tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60803250033653656242024-02-08T11:24:50.015-08:00Stacie Dale Designs Inc.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-29975298744922066522012-06-12T06:31:00.001-07:002012-06-12T06:31:22.102-07:00I Heart EtsyI've recently been spending more time and energy on my etsy store, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciedale">http://www.etsy.com/shop/staciedale</a> . I've been offering some of the keepsake chests at reduced prices and adding some new designs that aren't on my website <a href="http://www.staciedaledesigns.com/">http://www.staciedaledesigns.com</a> . One of the new discoveries on etsy that I have found is <a href="http://www.etsykids.com/">http://www.etsykids.com</a> . It's a group of like minded artists who create items specifically for children. Its a great way to network with others in our cottage industry and it's a great central place for shoppers looking for unique handmade items for children. Come see what it's all about!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-32722147221859829212011-12-06T16:43:00.001-08:002011-12-06T16:43:26.030-08:00Photo Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0EatnLJq1bNHSg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0EatnLJq1bNJ/0EatnLJq1bNJc0/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1323218591000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Wreath Monogram Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Personalize your <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas card</a> at Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-26336544330105580902011-01-30T17:10:00.000-08:002011-01-30T17:41:18.612-08:00Doing What Customers WantIt is January 30th 2011 and I have no orders in the hopper! This is the first day that I haven't painted something since September of 2010. My hand needs a rest! I did however, have to do a sketch for a potential customer today so I did do a little work. I am hoping that this week will allow me to get new designs painted and get the new products rolling. I have so much stored in my brain right now, I think I could paint for a week straight just to get it out.<br />February is usually a slower month for me and I am happy about it. It gives me time to re-energize and do some creative work. <br />This past month has been interesting with lots of drama. Several other artistis I know in the children's art industry have taken to calling each other on the carpet about copying designs. I've seen people worry themselves over being sued or copied and heated words exchanged over blogs. I recently saw the remake of True Grit (Fabulous flick BTW) and these exchanges could rival the banter of the gritty cowboys in this movie! So here's my thoughts on copying. Unless you're a Van Gogh, Monet, or Michaelangelo you probably should just keep forging ahead and take it as a compliment that so many see you as "a leader" in your industry. In the children's art market, no one has been copied or "interpreted" more than Beatrix Potter. Heck, there are several furniture companies blatantly using the artwork without licensing it and calling it something else (like ---------Forest). Mostly I think companies (including my own) reinterpret designs because that's what the customer asks for. It isn't meant to intentionally give the old "screw you" to the artist. It isn't even about making money. It's about trying to do what the customer asks for or what you think they want to see from you. Now, do I think it's right to blatantly take a design from an artist and sell it as your own? No. Do I think it's Ok to do your own version of another artist's design? Sometimes. Why sometimes? Because in the big picture, we're just making disposable art. Most of it will end up thrown away one day. It's not as if someone is going to keep a wall hanging that says "Bella" on it forever, or hang it in a museum. The work we do is temporary. It will only be hung on a wall in a child's room for 10 years or so and then replaced with a gaudy poster of the latest teen idol. None of us are going to get rich doing children's wall art. That's a fact. There's too many "interpreters" out there and it's a fad that will pass when the times change. I think it's best to not take what we do so seriously and not play the blame game of what came first, the princess or the princess crown? This too shall pass. Not to mention, negativity is a curse on an artist's creativity.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-53105489182344526312010-11-29T17:17:00.000-08:002010-11-29T17:27:46.577-08:00Excitement 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 <a href="http://www.sherriblumdesigns.com/">http://www.sherriblumdesigns.com</a> , 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!<br />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!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-78738628118709628462010-11-01T14:26:00.000-07:002010-11-01T14:39:19.063-07:00Ready 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.<br /> 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.<br /> 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!