Date:	2006-05-03 07:57
Subject:	great weekend
Security:	Public
Mood:	pissed off

The above picture is of me and my friend's husband ;) I think I was squeezing his head a little too tightly! This weekend all of our friends from college got together and had a party, we usually do this once a month so we can all catch up and just be together. It was a great time, and it was badly needed on my part. I needed to get away from my house, my office and my computer. It was great to just relax, talk with my friends, eat good food and have a few drinks. I hope this summer we will all be able to get together more than just once a month. Spending time with my friends is what keeps me sane!

I only have two more weeks till the Stationery show. I'm freaking out a little because so far I have nothing to take with me. All the printers and suppliers I have worked with have been so unprofessional...it's ridiculous. Before I choose to go with this particular printer, I had asked to see samples of my cards first, and the samples looked great. But when he printed out my actual products, they were absolute crap. the colours are wrong, or streaked...and none of them are good enough to take with me to the show. My aprons came back looking like a little child had used an iron on transfer, my journals aren't here yet, my stickers have been printed 3 times and are still not here, the box I got engraved had to be done twice, but two different companies. I also ordered 2000 brochures, and out of the 2000, 400 were printed so badly that I can't even use them. So far nothing is coming together, and it's as if all the signs are pointing to me failing. I'm starting to lose my mind because I don't have anytime left and I'm really worried I won't get my products in time. All this money and time I have spent in the last 5 months will have been for nothing. the success of my business is in the hands of other people, and that scares me. I wish I had enough money to purchase my own printing equipment so all aspects of my business will be in my own hands. If you want something done right, do it yourself.

Date:	2006-04-19 09:47
Subject:	illustration friday - spotted
Security:	Public
Mood:	bouncy

This is one of the first illustrations I did in my signature style. It is still one of my favourites. I have also used this illustration as a design for one of my cards.

I have been really bad lately at blogging. My goal now is to update my blog at least 3 times a week...cross your fingers! I'm almost done the preparations for the show. The only things left to do are buying a few last minute things and printing things out like my orderforms etc. I can't believe the show is 5 weeks away...kinda scary. But the good news is that I already have 56 stores interested in buying products! Now, if each store put in a minimum order of $150, that would be $8400!! I could pay off almost all my loan...that would be wonderful! I have a couple of stores in Australia that are placing an order, I can't even explain how happy I am about that! I am obsessed with that country, and I hope one day I can visit there.

I have also been doing a lot of dreaming and writing in my journal all the things I want to accomplish in my life. A lot of the list includes travelling and helping animals. I found this amazing exhibition where you can sign up with National Geographic. They take you to Malaysia and you volunteer to help the orangatans! How amazing would that be??? The trip costs about $3500 American, and after the show my goal is to save enough money to do that. They also have trips where you can go on a dig with an archiologists, which is another one my dreams. When I was younger, an Archiologists was one of the professions I was looking into. I'm just so interested in so many different things...it's hard to keep my mind focused!

Oh, I forgot to tell you all of the best news ever! I have been featured in a magazine about my products! And due to this article, I have gotten a lot of calls from stores! Also, I signed up for the best new product awards at the stationery show, and I just received an email yesterday that I have been choosen to participate in the final round!!! If I win, I get press photos taken of me, I receive an award at a ceremony and I get an article written about me in a magazine!!! The contest also takes place the first day of the show, so if you win, all the buyers that show up at the show get notified of the winners...it will be so much exposure!!! I'm so happy right now I'm bouncing off my seat!

Date:	2006-04-06 08:44
Subject:	illustration friday - spring
Security:	Public
Mood:	exhausted

It's pretty cold here in Toronto Canada. We had a few days of wonderful weather...but that was just a tease. As soon as the sun came out, my boyfriend and I were dusting off our bikes from the basement! We are itching to get outside and be active. I don't think I can take this cold weather anymore...it's just so depressing. I want to put away the heavy sweaters and start wearing flirty, girly dresses! I want to rollerblade, and go for picnics and sit outside on a patio enjoying a drink with friends. Ahhhh summer...it's the most wonderful time of the year.

I've been keeping really busy...that's why I haven't blogged in over a week. I just can never find a spare minute...and when I do, I want to be away from the computer. I still have 25 things on my list to finish up for the show. I keep scrathing things off, and then adding more to it. I just want it to be done! I have about a month a bit left till the show. Right now I"m more stressed than anything...hopefully the excitement feeling will kick it. I have a feeling I'll feel nervous before I feel excited. But so far, 35 stores have already contacted me and shown interest in my products! And I'm getting this contacts from the magazine ad! It's only been out about 3 weeks, and I still have another ad in the next issue! If all these stores make orders before the show, I may have enough to pay off my loan!

