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It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!

What started out as an attempt to design some Valentine Cards, turned into the creation of eight Holiday designs instead! Due in part to the lack of valentine images I have in stock and the thought that I myself would need to send out some holidays cards soon.

I ordered olive green and red recycled envelopes for the holidays designs, which should arrive early next week, and I will spend the Thanksgiving "break" writing out my holiday cards to my friends.

It's beginning to look, and feel, a lot like CHRISTMAS!

Updates

How does the time go by so quickly? It is mid November and the year is winding down. I am setting my business goals for 2010 and realized that the economy will still play an immense part of sales and confidence.

I just completed the 2010 catalog which will go to print this week. I now need to post it on the web site.

We made many changes to the collection for the coming year. I have been so stubborn regarding the square format of my cards, which I prefer. But customers and reps have repeatedly asked for 5X7 format so I chose 12 of the best selling designs and reformatted them into the rectangle format. It will be interesting to see the reaction in the coming months.

We also included the "NOTE TaGS" into the collection and I am very excited about this addition. I like the vintage meets retro appeal and pre-sales have been very good.

My licensing deal for Cocktail Napkins with Boston International fell through last month but I will be licensing a collection of Washington State images from a Seattle artist in 2010. The artist, Glen Smith of "Rainbow Connections" painted beautiful scenes of the area he knew and loved and has had a line of greeting cards with his images for many years. Since passing, his collection is now in the hands of his daughter, Susan Wolfe, who is my Washington State sales rep. She has graciously asked me to produce a line of magnets using these amazing images. I am looking forward to a long and profitable union with her.

I guess the theme for the upcoming year is best described by my pal, David Bowie, Chhhhhhhanges.

Jane Note Tag ensemble

Jane Note Tag in Library Pocket

Jane Note Tag

Again, I am playing around with new ideas and am creating some new "note tags". I say note tags because they look like a shipping tag but have lines on the back to write someone a quick note.

The note tag is made of heavy duty card stock so it can be used as a notecard or gift enclosure.

The tag itself is so cute and then it slips into a paper library pocket for added effect! It will be packaged with a 4 x 6 envelope and packaged in a clear cello bag.

Vintage Automobile Fridge Magnets

I have been playing around with new product ideas to debut in 2010. The majority of my work in retro inspired and I want to design new items that will compliment my current collection.

I collect vintage magazines and often take images in the to use in my work. For years I have wanted to do something with all the vintage car ads that fill each magazine. America is in love with their cars and are fasinated with its legacy.

I have scanned about 20 different vintage makes and models and created FRIDGE MAGNETS! The image you see is proposed packaging to sell them in a set of three, all with a vintage route 66 kind of theme. So much fun!

Each magnet is approx. 4" long and 1.5" high.

I will also be working on a collection of luggage tags for 2010 to round out this retro travel theme!

Think about it....

“A ‘bad’ economy is just the excuse many people need to stop showing up,” she said. “They stop marketing; they quit attending business events; and they stop planning for the future. But for savvy business people, now is exactly the right time to put more energy into setting big goals for your business.”

Custom Monogram Pocket Mirrors

I am trying to gear up for the upcoming holiday sales and thinking "stocking stuffers". I did a lot of business on Etsy last year with custom notebooks and would like to continue with that thought with the POCKET MIRRORS.

Each mirror is 3" round and can either have a single or double monogram or an entire name added to the front to personalize it. So far, this is the only design I have created and while it is classic and simple, it may be a bit too Lillian Vernon...if anyone knows what I am talking about!

So she thinks she can out TWITTER me?

I love pairing vintage photos with updated text! At this time, computers and cell phones didn't exist so the chain of communication was GOSSIP!

Now the "he said, she said" is in print with emails and text messages and can be easily referenced if needed...boy has that gotten a lot of people in trouble!

No, I am not a Twitter gal, but I get the concept.

Now that I'm on Facebook, there is no reason for us to get together in real life!

I love facebook! It connects all my friends in all the different time zones and it has reduced my communication guilt level immensely. I no longer get emails asking to send them photos of my son, or what I am up to...they can see it on Facebook.

