Giveaway nr.2

Head over to Soule Mama blog to enter another fabulous giveaway from Le Papier Studio. Two winners will receive two price, a Silhouette Ornament and a 2010 Wall Calendar. The giveaway ends tomorrow, so hurry and don't miss this opportunity.

As for me, I will be spending the day with the boys. Looking forward to see what they have in store for me. I will see all of you back here on Monday, a year older, and hopefully with a new post.

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Giveaway no. 1

Today starts the series of several giveaways from Le Papier Studio. We are planning on having a few of them held by some of our lovely friends, starting with my sweet friend, Mrs. French. Head over here and enter our 1st generous giveaway. The rest will be held here throughout the holiday season. Simply because, I can't thank you enough for being so supportive these past few years.

Just as we are...

I woke up to a sweet surprise this morning. This...



Two Sundays ago, we spent the afternoon downtown Chicago. Edyta, my sweet new friend and Smitten Sticks partner, was amazing to work with. She won Niko's attention instantly (with the paper airplanes, and the hi-fives). We walked, ran, played, even shared stories...and it all happened so naturally. The best part, Niko was a trouper almost the whole time.

I am so glad I thought to do this holiday photo session. Edyta captured us just as we are!



To take a look at the rest of her magic, head over here.

Autumn

I love Autumn in Midwest! For the obvious reasons, of course; the leaves changing colors, the crisp air, the woodsy smell in the air, all the layers, the hats, scarves, boots...Not to forget all the yummy foods (as you may know I am a sucker for good food! Aren't we all!!) ; the warm stews, apple pies (more like apple tarts - that's as fancy as it will get in this household) fragrant soups. Did I get you all excited?
Wait til you see this...



I love this boy of mine so very much, for all the obvious reasons!
We took a walk in the park today - just the two of us. We hadn't done this in quite some time, because... I have been busy with da bizness...sheesh! Sometime I forget what's behind this computer screen! But not today! Today, I am switching if off for the weekend. Today, I will be spending time cooking and hanging with the boyzz.
And after that, we'll go on walks to see more of this...



and this...



and than ponder some more at the amazing little things that make us, well, happy!


This last one is close to my heart because of the little green leaf...one last left!
.............................

Wishing you all a lovely weekend! Spend it doing something special with yours! It's worth it!

Smitten Sticks - For the Silly in Love

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography of Smitten Sticks

And they're here!!! The ORIGINAL Smitten Sticks Kit!!! Inspired by Edyta Szyszlo Photography and created by Vana Chupp of Le Papier Studio.
It's been so hard to keep it a secret! Months of hard labor and love went into making this unique photo paper product.

How did it all happen?
I can hardly remember, but I know that Edyta and I found each other through our search for uniqueness and perfection. And, I think we've achieved that!

Our love-child, the Smitten Sticks will evoke a sweet reaction, a silly smile and perhaps help you frame a memory to be treasured.



Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography of Smitten Sticks

Printed on extra thick cover cardstock using archival ink, these handmade paper expressions, mustaches and the like are perfect for wedding photo booths, favors, or polaroids. For the couples who are planning a unique, imaginative, and most importantly, fun filled celebration!
The best part? They come in a kit with super easy assembling.



Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography of Smitten Sticks

You can read more about our story and how to purchase them in here.

© 2009 Smitten Sticks

The Original Smitten Sticks™

2009 Holiday Products at Le Papier Studio

They're finally here! A lot of hard work and love went into making this fresh and unique holiday line. But, what's a good product without a great photography? I couldn't have been happier with the way Edyta of Edyta Szyszlo Photography captured each product. Edyta was a pleasure to work with not only because of the magic she can create with that camera of hers but also of her ability to make the most of any space.

all photos courtesy of : Edyta Szlyszlo Photography


They will slowly make their debut into the website, for a grand update on October 15th.
But you don't have to wait until then! Head over here, to get yours anytime!

I hope you enjoy them!

daydreaming...

I've been a bad blogger....
It's not that I don't want to blog. It's not that I don't like to visit your lovely blogs....it's just that I've been busy daydreaming...

Daydreaming of being with my honey somewhere far away from here...sporting around a little town, taking walks while the sun sets for the day, sipping a glass of wine in each others' arms...

(oh who am I kidding??)
I have been busy printing, designing,....working feverishly in launching my 2010 holiday line.
Can't wait to share with all of you...if you can wait just a bit longer:)

What have you been up to? Yes YOU {you know i want to know}...

I am back...

Hard to believe it's been only a couple of days since school started. Niko is going to Preschool 5 days a week this year (half days but still) and I am thrilled of our new schedule. I drop him off and get back to work for 2 and a half hours. I get things done, no play, just work! Than off I go to pick him up. We have lunch. He naps, I work! I have grown quite fond of this new routine:)

I have kept busy with a couple of project, which I can't wait to share with you all. All in due time, I promise! On a completely unrelated note, but a happy one, my parents have decided to come spend a month with us this December. For all of you who don't know, they live overseas and get to see us only once a year. We didn't make it this year, hence their US visit.