I can't wait till the show is done, because I have so much more I want to do. I want to send off my children's book to publishers and I want to do at least 2 paintings a week so I can start looking into galleries. I know this may seem much, considering I may be really busy after the show, but that's my plan. It's always been my dream to get my book published, and I won't sleep till it happens!

Date:	2006-03-23 10:32
Subject:	my ad!
Security:	Public
Mood:	giggly

Here's my ad in greetings magazine! Let's hope it draws some attention! I've already got one email from a rep in the California area that wants to represent my line. I have another ad being printed in the next issue too. I really hope this brings attention to my greeting cards, and the buyers will be interested and make a note to stop by my booth at the show!

I made a new to do list today, and I still have 25 more things to do before the show. It's a lot better than 100! I have 2 more months to get prepared...I can't believe how fast the time went! Before I know it I will be in New York!

I'm so excited to visit all the galleries...and especially excited to see Van Gogh's Starry Night painting...I giggle to myself everytime I think about it! I've seen his famous sunflower painting in England, and that was amazing. I was so inspired and felt so lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful paintings.

I've been missing England like crazy lately. Everytime I turn on the design shows on tv, they are all English shows. I just loved everything about that country. I felt so free, like a different person. It's such an inspiring country...for me anyways. I hope that in thet next five years, I can actually expand my company to England...I want to own a store here in Toronto and London...that would be amazing!

Date:	2006-03-22 12:27
Subject:	i'm here...i'm still alive!
Security:	Public
Mood:	crazy

Hi everyone,

I'm so sorry for the lack of blogging lately. I have been so busy, that I haven't had time to blog, or read anyone else's blog or even respond back to emails. I am so sorry if you have written me an email and I haven't written back. I promise I'll get around to it. Right now I'm running around like a mad woman trying to piece things together for the show. Things are slowly coming together. I have about 25 more things left on my list...and I have a lot more buying to do! I still have to buy everything for my booth, and get all my products printed...and the list goes on and on and on. I did manage to design my card today that I plan to send out to selective buyers that are coming to the show. Along with this card, I'm sending a sample of my greeting cards. Hopefully this will entice them to visit my booth. Keep your fingers crossed!

Date:	2006-03-10 10:00
Subject:	I love YOGA!
Security:	Public
Mood:	hot

It's been a couple of months since I've practiced yoga. I just can't find the time for it. I feel quilty when I take an hour to myself to practice everyday. I feel like I should be concentrating on my work. But, I've made a promise to myself to take better care of myself. I have been so stressed out this week that my chest will not ease up on me. It feels heavy all the time, and this is the result of my stress. It's not good for my heart...they say stress builds up calcium in your arteries...yikes! and since heart disease runs in my family, I have always taken extra care of my heart.

I took one hour yesterday to do my yoga, and the stress instantly left my body. I always forget how much I love yoga. I feel so calm and relaxed. I would love to do a yoga class they are offering here in the city. You wake up before sunrise and watch the beautiful sunrise as you practice yoga...sounds like a dream. It also costs too much money at the moment...money I need for the show.

I've made a list of things I'm going to do everyday to battle my stress and nourish my soul.

1. practice yoga for 30 min a day
2. write in my journal
3. drink more oolang and green tea
4. paint more
5. write poetry
6. meditate

I'll probably add to my list as I go. Hopefull I will stick by this list. I have printed it out and taped it to my shelf in my office so I see it everyday...and will have no exuses to do them!

Date:	2006-03-07 11:19
Subject:	new products at TearDrop
Security:	Public
Mood:	sick

This image I just recently did for recipe cards as well as aprons. I've also done a cooking girl, with a pot on her head. It's so cool to see my images on all these products. I haven't seen the aprons yet, but I should be getting them next week. And I actually found a company that will foil stamp my line drawings on leather journals! and I can choose from over 37 different foil colours! And the prices are so cheap! It will only cost me $6 Canadian for one journal...for real leather! I can't wait to see what they will look like!