I had an inspirational day yesterday and created new cards, magnets and buttons. My reps like to have a "new release" of merchandise at least twice a year so I needed to snap to it. But as an "artist" those moments of creativity just don't happen everyday. I was on a roll and stayed indoors all day just to crank out some new material. It felt great and I needed the burst of energy.

Acrylic Pocket Mirror Display

After much searching the internet, we found the perfect POP display for our new pocket mirrors.

This is a nice compact size and holds up to 36 mirrors. (6 slots which hold 6 mirrors each)

This item is now featured on the web site and will be in the updated catalog, which is a press as we type!

Simply beautiful!

Missoula, Bozeman and Portland

OK, stores are loving the "city" buttons and today we are working on orders for Missoula, Bozeman and Portland (Oregon). In all, we have over 500 buttons to produce in the next couple of days and get these orders shipped ASAP!

Other projects in the studio this week include updating our catalog and web site. Our web site lists all the stores we sell to and we have had so many new accounts recently that I am way behind in adding them to the list! Look for a store near you! www.mindseyecards.com

Enough blogging...back to the manufacturing!

Custom City Buttons and Magnets

Custom "City" Buttons and Magnets were introduced in April. There are 6 basic designs that can be customized with any city or store name in any color combinations.

I have been making these buttons for "Ann Arbor" for over a year and decided to include them in my wholesale catalog. It allows a store or boutique to create a unique item for their business without the high costs and high minimum quantities.

It's May?!

Wow, I realized that I haven't updated my Blog is weeks! Where has the time gone? And it isn't because there hasn't been tons to talk about either.

Despite the economy, sales are brisk and steady. I introduced a collection of pocket mirrors, created 12 new rectangle magnet designs, 16 new button designs and updated my catalog with ALL new products. Sample products and catalogs were then sent to my wonderful existing rep force throughout the U.S. Without the support of my sales team, Minds Eye Design wouldn't survive!

I placed an ad on Great Reps (.com) to increase my sales force in territories not already covered and now have representatives in Florida, Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. Conversations are on-going with other sales teams and individuals in other territories as well so I hope to add to the list soon!

My project for this week will be choosing a POP (point of purchase) display unit for the POCKET MIRRORS so the stores are better able to merchandise them and increase sales. I love introducing new products and designs but the added responsibility is always finding packaging solutions and appropiate counter displays at an affordable price.

I love my job!

Inspired by Nature

I have been working on a new series of nature inspired pocket mirrors. I think the spring air has affected my creative soul!

I love the clean and elegant look of black and white images and quotes so the "Bird on a branch" mirror with the quote by Claude Monet is my personal fav!

As with most of my work, I include french words and sayings. "L'herbe verte" translates simply to "The green grass".

All are listed on my etsy page and available to ship asap!

Leaping Stag and Whimsical Bunny NOTEBOOK

I found this fun gift wrap paper and knew it would make such a groovy notebook!

Girls just wanna have fun!

Yesterday was super fun CRAFT DAY! While I spent the morning processing wholesale orders, I decided to take a well deserved break in the afternoon and make notebooks...just for fun. I went to one of my favorite paper stores to scout out some spring prints to use for the front covers and found this flowered paper with glitter details.

Pictured are three different sized notebook made for no reason at all but to just have fun and craft. OK, I did list them on my Etsy page but it was still just for the fun of it!

Life without a million dollar BONUS Magnet

The news is abuzz with talk of CEO's and their multi-million dollar bonuses while the rest of us are struggling to make ends meat. (is it "meet" or "meat? anyone?) I found this image in a vintage magazine for life insurance and it struck a cord with todays hot topics.

Most of my work is humorous but every once and a while I find a subject worth picking on!

Caffeine, do stupid things FASTER Magnet

Hi. My name is Hope and I am a CAFFEINE ADDICT! And I like it that way! No 12 step program for me, thank you very much. Without my morning cup o' joe I would unleash a world of CRANKY onto innocent suspects...and we don't want that now do we?!

