order form for a custom card and see what types of unique choices you could make for your card order. Remember to order through my Etsy shop!
Friday, March 15, 2013
My First Sale (and other news)
Just a few days ago I opened up shop on Etsy with my cards. As I opened up all my sites to the public I felt really excited! I was feeling like finally, everyone gets to see my hard work! So as I posted a lot of links up to all my social media I was filled with anticipation. However, in the back of my mind I kept telling myself that popularity won't happen overnight- that this will be a long, hard process of trying to achieve any amount of success. So as you can imagine I was shocked to see that I made my first sale on the second day! Admittedly the purchase was made by someone I know (one of my past college professors who I haven't seen in a few years)! I was so excited to be making my first sale on the second day- and got the card packaged and in the mail this morning!
This however brought a dark cloud over my excitement: In order to mail the card I sent an envelope and the card in a cardboard photo-mailer for extra protection. I picked up the mailer at the post office for $1.50 the other day- but when we sent the card out this morning it cost about $3.50 to ship it! I was floored at the expense. We didn't go directly to the post office so maybe the place we shipped it through ripped us off- but still I am shocked at the price. The envelope was not very heavy- so for it to cost so much seems outrageous. Now looking at the cost of the envelope and the shipping- that's $4.50, plus Etsy and Paypal Fees- my profit on this first sale is pretty dismal. If I want to have any success with these cards I need to solve this shipping conundrum! I figure that I may be able to find photo mailers for slightly cheaper at an office supply store, but if the shipping is going to cost $3.50 every time I might have to increase my shipping charges. I knew I would hit a few bumps with starting this business and like I said, I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet! I do need to solve this profit problem if I want to continue to sell cards.
On the sunny side of things- I have 2 custom orders (technically I haven't started offering these on my site yet). Two people that I know contacted me about making specific cards for them- and since I was already planning on doing this for people I was very pleased to jump on the opportunity. This being said- If you have a specific occasion or need a more personalized card please contact me! I will be very happy to work with you to meet any desires you have.
To contact me visit my contact page on Everyday Hello's website!
Also don't forget to like my facebook page, and my Etsy Page via Facebook! I'd appreciate it so much.
This however brought a dark cloud over my excitement: In order to mail the card I sent an envelope and the card in a cardboard photo-mailer for extra protection. I picked up the mailer at the post office for $1.50 the other day- but when we sent the card out this morning it cost about $3.50 to ship it! I was floored at the expense. We didn't go directly to the post office so maybe the place we shipped it through ripped us off- but still I am shocked at the price. The envelope was not very heavy- so for it to cost so much seems outrageous. Now looking at the cost of the envelope and the shipping- that's $4.50, plus Etsy and Paypal Fees- my profit on this first sale is pretty dismal. If I want to have any success with these cards I need to solve this shipping conundrum! I figure that I may be able to find photo mailers for slightly cheaper at an office supply store, but if the shipping is going to cost $3.50 every time I might have to increase my shipping charges. I knew I would hit a few bumps with starting this business and like I said, I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet! I do need to solve this profit problem if I want to continue to sell cards.
On the sunny side of things- I have 2 custom orders (technically I haven't started offering these on my site yet). Two people that I know contacted me about making specific cards for them- and since I was already planning on doing this for people I was very pleased to jump on the opportunity. This being said- If you have a specific occasion or need a more personalized card please contact me! I will be very happy to work with you to meet any desires you have.
To contact me visit my contact page on Everyday Hello's website!
Also don't forget to like my facebook page, and my Etsy Page via Facebook! I'd appreciate it so much.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Everyday Hello's Grand Opening!
Today is the day! I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to Everyday Hello! I finally have all my ducks in a row and am ready to open shop. Here is some info about ways to interact with Everyday Hello online! Please explore the sites and let me know what you think! <3
Everyday Hello: Main Website
This website offers:
My Story- The whole story on how and why I started this business.
Cards- Beautiful pictures and information on my one of a kind handmade cards.
Purchase- Links to My Etsy Shop, and Etsy Listings for each card.
Blog- A blogger feed from this blog- and a link to get to this page.
Connect- Links to all my social media and a form to contact me!
Everyday Hello: Etsy Shop
This website offers:
Ways to view and purchase my cards!
You'll be able to purchase cards via paypal with a credit/debit card or your paypal account!
Everyday Hello: Mobile Site
This site offers:
A way to view a simplified version of my main site on your smartphone!
This will be the version that shows up when you access my main website from your phone. Don't worry there is an option to opt to use the web version instead!
Everyday Hello: On Facebook
Like the Page and Get updates about special deals, new products, and other news about Everyday Hello!
Have a fabulous day! I hope to hear from all of you soon!
