Ollie's Spot

Sooooo....

2010-02-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

I think I'm going to retire this blog in favor of another more different social media.

Facebook.

If you'd like to keep up with olliegraphic, please become a fan on my facebook page!

Love and kisses! See you there.

New Product at Little Cupcakes Company

2010-01-26T12:12:00.001-08:00

Get a custom melamine plate featuring your child's face at Little Cupcakes Company!

Not guaranteed to result in your child's sudden consumption of peas.

New Design - Ballerina

2010-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

All is Full of Love

2010-01-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

New Valentine's Day cards just added to the shop! Three styles to choose from. Check 'em out!

At Home

2010-01-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

December 31, 2009 was the last day of my "real" job. Going forward, I am pursuing olliegraphic as a full-time venture. And I'm thrilled. Or terrified, depending on when you ask me.

I did not make this decision lightly. I've been running the line for over a year now on nights and weekends. After a lot of discussion, penny pinching, number crunching, hair pulling, forehead slapping and working long looong hours into the night, Mr. Ollie (I need to come up with a better pseudonym for him...) and I decided that it was time to make a real go of this thing.

I'm a business owner. (Gulp.) Wish me luck.

Printable Holiday Cards...totally absolutely free.

2009-12-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

You're on top of things this year, aren't you? You sent your holiday cards out the Monday after Thanksgiving, right? No? Me neither.

Maybe a free printable holiday card could help. Yes... it's totally free! Just send me an email to me - olliegraphic [at] yahoo.com - with your preferred design (blue tree, dove or pink tree). I'll send you the file within 24 hours.

It will be our little secret!

The final card is 4.25 x 5.5 and fits in in an A2 envelope. The file is formatted to print on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. File will come with printing instructions.

Now go spread some cheer!

New Party Designs - Spaceman, Circus, Chef!

2009-12-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Look for them in the shop!

Olliegraphic Gift Guide - Part 2: Make My Walls Pretty

2009-12-03T08:50:00.001-08:00

Our apartment has plaster walls. They're great for keeping out sound, but not so good for hanging stuff. Getting a picture on the wall takes a drill and plaster screw, and usually a few choice words from yours truly.

One of my plans for next year, however, is to create a "lovely" home. And I imagine most lovely homes have art. Here are my picks...can you suggest any more?

"Central Park," Limited edition print. (Matte Stephens). I love everything about this. I may have to break down and make it mine.

"yellow apple, horse," (amandakindregan). Love.

"winter wonderland II print," Limited edition letterpress print 50. (12Fifteen). Something tells me this will look even better in person than in the photo.

"Baby Crowned Crane No. 1," 7 x 8 Fine Art Print. (SharonMontrose). Why yes, I DO need a photo of a baby crane in my home. I absolutely do.

"Steve Zissou," (AutumnAndEve). This one is for my significant other. "Intern, get me a campari." "On the rocks?" "((snaps, points))"

My Very Own Personal Etsy Gift Guide. Part 1 - Three Sweets and a Savory

2009-11-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

Over at everyone's favorite holiday shopping venue (yes, I mean etsy), the Holiday Gift Guides are in full swing. The guides are certainly not representative of ALL the great things on etsy, but they are a good place to look for ideas.

The guides are a coveted spot for etsy sellers, but there are a ton of folks who don't get featured. So, I decided to make my own little Gift Guides this year and am going to post my favorite items not listed in the etsy guides!

A tiny disclaimer: Items in the olliegraphic Gift Guides were not featured in the etsy Gift Guides as of my original post date! If the great staff at etsy.com posts something after I do...well, great! I'll still keep it here. If only to give my significant other gift ideas.

Like the etsy guides, I think I'll arrange my picks by category. I'm feeling munchy this morning, so today's selections are of the edible-variety. Get ready to drool....

First up: Fleur de Sel Chocolate Caramel by the Calabasas Candy Co.

Oh my Lordy. A deep dark Peruvian chocolate caramel with a little sprinkle of fleur de sel. Calabasas...why do you torture me?

Chocolate + salt not your style? What about gingerbread? In fudge form? Ooohhhhhhhhh (drool). Vintage Confections sells their gingerbread fudge by the pound. Which is exactly how much I plan to eat this year.

Did I ever tell you about the time I tried making macarons? Not macaroons, those big coconut globs. I mean the delicate sophisticated french macaron... two airy wafers that melt in your mouth...a ruffly foot... filled with some preserves...or ganache...or buttercream....