She needed to REDUCE her ALCOHOL FOOTPRINT Magnet

And while I am giving credit where credit is due...another thank you to my friend, Bryan, for his words of wisdom used in this magnet.

I am sure we can all relate to this sentiment at one time or another! Ouch!

This and many more new designs are now available at my Etsy shop. www.mindseyecards.etsy.com

He thought he had MOJO, She thought he had NOJO MAGNET

A big thank you to my friend, Peter, for the inspirational words used in this magnet! Your sentiments will be used to hold up precious photos and "to-do" lists on fridge's across America for years to come! Ahhh, such is your legacy.

I need help with this design...

I need your help with this new magnet design. As you can see, I want it to have an unemployment theme, but I don't want to offend anyone! How dare I make fun of anyone unemployed in this economic downturn!

Please vote for which one of the designs is the LEAST OFFENSIVE...but funny of course!

Thanks!!!

Unemployed is like a vacation from work!

Vote for #3

"Unemployed is like a vacation from work!"

Unemployed looks better with a TAN!

Vote for #2

"Unemployed looks better with a TAN!"

My job recently asked me to go on permanent VACATION!

Vote for #1

"My job recently asked me to go on permanent VACATION!"

Magnetic Fridge Notepad

I have been working on a new collection of merchandise for my new division called "Urban Observations". I have a collection of notebooks and pocket notes already created and over the weekend, I introduced a new MAGNETIC FRIDGE NOTEPAD!

This handy notepad comes with 30 sheets ready to be filled with your ideas, shopping lists, errands and things to do. Each page tears off easily so you can take your notes with you.

Check out more stuff at www.UrbanObservations.etsy.com

Artists! Why do we have a need to create and constantly challenge ourselves with new ideas? Big ideas, little ideas, ideas just for the fun of crafting and creating and other to actually earn money and make enough to buy a new pair of strappy sandals, just in time for spring! hehe

Tuesday, I had a the privilege of hosting a "craft" day with local Ann Arbor artist, Kate Kehoe. http://www.chicalookate.etsy.com/ Kate and I did a machine swap and I used her 3.5" compact mirror maker and in exchange, she used my 3" x 2" rectangle magnet maker for some of her wonderful photo designs.

What a fun afternoon! Besides sharing machines we also shared techniques, etsy tips and thoughts for the upcoming craft show circuit. I will be featuring some of the compact mirrors I created on my etsy page so check them out! http://www.mindseyecards.etsy.com/

A huge thank you to my assistant, Natasha Keasey, for being my model in several photos!

You can name your own SALARY!

Cutbacks, layoffs, reduced benefits, downsizing. The list could go on and on in today's tough job market.

I know that it is hard, but we still need a laugh from time to time and we could ALL use a "Bob" salary!

OK Billy, time to fend for yourself!

My eight year old inspired this magnet last week as he was actually pouring himself a glass of milk! What's the big deal, you ask? It is just one small step in the future freedom of motherhood when their child starts to take on ANY small task themselves. Today its a glass of milk, tomorrow it may be mowing the lawn! And I think, if he waits for me to pry myself away from my work to actually pour the glass of milk he has been asking for, he will die of thirst! hehe

I like to make lists NOTEBOOK

This is my favorite "lists" notebook. Small enough to throw into my purse and write every inspiration down at a moments notice!

I get inspiration from so many daily sources which I call "urban observations". That is the name of the new division of notebooks I am currently creating for wholesale and retail.

What men REALLY use sticky-notes for!

What men REALLY use sticky-notes for!

Gotta love 'em, sticky notes I mean, not men!
I have piles of sticky notes with quotes, ideas and things I need to do. I am also a list maker and have four or more notebooks going at once...just to clear my head!

Employment Rate

We hear so much about the UNemployment rate of 7-something% but we forget that the glass is more than half full!

We currently have an EMPLOYMENT rate of 93%! I wanted to bring this to everyone's attention to think about today. We will see the economy get better and confidence restored....now get back to work and give your 100%!

