Support Independent Artists!

I read house and garden magazines. If I find one inspiring idea, I consider myself lucky. I've read so many cutesy cottage mags at this point, it's all white noise... and yet, if I happen to walk by a magazine that's remotely cottage, or french style, it's in my cart. I have half a heart attack if the cover has any aqua or light yellow colors.

Artists who advertise in my mags, which also include scrapbooking, tend to price their wares in the high range. They're licensed, well known, and have cards in boutiques all over the country. When I find local artsits who have the same aesthetic and talent, I take every opportunity I can to support them.

I have been using Maren's art for my business newsletter. http://www.saisaiarts.com/ Maren uses illustrator and hand paints. She is also an excellent writer. Check out her blog if you visit her site. Maren prices per project and also has an hourly rate.

Maren's "Hostess with the Mostess"

This weekend I visited a craft fair where my mom was selling handmade jewlrey, cards and an updated version of the cocktail apron (super cute).

I happened on Emily of Emily Ann Designs and had the aforementioned "half a heart attack". I bought this card and this card (the Space Needle wrapped in Christmas lights). If I send one of these cards to you, please act surprised.

Emily also prices per project and I can't wait to have her make a drawing for me to put on notecards for my business.

My friend Christy is a local photographer who meets her clients anywhere in the Seattle area, takes informal, natural pictures of you and your kids/ dog/ garden... whatever, makes the edits and sends the CD to you! I am a bit of a photo-hog, especially when it comes to my kid. Christy charges one flat fee and I get to manipulate the photos and order prints in any size I want. I recently did this for my Christmas cards (check your mailboxes, people) and the result was awesome. Christy Trotto Photography

Dahlia running at Heritage Park in Kirkland

I email my photo prints to http://www.ritxpix.com/ and pick them up in an hour. Ritz will also mail them to you.

This is me on my soapbox:
Original art is not that expensive and it's super fun to support independant artists! You get a custom project that you love and others appreciate the thought that went into the project.

Custom:
Christmas and Birthday Cards

Original art for a friend

Portraits

Invitations

Thank you cards

I don't have time to list all the things you could do. For around $35, you can get a custom drawing and put it on a card.

Let me know if you need a printer. I can refer you to one who makes custom, printed cards.

Hmmm, this is an interesting Chrismtas present idea...

Peets Coffee

I am not the coffee connoisseur that Brody is (exhibit A, exhibit B), but I just tried Peet's "Pumpkin Spiced Latte" and have mixed feelings.

First, I must say that the Peet's crowd is very different than that of Starbucks. They wear wool socks. I saw unshaven faces. The baristas weren't clones.

I just finished my alleged PSL and I'll be damned if there was any pumpkin or spice. Despite this, the coffee was pretty good, but very strong. The caffeine is working as evidenced by my unsolicited, yet energetic email to Maren about starting a greeting card business online and the fact that I am writing this post.

I love my Starbucks PSL. It's one of the highlights of the fall season.