Can you keep a secret?

Here it is…. I spend a lot of time on my computer. Big shocker, right? Ha!

During “normal” work hours, I work in my office on my desktop. And at night, I take my office on the road (read: to the couch or dining room table) and use my laptop.

Did I just describe your working scenario? If you’re on the computer as much as I am, visit MacStickrs for a little fun. You can put little decals (like Wayfarer glasses) on your laptop’s Apple logo, assuming you have a Mac – and I am about 92% sure that you do.

Check out this clever video from Aleksandr to see how they look…

Side Note: I love it when shops create videos for their products.  It makes so much sense for your customers  because they can see the product in a more three-dimensional way than a photograph. 

Receive 15% off the already super affordable prices at MacStickrs with the code ILOVEMACSTICKRS at the checkout.

Life lately has been filled to the brim and I am loving it. Here’s what I’ve been up to this last week or so (aside from work of course)…

 I organized some of my craft supplies. Kind of. (above)

Had a co-working session with my friend Rosalie at the library.

Hung out with my favorite little man.

And went down to the water to watch the ducks.

Wanna see more? Follow me on Instagram (just search for brittnimehlhoff).

Now I wanna know what you’ve been up to lately. Leave me a message in the comments below. And if you have an Instagram account of your own, be sure to include your username in your comment so I can take a looksie.

After Jeff and I got back from a few days in Whistler (oh, there was snow – lots of snow), I thawed out and bought a few bouquets of flowers. I am so ready for spring. What about you?

What did you do this weekend?

You’re busy selling at craft shows, at your B&M store + on Etsy. How will you keep track of it all? Stitch Labs can help. An inventory, order, and invoicing management system that fully integrates to combine all your offline and online selling data into something easy to understand + track. Whether its relisting a sold item on Etsy for you or creating packing slips for multiple orders, Stitch Labs saves you time so you can get back to what you do best, creating awesome and sharing it with the world. Try it free for 30 days and see what a difference it makes.

Please visit Stitch Labs and support our sponsors who make this blog possible.

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*And if you you are interested in becoming an advertiser on papernstitch, visit the advertising page for more info.

A lot of people have today off because it is New Year’s Day observed. But I am hardcore and ready to get back into the swing of things, so I am back to a normal posting schedule again…

I was on twitter a lot over the weekend and noticed that, surprisingly, a lot of people did the very same thing Jeff and I did this year and decided to stay in. Our night was super low key, and honestly, as a hard-working year was coming to a close, it seemed fitting to just relax in pants with an elastic waistband and a bottle of champagne. We were able to catch the fireworks from our balcony and I wanted to share a photo with you (the Space Needle’s fireworks are great – if you’re ever in Seattle for New Year’s check it out).

2012 seems to be off to a steady start and I am curious to know how things are going for you, so let me know…

How is 2012 treating you so far?

Okay, okay, so its not quite 2012 yet. But I just couldn’t wait another second to tell you how much I am looking forward to the new year. And I am sure you are too! Lots of changes and new things to look forward to…

Which has me wondering what your plan is for 2012?

Let me know what you have up your sleeve in the new year (just leave your response in the comments below). I’d love to hear what you have going on.

After reading up on the event, I asked the creator, Sarah Stevenson of redlinedesign® if she could tell you (and me) a little more about it. So, I’ll just let her take it away and have Sarah give you the juicy deets…

What is Create Explore Discover? Create Explore Discover is a special art retreat that was developed out of my love of art, design and creativity. I have taken many online and in person art and design courses and felt that our region (Tahoe/Northern California/Oregon/Utah/Washington) would benefit from the artists and the experience that I have gained from them.

When and where will it take place? Create Explore Discover will take place from October 6-9th, 2011 at the Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee, California.

Artists Joining Us for the Inaugural Retreat:

1. Marisa Anne of Creative Thursday: Marisa will be the keynote speaker on Thursday evening and will be teaching Painting with Stitches on Friday. Where art meets embroidery. A needle and thread, fabric and maybe a paint brush or two, we will be creating an illustration with embroidery.

2. Liz Kalloch of Liz Kalloch Design: Liz will be teaching an incredible two day class focusing on creating your own piece of ICE resin jewelry and bezel design from start to finish.

3. Denice Barlow Brown: Denice will be teaching two courses that can be taken together or separately and focus upon art journaling, free writing, mixed media and collage.

