I should have placed the order for my own wedding invitations [not pictured here, but yes from Etsy] today, but it was so nice outside and the day just ran away from me.  Maybe I’ll get around to it tonight – I really need to send them out.  The clock is ticking!!  Before we selected our invites, I perused hundreds of selections on Etsy and decided to share some of my favorites.

TOP ROW [from R to L]:

Beautiful letterpress “Bloom” invite from Pistachio Press

Unique fabric [yes, FABRIC] invite by Artful Beginnings

Very playful “Cirque de l’amour” invite by Orchard and Brown

A touch of modern in the invites from Stelie Designs

MIDDLE ROW:

Such a cheerful invite titled “Mexico City” from Earmark

An intimate Script invite by The R Studio

Rock and roll with this mock music poster invite from Raspberry Creations

BOTTOM:

An “Art Deco” booklet invite from Ruff House Art

Bright & cheerful carnival stripes invite by Paper + Pinafore

Gorgeous vintage look letterpress invite from Golden Rectangle Press

The product list includes gift cards, badges [buttons], magnets, colorful plushies, hair bobbles, and baby bibs – all hand crafted and some are even customizable!  HMC Designs started in 2005 and quickly grew from selling at local market stands to a booming retail and online business.  With the recent birth of her daughter, I just had to find out how Heidi finds the time to do it all [because there are days I can hardly find the time to shower!].  I also wanted to know more about her business and motivation …. here’s the Q & A:

How do you balance being a new mom and running your business?

“I try to find a good balance between looking after my daughter, my home and finally my business! I do a lot of my design work when she is napping during the day and after she has gone to bed at night.  I am very lucky to have a wonderful partner and a close knit family who are always available any time I need help or someone to baby sit  for a few hours when I need to fill an order or spend time at a market.
I think the key to running my business successfully is making sure that I am really organized and set achievable goals. This means lots of  “To Do” lists!  There’s nothing better than ticking the “Done” box after you have successfully completed something.”

What is your best selling item?

“My best selling item would have to be my Wedding and Graduation cards.  

I have found that people really love the option to customize the faces so they look like the recipient. This feature makes the card that little bit more special when compared to the generic wedding card you may find in your local store.”

Where do you get the inspiration for all of the cute little characters?

“Currently, I am finding a lot of inspiration in children’s picture books, but I have always been fascinated with imagery from Japanese Pop culture.  As a child I practised my drawing by copying Sanrio characters and cute illustrations found in Japanese magazines.  From here I became interested in Anime and Pop Art in general.  For a few years now I have been collecting lots of colourful and interesting images, figurines and treasures.  All of these provide me with endless amounts of inspiration to continue designing and creating.”

Any plans to bring the products to US stores?

“Up until quite recently I have only been selling my products online and at local art markets.  I have just started approaching stores here and so far I have been getting a really positive response.  So once I have tackled the Australian market I hope to venture overseas to the US.  Having said that, if any overseas wholesaling opportunities pop up in the meantime I will definitely consider them.”

What makes you laugh?

“I love this super cute comic strip called “Patchesâ” -  It never fails to make me laugh.”

What is your favorite home decor item?

“My partner and I purchased some amazing outdoor “Roca” chairs from a fellow stallholder [Carey Potter] at an Artists’ Market here in Melbourne.  They have a really grungy, weathered feel – they don’t look it, but they are really comfortable!
When I have a spare moment, I love to sit out in my backyard on my Roca and relax.”

[Heidi, I just might have to come to Melbourne to get one of these chairs!  I LOVE THEM!!]

Have you been selling the baby bibs [they are adorable!] for awhile or was this something that came about when you found out you were going to be a mom?

“I started making the baby bibs after my daughter was born. I had a lot of trouble finding good quality cotton bibs that not only did its job but also looked good too.  I gave a few as gifts to friends who had recently had babies and after receiving a lot of positive feedback from them and after my own extensive testing with my own baby, I decided that they would definitely become part of my product range.”

Thank you, Heidi!!!  Can’t wait to see your stuff in the shops, but for now I am content with buying from your Etsy store!

Check out this tutorial on making your own bows from magazine pages from Talk Crafty To Me [they also have tons of fun holidays crafts!].  I think they look even prettier than store bought bows and the customization possibilities are endless!  I am going to be making some of my own bow creations this week and will definitely share the results with you.  How about you?  Will you be making your own bows?  What are you using to make them and CAN I SEE THEM??

I am really digging [no pun intended] all the plantable cards and gift tags hitting the marketplace.  Grace Graphics in Eastern Oklahoma turns out these plantable creations using recycled fibers and soy & vegetable based inks.  She has quite a selection of Christmas and Hanukka cards available and I just love the “Seeds n’ Greetings” phrase printed on the gift tags!  1 dozen gift tags for $11.50 and cards are $3.75 each.

I came across a lovely little blog today called ormolu, belonging to Kaitlin Sheaffer who is a mom who loves paper, handmade, and interior design.  She has an Etsy shop filled with all sorts of wonderful things like these A is for Angel Alphabet Gift Tags – 26 for $8.00 …. and these Love Song Paper Chains [that I completely ADORE], which would make an excellent garland [there are also some Christmas themed chains available] – approx. 1 yard for $4.50.

As I perused through the holiday cards on Etsy, I smiled and maybe even chuckled a little when I saw this letterpress print by Paper Elixer.  I laaaave it!  $4.00.

Be sure to check out all of the great holiday deals at Earth Lover!

As you may have noticed, Furious Shirley has a different look – part of many new features I am adding to the blog.  So, “please bear with me” this week while I finish tweaking the new design.  Soon I will be introducing my guest bloggers, some giveaways and discounts as well as launching a Gift Gallery in time for the holiday season!  Now, back to lovable snuggable teddy bears!

This adorable teddy bear from Aurora is hypoallergenic and made from sustainable materials – the outer covering is soy based and the inside is stuffed with kapoc filling.  With stuffed animals like these on the market, is there any other choice?  Oh, and did I mention that it comes with a super affordable price tag?  $10.50 at Rush Creek Merchants.

Another great option is this organic dye-free “Fair Bear”, made with 100% organic cotton by fair trade workers in Peru.  There are even cute organic outfits you can dress him [or your little one] in!  Available at Fair Indigo for $36.00.  Be sure to visit Fair Indigo’s FAQ’s for more information about their role in bringing you fair trade goods!

Your love for teddy doesn’t have to be limited to stuffed animals.  Check out this super cool “I’m All Ears” teddy ring by The Golden Plague.  Inspired by the artists drawings, this ring was hand sculpted on wax, cast into sterling silver and layered with Japanese lacquer.  $104.00

Printed on 100% recycled card stock, these cute cards from HMC Designs in Melbourne are also carbon neutral, acid, and chlorine free.  They also have some darling magnets and baby bibs worth checking out.  The card comes with a little bear pin and can be purchased for $4.50 at their Etsy store.

For some more great eco-friendly and fair trade options, click the link below!