Oh, I didn't tell you? Well, see that picture right up there? My macarons didn't look like that. At all. That's why I leave it to the experts at Lemonade Stand NYC.

And after all that sugar, I need something spicy. Or salty. Or garlic-y. I need something PICKLED.

Lucky for me, there's a Choose Your Own Adventure Pack at Sardine and Anchovy. Thank goodness.

A New Twist on the Family Holiday Photo Card

2009-11-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

Why not send something different this year? All of my designs are fully customizable! Find more ideas in the shop!

New Items - "Themed" Party Invitation Sets

2009-11-14T13:45:00.001-08:00

Does your daughter love mermaids? Maybe your son fancies himself a super hero? Why not build a birthday party around the theme? I did some custom work for two clients recently and was inspired to add similar items to my shop! Take a look -- and watch for more "themed" party invitations soon!

olliegraphic for Sarah + Abraham

2009-11-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, olliegraphic designs are being offered on a full line of PRINTED items! We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Sara Tams of Sarah + Abraham!

The collection features over 60 items and is full of options to make your personalized stationery and custom art prints truly one-of-a-kind. On every purchase, hair, skin color, clothing and expression will be customized to resemble your little one!

As always, you can order PRINTABLE stationery, calling cards and invitation sets and fully custom designs at olliegraphic.

Find the collection at www.sarahandabraham.com!

August Sale and Gift Guide Feature!

2009-08-28T07:05:00.001-07:00

AUGUST SALE! BOGO 1/2 off! Buy one item, get the second item of equal or lesser value half off. Buy a design for yourself and give one as a gift! Simply purchase the two sets and I will refund you through paypal! Offer ends 9/1/09.

Put me in my place (hint: not the kitchen)

2009-06-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I pretend that I am a good baker. I think this is because

1.) I *wish* I was a good baker,
2.) I worked at a bakery for a year, and
3.) I own a fancy mixer.

However, I have gathered hard evidence to support the conclusion that I am NOT a good baker, but a mediocre baker at best:

1.) Many of my baked goods are lopsided, under-baked, burnt, or missing a key ingredient.
2.) Ninety percent of my time at the bakery was spent helping customers (not in the kitchen), and
3.) I rarely use my fancy mixer.

Despite my findings, occasionally I pick out a recipe, head to the kitchen and pretend to know what I am doing. It doesn't always work out, but that makes the odd success even sweeter.

On Sunday I attempted a recipe I've been thinking about for a long time: the rustic Carrot Cake recipe at 101 Cookbooks. I loved that it was semi-healthy (no refined sugar!) and fairly easy (stir, pour, bake, frost!).

My results didn't turn out quite as lovely as the website picture - the cake was a little under-baked and the agave syrup made the cream cheese frosting a melted-ice cream consistency. But...YUM, it tasted pretty good.

Do you think I'm ready to move on to these?

Holy Moly!

2009-05-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am honored, excited and just darn giddy to have been featured this week on Cool Mom Picks.

On the site's About page, the moms humbly claim to be "just a few moms that track down cool stuff so you can stay busy being fabulous."

But, I'll side with one of my new customers who said, "Everything they touch turns to gold." I like to think those slender blue fingers are grasping not an "L" but a lightening rod that jolted a new life into my business!

I would recommend that any crafter who makes mom/kid stuff should submit their wares to the Moms. And everyone should check out the Cool Mom Picks site for gift ideas for yourself or the mom in your life!

Thank you Cool Mom!

Another More Different New Item!

2009-05-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

Yes, I just blogged about my new Custom Mommy Calling Cards...and now I'm back with another treat. What can I say? I'm feeling creative these days!

Introducing the Custom Printable Birthday Invitation, featuring your little one! Invitation comes with a perfectly coordinated thank you card file.

This is the first item of the new Print A Party line - everything you need to plan that special birthday celebration, personalized just for you! More items coming soon!

New Item! Custom Calling Cards!

2009-05-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

Keep your contact info close at hand with these adorable personalized calling cards featuring your little one! Perfect for moms or dads!

Printable files are quick, easy and inexpensive. Print 1 sheet, print 100! Customize the design to look just like your little one. Choose hair color/style, clothing style, skin color and facial expression.

Check my shop for more info!

Mercy Seat, Filigree and Fresh Water Pearls

2009-04-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I ~~wasted some time at work~~ used one of my fifteen minute breaks to enter a drawing for some lovely earrings from LolitaRose. To enter, I had to list my favorite song that had been covered by another musician. I chose "The Mercy Seat," written Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, covered by Johnny Cash.

