Peony Paperie

Peony Paperie update

2010-02-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, Peony Paperie is closed.

Maybe not forever, maybe so.

And it's too bad, too, because I was really enjoying myself.
But I'm horrible at time management, and until I can find a way to keep the shop going strong, and keep my kids happy and in focus, stationery will have to wait.

warm winter drinks for cold winter weather

2009-10-27T22:21:00.000-06:00

We're expecting our first winter storm here in Denver...and it's already begun to snow.

So, I'm sitting in the bed, avoiding important tasks (like washing dishes, washing clothes, washing ANYTHING), and sipping a hot cup of cocoa from a mix my mother-in-law puts together and sends the kids each year when the weather turns cool. It's yummy!

But, I love her "from scratch" version even better.

My other favorite cool-weather drink is Wassail. I love to keep a big pot on the stove, and sip from it all day. I like a pretty tart, less spicy wassail.

So instead of cleaning, I'm searching Etsy for ingredients that will make my warm drinks even better this year...Here's what I've found...

Cocoa Power (for Breakfast cocoa) by Layla

Homemade Maple Marshmallows (also for cocoa) by whimsyandspice

Cinnamon sticks (for wassail) by itsmeowornever

Whole Cloves (for wassail) by bayberrymeadowherbs

And, to enjoy it all...a coffee cup in lime green by suzzeeholler

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recipes: (please let me know if you try one!)

Breakfast Cocoa

Serves 4

1/3 c. cocoa powder

1/3 c. sugar

dash of salt

1/2 c. water

3 1/2 c. milk

1/2 t. vanilla

In a saucepan, mix cocoa, sugar, salt. Add water. Bring to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute.

Stir in milk, heat to boiling point, BUT DO NOT BOIL. Add vanilla.

If desired, beat with blender or frother just before serving (I never have). Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or ice cream. Makes 4 cups.

Wassail

2 quarts apple juice

2 1/2 cups pineapple juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup sugar

1 (3-inch) stick cinnamon

1 teaspoon whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven (or big pot), bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer an additional 20 minutes. Strain and discard cinnamon and cloves. Serve hot. Yield: 3 quarts.

Fantastic to leave on the stove during a holiday party...just let guests help themselves.

Yummy Pizza Dip

2009-08-25T21:45:00.004-06:00

Take a warm appetizer to your next party!

Have you ever tried this easy appetizer? I had it for the first time at my bro-in-law's law school graduation party, and I've been thinking of it ever since! Here's my adaptation...

Hot Pizza Dip

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 t. oregano

1/2 t. parsley

1/2 t. basil

1 cup pizza sauce

1 cup parmesan cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

2 oz. pepperoni (chopped)

1 small can sliced black olives

Mix dried herbs (oregano, parsley, basil) with cream cheese. Spread into shallow dish (pie plate, or small casserole dish). Top with 1/2 cup of each cheese. Layer pizza sauce, remaining cheeses, pepperoni, and olives.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Enjoy with tortilla chips or fritos.

OR...

If you are taking this somewhere, assemble at home, transport cold, and heat in microwave (covered) for 5 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Variations: you can add chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, cooked sausage, mushrooms...any favorite pizza topping. Use italian seasoning instead of separate herbs. ANYTHING you'd like!

Let me know if you try it!

2009-08-20T14:20:00.010-06:00

John and I are leaving for Mexico in about a week and a half.

{yea!}

{but a 4 year old birthday has to happen first, so I can't get too excited yet!}

His parents are coming to stay here in mild-Denver with the kids, and we are jetting off to the scorching heat of the beach to celebrate my birthday.

So, last night I bought this sweet coverup from Anthropologie in what was an impulse buy for me.

{if you call impulse buy "I've been ooogling over this for 2 months, almost bought it several times, and finally saw it on sale, so I had a 30 minute coversation with hubby about maybe purchasing it, because you only turn 30 once, right?"}

Silky and flowy, turquoise and white, with hints of coral in the pastoral scene.