Everyday Hello: Main Website
This website offers:
My Story- The whole story on how and why I started this business.
Cards- Beautiful pictures and information on my one of a kind handmade cards.
Purchase- Links to My Etsy Shop, and Etsy Listings for each card.
Blog- A blogger feed from this blog- and a link to get to this page.
Connect- Links to all my social media and a form to contact me!
Everyday Hello: Etsy Shop
This website offers:
Ways to view and purchase my cards!
You'll be able to purchase cards via paypal with a credit/debit card or your paypal account!
Everyday Hello: Mobile Site
This site offers:
A way to view a simplified version of my main site on your smartphone!
This will be the version that shows up when you access my main website from your phone. Don't worry there is an option to opt to use the web version instead!
Everyday Hello: On Facebook
Like the Page and Get updates about special deals, new products, and other news about Everyday Hello!
Have a fabulous day! I hope to hear from all of you soon!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Hello, Hard Work
When I got the idea to start this business it was very similar to my other ideas. First the thought pops into my mind, all shiny and new and exciting. Then I spend the next good bit day dreaming about this new idea and thinking of how great it could be. After the "honeymoon period" some reality usually kicks in and I decide realistically to keep the idea, shelf it, or ditch it. In this instance- I decided to keep it. I thought for sure I could open up an online shop, whip together some lovely cards, and make a few dollars. I figured there would be some hard work involved- but I did underestimate it a bit.
Over the past few weeks this little idea has really grown into an almost ready to open business. And I want you to know- it has taken a lot of hard work to get here (and it's not even open yet). There are tons or logistics and tiny details to tend to. For example learning about sales tax, pricing, and shipping costs- learning about how I can use social media to advertise- learning about how to take photos to sell- the list goes on... I have spent countless hours reading articles and studying up on how to start a small online business. Past the research stage was the actual doing stage. I needed to create an etsy shop, blog and website for my business. I built the website off of wix.com using a template but re-imagining almost all of it. I also spent a lot of time thinking and coming up with a brand for myself. I wanted to be very thorough in starting this business which is why the thinking and planning stage took a long time. Aside from creating my online presence I also needed to create the products (still in this phase- I'd like to make at least 4 more cards before opening shop).
I guess what I'm getting at is the fact that pursuing this crazy idea has been a lot of work- but also extremely fun and rewarding. I'm kind of a nerd when it comes to learning- I LOVE learning new things- and I love a good challenge. So even though I might be slightly crazy for doing this, and even though it's been more work than I expected, I am already loving it and feeling personally rewarded.
I honestly cannot wait to launch my website and my shop! I feel like a little kid with a new toy- and I can't wait to show all my best friends! I'm trying to be patient... but it's hard work!
Over the past few weeks this little idea has really grown into an almost ready to open business. And I want you to know- it has taken a lot of hard work to get here (and it's not even open yet). There are tons or logistics and tiny details to tend to. For example learning about sales tax, pricing, and shipping costs- learning about how I can use social media to advertise- learning about how to take photos to sell- the list goes on... I have spent countless hours reading articles and studying up on how to start a small online business. Past the research stage was the actual doing stage. I needed to create an etsy shop, blog and website for my business. I built the website off of wix.com using a template but re-imagining almost all of it. I also spent a lot of time thinking and coming up with a brand for myself. I wanted to be very thorough in starting this business which is why the thinking and planning stage took a long time. Aside from creating my online presence I also needed to create the products (still in this phase- I'd like to make at least 4 more cards before opening shop).
I guess what I'm getting at is the fact that pursuing this crazy idea has been a lot of work- but also extremely fun and rewarding. I'm kind of a nerd when it comes to learning- I LOVE learning new things- and I love a good challenge. So even though I might be slightly crazy for doing this, and even though it's been more work than I expected, I am already loving it and feeling personally rewarded.
I honestly cannot wait to launch my website and my shop! I feel like a little kid with a new toy- and I can't wait to show all my best friends! I'm trying to be patient... but it's hard work!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Hello, Mess
Spent some time today making a few cards! Whenever I craft, no matter how neat I begin, the end result always looks something like this. Have a crafty day!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Hello, Inspiration
The world is beautiful all around us. I'd like my cards to capture the natural beauty of everyday life. Here are some photos that have been inspiring me- with colors, textures, art mediums, etc. Check out my pinterest board dedicated to Everyday Hello Inspiration called "Keep in Touch", and otherwise have a lovely day!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Silver Linings: how Everyday Hello was born
Hello, and welcome to my newest blog Everyday Hello! My name is Danielle Montgomery, and regularly I blog over at I Like Boring Things (my personal blog). I am so excited to be starting this new blog in congruence with a brand new small business. My shop isn't quite up and running yet, but I wanted to get a head start on blogging this new adventure. Everyday Hello is my shop where I will sell very special handmade cards. I am so looking forward to sharing my passion for paper crafts with the world, and I hope these cards will bless the special people in your life, and provide an unique avenue for communication with friends, family, and loved ones.
