simple (happy) monday

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Mother's Day! My Sunday started with breakfast in bed. Later on the family got together to celebrate the day and my birthday (tomorrow). And I got what I asked for—I'm going to go skydiving! I'm SO excited! I'll post all about it when I do it.

Today I'm just catching up on work and getting some goodies together to show you this week. I think you'll enjoy them.

For now here is a simple Floral Stationery set that is very versatile. Combine different colors and shapes according to the occasion/recipient and your cards and tags will never look the same. You can find it in the shop now!

Happy Monday!

some changes

I don't even know where to start with this. It's a laundry list of things. One of the benefits (and difficulties) of being a business owner is that I make all the decisions and choose to act upon them (or not). So, hang on. Here I am jumping in...

FREEBIES
I had a freebie section in my shop that is no longer active. I've had issues with the downloads in that area. They are being used and/or downloaded in ways that I do not approve of. I've held out from taking this step for a while. It isn't a one or two time issue. It's been ongoing (different people from different cities/countries) and it's time to step in and use my common sense.

When I offer freebies I do so in the spirit of sharing, of giving something that I think others may enjoy. When that intent is trampled upon I just feel well... gutted (feel free to add some choice expletives too). It really, really gets to me. Some days I let it all slide, some I boil in rage and others I feel like throwing in the towel and rolling up in a sloppy mess of tears. Sounds melodramatic but that's really how's it's been. I won't delve into details because that has no point. But for something that is supposed be fun for me to do and for you to enjoy it has been anything but that.

Like I said, I held out for as long as I could. But that's it. I can't take it anymore.

Those of you that have the freebies in your account downloads section can still access them. Some of the files that were freebies are still available for a minimal tip-jar kind of fee.

I want to show those of you that are loyal, friendly, and all around awesome customers (thank you, thank you for your support!) that I really do appreciate your visits and your orders, so I have my thinking cap on as far as what promotions/rewards I can offer. I'm not sure what direction I'll take but I'll definitely keep you posted.

NEWSLETTER
My newsletter has been monthly up until now. It will now be a bi-weekly visit to your inbox. As always I'll keep it short and sweet and it will not be a duplicate of my blog. If you haven't already done so, sign up here to keep up with all the new goodies I have in the works and future promotions and offers.

BLOG
Please don't be too surprised if in the coming weeks I get a little slow in content and there aren't too many tutorials. I'm the process of putting together two major projects (you'll see!) and there's only so many hours in a day! I hope you'll be patient with me and hang in there.

FEEDBACK
I'd love, love to hear from you! If you have any suggestions for the shop (ie. what type of file designs you're dying to have) or just want to send me a comment about anything here or on my site please feel free to either email me or post something in my new suggestion box.

ADVERTISING
I'm still open to advertisers that consider my blog a good fit to their products. Just contact me for further information.

• • •

I hope that these changes are taken in the light in which they are presented. I want A Little Hut to become a better place for me to continue to explore what I love to do so much and for you to visit comfortably. Owning a business and working passionately for something needs to be sprinkled with doses of reality checks like today. It's just a healthy way to move forward and grow. 

As always, I appreciate your continued support and please know that my door is always open for anyone that would like to ask questions or address constructive ideas.

Thanks for reading this unexpectedly long post!

XO—Patricia

a little hut has a new web site!

 

We're starting off 2012 with an awesome completed project. The new site for A Little Hut is here! It has been a long time coming and I'm very excited about this big improvement.

It was a LOT of work. It was a total team effort—I don't know what I'd do without my Mr. Z who did all the programming. He's so patient with all my requests! So, so patient.

Improvements:
- You will no longer need to wait for an email from me. You will be able to download all files immediately after paying for them. Only freebie files will need to be approved internally by me—which only means you'll just need to wait a bit (like with orders on the old site).
- You will be able to see your order history. You will have a handy list to remind you what you have ordered in the past.
- Products will be easier to find. The navigation from one section to another is quite simple.
- More photos and views will be available for products that I upload in the future. For now they have about the same amount of photos that I've used previously.
- I've added the icons below to clearly describe files that are available for each product. Some of you like to use cutting files, some of you want to print and cut by hand, some of you want to print only. Now you will know what is included in each set. The Product Information page explains these symbols in more detail.

