hello february

Today I received two emails from people I don't know. Both read my blog and visit my website and took the time to write the very nicest of emails to me. I'm often surprised by the connections that can be made through this strange internet world. I just wouldn't have expected it, I guess. I don't know why I have this sense that the internet is just a cold, cold world – because I actually know differently, from reading other people's blogs and by receiving emails like the ones I got today. But doesn't it strike you as odd, sometimes, to put this little part of you out there {you know, there, as in the ether of the world wide web} ... It does seem strange to me, but some days I'm just glad for it.

And just to add a little more to my internet me, here are two quick snapshots of our house. Make of it what you will ...


Here are the two prints I received from Yu-I, framed and ready to be hung up. Hooray!!

end of the week

I've been working this week to get several wholesale orders out. Above are some of the washi stationery sets I printed and packaged. These were actually among the first things I printed when I began Satsuma Press, before I really began drawing my own work and developing my line. I like these washi sets because they are so simple – great for everyday use – and because I get to make use of the stunning Japanese paper I have. I'll get some of these up in my shop soon.

Speaking of my shop, this will come as no surprise to those of you who read my blog, but I spent a good part of a day thinking and re-thinking my pricing on the limited edition Valentine's Day cards. I had originally priced them at $6.50 each thinking that since I don't usually sell singles and because they are special occasion cards, this would be okay. But then it began to sort of nag at me – $6.50 for a card? Would I pay this? Even though I know well the amount of time and care that goes into each card, I felt that I might balk at that price. And if I was hesitating – after all, I'm pretty much a sucker for paper goods – then what did this mean for my customers? It's again that line between affordable pricing and sticking by what I feel my work is worth. That said, I lowered the prices and the single cards are now $5 each. I think this works, but we'll see. As I've said before, there is so much thinking and re-thinking that goes into running my own business, trying to get things right.

On another completely different note – I cannot believe I haven't mentioned this – my boy, Liam, is learning to read and write! He'll be turning 4 at the end of April, so I think (biased as I may definitely be) that he is one smart cookie. Check out the sign he made for me when I came home from visiting my new nephew in Denver last week. I think I might keep in up forever.


Happy weekend to you all! I'll be printing the collaboration with Yu-I next week ... Which reminds me that she has two incredibly lovely new pieces up in her shop. I'll admit that I snapped up one of these right away.

One more thing – tomorrow is the last day for the Let Her Press show at Office here in Portland. You can see my piece here.

hello again, at long last

Hello again, friends. We are one month into the New Year now and, it's true, I've been a terrible blogger. What can I say? I've been doing other things, which has been lovely, but now – this week – I am getting back to work. I was in Colorado for a week visiting my new 8 week old nephew – all by myself, with nothing to do but read and knit a sweater for him and cook for his parents. I got back on Friday afternoon and then Ben, Liam and I went to Seattle on Monday for an impromptu wedding and got back last night. All this leisure has been much-needed but I am ready for some new printing projects now.

I was able to print my Valentine's Day cards on Sunday, though. One is the bird and foliage design, re-done in dark red and pale pink this time.


And the other is this very simple stitched circle design – again, the dark red and pale pink which is so perfect for Valentine's Day – with a blind stamped heart. If you need a Valentine's Day card, these are in my etsy shop now – and you'll also be able to find them at a couple shops {Oblation, Ecru, Tilde} around Portland by this weekend.


So, coming up for Satsuma Press ... I've been so excited about this one: the first of a series with the lovely artist, Yu-I. The printing plates are here; I'm scheduling time for this next week. What this is exactly is a surprise, but I think you'll like it.

I am super excited that one of my wedding designs was featured in Oregon Bride! Check it out if you're getting married or know someone who is ... Also featured, among others, is the fabulous work of Julie at Studio Olivine. Hooray for us one-woman studios!

I'll leave you with this photo of Liam and his devilish smile. There is printing to be done around here!

Happy New Year!

It's a new year! Liam has a new hair cut for the occasion – okay, maybe he's been needing one for weeks and maybe it's a little lopsided, but the best I could do this morning – plus the great thing about kids is that they still look cute, even with {or perhaps especially because of} crooked hair.

I took a much needed break this past week and a half and am now trying to get back in the swing of things. A little tough, I must say, but there are a few things in the works that I'm looking forward to especially. Today I am working on a 'winter' counter-part to the 'maple leaves' piece that is at Office. If I can get it finished in time {that is, drawn, plates made and printed}, I'm planning to send it to Brigitte at Pulp to be part of an all-woman group show opening January 18th. For this piece, I'm thinking of pine needles, snow and moon – keeping it simple, as ever. I'll keep you posted, because I think this will turn into a 4 season series.

Also coming up soon ... the collaboration with Yu-I which I am really excited about. She has the most lovely work, the kind that makes me wish for more open walls in my house just so I could hang it all. I feel so fortunate to be working with her soon.

So. 2008! It's been just nine short months since I really started designing and printing again – and I never imagined such a warm welcome from all of you. Lots of stationery has been printed, lots of calendars – and now, moving forward with lots of energy for the new year. Thank you, friends, for your support.