So, now I'm really getting geared up for a week in the sun, sipping iced down drinks, reading several good books, and not having ANY kids around. Here are some more etsy finds that are fueling my desire for this vacation to begin as soon as possible, inspired by my new beach duds:

Tibet (necklace) by polishedtwo, Abundance pillow by UmberDove, Margarita lip balm by soapcupboard, Lime Margarita handmade soap by LippincottSoapCo, Summer Sorbet (necklace) by karensugarmandesigns, Pierre Turquin earrings by ThePeachTree, Garlic Grater by studioelan, Medium clutch in red damask by KimberlyJonesDesigns, Stones Earrings by stavroula, The Vacation print by cassiabeck

Trendspotting

2009-07-15T13:08:00.004-06:00

I'm so flattered to have been mentioned in an Etsy Storque article called Etsy Finds: Trendspotting

In the article, they mention 3 new fun-for-summer trends:

~Tour de France

~Summer Dresses

~Vintage Cameras

My bicycle notecards, inspired after my brother Brian's love for cycling, were featured in the "Tour de France" category.

And be sure to check out my shop for discounted shipping on multiple items in my Christmas in July sale.

YART SALE

2009-06-10T14:33:00.005-06:00

Etsy is hosting their 2nd Annual Yart Sale.

{I know spell check is going to be so frustrated with me after this post.}

It's an Artistic Slant to a traditional Yard Sale:
Yard + Art = YART

{You can read more about the sale here.}

So, of course, I'm participating. I've listed a slew of non-personalized cards I printed up a few months back for the craft show I attended. The product I had left over has just been sitting in a box in my office, waiting for the right opportunity.

I've really slashed the prices on these items, since they aren't personalized, are smaller quantities, or on a lighter cardstock than I use now. But I would personally send an note to ANYONE on ANY of these!
Check out my yart sale section here.

And there are hundreds...maybe thousands of other etsy-ers selling in this great yart sale. Last I checked, there were over 25,000 items marked down and labeled YART. (just search YART from etsy.com)Baby Cocoon by beachwalkphoto, Gold Teardrop Earring by alanajoy, Mini Scallop Oval Tags by papertivity, Handmade YoYo hair accessory by littlestboutique, Tea Party Play Food by craftyanna, Roll.n.Go crayons by lilBdesigns

You can also see some of my designs featured on these blogs:
the little pink needle
paper cakes finds

Happy Yart Sale-ing

Sand Dunes

2009-06-04T16:32:00.007-06:00

We had a great time camping and playing at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Here are some photos:

Friday (overcast and playing on the dunes)

Saturday, sun was out, playing in the water.

Denver Children's Museum

2009-05-28T21:23:00.007-06:00

Today we visited the Denver Children's Museum, and had a great time!

The last time we were there, Grayson was only crawling, so it was MUCH harder. This time, I was smarter (took less stuff) and the kids enjoyed themselves much more.

Because we love Dora, we always ask the question, "what was your favorite part."

(when watching the tv show, and responding to Dora, my kids answer "My favorite part was WATCHING!....oh my)

So I asked...

Mommy: Grayson, what was YOUR favorite part of the Children's Museum?

Grayson: My favorite part was PAINTING!

Mommy: Caroline, what was YOUR favorite part of the Children's Museum?

Caroline: My favorite part was SHOPPING!

And being a vet.

Wouldn't you love it if YOUR vet looked away while performing surgery on your cat?

So obviously, now you're thinking, "Michelle, what was YOUR favorite part?"

Michelle: My favorite part was when the kids got tired during storytime, so we packed up to leave....only for both kids to NOT take a nap at home. Seriously. They were worn out. We played hard. What gives?

This plan for the summer, the wear-them-out-in-the-morning-so-they-sleep-the-afternoon-away plan, is backfiring on me!

carpet burn

2009-05-26T17:07:00.003-06:00

Grayson is doing this (super fun) thing where he sleeps on the floor instead of his toddler bed.

