heysusy

Near, Far, and all the places in between...

I feel a bit guilty that I've been neglecting HS as of late. Basically, I've been busy working on lots of new products to launch, creating the catalog, the packaging, doing the pricing, making sure everything is logistically moving ahead. It's kind of like sitting on an enormous egg...

In truth, the launch is equal parts new designs and refocus. Since January, I've been thinking very seriouslly about my brand, myself as a designer, and the direction I really want to go in...what feels right?

The result is a special new collection called "Near and Far". I chose this name because it reflects the journey I have taken to arrive at the designs, but also it's an interpretation of the inspiration behind the motifs, the idea of bringing inspiration closer, making it your own. It also says a lot about myself as a creative entrepreneur...working intimately day-to-day, but also looking into the future, and being mindful of the past and it's lessons.

Anyway, there are fewer designs, so I won't be offering a huge reveal til May 15th, at the National Stationery Show, but before that, I wanted to offer a little context here. Happy Weekends All!

ps. If you'd like to be notified when the collection launches, I will be sending out a mailing, you can sign up here.

 

Monday

Holla!

Just sharing a few sketches from the weekend. I am really loving the pattern with the sketchy black lines up here. I hope to explore that design idea further. I'm having a great time lately, soaking up tons of inspirations from all over the place, and cranking out surface design and textile inspired sketches. Just getting the ideas out is the important thing, right now.

The National Stationery Show is quickly approaching and I am getting excited...It has taken me three years to figure out how to plan for a trade show, and now I have it down pat, so... no stress! Just looking forward to the fun. This year, I did create a trade show schedule, so everything is pretty much under control. I'm really looking forward to launching some of my new products and showing off some new directions.

Enjoy your Mondays all.

 

 

WEEKENDER

 

Hello Hello. So, my new camera arrived on Wednesday and I've been slowly learning how to use it. Which basically involves pressing buttons spastically and snapping away. I mentioned before that I was hoping to share more of my process, life and work via this blog, so I suppose today is a casual beginning to that. : )

The other day, a fellow business owner who many of you probably know said something interesting. To paraphrase, she said "I have been in business for 3 years...but I feel like I've been in business SCHOOL for 3 years." It really hit home with me.

Behind the scenes, I've been taking stock of the past three years over which I've created my business-- what have I been doing and where am I now? Where do I want to go? Creatively, what new things do I have to give? It's exciting!

I know I shared some new pattern directions as jpgs a few weeks ago here, but to me they have more to say when they are actually printed. So, I'm sharing them again. Some things just look better once they're put into action, made real, and shared.

Have a great weekend, all! I fully intend to. xx S

Think Spring Sale Chez Moi!

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I don't know about you, but every part of me is in need of a spring infusion right now! Bring on the bright colors, sunny days and newly sprouted flowers. I'm making way for some new product, and offering some nice discounts on eco friendly USA Made calendars, notebooks, boxed cards and enclosures. Hopefully, a nice sale on some pretty paper be a good way to start off the spring thing! Enjoy!

Shop the sale here.

 

 

It's my party.

Whew. Back from Atlanta and my head is spinning, it was a pretty crazy week for many reasons.

My delighted and lovely statement notes are featured in Stationery Trends Magazine this month.

Yet, to my chagrin and bitter disappointment, I am not, according to Stationery Trends, "One Of The Top Ten Paper Designers To Watch In 2011". However, this will not deter me and boy oh boy are THEY in for a surprise.  Anyhoo, as I was flipping through the issue, despite NOT being, to SOME people, One Of The Top Ten Paper Designers To Watch In 2011, I came across this custom garland necklace by Prismera Design, which I think is a really cool idea. And I thought you might like it. So here it is. Because I am totally fine, and not at ALL concerned or emotionally deflated in the SLIGHTEST about the seeming fact that I decidedly am NOT, ahem, One Of The Top Ten Paper Designers To Watch In 2011.