4. Sarah Stevenson, redlinedesign®: I will be teaching a special class on Saturday where we will explore photography from a composition, color and design perspective. No technical expertise required just a desire to see the world in a different way through the lens of your camera or iphone. We will also create a photo journal of our experiences.

Some exciting adventures await you…In addition to the classes, we will have afternoon adventure activities on Friday and Saturday. They include kayaking, guided floral hike, or mountain biking.

How to Find Us: website: www.createexplorediscover.com and twitter and facebook

More about Sarah Stevenson and redlinedesign®: I am originally from Australia but moved to the U.S. when I was 10. My career began in Chicago 25 years ago, where I worked as a corporate interior designer and project manager. I was blessed to have worked with top Fortune 500 companies all over the U.S.. In addition, I was very involved in the architecture and design community in Chicago which has given me a unique view of design and creativity. I have lived in Northern Nevada for 11 years and founded redlinedesign® 2 years ago. I am a registered interior designer, photographer and teacher. redlinedesign® offers design services, original photography and adult and children’s design and creativity classes. Out of this business came Create Explore Discover Art Retreats.

Are you ready for a handmade Halloween? Hard to believe it is right around the corner, right? Have any fall or holiday items that you need help promoting? Or are you simply seeking more exposure for your shop in general?

Become an exhibitor on papernstitch for our October exhibition, which will run from October 3rd through October 24th.

…All the details can be found here. And you can read over our testimonials and press mentions to help you decide. Please note there is a small fee to participate and not all shops who submit are chosen.

…And remember, the deadline for submitting is really soon: tomorrow! We are seeking shop submissions in the following categories: art, accessories, jewelry, photography, ceramics, housewares, craft supplies, clothing, paper goods, kids, gifts, and vintage.

Submit now.

Already been an exhibitor on papernstitch before and want to return? Wonderful. Just email me at brittni@papernstitch.com and Jeff and I will take care of the rest. No need to fill out the submission form again.

Submission deadline is this Friday, September 30th. That’s tomorrow!

Submit your shop now.

We are packing our bags and traveling cross country soon because…

We’re moving to Seattle!

…in just a few weeks! It’s been kind of a whirlwind, but I am thrilled to be moving to the west coast. We’ll be headed to “The Evergreen State” sometime in mid-September.

Everything will remain the same at Papernstitch (blog and exhibition site).  We’ll just be in a new place. A place with a vibrant arts and crafts community and lots more. Can you tell I’m excited?

Now, since I’m moving to a totally new state, I need a teensy tiny bit of help…

Do you live in Seattle? If you live nearby, give me a little shout in the comments below. I’ve only been to Seattle a few times, so any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated (events, shopping, great food, etc). And if you’re looking to squeeze a new friend into your crew there, I’d love to meet up when I get settled in. Have a cup of coffee or a cupcake or something?

Do you love to write? Do you have a passion for creative businesses? Do you love creating your own diy projects?

Well then, I want to hear from you because I am looking to add a few new contributors to the papernstitch blog team, and I am anxious to hear from you.

I am looking for writers who are able to write weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly articles in one of the following categories:

1. Creative biz tips for small business owners: Looking for writers in various biz categories- general small business, marketing, social media, Etsy, etc
2. Original diy projects and tutorials: Looking for crafters with excellent (original) ideas and good photos.
3. Art + handmade features: Looking for someone with amazing style who is always finding new (undiscovered) artists and makers + wants to share their findings with papernstitch readers.

Blog contributors will be able to include a blurb about themselves at the end of every post (which will include a link back to their shop or blog) + will be added to the contributors page with additional links and info. Additional perks may be worked in after a trial period depending on how things go.

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Here are the details…

To apply to be a blog contributor, email me at brittni(at)papernstitch.com with the subject line “Blog Contributor: (Category you want to write about-either Business, DIY, or Art/Handmade)” along with the following…

1. What is your name and where do you live?

2. Why do you want to be a contributor on papernstitch (keep this brief)?

3. Would you prefer to write weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly articles?

4. List links to 3-5 of your best articles or original craft projects.

5. In 3-5 sentences, tell me a little about yourself and your past and current experience with writing.

6. Links to share (your blog link, your shop link, twitter, facebook).

I’ll start looking at the applications as they come in. Once the contributor slots are filled, they’re filled. So, send your info over early if you can. If you have any questions before you apply, please respond in the comments below (do not email the question please) and I will make sure to answer your question(s) there asap.

Can’t wait to hear from you!