(I think I've mentioned before the wonderful way he lays on the floor and kicks his bedroom door.)

He must have slept on the floor at naptime, today. FACE. DOWN. because he has a stripe of carpet indentations in a line down his forehead and nose.

How can you sleep on your nose?

2nd First Date

2009-05-25T17:13:00.004-06:00

Our first date (John and me) was way back first semester, freshman year of college.

I don't remember what we did. I think it was attending a free concert for "cultural events credit" at our school. He may remember differently. I don't know if we even called it a date!

But, a local church in Parker is giving us the opportunity for a 2nd first date, this coming Sunday.

Southeast Christian Church, where Caroline attended preschool this past year

(please wait a moment while I remember how sad I am that school is out for the summer)

Thanks...anyway...the church is providing a special evening for couples. Including FREE childcare (AND they feed them pizza), free showing of the movie FIREPROOF at the theater of the Wildlife Experience, and the chance to go out to dinner ALONE afterwards and discuss! They'll keep our kids from 5-10:00!

We've yet to see the movie, Fireproof. I've heard great things about it. Our church bought tickets and gave them to the firemen at the station next to our church building. My real-life friends have blogged about it here and here. I'm excited to see it.

If you're in Denver, and want to get in on the free, open to ANYONE action...register here.

I'll let you know how it goes!

heatherty featherty

2009-05-21T07:45:00.006-06:00

Awhile back, Heather ordered some calling cards from me.

When she came to me recently, looking for business cards for her new etsy shop,

we worked out this trade. She made this adorable dress for Caroline...

And I will make her some cards!

Right now she is having a contest on her blog. She's looking for help with a tag line for her shop. (mine is "personalized papers"). If you win, she'll make any custom sewing project for you! Think dress for your little princess, superhero cape for your boy, or a bag for yourself.

Let me know if you enter!

WIN IT from Peony Paperie- ENDS SATURDAY

2009-05-06T15:38:00.006-06:00

Head on over to The Shopping Mama for their "It's in the Bag" Giveaway Bash. They (The Shopping Mama AND the site, Etsy it Up, are giving away LOTS of fun things this week.
This week, you can enter to win ANY item from my shop, Peony Paperie. Click HERE to enter. You'll have to check out my shop, choose a favorite item, and then leave that item name in the comments.

You can earn extra entries too, and Kate of The Shopping Mama spells them out on her site.

I'd love for someone I know to win something for free! So head on over, say something nice about my shop, and WIN!

Naomi & Rebekah

2009-05-05T13:42:00.002-06:00

New cards for Peony Paperie.

These have the feel of a handpainted initial, and a handwritten name, on gorgeous, textured paper.

I've been working on some new designs that work WITH my new printer, and not against it, and I think these fit the bill perfectly.

bunnies

2009-05-03T14:47:00.006-06:00

It's springtime...or at least it SHOULD be.

Weather in Denver is NEVER what you'd expect.

But, since it's at least springTIME (if not springWEATHER) we've been seeing our fair share of bunnies.

First, we visited Tagawa Gardens, when a bunny adoption agency brought out bunnies to hug and love.

I think their adoption requirements are almost as difficult as adopting a child (home visits, classes, background checks, etc.).

Then, after 16+ inches of snow... we found this in our basement window well:

It would take me pages and pages to describe the adventures with this TINY bunny in our basement.

...chasing it around the basement

...trying to keep in in a box

...chasing it around the basement, again

...letting it go

...watching it jump BACK in the window well

...leaving it's box, food and water in the window well (since it clearly WANTED to be there!)

...chasing it around the basement, time 3

...not telling the children it D.I.E.D after 2 nights eating celery and sleeping under a towel.

..."releasing" the bunny in the bushes...you know, to go back to it's mommy.