I've been working hard this past week, and it's making me more stressed and sick. I just found out that I have to be at the show earlier than I thought. I've already booked my hotel, and my friends that are coming with me have already booked their plane tickets. So, I'm a little pissed off at the people that are working at the show. They should of told us this information well in advance. Now I have to deal with rebooking my hotel (and hopefully they will have space). Also didn't know how much other stuff I still need to do, like hire a company to do my electrical work and so on. It's insane how much money goes into this show. I honestly can't wait till all this is over. I would love to go on a long vacation after all this. Sit on the beach, absorbing the sun...and all I have to worry about is what I feel like eating for dinner...bliss

Date:	2006-03-06 11:28
Subject:	illustration friday - insect
Security:	Public
Mood:	depressed

I wish I had beautiful wings like a butterfly!

Date:	2006-02-24 14:02
Subject:	illustration friday - tea
Security:	Public
Mood:	sleepy

I was so happy to see tea as our topic for illustration friday! I am such a tea addict! This is an older illustration I did. I am using this illustration for one of my greeting cards as well as a magnet. On the magnet it says "tea addict"

I ordered banana tea from a website a couple of weeks ago, and it's delicious! It's all i've been drinking lately! There are still so many I want to try! Little by little I'll order every kind they have! It would be so cool to dedicate a whole room in my house as the tea room! I would fill it with different teas, have a big collection of beautiful teapots and mugs...that's my dream! I sound like such a nerd!

Date:	2006-02-23 14:57
Subject:	GOING INSANE!
Security:	Public
Mood:	worried

We'll, I'm almost done my website. I'm just working out the kinks right now. You can see the new site design at www.tear-drop.ca
Your comments would be helpful.

I've been going insane this week. I've estimated about spending $10,000 at the stationery show. I don't have that much money, so I am applying for a loan...which I don't want to do at all because I'm still paying off my student loan. Being in more debt doesn't make me happy. I've been feeling really scared about the show. I'm afraid that my products won't do well, and i'll be stuck in a rut and a debt. Will it really be doable for me to talk to 1000 buyers or more in 4 days? Will they respond well to it? Sometimes I think my products being so different will work against me. What if the buyers are looking for what's "hot". I know I shouldn't be getting myself worked up over all this, but I just can't help it. My spirit will be crushed if I don't succeed...not to mention my bank account.

My goal for the next year is to make $30,000 a month in the next year or two. That may sound a lot, but I think it's achievable. I have a lot of product and different target audiences. and within the next year I want to expand to wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, mugs and tea ware and baby clothes. My head is just spinning with all the ideas rolling around in it. I'm afraid I'm going to crash and burn soon. SOMEBODY HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!

Date:	2006-02-21 08:12
Subject:	illustration friday - song
Security:	Public
Mood:	working

This girl has her head in a mega phone so everyone can hear her song!

Date:	2006-02-16 10:14
Subject:	painting
Security:	Public
Mood:	rushed

The painting above is for a friend's birthday. I love how I feel when I'm painting. I'm so relaxed and free, and I'm oblivious to my surroundings. Steve says he loves watching me paint when I don't know he's watching me...silly goose!

After things have calmed down with the Stationery show, I'm going to start painting more often. I need about 15 or more new paintings in my portfolio so I can start contacting galleries. My goal is that I will have my own art opening within the next year. I have so much on my plate right now, I don't know when I'll make time for it...but I believe if I want it bad enough, I can achieve it. My four main dreams or goals in life are to keep expanding my greeting card business, and get my cards into at least 1000 stores after the stationery show, to be featured in my own art show, publish my children's book and open my own stationery show. This is my plan for the next four years...busy busy BUSY!

Date:	2006-02-15 12:14
Subject:	illustration friday - simple
Security:	Public
Mood:	hungry

this is my entry for illustration's friday - simple. The use of my colours are simple as well as the drawing. This was my very first drawing that started my unique style. I have a real attachment to this illustration! It's what started the look of my greeting cards!

Date:	2006-02-06 22:18
Subject:	updating website
Security:	Public
Mood:	awake

the above sketch is my self portrait. I'm using this drawing for my new site design for TearDrop. I want my website to look more organic and artistic, so i ripped the edges of a piece of watercolour paper and used that as my background. And as you can see here, I did the same thing for my self portrait. My website is looking awesome so far. I have to say, it's the best site design I've done..I'm really proud of it. It really shows my personality and what my work is about. I hope that it will be up by this week...i'll keep you all posted!

I talked to another fellow staionery designer that attended the stationery show for the first time last year. And she said in her first time there, she received orders from 1000 stores! I hope that's what will happen for me! My minimum opening order is $100...if 1000 stores placed orders, that will be $100,000!!!!!!!!!!!!! could you imagine! I could finally pay off that lingering student loan!!! and I would buy myself and my boyfriend a brand new shiny G5 mac! then I will promise to put the rest away in my savings ;)

I'm putting a lot of hope into this show. I really believe that it will turn things around for me...I hope I'm not getting my hopes up too much.

