Nonpareil

I’ve been doing design work and making stationery for 15 years now…I started selling notecards in a little Colorado coffee shop just after my son was born…and then partnered with a girlfriend in Oregon & made baby announcements, note cards and note pads. When we moved to Illinois, I met my business partner, and started Zuzu’s Petals. We sold a gazillion notepads to people all over the US…My favorite part is seeing clients from their bridal shower invitations to their birth announcements to their babies’ first birthday! It’s been great!

We’ve decided to change the direction of our biz a little bit, and discontinue the stationery/invitation side, and only sell our illustrations on Cafe Press…it leaves us with the fun stuff {illustrating}, and leaves the grunt work to the kind folks at Cafe Press {printing, packaging & shipping}. It’s a little bittersweet, but I think it’s just the direction our business needs to take.

Which brings me to today. I’m embarking on a new career in a totally different direction. I’m going back to school to become certified in Thai Yoga {also called Thai Massage}. It’s a 6 month program {at the Chicago School of Thai Massage}, and I start tonight! I’m super excited, and just wanted to share! If you don’t know what Thai Yoga is, check out the video…and, if you’re in the Chicagoland area, I’m going to need guinea pigs to practice on, so send me a message if you’re interested!

I love the clothes made by Jacqueline at California based Lamixx. They are stylish, wearable and at a fantastic price point. I love the off-the-shoulder top {above, right}…it’s totally “me”…or, at least in my head, I think I can look as sexy as that model!!  Great pieces, all of them!

And, here’s the best news, Lamixx is offering a 10% discount to you, my fabulous readers…it’s for the next two days, so make sure you place your order soon! Just enter “nonpareil” at checkout…hurrah for deals!

I thought it appropriate to follow my “it’s-freezing-outside-let’s-see-some-scarves” post with an “I’m-dreaming-of-springtime-and-some-cutie-handmade-flats” post.

SMARTFISH handcrafted shoes are all vegan, use no adhesives, lined with organic bamboo, are created with sustainable processes, and are made to be durable…Oh, and did I mention, they are made by hand?! Yep. The sweet hemp and blue embroidered pair is calling my name. Love!!

But, for now, I have to stick to boots and super-thick socks. Boo.

Today was a big day for me…I bought myself a serger sewing machine….and I’m crazy excited about it! I can’t wait to finish my post so I can go play with my new toy…I’m completely geeked out!

…Which brings me to the incredible fabrics by Daisy Janie. Designer Jan DiCintio {of Scoutie Girl fame} uses such fresh color combinations, and I adore her designs. She uses organic cotton sateen & organic cotton/hemp blend canvas. Really wonderful fabric for whatever crafty project you may have! Once I teach myself how to use my new machine, I look forward to ordering some fabulous fabric! What should I make?

The winner of our most recent giveaway is…Loris! One of my sweet, devoted readers…congratulations dearie!

Check out Loris’ blog here.