...feeling horrible that we're just THAT BAD at caring for animals

So, here are some cute bunny ideas for spring. No chasing this bunny out from behind boxes in the basement! Just cute, all the time!

Mother's Day

2009-05-01T15:58:00.010-06:00

For Mother's Day, my sister-in-law Rebekah, suggested that we have a family photo taken. It would be a gift for my mother, but I think I lucked out as well!

Over Easter weekend, I asked local photographer Allison, from Photos by Allison, to shoot a group photo outdoors. But she went above and beyond, shooting every possible combination of photos. She spend about an hour with us, and charged no sitting fee! And her photo prices were very reasonable. So if you're in the South Denver Metro area (Castle Rock), give Allison a call.

Here are a few of my favorites.
It helps that my kids are just plain adorable! Or maybe Allison's just THAT good with a camera and photoshop. Yeah...probably photoshop.

Etsy front page

2009-04-24T14:24:00.006-06:00

WooHoo!
My treasury made it to etsy's front page this afternoon.

It's gone now (most only are up for a few minutes) but I was able to capture some shots of my computer screen with it up.

Only bummer...they didn't include my Annie notecards. Even though the rules of creating a "showcase" of items is that you CAN include one of your own, the etsy people don't want it to be about self promotion. So I guess they removed my item from the list, but gave me the credit for creating it.

So here they are. Maybe you can just imagine what the collection would have looked like!Annie notecards - set of 12 - $12

knife fork spoon

2009-04-24T10:20:00.007-06:00

Recipe cards available now from Peony Paperie!

Maybe if I print some for myself it will inspire me to cook, instead of suggesting we go out for dinner.

But come August, both Caroline and Grayson will be at this cute, Christian preschool 2 days a week, so I can grocery shop in peace. No more double-backing for another taste of cheese, fresh peanut butter, or pineapple. And I can fill these reicipe cards with great ideas from the internet or family, and shop & cook to my heart's content! So start sending me your go-to dinner ideas, and I can send you some funky fun cards to use in YOUR kitchen.

Happy Cooking!

treasury - teacher teacher

2009-04-23T09:26:00.004-06:00

I have a treasury on etsy, featuring beautiful ideas for teacher gifts.
It will be up through Friday, so look for it before it expires.

Treasury: teacher teacher

Heather Hippo

2009-04-06T13:41:00.005-06:00

Tonight John and I are going on a date to meet Heather Armstrong, and hear her read a portion of her new book, It Sucked and Then I Cried.

We're excited to get out for the night. We actually hired a babysitter. I know...so unlikely! She'll even be here long enough for us to have dinner beforehand, and get some coffee at the bookstore to sip during the reading. Although, Heather (if anything in person like her writing) could turn out to be very funny...and I'd hate to spit hot coffee all over John, or her 7 month pregnant belly.

But I must admit, I haven't read the new book. My usual standby, the local library, hasn't quite come through for me this time. They have ordered 4 of her books, and I'm third on the list, but I guess they don't have them yet. So I'll be going tonight, but I'll be the girl who was too cheap to actually PURCHASE the book, and thus should probably keep my mouth shut.

I thought maybe some hippo notecards from Peony Paperie would make up for the fact that I didn't read the book (I mean...come on...it just was released last week). On her website, Heather speaks often of her love for hippos. Maybe these will help if she *gasp* actually asks me if I read the book. I'll just hand over the notecards and say..oohh...shiny...hippos.

Here are some more etsy hippos for inspiration.

Pocket Wallet by DearSukie
Hippo Studs by LindaLindaLinda
Stripes and Hippo Clutch Purse by freshlybakedjen
Fabric Covered Button Hair Tie & Pin by pinkypig
Hippo by tinywarbler
Little Hippo by oopsthatsart

UPDATE: John bought me the book and we had a nice evening out! Book is funny, and great for those who are past the baby and pregnancy stage...you wouldn't get it otherwise!

new for Peony Paperie

2009-04-02T20:44:00.005-06:00

I've been working on adding some new designs, and updating a lot of my pictures at Peony Paperie. I'm going with a lighter background, and printing all the designs at home on my new(ish) printer.

