Le Papier Blog | elegant silhouette creations

2.20.2012

The balancing act – business and the growing family

Happy Monday!

I am 35 weeks pregnant today – a month or so away from welcoming our precious boy. There is so much going through my mind right now – the excitement of a new baby, challenging thoughts about running Le Papier Studio in the next few months, and much more. I am also chin deep in projects that need to be completed in the next 3 weeks so that I can take some time off and enjoy being a mama to this precious boy.

Often I get asked what the plan is for when the baby arrives and I honestly don’t know. I’m sort of in the middle of figuring things out. I know creating makes me happy and I want to continue to do that as much as possible. But I would be lying if I said running a business, and raising a family isn’t a lot of work. I am proud of where I’ve taken my business as it stands today. Looking back almost four years ago, I would have never dreamed of building something so unique and rewarding. That gives me the strength I need to continue to grow organically – which in its all honesty, is what I’m looking to achieve this year. In an effort to put things into perspective for the next couple of months, I drew a list of tasks to accomplish before the baby arrives.

Complete all Logo/Branding projects
Launch the new 2012 Wholesale Collection
Launch 2012 Spring Collection (I am so excited about this one – can’t wait to share with all of you)
Discuss with assistant the plan about running LPS while on maternity leave
Prep nursery/boys room (more details to be shared here soon)
Finalize birth plan
Prepare hospital bags
Set up auto-reply for when I go into maternity leave

I tried hard to keep the list short by focusing only on what’s priority for now. Not sure if it’s the nesting instinct or what, but I tend to make looong lists – which let’s face it are so overwhelming and sometimes hard to approach:) I know many of you are mothers raising a family and working (whether in your business or for a business) – do you have any advise on juggling business and a growing family?

It has always been my goal to use this blog as a way to converse with you all and share my own experience on the balancing act. Do you mind sharing your thoughts?

xoxo

Vana

9 Comments Labels: Uncategorized | Tagged balancing work and family |

2.13.2012

Sneak Peek | Pretty Paper Parties

If you’ve been reading this blog long enough or follow me on Facebook you might already know I am working on a new book with Chronicle Books. The book – Pretty Paper Parties – is a similar format as my previous book, Silhouette Art and will be coming out this October. Working on this book with Chronicle Books has been yet another great experience and I couldn’t have asked for a better team! We are all so thrilled for its big launch in a few months.

Although I can’t share images of the actual book just yet, I thought it would be fun to let you in a little sneak peek. Here’s a fun photograph I took while working on the book. Looking at this picture makes me giggle every time. Stay tuned! There’s more coming in a month or so.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our mailing list to be notified of upcoming dates and events for the book launch.

Leave a comment Labels: my book | Tagged Pretty Paper Parties |

2.08.2012

Pinterest – a new dominant force in Social Media?

I am sure you have heard of Pinterest and if you’re like me you’re probably there a lot to get your daily dose of inspiration. But what you might not know is that according to a recent study, Pinterest has become a new dominant force in the social media arena. This doesn’t surprise me one bit!

Through a recent search on my google analytics I quickly discovered Pinterest is directing major traffic on my website, blog and etsy shop – even more than Facebook and Twitter. The traffic has doubled in just the last month which translates in more views and also sales for my business. But what makes Pinterest so appealing to so many?

Unlike other social media sites, Pinterest offers stunning images with higher resolution which I am most likely to share with my peers and fans. And it works! People can pin content from various websites (which in essence is nothing more than creating a virtual mood board) and share it with their friends – increasing the traffic directed to those websites. I love creating different boards that correspond to various projects/ideas I have in mind. I can always go back and edit them, add more content to them and use them as inspiration on my work. Another fun, yet super helpful way to use a board would be for contests. When running a contest you can invite your fans/followers to comment on their favorite photo/idea – creating this way a close focus group.

Do you use Pintrest? I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

1 Comment Labels: selling online, SEO, small business tips |

2.02.2012

Apple Store Event

Last Saturday four local Etsy artists/small businesses were invited to share their experiences in how technology has helped them grow and maintain their business. I was one of them. Etsy is pairing up with Apple to offer a series of these events in a few cities – NY, Chicago, San Francisco as well as in Australia. Since a few of you have asked about what my contribution to the event was, I thought I’d share some thoughts in a blog post.

photograph courtesy of Step Brightly

I started by giving a short introduction on how I started my business and the inspiration behind it. It was a bit surreal being in front of a full room (and standing) people eager to listen and learn from you. I tried hard to keep within the 5 minutes time frame (although I think I wrapped up in 3 minutes – public speaking is not my forte!) I am not sure if I ever shared with you all my story – but you can find it summed up here.