For previous customers:

For those of you that have registered and made purchases on A Little Hut in the past don't worry, your information (personal contact information - not previous order history) was transferred to the new site. The only thing you'll need to do is create a new password. Sign in with your email address, click on Forgot Password, you'll get an email with a temporary password. Use that password to sign in and in My Account you can change your password to whatever you prefer. That's it! If you have any questions just use our Contact Us page. 

I think we accomplished what we wanted—a better experience for visitors and a more efficient and up-to-date site. I happen to like how it looks too! Hehe. 

If you find any glitches, typos or anything that you think we can work on please feel free to let me know. I want to make the site the best that it can be.

Stop by and visit the A Little Hut to check it out. I hope you like it! 

falling leaves

I never can decided if October or March is my favorite month of the year. In any case, the mere fact that we can open all our windows and enjoy cool weather, without having to resort to the air conditioning, is wonderful—maybe more like awesome!



This is also my most productive time of the year. Coincidence? Probably not. I've always been the type to be affected by the weather. Which is a great thing because last week I was SO busy. I have several projects in the works—and yes, the book proposal is one of them (it's coming along—yay!).



And speaking of productivity here is a new set of cutting files that are now available in the shop. I didn't want to design a typical autumn set and I'm so happy how this little group turned out. They are available as SVG, DXG and PDF files.

Autumn may have inspired this Falling Leaves set, but it can be used throughout the year. Just changing the color of paper will make them look and feel completely different. As a bonus, and because the fall social season is starting, I added a wine tag so you can decorate it with any one of the images in this group. Any one of my flowers would be great for this too.

Happy Monday everyone!

• • •

For those of you that have asked:
I've been using only Paper Source paper in my projects during this year. I absolutely love their colors! I use both cover and text weight (depends on the project). If only they had larger sheets...

halloween kit - svg & dxf cutting files

Typically, I'm not one to put a lot of effort in decorating for Halloween. I do it because the kids enjoy it, but that's about it. However, with my new designs and C's excitement about them, I'm feeling a bit different.

The pieces you see here are what I created for my shop, but I already promised my little C that we'd work on getting our own set of decorations ready for next month. My to-do list with her is getting longer and longer (decorations, Wee Wonderfuls doll, another doll outfit, a bigger paper doll house—ahhh!).

I suppose you can't tell, but I really had a great time designing this set. I think it's because I enjoy working with illustrations that are simple and graphic. I can imagine these being used for a fun whimsical party or for a more sophisticated event. The colors you use for the backgrounds will make all the difference.

Medallions
These would work really well as wine charms, gift tags, on cards, as coasters or cut them larger and make a Halloween mobile.




Bunting and 3D pumpkins
The bunting could decorate a doorway or a mantle and the pumpkins can be placed on tables, used for a mobile or as decorations on a wreath.

Graphic elements
These designs are very versatile too. I can see them on cupcakes, on any paper craft and wrapped around votive candle holders. I love this simple idea for a table setting.





Gift box
I had the idea that it would be fun to greet guests with a web paper quilt (spiders hanging and all!) and at the end of a party use them as covers for the party favors.



All these files are included in my Halloween Kit. If you would rather work on something smaller, I'm also selling the bunting and the spider web box as individual products—digital cutting files and as PDFs for those of you that would like a cutting project!

So that's it—Halloween 2011!

Now to work on getting the kids to tell me what they're going to dress up as. I need to start working on that now—or else!

Have a great day everyone!

sunset flowers collection

I am the first one to be surprised at the fact that my most recent project is another flower collection, because I've always described myself as the non-flower-y type.

