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!

So, anyway, I’m super excited because this weekend I am certain I’ll be meeting a lot of people.

That’s because I’ll be speaking at CCE this Friday in San Francisco: Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs. My panel is on the art of publicity and I am in very good company with three other wonderful ladies. Tickets are still available right here and full 3day passes as well as individual one day passes can be purchased.

And then on Sunday, I’d love for you to join me at the Fizz & Frills wedding marketplace event, which is going on August 6th and 7th at Blu Bungalow (also in San Fran). I’ll be doing a live demonstration from 2-3pm on Sunday the 7th for Fizz & Frills, where I’ll share two do-it-yourself wedding projects (how to make a beautiful wedding bouquet and a handmade keepsake for your bridal party) that anyone can complete. One day and two day tickets are available and start at just $15! To purchase a ticket for Fizz & Frills click here.

So, if you’ll be in San Francisco, I’d be thrilled to meet you in person at either event. Hope to see you there!

Just wanted to remind  you that tomorrow is the absolute last day to submit your shop for the summer/back to school papernstitch exhibition. This exhibition will run from August 1st through September 4th. And all the details can be found here. You can read over our testimonials and press mentions (just updated testimonials with more!) to help you decide. Please note there is a small fee to participate and not all shops who submit are chosen.

Sound good? Submit now.

Already been an exhibitor on papernstitch before? No need to fill out the form again. Just email me at brittni(at)papernstitch(dot)com and we will go from there.

Submission deadline is this Friday, July 29th.

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(above) Georgina Agate Necklace + Up and Away Print (from current exhibitors on pns)

Hope your Monday is off to an amazing start. Before the day gets away from me, I wanted to tell you about a clay competition that I recently found out about that sounds like an amazing opportunity to not only get you some extra exposure but also to make you some extra cashola!

It’s being hosted by Red Clay and it just kicked off last week. The deadline is actually the end of this week, so you’ll have to jump on this opportunity quickly. Here are the details…

Your design. Your story.

Red Clay challenges you to use CLAY to embody the warmth and timeless memories shaped by a GATHERING of those you love most.

The Design Challenge: A GATHERING

At home, you gather your nearest and dearest and a story of fond friendships and familial bonds is crafted. Around the table or by the fireplace, these stories are created and shared, not mass-produced. Similarly, Clay–a simple combination of earth and water–when fired, can be molded into a home’s showpiece or family heirloom. An elegant bud vase graces a table with sentimental charm. A serving bowl displays beauty and function. A decorative platter can be the centerpiece of laughter and celebration. Life is too short to be sur- rounded by anything short of beautiful. A beautiful object can be an essential part of your personal history; the design of which should be enduring and the craft, authentic. A Gathering of loved ones not only sustains, but nourishes the life and story of your home and those who live in it.

The Nitty Gritty DETAILS:

There is simple beauty in perfecting the form. Designers may choose to design a ceramic Vase, Bowl or Plate in one of 5 low-fire glazes from our color palette. The Red Clay community will choose 3 winners, one from each form category. Red Clay is excited to announce one additional design will be chosen as an “Editors Choice” piece that will be a juried selection curated by Eric Scollon and Robby Abrams of the UC Berkeley Art Studio. Each winner will be awarded $500 and more importantly build their portfolio through national exposure via blogs, Red Clay ads, newsletters and online publications.

DEADLINE: Submissions are being accepted on Red Clay’s website from July 11th until July 22nd.

Get all the details and submit your designs on the Red Clay competition page.