And guess what recently came for me in the mail:

Yes, I won! And the earrings are just lovely. Check out LolitaRose's shop to see all of her pretty and affordable styles!

Oh my goodness!

2009-04-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am in a gift guide! My first! I am on page two of the Mother's Day Category "Greetings and Flowers" and couldn't be more excited!

http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/greetings-and-flowers/143?&page=3

You can see the listing there in the second row, second from the left. Here's hoping this will drum up some more business!

Perfect for Mom!

2009-03-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mother's day is coming up. Is there a special mom in your life with young kids? Check out the new print I just added to my shop! It's completely customizable - like all the olliegraphic designs!

And the Winner Is...

2009-03-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

Lucky Number 7....nattyknitter!

Nattyknitter will receive a free customized set of printable stationery.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway!

Monthly Giveaway - March!

2009-03-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Prize: Choice of one customizable, Printable Stationery PDFs Design: "Blowing Bubbles Girl" or "Blowing Bubbles Boy" (click on the links to see each design).

The Details:
Winner will be able to choose "girl" or "boy" and customize the design to his or her specifications.

Customization includes changes to hair color/style, clothing color, skin color and facial expression. I can also add a name or some text to the image.

Printing instructions and tips are included with your order. Custom orders take 2 - 4 days to fill.

The Rules:
Leave a comment on this post including your name and a valid email address.

Example: Meg B., olliegraphic [at] yahoo.com.

Comments will close on Thursday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced the morning of Friday, March 27.

Winner will be contacted by email. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours of being contacted, another person will be chosen from the original group.

Good luck and thanks for looking!

Now with boys!

2009-03-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

I finally added some boy designs to the shop! Check 'em out!

A Lucky Break...

2009-03-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

I got a treasury! And I didn't even try! Well..maybe a little.

For those of you not in the know, here's a description of the Treasury from etsy.com:

The Treasury is a member-curated gallery of short-lived lists of 12 hand-picked items each (plus four alternates). It functions as a high-demand (and pretty!) promotional tool that many devoted Etsians fight to get. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme, or just however they like. Admin often choose an exceptional Treasury list to promote on the home page and occasionally make them to tie into Storque articles or special events and occasions.

Choosing items to feature was more difficult than I imagined. Originally I tried to do a theme, but then abandoned it for pretty items that fit together nicely in a group. I also attempted to avoid too many of the "big" sellers (one of the repeated complaints of etsians on the message boards), but there are a few. Crossing my fingers that I'll see it on the front page and create a ton of sales for my picks!

Check out my treasury!

N is for Nina

2009-03-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

I am excited to have made my first custom stationery sale!

Rebecca from beccabeedesigns purchased two printable stationery sets and had one customized for her daughter Nina. Thanks for the purchase Rebecca!

To see more of my custom stationery, check out my shop!

Client: The Muddy Moose

2009-03-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

Deb from The Muddy Moose hired me to freshen up her shop banner, avatar and placeholder image. She wanted something a little brighter than her current feel and we ended up with a playful design reflecting her shop's Moose-y name and the natural bath products you can find there. Check it out!

Now with 20% more Adorableness!

2009-03-04T13:29:00.001-08:00

In addition to custom graphic design, my shop now features printed and printable cards, tags and stationery. Extra bonus - every design is customizable! Check it out!

Lovely Package

2009-03-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

I admit it: I'm a marketer's dream. Not only do I shop impulsively, I often judge books (ok, products) by their covers. There is no temptation like pretty things in prettier packaging. That's why I love to check out Lovely Package, a site solely dedicated to package design.

Living with a person who knows more about wine than the average bear, I should know how to choose a good bottle. And I do...the best wines have the coolest labels. Right?

I want to work as a scientist at the Chocolate Research Facility. The project website has a fun feature...if you don't click quickly enough the entire screen gets covered in electronic chocolate.

And finally a book with a cover that probably trumps its content.

What packaging do you like?

Introducing

2009-03-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Yet another tiny blog sliding down the vast series of tubes that make up teh interwebs.

I suppose my number one reason for starting this blog is to promote my shop, so let's get that out of the way. It's called olliegraphic and you can find it here. In the shop you will find cards, prints, printable stationery and more. I also do custom graphic design for those who need it.

Aside from that, I hope to use this blog as a place to bookmark my favorite design finds, record random thoughts and track my progress towards my various goals...more to come on that later.

If anyone cares, I'd love to hear from you!