The Eve and Annie designs are new.
The Hannah (and Isaiah) cards are freshly photographed.

Don't you think these apple cards would be perfect for end-of-the-year teacher gifts? I know Miss Dawn and Miss Birgitte (C's teachers) will be getting some.

cheap and easy

2009-03-31T14:11:00.005-06:00

I'm cheap, and so I can't bring myself to pay $600 or more for Adobe programs like Illustrator or Photoshop. I KNOW I'd end up loving them, but I just can't do it. Right now, Word and I get along just fine...mostly.

But that also means I don't have a great way of editing my photos for etsy. In comes Picnik. Free, online photo editing program, that requires NO registration. Just upload your photos from your computer or Fliker, and get started.

In less than 5 min, with only 2 adjustments, I uploaded this photo and came out with this:

I'm sure I could even do better, with a little more time and patience...but I have neither of these.

Emily cards here.

igloo

2009-03-28T23:50:00.012-06:00

We finally had a nice amount of snow this week (enough that J missed 1 1/2 days of work). We did the normal "play in the snow with your kids" things. We rode the sled, built a snowman, stomped around the backyard, repositioned gloves on cold little hands, and picked up fallen babies who's legs were just too short to walk in the deep powder.

Then J began building an igloo. The conditions of our snow storm were such that there were several inches of soft snow, topped with about 2 inches of crunchy, icy snow. If you carefully lifted the top layer, you could come away with some nice "block" to build igloo walls.

I was amazed...windows, roof, door opening, supported with broom handles, and all constructed after "the sky got dark" (as Caroline was saying!). But alas, even such fine engineering is no match for the warm sun, and our igloo is now a heap of crunchy snow on our back lawn.

So to keep that cool feeling just a little longer, here are a few etsy inspirations. Spring will come soon enough, but I'm not ready quite yet.My Little Snow Boots by hipknots

Ice Ice Baby earrings by sleepingcatbeads
Berry Ring by thepebblecollection

Snow Poppies by cultivar
Little Chickadee by naturemandalas
Chocolate Snow Cookies by onesweetday

(found searching etsy.com for "ice" and "snow". Searching igloo didn't give me quite what I was looking for!)

swimming

2009-02-26T14:26:00.003-07:00

Caroline and Grayson have started taking swimming lessons, and I'm very impressed!

I'm also having a laughing fit because those goggles, swim cap and flippers are just too much.

office (not studio)

2009-02-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

We have recently converted our tiny guest room into an office.

I can't bring myself to call it a studio...I just don't really consider myself to be an "artist", and isn't a studio for art?

Everything in the room serves dual purposes:

Sleeper sofa = seating + sleeping

filing cabinet = document storage + bedside table

closet = storing linens + printers

folding table = laptop + paper cutting surface

bookcases = Peony Paperie storage + extra books + John's PE exam stuff

(wow! 3 functions for that one! although I would like the space all those books take up.)

We've searched high an low for the perfect solution. One that allows the room to EASILY function as a guest room when our family or friends come to visit. I don't want our parents to have ANY excuse not to come play with their grand kids! "Michelle makes us sleep in the living room on the floor" is NOT an option! Of course, they're so wonderful, they WOULD sleep on the floor, but anyway...

But the room must also provide a place for my ever growing pile of stationery paper, envelopes, mailers, printers, paper cutters, etc. And also provide a work space, that is self contained. The office/guest room was the best choice. The door can be shut to contain my messes, and I'm not stuck in the cold basement. It also keeps my projects from being spread out all over the kitchen counters, which I had been doing.

So, we bought some bookshelves from Target, and some great (cheap) photo storage boxes for envelopes, scissors, ribbon, gift boxes, and receipts.