Aside from the occasion natural flower arrangement, I don't really use flowers in our home decor and there are very limited instances in my clothing. I was thinking about this a bit more, while I worked on this latest set, when I realized that I don't work on these designs thinking of them as flowers. I find them to be more exercises in pretty geometry and I end up calling them flowers because that's what they look like.




About the geometry...

- My sketchbooks are full of geometric looking doodles.
- In college, my interior design teacher tried to convince me to change my major from graphic design to interior design, because I was doing so well in her 3D class.
- In high school, I loved geometry while many of my classmates couldn't stand it.
- If I go back even further, I would say that this all got started with wooden blocks and then Legos. Our kids benefit from the latter!

Funny how, in one way or another, you stick to what is familiar, comfortable and just plain fun.

What do you do today that is a reflection of a past interest?

• • •

This new set of cutting files, Sunset Flowers (named after the photo from my last post), is now available on my web site and my Etsy shop.

Have an awesome day!

the exploration continues

As you can tell the paper cuff design got me started. As I kept going I ended up with three GeoBursts. They can be easily replicated with a circle ruler or by simply hand drawing triangles or rectangles that overlap each other. Handmade versions would have great character.

I've been asked many times about my process and frequently it works just like this. One idea leads into another. I started with a cuff and I'm going to end up who knows where. I'll post anything new that I may try with the cuff. Thank you for sharing your ideas!

I started using these patterns in different ways and I'm already thinking of new ideas. I've made a few cards for my stash, a couple of bookmarks (I'm making some headway with some reading—no titles worth mentioning—basically fun fluff) and a notebook.

I bound the notebook with a new toy I'll show you this week. I'm trying to come up with more excuses to use it. Love it.

If you'd like to work with these designs as cutting files they are now in the shop.

Check out how my tea light covers collection is growing! See the one in the middle? It's the same pattern I used on the yellow card above.

Patterns/cutouts + inexpensive glass hurricanes + tea lights + glue dots = no more than $8 in materials

Can't you see these used in a table setting at a wedding or an evening event?

valentine's day printables

Valentine's Day is something that always sneaks up on me. This year I've vowed to make it a little more fun for the kids, so I am prepared.

I was hoping to have some crafty time with the kids, but yesterday was one of those days when you do a little bit of everything—run crucial errands (first communion outfit for C!), family get together (more of that today) and additional shopping—so no crafting. Hopefully today will be the day. This is what we will be using... a new Valentine's Day set.



Instead of creating a smaller set the way I've done in the past I wanted this to be a bit more substantial. I wanted the set to offer more creative possibilities with pieces that are multi-purpose.



The hearts that are used to put together the ornament can also be used for card making or scrapbooking. The small gift cards can be used as gift tags or as mini-valentine's day cards. And the black and white hearts below can be left as is or colored in with markers or colored pencils.



The Valentine's Day set is available on my site or at my Etsy shop.

Now off to do some cooking for our family get together!

new work - eraser boards

I don't think I've ever mentioned this before but aside from paper there is another thing that I've always had this weird attraction to—office supplies. Pads, pencils, drawer organizers, pink erasers, wooden rulers, file folders—you name it I melt. If they look anything like Muji products or something more colorful, when I'm in the mood, then I'm in heaven. So, what to do when an eraser board looks so terribly boring? Design one yourself.

Below is my solution to write my 'must be done today' to-dos. If I see them in front of me they really get done. These are really sturdy and they can be hung or kept within reach on your desk.



Are you a paper/pencil, digital or eraser board to-do lister? I'm actually a little of each depending on what it's for. Paper/pencil is for right away or if I'm on the phone, digital (or online) for work and like I said eraser board is for 'musts'.

For now I have very limited stock of these two designs in my shop.

numbers flash cards

I finally got around to working on this project that has been on my mind for a while and has been a request from some customers. This is a set of printable (animal themed) numbers flash cards that match my alphabet flash cards.

They are available in my shop now in: English, Spanish, German, French (feel free to contact me for any other languages).

