maps, paper, and things that fly...

So, I've recently been taking a short break from my usual acrylic paintings, and have been greatly intrigued and occupied by paper crafts!

The other day, I came across some BE-A-UTIFULLL map paper, and got super inspired to do a little take on my "Flight" painting... and while finally getting the chance to experiment with my new Moleskine Cahier Journals, I introduce to you my new babies...

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"FLIGHT" MOLESKINE CAHIER JOURNALS!

Ooh, I am in love!

Cahier journals measure 5.25 x 8.25" (13 x 21 cm) and sport a heavy-duty cardboard cover in kraft color. There is visible thread stitching on the spine, and inside each journal you'll find 80 lined pages of acid-free paper (last 16 sheets detachable).

Closer view of the front cover.


Closer view of the back cover.



Birdies are individually hand cut out of adorable map paper, and are placed onto the Moleskine Cahier journal. The beautiful map paper is only perfect for the birds in flight that start from the front cover and travel past the edges of the back cover! I then carefully trace and draw the little creatures with archival inks, paying attention to all the details!


Also handy with the journal, comes a spacious pocket for notes or clippings. On the front of this inside pocket is a lone bird that had lost his way with the flock.

Each bird is hand-cut and hand-drawn, making each journal unique and special!



I hope you love them as much as I do!
I know I'll be stealing a few to use myself! :)

But don't worry - there's enough for all of you...

To see the listing:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14677150


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You can also find the "Flight" design on some cards I've made. Each card is unique and has its own flight pattern. A little sneak peek:

I sell them in packs of three at my shop!

To view the listing:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14650234

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In other news, I've been busy with a list of custom orders -- I am currently working on a large tote bag with a painting of my "Serene Escape" painting! It's looking awesome so far.

In addition, I am also gearing up for a Open House Boutique on September 13th! And looking ahead, am constantly thinking about my debut at my first craft fair, The Holiday Hotness Bazaar, on November 8th! I'll keep you more updated with news of these events as they approach quickly!

I also wanted to make a quick shoutout to all my friends from back home (what up, 626 / 909 area!) and of course my friends in the Irvine area who have been beyond supportive! Not only have you guys posted bulletins on myspace, made posts about my shop in your blog, but your encouraging words mean the WORLD to me. You guys are even helping make my Facebook Fan Page reach the 100 fan mark - it's almost there! But seriously. Your support for this thing I love to do keeps me going... so, thank you. :)

And there it is.

You know what I'd love though?
Your comments.
So, leave them! :)

xoxo,
Steppie

catching up with old friends.

Probably the best feeling ever.

It's one of those friends - the ones you never get the chance to see enough (like once a year, if you're lucky). But when you get together and catch up, everything's the same. Except that we're getting older and wiser (hopefully), and there's nothing stopping that.

He's one of the old school ones. Knows me pretty damn well, as much as I've liked to think I've changed in the last four years... you know, with college and "growing up," and all. But there's some things that never change. Some things that stay true - and beyond our friendship, I think it's where our passions lie. And looks like we're both staying true to who we are, who we were, who we will be...


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Another thing about a good old friend?
Undying support.

And free shout-outs.



Yup. That's always nice.



Alex, you're awesome.
Your painting's coming soon. (:


OK, back to finishing up my birdie cards and custom orders!
I should be blogging about those soon! Peeeaaacccceeee.

xoxo,
Steppie

oh deer!

OH DEER!

One more craft to add to my list of obsessions. I remember seeing handmade cards that other sellers had in their shops, and they looked so fun and cute that I decided to dip my own feet into the paper goods category. At this rate, I might be taking the full-on dive, head-first soon!



The cards are made out of acid-free paper that look so natural and grainy, that I couldn't resist. Better yet - the cards are actually made out of recycled paper! Being creative and being eco-friendly? That's A+ status in my book.



Random trivia: I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but my nails match the colors of the cards! Totally coincidental... what can I say... :)



The deer silhouette stamp is actually a little treasure I was super excited to use for a while now! I had purchased it from BlossomStamps through Etsy (I actually blogged about it - you can find the post here!), and couldn't wait to get the little creature on some beautiful paper!



Packaging is also something I enjoy doing - I think it should be considered a craft in itself. I believe that a beautiful craft only deserves to be wrapped in the utmost care, and look good while at it! My little deer greeting cards are wrapped in natural ribbon and carefully enclosed in an acid-free cello bag. I'm contemplating on making some labels for them, but that will be my new project once some free time opens up!

This whole greeting card craze is quite exciting for me, and I just got a custom order the other day that I'm super excited to work on! Actually, I just ordered some custom stamps from the sweet and wonderful Tommie77 that I'm sure will look beautiful when they arrive (be on the look out for penguins and hedgehogs!)! Once they ship in, be sure to keep an eye on my Etsy shop because new surprises will be popping up, faaaaasho!



+ To view my "Oh Deer!" Greeting Cards...
+ Single "Oh Deer!" Card:
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14104385)
+ Three-pack:
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=14105324)

+ To view my shop: steppie.etsy.com!

Hope to see you there soon! Happy blogging!

xoxo,
Steppie

P.S. Leave me some love in the comment area so I can visit your blogs! :)