You can spell out your own name, favorite word or ... hey. Wait. I just had an idea. Do you think they could make me one that said "I INDEED AM ONE OF THE TOP TEN PAPER DESIGNERS TO WATCH IN 2011. I SO AM. IT JUST DEPENDS ON WHO YOU'RE ASKING. LIKE MY MOM. OR MY BOYFRIEND. OR MY DAD. OR ME. ANY OF THOSE PEOPLE WOULD TOTALLY TELL YOU THAT I SO AM". Yes, they might make that. But it might cost extra. And I might trip on it. Now that's custom!

More here!

haha maybe next year! ; )

 

2011 Launches...

Hi Ducks!

A belated happy new year. I've been playing hooky from the internet for the past few weeks. Sometimes, I just need a break, ya know?

That being said, up here are a few of the new styles of greeting cards I'll be launching in a week at Atlanta, San Francisco, and L.A. shows.  I'm kicking it off 2011 with this new series. "Love Notes" are an affordable line of greeting cards with an illustrative twist. There are 12 debut styles - and they'll be around $2.95 each. Up here are 4 of my favorite new motifs! I am totally partial to the bow. Ok. Obsessed with the bow.

If you want to sign up to be notified when the entire line is ready in my shop  CLICK HERE

Anyway, I had a GREAT 2010. And I think 2011 will also be great. More soon! xx s

Susy Jack Holiday Sale!

Apologies in advance for the monster post. But what kind of entrepreneur would I be if I didn't mention my business right before the holidays kick in? Anyway, it's been a fabulous year, and I'm really looking forward to the Holiday Season. The icing on the cake!

Today, I'm very happy to announce my Hip, Hip Holiday Hooray Sale which runs through Black Friday 11/26 to Cyber Monday 11/29

I'm sure you're feeling the competition for your holiday gift-giving attention...and it HAS been rather nuts and rabid this year. BUT. Just in case you need further convincing, here are three very rational reasons to hop over to pick up some goodies:

1. Our items are made in the USA
2. Our items are eco friendly
3. We offer free shipping on orders over $50
oh, and 4. We have tons of cute and unique stuff for under ten dollars!

Come visit and pick out some paper made with heart. And don't forget to use the code above!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
My favorite item picks are below.

 

WORK AND PLAY

Hello chickadees.

Just popping in for a moment. I've finally re-entered the creative headspace I've been mooning over for the past...errr....seven to ten months? It feels good but I wish there were eight of me. For me, that is how it feels to be in the creative mindset. Like I want to explode and run every idea I have out to it's conclusion. Exhaust it.

I'm in the process of re-staging some photos for my website, and making some little updates to the product listings... and designing some new products...annnnd working on some new patterns which I would really love to share, but I'm going to exercise restraint and hold off for now.

Anyway, I am so happy to be back in a place where I can work creatively. It's exciting and long overdue.

OK.

2011 Calendar Launch and Preorder Tomorrow

Hi!

As a follow-up to yesterday's free birthday card, I wanted to mention that my 2011 calendars are on press this week and we'll begin taking preoders for a limited quantity of calendars in the shop tomorrow.

Starting in the morning, all 12 pages will be available to view in the shop!

Lastly, there's another reason to pre-order - if you click the Facebook "like" button up above the product before you order, and we will ship your 2011 for free! (You'll save about seven dollars!)

View the calendar here

MANY HAPPY RETURNS { free printable birthday card }

Guess who is turning 35 years young today?

I thought I would celebrate by posting a free printable birthday card design template to go with some other designs in the series of free cards I've been posting here.

Now, I know you're going to want to print this out and send it to me, what with it being my birthday and all... but remember, I designed it, so I am all set, there. Anyway, enjoy, and Happy August 18th!

Download PDF of Free printable birthday card for 8.5 x 11 by clicking here!

Legalese: Feel free to use the file any way you see fit, with the exception of printing a bazillion copies and selling them. Ha ha. While the PDF is of a 5" x 5" folding card format (to be printed on cover weight for best results), you can also trim the front panel out on text weight paper to create a print to hang in your space, wrap a gift with.. or just crop it and use the graphic on your desktop.Or....well, I'm sure you've got your own ideas!  

Additional Freebies in this Series: here and here