I ordered some custom curtains from Avec Dieu Couture (another etsy seller) and they are WONDERFUL. A beautiful, yet fun, orange and cream damask fabric by Joel Dewberry.

And throw pillows for the sofa in a coordinating aviary fabric in orange, taupe, and dark brown.
I still need great paper storage solutions (an upcoming post teaser!) and a cover for my card table, but the room is really coming together. It's comfortable to work here (although I'm writing this post from my bed!) and so far everything has a place.

Now, if you stuck with me through that ENTIRE post...a big thank you...and some pictures!

Doing the Hustle

2009-02-22T14:36:00.024-07:00

In April, I will be participating in the Hopscotch Hustle, here in Denver. An event, for parents and kids (really anyone, I guess) that will support local Denver organization, WeeCycle.

No, I will NOT be strutting anything on the runway, but Peony Paperie will have a booth set up in the "merchandise market" and will have a little something in the silent auction.

WeeCycle is an organization that provides new and gently used baby gear to low income families in the Denver metro area, free of charge. If you live in Denver, you can find info on their drop off locations for donating baby gear here. You can also buy tickets to attend the Hopscotch Hustle on their site.

I will post updates here on the products I will be selling (after I decide!) and will probably be asking for help on designing my booth. Hope it's all a success!

tm=100

2009-02-16T13:50:00.004-07:00

An etsy order from Tiffany M (tm) pushed me over the edge.

In a good way.

Tiffany's order was my 100th etsy sale!

Thanks tm! It was a wonderful order to fill! Enjoy!

I've been selling on Etsy since mid October, 2008. It's been less than 4 months, and it's been great.

Sorry for the HORRIBLE pictures, but I took them last night right before I packaged up her order and got it in the mail.

etsy as in "betsy"

2009-02-13T09:49:00.002-07:00

I've been pronouncing Etsy as "eat-sy"

Much to my dismay, I discover that the Etsy founders say "et-sy" as in "betsy".

In response to my oops, my husband says,
"At least you've been spelling it the right way!"

new Peony Paperie colors

2009-02-11T15:10:00.004-07:00

This is the direction I'm heading for my stationery shop, Peony Paperie. I've ordered envelopes, and now have to complete my new designs to complement. I really enjoy working on the notecards, although calling cards and business cards have been the majority of my business up to now. So, I think my focus will shift to notecards, but I will keep some calling cards in the mix as well.

So..the question is...What are your thoughts about this color scheme?
Any colors I'm missing? Any colors I should remove? Anything make your stomach churn at the sight? make your heart flip?

Big 2!

2009-02-04T20:01:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday, my dude!

Wish I knew how to photoshop those cheetos off your face!

May year three be just as wonderful as the first two.

Love, Mama

Hannah Note Cards

2009-02-03T14:33:00.001-07:00

The newest item in my shop! Printed on my new Epson Stylus Photo 1400.

New Direction

2009-02-03T13:30:00.001-07:00

I've just started this blog, as a place to share creative inspirations, new designs, feature other artists, host contests, and possibly to share something funny about my kids.

I also hope to learn a lot about the same things (inspiration, design, other artists, and parenting) from those who find this blog (and hopefully comment)!

I'm a stay at home mom of 2 kids (girl-3, boy-2 tomorrow!). We fill our time with preschool, swimming lessons, Bible Study, and especially NAPS! When I have a spare moment, my newest interest is paper and stationery.

I started selling stationery and calling cards in my etsy shop, Peony Paperie, back in October 2008. The fact that people are buying my things has forced me into making a lot of business & paper related decisions. This blog will be a place to work through some of those choices, and hopefully get some good feedback.

If you've found this blog through my etsy shop, thank you for stopping by, and please leave some valuable advice for me! If you are a Peony Paperie customer...THANK YOU for your business. I'd love to hear what you think! If you are a family member or friend, your comments are especially welcome, but no..that picture of the kids running around the backyard naked won't be posted here!

Best,
Michelle