After we all gave our business introductions, Randy from Etsy continued with a moderated discussion focusing on how we use technology to grow and maintain our business.

photograph courtesy of Kara Witham with Secret Safe Books

The discussion was broken in 3 parts:

1. Creating your product

We each described how we went from an initial idea to making actual sell-able products. I explained how I come up with the idea for a particular product, the steps involved into making it happen (like researching, designing, making a prototype) and what goes into making my product stand out in the best possible way. You guessed it! I spoke about the importance of great photography – especially when it comes to selling online.

2. Managing your business

Most of us started our businesses online and to this day we still sell online (whether that is via Etsy or through an E-Commerce site). I shared some of the analytics I pay attention to in managing my business online – like analyzing the source of my online traffic. Google Analytics does a good job helping me figure out what strategies have been most successful.

I do a lot of business on the go – mobile tools like my iPhone make my life easier by allowing me to respond to my customers’ questions/inquiries quickly. I once read that it used to be normal to reply to an email within 24 hours, now that average is 4-8 hours! Shocking yet understandable! We all are on our smart phones – why not use them to our benefit?

3. Marketing your business

There is so much to cover here, but I will keep it short and to the point. Marketing your business starts with the way you creatively package your products to communicate our brand. It is also demonstrated in the tools you use to communicate to your customers. We discussed the various marketing strategies we each use in our respective businesses. Everyone shared some of their most invaluable tools in operating online – participation in social media was one of the tools we touched upon the most. I shared how I use facebook, twitter and my blog to connect with my fans and customers and how I believe we should use all of the above as an extension of our business. I can’t stress enough the importance of having a facebook page for your business. For me, it has proved to be one of the most successful marketing techniques.

At the end we took questions from the audience. I was happy to see so much interest. The handmade community seems to be growing each day and many crafters are discovering ways to make a living even in this tough economy. Etsy is a great place to start making that happen.

Well, there you have it friends! I had a great time sharing my story as well as connecting with some online fans in person. We grabbed dinner with friends afterwards. It made for a perfect end to a great day!

Leave a comment Labels: marketing + pr, Running A Successful Online Business, selling online, small business tips, Startup business | Tagged Public Speaking |

1.30.2012

Month by Month | January

Hello sweet boy!

You’re 32 weeks old today! Just a little bit longer until I see your sweet face and hold you in my arms. You have no idea how incredibly happy we all are to finally meet you! Your brother, Nikolas has been praying for your every night before he goes to sleep. He prays you keep growing and have no nightmares:)

You have a real name now, little one! We’ve named you John Andrew! It’s been so hard to settle but through lots of prayers we’ve made a decision. I think you will approve of it:) It’s been a blessing being pregnant with you and watching Nikolas anticipate your arrival. I keep thinking of the days ahead, the life with two boys, raising you, being your mama. I pray God gives me the strength and wisdom to be the best mama I can to you and Nikolas.

Counting down the days until we see your sweet little face…

3 Comments Labels: family, my babies |

1.27.2012

New! Laser Cut My Love Bracelets + Giveaway

Winner of our Laser Cut My Love giveaway is Kelly.

She said “We met in college–were friends for about 6 months before we started dating“. Congratulations Kelly and thank you everyone for participating!

++++++++++++++++++

Hello hello!

I am thrilled to announce our newest addition to the shop : Laser Cut My Love Bracelets. These lovely bracelets have been a labor of love and another great collaboration between Le Papier Studio and Laurel Denise. They are so dainty and elegant and the perfect little gift to give or keep for yourself.

Wear them as bracelets or even necklaces. Pair them with your favorite jewelry or sport around them by themselves.

To wear as a bracelet: pull slip knot away from the pendant to create a small loop that fits around wrist, continue to pull slip knot close to wrist until tight + comfortable. Wrap remaining string around wrist + tuck pendant under string a few times to secure. Tie a knot and keep bracelet secure for days to come.

To wear as a necklace: pull slip knot toward the pendant to create a large loop and slip over neck to wear as a long necklace.

An now for our Giveaway…

We are giving away one of these lovelies for a lucky winner just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Here’s how you can participate:

Leave a comment on this post telling me how you met your sweetheart
Become a fan on Facebook and tell me you liked us or already are a fan
Tweet about this giveaway. Copy and paste this tweet and come back to let us know: I just entered @lepapierstudio Valentine’s Day giveaway for a chance to win Laser Cut My Love bracelet! http://tinyurl.com/7xw8h9b
Blog about this giveaway, come back and leave the link in the comment area.