Date:	2006-02-02 13:56
Subject:	tea!
Security:	Public
Mood:	happy

This is my new beautiful Japanese tea set! For anyone that knows me, they know that I am a TEA ADDICT! I drink tea 3 or more times a day. I have a whole cupboard just filled with different teas. I believe that tea cures all! you've got a headache...tea will fix it! you can't sleep...tea will fix it!

I love waking up in the mornings with the sunshine pouring in from the window and my cup of tea in one hand and my book in the other. I try to get a little reading and down time in the mornings before I have to settle down in front of my computer.

I'm actually reading a book about the history of tea, given to me by my gorgeous friend Melis...I miss her!



I was searching the web the other night and stumbled upon a great tea site! I found chocolate and caramel tea! I can't wait to order some!

http://www.herbandginger.com/

I also really love the two strainers they have for sale...beautiful! If anyone knows of any other tea sites or you have a favourite tea, I would love to know!

Date:	2006-02-01 14:27
Subject:	my finished logo!
Security:	Public
Mood:	excited

as promised, here is my painted logo! I can't wait for my hubby to get home so he can hang it! I feel so professional now ;)

Date:	2006-02-01 09:39
Subject:	my logo!
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused

My wonderful boyfriend made my logo into a wall mount! He traced my logo design on a sheet of wood and cut it out with his jigsaw! At first he was going to make a clock, but I thought it would look great mounted on the back of my office door! I can't wait to paint it and hang it up! I will post pictures of the final piece a little later on.

Date:	2006-01-30 09:23
Subject:	Illustration friday - Glamour
Security:	Public
Mood:	refreshed

This girl has bags full of glamourous clothes! I hope this can be me someday ;)




I had an "ah-huh" moment this weekend. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to live in England and travel Europe. But for the last 6 months, I have forgotten those dreams because I have been so busy with work. But this weekend I was watching a show about England and all my dreams came rushing back. I realized that life isn't just about working and your career...sure it is very important, but there is so much to discover and experience in this world. And I don't want to leave this earth without experiencing everything that I could experience. I started writing in my journal and laying out a schedule...something that is written and right in front of me that I can't ignore. I made time for all my hobbies and loves. I have been waking up at 7 am and practising yoga for an hour before I start work. It refreshes and rejunvenates my body and mind. I try to paint at least once or twice a week - not just my watercolour painting, but oil, on HUGE canvas. My goal is to get into a gallery. Hopefully by next year I will have enough pieces. I've also been making time again for my poetry. I forgot how much I miss it...and it's sort of like therapy. I write about what I have been feeling that day.

It's amazing how refreshed I feel in just a few days. It's not just all about the computer and being a slave to work. This doesn't mean I'll stop working hard (because it's not in my nature) But i'm going to slow down and enjoy everyting life has to offer.

My boyfriend and I are actually planning a trip for next summer to Italy. There is this amazing company that takes you bike riding to remote places in countries around the world. They take you to places that aren't packed with tourists and will really let you experience the country and it's culture. For a week you get to stay in this lavish castle and learn how to cook from the chef that works for the castle. It just sounds amazing. the picture above is from one of the many places they take you bike riding in Italy. See below for more pictures.







If anyone is interested in this sort of thing, you can visit their website at www.bikeriderstours.com

This is the final ad that I submitted to the magazine. I wanted to just focus on my cards and the illustrations.

Date:	2006-01-24 14:53
Subject:	wedding invites
Security:	Public
Mood:	artistic

the above illustration is part of a wedding invitation series I've been working on to debut at the Stationery Show. I'm designing 6 invitations for the time being. I'm hoping to be featured in a wedding magazine! I"m expanding my line of products because that way they will appeal to more buyers. I'm expanding to party invites, stationery, boxed cards, magnets, buttons, calendars and more. This last week I've had some GREAT ideas for new products! I'm so excited about them! My best ideas come to me at the most unexpected times. I think it's when my mind is relaxed and free of worries. My best ideas come to me while I'm taking a bath, watching tv or sleeping! I've learned that when I'm having a frustrating day, to take half an hour off to just be by myself, with no computer and distractions. It always refreshes me and I usually get a great idea that I can't wait to start on!

I can't tell you my ideas just yet! It's a surprise...I will post pictures of them closer to the show! I'm going to enter a contest for best new product at the show. It would be great if I won! You get an article written about you in a magazine if you do...it would be great exposure!