Huge shop update.

In the beginning was my shop. And the shop was my world. And my world revolved around my shop. I didn't sleep. I made art and art only. And after two months was over, I crashed. And I cleaned my house. And I didn't create art because I wanted to be sane...and have a clean house. And I got very sad.

Then one day, a blessed man came and said "I will take the kids out all day on an outdoor adventure and you can stay home and enjoy a quite house." And I said, "Will you marry me?" And he said, "You already did." And then I kissed him. And then I went into my studio and locked the door and barricaded it from all distraction (including food) and got to work.

And now...I have art. It doesn't look like much when I consider I had a day all to myself. But art is SLOW folks. That is just how it is. And how it should be. And this wasn't even done in a day. It was finished in a day. I may just need to call that blessed man back and tell him my children need a second all-day-outdoors adventure. And I know he will say "yes" because that is what married people do. They give lots and lots to each other. And then after I kiss him again, I will make more gingerbread waffles.

We also have "The Rocket Launch Club" print in the shop now, with (shhh...don't tell) some free pdf downloads in the works coming soon.

And, in my efforts to get this in the shop with some other storybook dictionary prints, this one never ended up in the shop. But here it is now!

Well, there you have it folks! Whew! I can't wait to get my hands into my sketch book again. Maybe I really DON'T care about a clean house....

Meanwhile: Visit the shop!

Startup Princess Retreat

OK. Here is the chance of a lifetime. Mark your calendars and sign up for the Startup Princess Academy retreat featuring classes, workshops and networking with some of the most inspiring women entreprenuers. Here is what Kelly, founder of Startup Princess has to say about this event:

Women influence over 85% of all purchases, and they need to be communicated with in new ways–one size does not fit all. Please join us to Learn the Magic of Marketing to Women Online with TOP EXPERTS in a way that translates into MORE Consumers and BIGGER Profits! Be on the cutting edge in your campaigns to maximize your marketing budget for 2009 and learn how to create effective and free word of mouth campaigns.

Sounds perfect right? Well add meeting these FABULOUS WOMEN to the mix:

Barbara Jones, Holly Buchanon and Michelle Miller and my personal favorite who I can't wait to meet in person:Gabrielle Blair (aka Design Mom). Now picture that with 3 gourmet meals, slumbering in an amazing resort, and a chance to rub shoulders with women as passionate as you are, and voila! A perfect getaway. But more than that: Much inspiration and information. And from personal experience, these retreats are 450% better than just reading a blog or book. Trust me.

To view the agenda click here

To register click here

See you there!

Up-up and away!

Just when you thought I would never post new art again....We are on our way to some pretty great activity going on here. I am hoping to have a big shop update on Friday...but in the mean time...feel like making some homemade vintage-y rockets? Yes? Great! But first, you gotta join the club.

winners!

Wow! Thank you for all your WONDERFUL responses! ! So many of your suggestions I already have plans for, and many of them, I had never even thought of...so thank you!!! I am so excited to get cracking on new products and designs....I am just itching!!! Random.org selected four random winners for me.

And the 4 calendars are going to: (drumroll please)

Rebecca, Elizabeth, Sarah and Kathleen. You have all been sent emails and your calendars will be on their way next week!

Thanks again for all your wonderful support! Be watching soon for a buy 2 get one free. I can't say when...it will be a surprise, but I am giving you heads up to be on the look out:)

Happy Birthday Sarah Jane.

No, it isn't my birthday....it is Sarah Jane Studios 1 year anniversary!! WOW! I still can't believe the shop has been going for an entire year! And what an amazing journey it has been the past 365 days! I truly believe that what you feel most comfortable doing as a child, you will find yourself doing as an adult...or wish you were doing, which if that is the case listen to your inner wishes! That is what I did. If you asked me when I was 7 what I wanted to be when I grew up, it was to be an artist and a mom, and maybe even have a shop. And presto: 22 years later, that is what I am doing! No...It hasn't been easy...but it has been SO rewarding on so many levels!

So, the actual anniversary of my shop opening was on Oct. 4 (but I have been sick as well as husbandless the past several days which means ZERO mommy time) But we can't have a birthday without a celebration!!! I just feel so grateful for the past year...the friends I have met, the support you have given...it is truly overwhelming sometimes. Thank you!!

