Monday, November 29, 2010

Excitement in the air!

Well it's November 29th and what a busy month! We had our second highest grossing month this year which is great. December orders are already coming in and hopefully 2010 will go down as the year of the rebound! November brought some excitement for Stacie Dale Designs. We were asked by designer, Sherri Blum http://www.sherriblumdesigns.com , to create a special keepsake chest and book caddy for a very special celebrity client. I can't reveal who it is yet, but all will be revealed this February! Also, I have been approached about licensing my artwork for canvasses. This would be a whole new venture for me and fullfill a desire I have had to do canvass artwork without having to hand paint every single piece. I don't know any of the details yet, but I hope to soon and will share my journey through the world of licensing!
I am so excited for Christmas this year...more so than usual and I'm not sure why, but I feel as though 2011 will bring new adventures for me and for Stacie Dale Designs. I adore my customers and am so thankful to have the opportunity to get to know so many of them. I hope to continue to be inspired and bring them new products and designs. Let's all put this roller coaster ride of a recession to bed and start fresh this coming year!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Ready for the holidays!

It's November 1st and boy do I feel like the worst blogger ever. It's been months! On a happy note, it's been months because I've been busy. Although I still see signs of a dragging economy, I see some bright lights too. Many of the websites (mostly mom-owned) that started on a similar journey a few years ago have fallen by the wayside. Those that structured their businesses on unique ideas and didn't copycat others, seem to have stayed in the game. Many of us in the baby gift and decor business have found ways to streamline and have gotten alot more savvy with how we present our business. Websites have had makeovers, retailers have learned that less is more, and we've all weathered the storm together.
I'm happy to have had a little bit of time to create some new keepsake boxes but still have several more to get done. I will also be adding some new products this year: a book caddy which I really like and a whole new assortment of more expensive furniture - YES! I said more expensive. Why? Why would I add more expensive products in a down economy? Well, I've been itching to do some one-of-a-kind pieces that encompass alot more artwork, therefore, they will be at a higher price point. These new pieces will be under "The Monarch Collection" and should start showing up in early 2011. It will give me a chance to work on pieces that bring me joy and encourage my creativity, rather than focusing on pieces I can crank out for mass retail. I don't mind one bit doing the latter, but as an artist, I sometimes need to do something different.
I feel ready to take on the holidays this year and am so thankful for the wonderful customers I have and the select retailers who are also wonderful to work with. I hope everyone has a profitable holiday season but more importantly, a joyous one where we can all give thanks for being able to keep going. Happy holidays!