Stelie Designs

My church design on cake! Do you remember this post ? It's not the best picture but when 12 kids keep asking for cake, it had to be quick. It was delicious too....mmmm...I must say the bakery at Target is a good place for yummy and reasonable priced cakes.

A couple placecards I completed recently. Both equally beautiful yet so different, and perfect for each couples event.

Yes, it's true, I turned 36 today. What? 36?!? How can that be? To me age is just a number, I don't feel 36. I do feel that I am very lucky to be celebrating another birthday, another birthday with my family, another birthday with my kids and another birthday with my husband. Sometimes when it's just the kids and I out and about during the weekday, I think people must assume I'm the nanny because I am WAY to young to have kids! Then I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and it's back to reality! [kids & i on 9/24 heading to class] I will admit that I prefer even years. No matter what, I am one lucky lady... just don't call me ma'am!

It's official, my 28% off sale has begun! GO SHOP BUY & I'll refund the 28% (shipping not included) thru paypal or send me a note [etsy convo or steliedesigns@yahoo.com ] and I'll set up a reserved listing for you.

Sunday, September 28 from 12:01am - 11:59pm CST, I will be running a promotion*. Take 28% off your entire purchase for the whole day in my shop ! Great way to stock up on calendars or Essential Card Kits to save for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, daycare providers, the list is endlist. Also check your calendars for upcoming birthday's, anniversary's and buy your cards early at the lowest price ever. Now please go spread the word.......... *{Why 28% on the 28th? It's my birthday!}

I must say, I LOVE when clients return for more, one because I enjoy working with them and two because I know that they were happy with their experience and product. I just sent off these wedding programs for a sweet couple getting married next week in Chicagoland, I designed their wedding invites earlier this year. These are a double sided single card to match their Sydney Wedding invites in burgandy and brown. I have a few more brides returning for additional projects coming up next week too. A giant thank you to all my clients, whether it's your first time or hundredth time working with me! I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.

The great thing about blogs is we get a glimpse into other peoples lives. [The bad thing is I can spend hours reading so many] I've enjoy sharing my work and family but have yet to share how I spend a typical day, until now. Go check out my 'A Day in the Life' here .

Finally, in it's entirety!!! [wall calendar] [desk calendar] Do you recognize cards or invitations you've seen before in most of the months. I think September is my favorite month, I love the colors and my abstract falling leaves and I love September in general too. I'd love to hear what you think of the calendar and/or which month is your favorite? For sale soon.

A while back I asked, desk or wall calendars? A big thank you to those who commented and it seemed the comments were do both! So I did both, which took me a bit longer. Ta Dah!!!! Here they are... Now that you've got a little taste of my 2009 wall calendar, check back for a future post to see each month in it's entirety! They will be coming to my shop soon. +++Plus don't miss out, a promotion will be happening September 28.++

If you're a blogger, have read the NY Times, have seen the Today show, or people magazine then you probably know about Stephanie & Christian Nielson's situation. Stephanie's take on life, marriage, and family is inspiring. Her accident is tragic. Thankfully they are still alive and their four children are being well cared for by their large family, but it's a long and expensive road to recovery. A fellow EtsyGreetings team member is auctioning a party package for this great cause, please go here for details and to enter. Also, if you haven't checked out the link on the right {c me read c jane} please do. It's about their recovery and the families current journey.

Amazing what can happen in 6 hours without kids. Catch up on emails, take product shots, touch up photos, make client revisions, create new leaf and tree designs, print client project, create 4 new wedding invitations and create entire package for one of them, catch up on my blog reads, package orders, clean up computer files, back up files, take more product shots, touch up more photos, read emails, etc. Ahhh...a sigh of relief that I am slowly catching up because my little ones have decided they don't need a nap everyday much to their mommy's dismay.

Introducing the Willow2 Wedding Invitation set!

My philosophy is to give my clients options. They may have one idea in their mind, but I show alternatives to ensure they get their perfect invitation. My most recent wedding invitation design is for a Mexico extravagaanza! Here is one of the options that didn't make the final cut. [You'll see the real one soon] The palm tree was a super quick digital drawing. I love how whymsical it turned out, so much so that it made it into my 2009 calendar. Can you guess what month it resides?