This year's present...in honor of the 12 months that have transpired...I am giving away 4 of my new calendars from my "month by month" series.! Yes, they are finally completed! I think you will just love them. These calendars are really more like a piece of art for your wall, with a few numbers that happen to be on the bottom. Just darling!

They will be in the shop by tonight for only $24. They will make the perfect gift, or mini art peice for that empty wall next to your phone or desk. Each page measures 8.5x5.5 inches and is completed with green grosgrain ribbon perfect for hanging!

But for you, my dear friends: A free gift from me!

To win a calendar, all you need to do is:

• enter a comment below with a suggestion for something you would like to see in my shop for next year
• Your name and a way to contact you (email, or blog link)
• Comments will be closed on Oct 10th at Midnight EST
• Check back on October 11th at to see the 4 lucky winners!

Thank you so much for all your support over this past year! I have loved getting to know you, and if I haven't met you yet, pop in and say hello! I am nice...I promise:) In the mean time...Happy commenting!

Handmade Christmas.

I know. It is only October. But last year I PROMISED myself (after many sleepless nights) that I would do Christmas in September. Um....September, what happened to you? You could have warned me you were going to be in an out in a flash (how rude!) October is now all I have before the made rush of activities, baking, visiting, (packing and shipping) and of course...ENJOYING THE SEASON!!

So, in my efforts to really be PREPARED for the holidays, I made myself a little ELF to remind me that October will no doubt rush as fast as September did! And, I am determined to make a HANDMADE CHRISTMAS this year. That is right. No last minute stops to Best Buy, or surfing AMAZON. We are making and giving from our hands this year (and hearts) or supporting handmade from our dearest friends. And in order to do that, I really must get started today!

This little ELF friend of mine (doesn't he have the greatest hat?) will be soon available as a set of cards to let your family and friends know that you spent time (not money) on your Christmas gifts this year! I should have these in the shop soon, but I want to get them perfectly ready just for you...I am adding in a few little extras! So, Merry Christmas...Think Handmade...Happy making!

The Art of Business.

I never intended to go a week without posting. It just happened. Thanks for checking in while I was out.

This past friday I spent the entire day with really talented, and creative people. Women entreprenuers (most who are in the 'start-up' phase) all gathered for this fabulous Start Up Princess event called TOUCHPOINT in Salt Lake City, UT. It was wonderful to be so enlightened and educated in an environment that was focused on WOMEN in business. Cause let's be honest...girls are a whole lot different than guys in this field:) I met so many great people with GREAT ideas and GREAT businesses. I met Jodi with Baby Bambu, Rebecca with Cap trappers, Chantelle with Zoom concierge services, I met the talented Ashely from Isabella's umbrella. I met Kelly who markets her husband's art just to name a few.

After this meeting, I felt motivated to discus in my blog some more of the "business" aspects of what I do...not because I have oodles of knowledge, but I find that there are so many 'unspoken' and 'behind the scenes' with how to start a business selling your craft. And from the readership I know about, I know a lot of you have ETSY shops, or want to get started with something similar.

And if I learned anything from the all day conference on Friday, it is networking and connecting is that greatest way to learn! In the beginning, when I was starting my ETSY shop, I would email people doing what I wanted to do, and what I thought was 'harmless' info that I needed, was almost like held secrets for others. I am of the philosophy that there is enough success to go around in this world. So, why not share and support each other in the mean time? I felt so supported from the other women on Friday who seem to be facing similar problems and who have similar motivations and goals.

So, I am adding a new section to my blog called "A bit of biz." And that is what they will be. Bits. Cause that is all I know right now. Just bits. But, so far they work for me, so I thought I would share:)

What a lovely afternoon for updating the shop.

They are here! Another bookplate (which I wish you could see in person...they are DARLING!) and 2 more cards for the shop: "I love my sister" and "I love my brother."

I also have both of these prints for sale together as a set like the other elephant and giraffe set. So fun! Oh...and there is more coming soon! I am signing off to get back to work! xoxo sarah jane