I took the Handmade Pledge

Perfect Man?? Magnet

My son said to me this morning, "You know, girls don't understand boys and boys don't understand girls. It must be nice to be an adult and have all the mysteries figured out." Ha! Did I have the heart to tell him that I am no closer to figuring out the male species even at my age? My work is filled with the questions and quandries of dating and relationships. So for now, I channel my inner frustrations into my creative designs and hope that other women out there are having a chuckle too. And what if I fall in love someday? Would my work become sappy and lovey-dovey? Like Hallmark? Yikes! I guess I should thank all men out there for the confusion they have caused throughout the years and continue making funny stuff for other people enjoy!

Etsy Customer Feedback

I would like to share some recent "feedback" on my Etsy page. I makes my day to receive comments such as these!

Silly philosophy tickles my funny-bone! This artist and seller is one of my ultimate favorites. I plan on buying more for gifts as they make people laugh and that's the best gift you can give in my opinion! This Etsy seller comes highly recommended by me and I am a big fan of shopping on-line! Thanks Mindeyecards!
GurtiesGlam
1/24/2009
Revenge Magnet
I network in my job and this is so appropriate to what I do...Not to mention gossip makes things interesting. I sure appreciate the retro artwork on this particular one. Seller is professional and wraps each magnet carefully! Go for it and buy em' up because in the retail stores they can cost a bundle!
GurtiesGlam
1/24/2009
Networking Magnet
My girlfriend laughed so hard when we were surfing Etsy and found this magnet. I had to get it for her. Anything that makes you laugh hard is money well-spent in my estimation. I bought 4-5 magnets and will buy more.
GurtiesGlam
1/24/2009
Pack Your Bags We're Going On A Guilt Trip Magnet
My favorite. It suits me so well. I think of it often even though it is on the frig at home. It makes me giggle and smile each time! So worth it, when the humor is so healthy for a stressful work day. It would make a fun gift too!
GurtiesGlam
1/24/2009
Win or Lose Magnet
This magnet is going to my warped Brother. It is a crack up! Who wouldn't love this gag gift? Hilarious!
GurtiesGlam
1/24/2009
Stiff One Magnet

Can I Offer You a Stiff One Magnet

As you can tell, I am feeling kinda "saucy" today!

This image is available as a Birthday Card (inside greeting says "I'll drink to that! Happy birthday!" and a Fridge Magnet and Button!

Happy Hour, here I come!

Is it time for happy hour yet? Time to clock out and head to nearest brewpub! Run, Forest, run!

This image is available as a Birthday Card, Fridge Magnet and Button!

I just forgot what I was forgetting Magnet

My eight year old came up with this saying after I repeatedly asked him to brush his teeth. So, the saying isn't just for us old folks anymore! Must be hereditary!

This image is available in a Birthday Card, Fridge Magnet and Button on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5326734

Get your own damn cup of coffee Magnet

Luckily I don't need to fight my eight year old for the morning coffee! He does know, however, that Mommy's first priority in the A.M is one serious cup o' joe!

Stimulating the Economy Magnet

I customized this magnet for a super shopper girlfriend!

She is the reason most stores still exhist!

I won't need my MEDS Magnet

Actually, I DO need my "meds" on beautiful days...allergies!

This image is available as a Birthday Card, Fridge Magnet and Button on my Etsy page. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5326734

Bad Daddy Magnet

I designed this for an EX...who shall remain nameless!

My first day as a "blogger"!

Wow, my first day as a blogger! Bare with me folks, I am just getting started. I always have so much to say but when it comes time to actually say something...well...you know!

I guess my big news is that I am finally going FULL TIME with my business, Minds Eye Design, this month! Thanks to my wholesale clients and my wonderful Etsy.com customers. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5326734

I have dreamed of this day since September 2005 when I realized that I did indeed have a viable business. What is Minds Eye Design, you ask? I design retro inspired greeting cards, fridge magnets and buttons. My official title is "Creative Diva"! My designs are reflective of my personal life, my friends and family and the current social environment. I take note of things going on in the world and the world around me. I know that everyday situations can get us down, frustrate and confuse us but at the end of the day all we need is a GOOD LAUGH! That is the best remedy for all that ails us.

I guess the best way to describe all of this is to post some of my work....