Thank you so, so much to those of you that added a comment to my previous post. My little C enjoyed every single one of your words. They also sparked interesting conversations between us. This Mom is very appreciative of your kindness.

2010 die cut calendar

It's here! I'm very happy with this this calendar. The sheets can be hung individually or as a group. If each sheet is hung on its own, your wall color will show through the die cuts, blending in with your decor. Love that!

The paper is natural colored (with visible fibers), recycled and FSC certified.







This calendar is now available in my shop. My 2010 printable calendars are available too.

[Click on the photos to see them slightly larger]

2010 calendars

I hope everyone had a great weekend. It was gloomy and gray around here for a good part of the two days so not much got done outdoors. However, I did get to finish some work that was pending and many board games got pulled out.



Several people have emailed me asking about my 2010 printable calendars. They are now available. I keep trying to retire these designs and I keep getting requests for the same ones—so I figured to leave them be and come up with a new one to add to the group.

Unfortunately, I can't show you the new calendar. What's even worse is that I'll probably have to abandon the idea because of technical difficulties. So frustrating. Grrr. I'm thinking that I may produce a very, very limited edition. We shall see.

The calendar above is a printout of the patterned initials calendar. It has 12 new colors and patterns. The initials cutout calendar (not pictured) and the perpetual calendar (below) are also available.



Thank you so much for those of you that have voted for me at Craftevolution!

fulfilled

There are times that I feel so accomplished and fulfilled with my work. This week has been one of those times. I worked on a new corporate identity for an interior designer and I'm quite happy with the way it turned out. I'm finishing up a couple of other challenging projects and an interesting one came in today. It's been non-stop around here.

I've also been busy on the A Little Hut front. My shop has been updated with some gift tags and tealight covers that match the flats that made their debut recently. The tealight covers almost didn't make the cut. I'm not sure why I kept going back and forth with them, but they stayed.



I feel so in tune with this new collection of graphic images. I think that's why I'm really thrilled with it. I'm also proud about the fact that this is the most environmentally friendly product I've ever made. ALL the paper is FSC certified and produced in a paper mill the uses hydrolic energy. I've also saved every single scrap of tiniest cut paper because I have plans for it too. No paper is going to waste.



Tomorrow will be time to catch up on the house chores that seem to magically pile up (le sigh). I'm trying to avoid wasting the weekend away on any of it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

simple and neutral

I don't know if many of you have noticed but my shop updates had come to a screeching halt. While I can blame a lot of things (summer?), the truth is that I took some time away to reconsider the direction I wanted to take.

As you know, I don't shy away from color, but I've been craving neutrals. I've also become more interested in stretching my simple tastes to the limit. How much is too far or too simple? What happens when there is no color or it's very minimal? Shapes become the main focus and that's where the challenge lies. That's what I think I'm trying to get at. The few things I've come up with so far, tune into this exploration and into my core preferences.

There are more things to come, but for now here are new die cut flat cards that I just uploaded to my site.

Weave and Crossroads - While flowers and leaves fascinate me, I'm also on the lookout of patterns and details left between them (weird?). The negative spaces I find, are what inspired these two cards.

Weave



Crossroads




Pods - I don't know why but I can't get away from these. They are also in a paper lamp tutorial that will be seeing the day of light in a few weeks and a fabric pattern I designed last year.



Now, to cool off with a tall glass of something ice cold. We just got back from the pool and I have no idea why I didn't take a bathing suit with me. Genius. I watched the kids and baked myself unwillingly (no shade anywhere). Yep. I had fun.

airmail

This post is a quick break from a project that has kept me busy since late last week. It's been a constant chipping away day after day (even while having family over for a barbeque on Sunday) and I'm a bit worn out. The good news is that the client is happy with my work. We're not done yet, so, I may be scarce around here for the next few days.