What have you been up to? I know many of you have little ones who are going back to school. What does that mean for you? Happy tears? Sad tears? I'd love to hear.

A new twist on a bestseller

Since earlier this year, when I launched these darling silhouette lockets, I have had many requests about personalizing them. This morning I created a new piece for a custom order. I am pleased to say that I am absolutely in love with the way it turned out! The Hearts and Hands Print I created for the Valentine season, has been an inspiration for save the dates, wedding invitations, and now for these lockets.

You can even personalize them with your own initials!!!



And because I love this print so much, I also used it on this little framed embroidery (a gift for a sweet friend)

For this particular project I was inspired by my friend Michelle.

counting down the days...

We are getting ready for school to start in little over a week from now. Our little dude is going to the 2nd year preschool (and can hardly wait). It's a bittersweet feeling! I will enjoy the 5 mornings a week without distractions but I will also miss the little voice on the background {which drives me nuts sometimes}.

I can't believe summer is almost over! Have I mentioned that Fall happened to be my favorite season in Chicago? Well it is!

We'll be here today...enjoying our morning with friends!

Have a lovely Wednesday, everyone!

Give Hope to Benson and Claire

A while back I was contacted by a client asking if I would be interested in creating a button for a blog . She explained it was for a family whose kids (Benson 4 and Claire 2) were born with an extremely rare condition called Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1. Claire needs a kidney and liver transplant as soon as possible. For the past year Clair has been on dialysis six days a week for three hours a day at The Children’s Hospital in Denver. Benson has the same disease but his body hasn’t deteriorated as rapidly as his little sister’s. He too will be in need of a kidney and liver transplant.



What can you do to help?

Spread the word. Post about it in your blogs. Every little bit of help is appreciated and much needed. Above all keep little Claire in your prayers especially in the next few days as they transfer her to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Click here to learn more.

Sneak Peek

I am so excited about our collaboration with Organic Blankees. These custom silhouette blankees will soon be available at our shop. They'll make for a perfect gift. Stay tuned!

Featured on Project Wedding

My Couple Silhouette Print was featured on Project Wedding, besides Martha Stewart's silhouette favors. Can you feel the happy beams?

Image via Project Wedding

Oh but wait there is more...They also featured my custom silhouette cuff links.

Image via Project Wedding

Thank you Project Wedding!

I'm here today...

Illustration by Vana

Featured Artist - Bridgett Edwards of Perideau Designs

I am thrilled to introduce to you the lovely Bridgett, the mind and soul behind Perideau Designs a company that provides modern, simple and vibrant personalized stationery, gift tags and prints for young and old. I met Bridgett through Etsy, and have since become good pals. Bridgett is a mom to the most adorable little girl and a wife to her soul mate. Without further ado, here is Bridgett!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a wife to an incredibly patient and understanding husband. He keeps me
grounded when I get a spark of creativity and move from one project to the
other. I'm a mother to the most amazing daughter ever (sorry I'm a little
bit biased). She is the reason I keep going every day and want to do my best
so I can be the role model she deserves.

How do you run a business while being a mother to young child?

Gosh, this is no easy task. Recently I've instilled a work schedule for home
which seems to be working out well. I can spend the quality time with my
family and be productive when it comes time to business work since I've
limited that time. But I couldn't do it without the help of my husband. When
I have a huge order or inundated with orders, he will watch our daughter so
I can work for a few hours outside of the regular business hours.

Do you have a studio/work schedule? What works for you?

For the first time, yes and I love it! I've scaled down to filling orders to
3 nights a week and the other days are maintaining our home and family time.
I work outside of the home full-time so filling orders when they came in
became exhausting and frankly the house was being neglected. So instilling
this work/home schedule has worked out really well for me. Of course I'm
still checking emails/twittering outside of those 3 days but it just goes to
show how much I love what I do.

I love how organized her space looks - my kind of girl:)

Where do you look for inspiration?

I'm always keeping up with what other designers are doing but honestly
inspiration hits me at the most random times. My personalized note cards were designed
after rocking my daughter to sleep one night.

How do you separate working of your growing business from spending time with the family?

This is a difficult one for me and I'm still working on it.

Any tips you would like to share with us?

Be true to yourself. Comparing yourself with what others are doing will
minimize your productivity and hurt you in the long run. Be mindful of what
is "in style" but also make your own. Create a brand and be confident in
what you do because if you aren't, no one else will be.

What’s your idea for a perfect day?

Oh that's a hard one, Vana. A morning at the spa, come back to a spotless
home, and an impeccable dinner with my daughter and husband.

Do you keep/have a wish list? What are few things you like right now?

The Letter Bag from Moop
Just Be necklace from Laurel Denise
Espresso Brownie from Whimsy and Spice

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
My family.


What makes you smile?

My daughter.

:::::::::::

Thank you for sharing your tips with us Bridgett.
You can find Bridgett:
on Etsy
Twitter
Flickr
To get an inside scoop behind the scenes, don't forget to also stop by her BLOG