Nostalgia

I can remember when digital cameras started to become popular, or affordable, or basically when all of my friends started getting them. I was very anti-digital because I just felt it took away what is special about a film photo and that is that you only have one (or two, but don't waste your film!) tries at a photo. What you shoot is what you get and your stuck with it. What is so special about a picture you never have to print to see, that you can take as many as you want and just delete the ones you don't like?

Eventually, of course, I came around and now love my digital camera. 

Last week I spent the entire week digitizing our family's photos. My dad was (and is) huge into taking pictures of us and also video (we have hours and hours of video from our childhood). We have thousands of photos and I had been planning for a few years to scan them all. I scanned around 1,500 pictures and there are still around 800 or more that are left to do!! Naturally, after last week I am happy we have digital cameras!!

I thought I would share some of my favorites. 

All photos are Copyright of Paul and Becky Marks.

Free Shipping Sale

Free shipping to the US and Canada, 20% discount for shoppers from all other countries. An additional 10% off for US shoppers. Today through Sunday, August 2. www.readygo.etsy.com

That is all.

Upcycled is Adorable: A Special Request

By special request, I created this stationary for one of my best friends. She wanted some lined stationary that included something upcycled. Don't know if these will end up in the shop yet or not... 

Envelopes from upcycled magazine spreads

Envelope seals

Shop Update and Coming Soon Stuff...

New calling cards and things in the shop! Some of it is up... most is not, but will be soon!

Also, I've been working very hard on a new shop, Oh, Hello There! I know. I don't have a launch date just yet, but I am super excited!

Friendly wares for your home

Look What I Found

I found this funny guy in my yard this weekend...

Solitaire

Between graduating in May and moving in August, I needed a job this summer and it just so happens a certain electrical company needed a receptionist this summer as well. They're business is something technical and mechanical and I have really no idea what it is they do, exactly. I sit in a secluded back cubicle with no windows and limited internet access and my sole responsibility is to answer the phone when it rings, which isn't frequent. The rest of the time I read and sketch, maybe fold some paper cranes. Then when I can't do that anymore I play solitaire on the PC and wonder why men need sound effects to tell fishing stories. 

 

I really hate to complain and am truly grateful to even have a job when so many people have lost theirs. Its just that I'm one of those people who likes to be "doing things" until I can't anymore, and then I like to sleep. So I'm going a little crazy I think.

Also, I'm currently looking for a permanent job in Pittsburgh with daily siesta and summers off. Really great health insurance wouldn't hurt. So you know, if you know of anything...

Geometry

I finally got an Etsy Treasury!! I'm excited because I have been trying for a while and keep missing the openings (it has proven to be more difficult than it sounds). Go have a look!! Awesome shops, pinky swear.

Click here to see the Treasury

UPDATE: This treasury made it to the front page on Saturday, June 27th. I'm so excited :) see it here: http://www.craftcult.com/vault_list.php?list=3182

Camping

My family and I spent this weekend at Buffalo National River in Arkansas. Buffalo was the very first river to be named a National River and is SO beautiful. This river was my family's yearly vacation destination when I was young. We hadn't been in about 10 years (!) and had all been dying to go. It was such a fun and special trip and was well worth the 5 1/2 hour drive, insect bites and sunburns. We canoed all day Saturday, went on a hike to the Indian Rockhouse on Sunday and swam a lot. We saw many huge insects, fish of all sorts, blue heron and other birds, and even a bobcat!

From the canoe...

The Indian Rockhouse...

Flock

New stuff in the shop! This is a "flock" of paper cranes. The cranes are made from upcycled paper and hang from your ceiling like a mobile. You can see more pics in my shop.

I'm also working on an exciting new addition to my "home decor" section made of - what else?! - paper! I won't say any more here, but I am super excited for its debut!

Customizzzed

Here are some photos of some recent cards I designed for the lovely Samantha of Lauren Leaf Fine Metal Design.

Summer Fun

So happy its summer!! We have a beautiful park very close to our house that my boyfriend and I walk our dogs to nearly daily. Bad news is the dogs have become accustomed to going to the park everyday so every evening about 6 o'clock they get antsy and crazy and whiny and then I get antsy and crazy and whiny and then my boyfriend threatens to leave us all. But then we go to the park and everyone is happy again :)

Kidding about the boyfriend leaving us ;)

I'm Free!

I'm officially a college graduate! I'm excited, scared, nervous, happy, FREE, crossing my fingers for a job. My family and friends were here to celebrate on Saturday. My older sister graduated the night before so it was twice as fun. Here are some photos from the weekend:

SO my new-found freedom= new stuff for the shop! I've been busy:

These were all printed on my BRAND NEW Epson printer with archival ink! It was one of many awesome graduation gifts. I also used my new Wacom tablet... yesss! See more in my shop here

New Shop Items: Upcycled Calling Cards

I've just finished up a new item for the shop! They are calling cards, business cards or mommy cards made from upcycled paper: fashion magazines, inserts and paper samples from design magazines, concert ticket stubs, parking tickets (oops!), mailer, paper bags and other paper that would otherwise go to waste. They would make great gifts for graduates, new moms, old moms, tree trimmers, cow milkers, basket weavers, Etsy shop owners, students, party-goers or anyone in any profession! You can view them in my shop here or click the gallery to the right. Here are some in-process photos from my workspace/coffee table and some final photos. Enjoy (and tell your friends)!

New Happenings

So.... this is my first blog.

I've been busy preparing for graduation (finally!) I'm really excited... and nervous about finding a job and being a real grown up. I hope to be working on some new items for the shop soon so check back!

Here are some pics of some graduation announcements I've been working on. My sister is also graduating from college the day before I graduate, so I made her announcements too!

Natalie's announcements:

My announcements! I love this old elementary school-like paper that is lined at the bottom with unlined space to draw at the top. And of course the kraft paper envelopes. I have plans for some similar notes to sell in my shop