Turns out I'm not the only creative wizard in this family.....my dear husband built a playhouse out of cardboard, complete with a roof, door and window. As you can see, it didn't take long for the kids to move their toys in, cover the window with a blanket to make it dark, turn on the camping latern and play. [Thankfully this beauty is in the basement!]

[Sydney2 Save the Date] [Sydney2 Wedding Invitation] [matching program, table card, & place card} The Sydney2 wedding in it's entirety. One of my goals for this fall is to start listing entire wedding package pieces in my etsy shop .

Stelie Designs 2008 Holiday card party open house! Saturday, October 11 Minneapolis, MN refreshments, door prizes, holiday card packs, every day cards, 2009 calendars, special deals, custom photo holiday card sign up and lots of new items If you are interested in attending and want to receive further details, send your mailing address to steliedesigns@yahoo.com [Stelie Designs does not give away your information to anyone]

I have sketches of many new designs, I like to brainstorm on not just what looks good but also what comes to mind when thinking of weddings and marriage. To me marriage is the joining of two people who love each other and want to share/build their lives together and the wedding is the celebration of this new journey. What better way to represent love than a heart? Or how better to sum it up...."we met, we dated, we fell in love!" Once I created the above heart for my calendar [ooohhh now you know an element of the secret calendar] I fell in love with how it looked. The heart is patterned not a solid color. What do you think of Lucy's debut?

i printed my first 2009 calendar and am super psyched how it turned out....will take pics and post them in the future...i hope you love it as much as i do...

I can't believe today my sweet babes are officially 3.5 years old today. Where did the time go? [pics of A&P from their first half birthday] [ pics of them now at UnderWater Adventure] It's amazing how much they have changed! While I loved when they were babies, I am loving this stage too (minus the whining.) The stories they tell, the smiles they bring to everyone, their laughter, their silliness, their helpfullness, their independence, the songs they make up, how quickly they pick up things (good & bad), and especially how loving and caring they are. My babes are the sweetest little people and I love spending time with them. I'm so honored and priviledged to be their mom and to be home with them full time these past 15 months. My true pride & joy and the sweetest miracles I've ever received. Happy half birthday to Paxton! Happy half birthday to Avery! ps. Happy 2nd Birthday to sweet Boo, aka. Meg! pps. Happy 7th Birthday to Joe! {the one good thing ...

I do ship internationally! I've been asked that quite a bit lately and yes, it would be my pleasure. Please convo me or email steliedesign@yahoo.com for specific shipping quotes for cards, invitations, wedding packages. I look forward to doing business with you.

so don't tell dave...I sound like a broken record but I just love how one design translates many different ways.

A little something fun I'm working on for a super duper incredible couple. You'll have to keep checking back for the real deal.

A cooler air has arrived here and I LOVE it! But first I must say goodbye to another fabulous summer. A summer full of fun, friends, family, sand, water, waverunners, fishing, swimming, playing, sunning, memories, and loving every moment I got to spend with my kids. Here's a last hurrah to the summer of 2008. We went to a free waterpark in a neighboring suburb for the first time the end of August. We met my friend, Michelle, her 2 kids and her 4 daycare kids. P & A were a bit apprehensive, for the first 10 minutes they wouldn't leave my side. Then lots of fun began, with the water part, then the big playground, the picnic, and more water time. Why hadn't I been taking them there sooner???? There's always next year... Welcome Fall...I've been waiting for you to arrive. Fall is my favorite season, long sleeves or jackets are my kind of weather. I am looking forward to a wonderful season with lots of changes to come, and not just leaves and my age either...

I've listed a few new cards and personalized stationery these last couple days and will be adding more in the coming weeks. My Labor Day weekend was spent laboring, along with lots of fun and relaxation. I created about 200 greeting cards that weekend with the great help of my wonderful mom and aunt. I took over my parents dining room table and created at night, during naps, and whenever I felt inspired. It's amazing how much can be accomplished with help and when someone else is entertaining the kids. I can't believe how much we got done, I have lots more to do because I'm gearing up for an early October card party or more. Feel free to check them out here.

What do you get when two 3 year olds have full use of mommy's camera? Some very creative shots around our home!

This Sydney Save the Date postcard is created with slight textured recycled cardstock with shades of yellow tree branches and navy blue and emerald green text. This delightful postcard will be turning up in the bride and groom's guests mailboxes soon. I'd be excited to receive this, wouldn't you?