You have 4 chances to win! Giveaway starts now and ends Monday, January 30th 11:59PM EST. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced here on Tuesday. Winner must have a valid email address to be notified and have 1 week to claim the prize.

UPDATE : COMMENTS/PARTICIPATION ARE NOW CLOSE FOR THIS GIVEAWAY!!

93 Comments Labels: freebie, freebies, giveaway |

1.25.2012

Silhouette Contest | Trade your photographs for custom silhouettes!

It’s that time of year again! We’re working on putting together our Spring Collection and once again I am looking for unique photographs featuring kids at play (like: girls in tutus, kids blowing bubbles or whatever is that they do, siblings playing together and living up life) to be turned into one of a kind custom silhouettes. What’s in it for you?

I’m glad you asked! If your photograph is chosen to be one of the 12 finalists, you will receive one Silhouette Fine Art print (completely customizable with your little ones’ silhouette). We’re changing things up a bit this year. Instead of us picking which photographs will make the best silhouettes, we’re also allowing our Facebook fans to cast their vote. You will need to go into our Facebook Page to enter this contest. You, your friends and family can also vote for your pictures once a day.

Picture Submission Guidelines:

All pictures should be taken at eye level (not from above).
Have the kiddos holding hands and walking towards or away from you (this is great in case of a few siblings pictured together)
Tutus, fairy wings, hair bows – all make for cute elements (make sure to include in pictures)
Kids should be photographed fully clothed – as we show what they’re wearing on our silhouettes.
Upload as many images as you like (image sizes should be no bigger than 1MB)
Cast your vote daily. We encourage you to let your friends and family know so they can vote for your photographs.
We are going to pick 12 of the best photographs to turn into silhouettes and feature the winners here on our blog. All winners will receive one Silhouette Fine Art Print personalized with their kiddo/s silhouettes and name/s on them. How cool is that??
Submissions are open until Saturday, February 18th.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.

Here is last year’s finalists…

2 Comments Labels: Uncategorized | Tagged Silhouette Contest |

1.23.2012

Apple Store North Michigan Avenue Event

This coming Saturday, the 28th of January at 2:00 pm I have been invited to speak at the Apple Store in North Michigan Avenue (Chicago) along with three other local Etsy artists.

We will each discuss how we use technology in our work, how we grew our business online and share a bit of our creative process – not to forget describing those struggles and achievements that come with running a business. Audience Q&A will follow. This is a series put together by Etsy and Apple in a few major cities (NYC, Chicago, DC and San Francisco). I am thrilled I was picked to be one of the four companies for the Chicago event!

Would love to meet any of you who live in the Chicago-land area in person. Come on by and say “hello”!

3 Comments Labels: press, Running A Successful Online Business | Tagged Apple Store event |

1.18.2012

The mystery reader and a lesson learned…

Today I was the mystery reader on Nikolas’ 1st grade classroom. I knew he had no clue I was coming in – which made me anticipate the surprised look on his face even more. Oh he was surprised! So much that throughout my reading he kept smiling and cracking jokes. I had a blast!

On our drive home I asked him if he had a clue who the mystery reader might be and he said ” No, but I certainly didn’t think it would be you, mom!”. When I asked him why he answered ” I know you’re busy with work, so I didn’t think you’ll have time”. Tears filled my eyes as I tried to tell him I’ll always make time for him. Big gulp! Wow, the things our little ones say are often the ones that touch us the deepest. They just say it how it is, don’t they?

What a huge lesson for me today! I’ll never forget my sweet boy’s words as they are a reminder of what is most important in life. I promise to always make time! Thank you, Nikolas!

2 Comments Labels: my family, Nikolas |

1.16.2012

2012 Valentine’s Day Collection!

2012 Valentine’s Day collection is here and has already been well received by our fans and customers! Whether you’re the type who goes all out or one who enjoys simple yet thoughtful gift giving, we might have just what you’ve been looking for!

Elegant Fine Art Prints – We’ve put together a new collection of romantic silhouettes perfect for you and your sweetie!

Valentine Cards - Things That Go Together – Nothing says “I Love You” better than a handwritten card.

(these lovely illustration above are by my dear hubby, Aaron. So happy he was able to contribute his talent this Valentine’s Day!)
Kids Valentines - Our adorable mini valentines are perfect for the little ones to hand out.

Silhouette Jewelry – Our best seller yet! Choose from a variety of unique pieces or ask for something special and we’ll make it especially yours.

For the Adoring Pet Lover – We couldn’t forget our little furry friends! There’s something for them as well. Check out these cute cards by Rifle Paper Co!