Since this is my first post, I'd really like to share with you my reasons for beginning this new business. One month ago, on February 1st I was in a car accident. Luckily, I only sustained a few injuries and will be able to make a full recovery. It was the age old case of car vs. ice- which led to: car vs. tree. (The tree won). After the accident my entire life changed. I went from being a substitute teacher, involved in community activities, living with a roommate in my own apartment- to not having the ability to do anything on my own. It was a hard adjustment to make, but I am taking things one day at a time.
The accident did more than just break my knee and hip- it has provided me with some amazing silver linings. One silver lining was a wake up call on how thankful I am for the people in my life. When the accident happened I was literally flooded with support from all sorts of people I knew: family members, close friends, co-workers, professors, new acquaintances; literally everyone in my life that I knew, past or present, reached out to me and offered me love, prayer, and support. I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness for these people in my life. I realized that too many days had been passing me by; that I was forgetting to call people back, I'd go weeks without talking to my best friends, and wasn't taking the time to really invest in my relationships. My priorities became very clear; I wanted my life to be centered around the things most important to me: God, Family, and Friendships. Since that fateful day I have felt an amazing drive to connect with the people in my life, to express my love and feelings to them in an urgent manner, and to really take charge of investing in my relationships with people.
What does this new found priority have to do with Everyday Hello? Well, I'm glad you asked. I feel so grateful that I have this new perspective and I'd like to be able to help others strengthen their communication and relationships with others. But how? I realized that I could combine this mission with my love for crafting and actually start a business founded on these principals. My handmade cards will give others the opportunity to purchase a unique card to share their own love with someone special in their life. Not only will I enjoy making the cards, but I can help other people spread love, joy and support in their relationships! Since I am unable to be teaching while I am recovering, this business is beginning at just the right time for me. I can begin to save up some money while I heal before I am able to go back to work.
So this brings me to Everyday Hello, a very simple business with a big heart behind it: Connecting people with their loved ones, Sharing their love and everyday life with them, and Expressing it through a beautiful, unique handmade card. I hope you take some time to explore my shop as soon as it's up and running and that you will consider joining me on this journey of starting a small business and sharing the importance of making the people in our lives a priority. Check out my website here (link to come) and feel free to leave comments or contact me; I'd love to hear from you!
Since this is my first post, I'd really like to share with you my reasons for beginning this new business. One month ago, on February 1st I was in a car accident. Luckily, I only sustained a few injuries and will be able to make a full recovery. It was the age old case of car vs. ice- which led to: car vs. tree. (The tree won). After the accident my entire life changed. I went from being a substitute teacher, involved in community activities, living with a roommate in my own apartment- to not having the ability to do anything on my own. It was a hard adjustment to make, but I am taking things one day at a time.
The accident did more than just break my knee and hip- it has provided me with some amazing silver linings. One silver lining was a wake up call on how thankful I am for the people in my life. When the accident happened I was literally flooded with support from all sorts of people I knew: family members, close friends, co-workers, professors, new acquaintances; literally everyone in my life that I knew, past or present, reached out to me and offered me love, prayer, and support. I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness for these people in my life. I realized that too many days had been passing me by; that I was forgetting to call people back, I'd go weeks without talking to my best friends, and wasn't taking the time to really invest in my relationships. My priorities became very clear; I wanted my life to be centered around the things most important to me: God, Family, and Friendships. Since that fateful day I have felt an amazing drive to connect with the people in my life, to express my love and feelings to them in an urgent manner, and to really take charge of investing in my relationships with people.
What does this new found priority have to do with Everyday Hello? Well, I'm glad you asked. I feel so grateful that I have this new perspective and I'd like to be able to help others strengthen their communication and relationships with others. But how? I realized that I could combine this mission with my love for crafting and actually start a business founded on these principals. My handmade cards will give others the opportunity to purchase a unique card to share their own love with someone special in their life. Not only will I enjoy making the cards, but I can help other people spread love, joy and support in their relationships! Since I am unable to be teaching while I am recovering, this business is beginning at just the right time for me. I can begin to save up some money while I heal before I am able to go back to work.
So this brings me to Everyday Hello, a very simple business with a big heart behind it: Connecting people with their loved ones, Sharing their love and everyday life with them, and Expressing it through a beautiful, unique handmade card. I hope you take some time to explore my shop as soon as it's up and running and that you will consider joining me on this journey of starting a small business and sharing the importance of making the people in our lives a priority. Check out my website here (link to come) and feel free to leave comments or contact me; I'd love to hear from you!
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