Backtracking a little, I did start the weekend on a great note. I visited Sew Crafty, Friday night, for their Spring Bling event. I met some lovely people (Sarah, Amie, Erin, Lisa) and had a wonderful time. It's always so energizing to be around creative people. I have awesome news too! I will be teaching a paper craft class at Sew Crafty in the near future. Stay tuned for details to come.



This is a little something I worked on over the weekend and between client approvals. I always need a fun side project to work on because it gives me mental breaks. I specially need the breaks when the project is very 'corporate' and on the dry side. This new printable PDF set is now available in my shop in two color options: blue/red and orange/gray.

My main objective was to come up with a small box that would be suitable for small gifts and in particular for gift cards. Sure, you can always tuck those plastic "credit cards" (like my little C calls them) into a regular note card but a box makes your gift more memorable.



I have no idea why the airmail theme came to mind. I know it isn't groundbreaking at all, but I do have some nostalgia attached to it. When I was little, my parents and I believe my grandmother, used these envelopes quite frequently. I still remember how it felt to hold them in my hands. The paper was thinner and it had a particular crinkly sound when handled. Some of the first letters I received from friends, came in airmail envelopes. They were always such a great sight to see in the mailbox.



I wish I still wrote letters the way I used to. I love technology and all it's conveniences but the joy of sending and receiving a hand written note of any kind can never be replaced.

all that shines

Here is the result of a random request from little C. She asked me for a crown for her small stuffed penguin. Hmm. Ok. Five minutes later, plus 15min for drying, these were the results. I used a scrap strip of paper that wasn't more than a couple of inches wide and about the length of a letter-sized page. I eyeballed it and cut the curves freehand, sprayed the paper with adhesive spray and sprinkled a handful of glitter on it and used one staple to seal the ends together. If I could please my daughter as easily with all of her requests I'd be in heaven.



For the record I'm not really a glitter type person (gasp say all glitter lovers everywhere) and yet this is the second glittered crown I make. The first was much bigger. I made if for my D's Wise Man's school costume in December. Instead of paper I used cardstock and it held up perfectly. That's why I am the owner of a bottle of Martha Stewart glitter and that's why little C knew exactly what she wanted.

In the interest of full disclosure - The day I bought the gold glitter I couldn't stop my hand from grabbing the clear glitter. I used a bit on our Christmas cards. So, ok you got me. Maybe glitter does have a purpose in my life.



Small shop update :: I've received several emails from customers interested in a smaller format of my alphabet flash cards. I finally got a chance to resize all my artwork so they are now available in the shop. Each flash card is now 1/4 of a letter-sized page and very handy for little hands.

• • •

Check out the site of one my husband's cousins. We just found out he rents out 'fincas' (ranch style vacation homes) in different areas in Colombia. If we go next year the hardest thing will be to pick the city to visit.

For those of you that have never been or seen anything related to Colombia, aside from all the bad stuff we all know about, please take a few seconds to view the video on the home page. It really is a beautiful country with warm and hard working people.

renewal - block print cards

I haven't had the chance to carve out some linoleum in a long time. Creating this at the start of spring just seems so right. I called it renewal to name it after the new season and my great weekend.



My card sets now come with yummy looking kraft envelopes. The cards and envelopes are both recycled and are made at a paper mill that uses hydroelectric energy.

bunny stationery set

I wanted to put together a set of Easter stationery for the kids. I talked about my ideas with D and little C and the bunny won.



The lined flat cards come in four colorways and the note card is blank on the inside. Matching gift tags and the bunny box complete the set.



And with that my work day is over. The end of the day (aka - working at home alone while the kids are in school) always comes so amazingly fast. Too fast!

c is for 'coming soon'

alphabet flash cards

I've been wanting to complete a set of alphabet flash cards for a very long time. It's finally done. I asked the kids for their opinions when I was unsure of what word to use for some of the letters and I used a larger format so that the cards could be multi-purpose. Play with them, color them, frame them - you (or your little one) decide.



Tonight I'll be at the opening of Mom 2.0 Summit
. I can't wait to see what blogging friends I'll meet!