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-16005150468750100712010-04-10T16:25:00.000-07:002010-04-10T16:43:06.175-07:00Too busy to blogWell, it's April 10th 2010 and I'm finally getting a few minutes to write something. These past few months have just been extremely busy. I have to say that I am completely surprised with how much business I have had ( especially these past 2 months) in a down economy. Perhaps things are starting to turn around? Let's hope so! <br />As many of you know, I scaled back my wholesale business to just a handful of accounts that are profitable and steady for me. Since I am essentially a one-woman show, it's difficult to manage a wholesale business with a direct retail business going on too. Somehow, some way, I have managed to keep my sanity. <br />Over the past few months I have also been doing some research on similar businesses to mine. I've found alot of stay-at-home Moms are starting their own businesses which I think is great. However, I don't want to give anyone the false sense that being a work-at-home Mom is easy. Other SAHMs expect you to still be able to do social events and charity work in the middle of the day ( not to mention elderly family members who think you have free time to chat on the phone). Your business is always being interrupted by your stay-at-home status. Whether it's the loads of laundry you try and squeeze in between spurts of work or the cookies you bake for "just an hour" that turn in to 2, you can never do just work. There have been occasional days where I am uninterrupted but I think I can count those on one hand. Working from home is not easy but it does give you the freedom to accept some of those interruptions. I thought it would allow me to spend more time with my children but that isn't really the case. Although I am here when they go to and come home from school, I usually spend and hour helping w/homework and then make dinner and then go right back to my office to paint....although I get "interrupted" many times which is OK with me. My kids are the most important people in my life and are the whole reason I keep working. In just 8 short years, my son will be off to college at a price tag of $200,000! The following year will be my daughter's turn. So I'll take being overburdened with work and all of the interruptions that come with it with a smaile on my face knowing that it's all worth it in the end.<br />As for the rest of April; well, I have a ton of orders to paint and I really want to get several new designs painted before the end of this month and add them to my website. I also want to do a few new Zazzle designs that I have rolling around in my head but somehow, I have a feeling it won't all get done before May1st. Keeping my fingers crossed...actually my fingers holding a paint brush until next time...staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-76978605002972571232009-08-27T16:43:00.000-07:002009-08-27T16:50:33.592-07:00I Love ZazzleWell it's been a long while since my last entry. I've decided to stay committed to the keepsake chests & boxes for 2 more years while I get some other things under way. I had a great time teaching this Summer at The Phoenix Village Art Center <a href="http://www.phoenixvillageartcenter.org/">http://www.phoenixvillageartcenter.org</a> and will be teaching some after school classes this Fall. I must be crazy taking on teaching during the holiday season....it's always crazy so this year will just be more so.<br />The most exciting thing I have been working on lately is designing products on Zazzle <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/STACIEDALEDESIGNS">http://www.zazzle.com/STACIEDALEDESIGNS</a> . I love how easy it is to design something and put it up for sale in just minutes...it's genius. I'm awaiting delivery of my first product from Zazzle to see if it looks as good in person as it does on the computer screen...fingers crossed! There will be a link to zazzle from my website shortly and I will be emailing all of my customers to introduce them to this new line of clothing and gifts, What fun! Until next time...keep up the creativity!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-35107721945287241342009-06-29T14:01:00.000-07:002009-06-29T14:13:50.681-07:00Time for a ChangeWell, I've been painting boxes now for almost 12 years. I'm tired. I feel a little like Forrest Gump after he ran across the country and back. I wonder what has me so distracted lately? Is it that I don't enjoy the wholesale end of the business? Is it that I'm just tired of painting what other people want? I just don't know.<br /> Lately I find myself wanting to work more on my organic clothing line and I am also going back to school at age 39 to get my certificate in Arts Administration. I just all of a sudden feel like I've done all I can do with the keepsake boxes. I could keep painting them for another 20 years but I'm just not sure I want to. It's been difficult to find new sources of inspiration and usually when that happens, I just need to do something else for awhile. I'd like to have some more "a-ha!" moments in my life and try something new before I hit the big 4-0. I'm leaning toward doing away with wholesale and going back to just direct retailing on my website. Life was much simpler then and I had time to work on a bigger variety of things. Don't worry, I wouldn't get rid of the retailers I have. Just no new ones. I have alot of thinking to do this Summer and hopefully by September, I'll be able to sort it all out.<br /> Change is scary but standing still is boring.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-12333449169334968602009-06-07T09:34:00.000-07:002009-06-07T09:41:57.519-07:00Once In Awhile....Ok. Once in awhile you come across something so darn cute that you just have to tell everyone you know about it. Today I was at the Media Art & Craft Show in Media, PA and I found the most adorable girl's clothing. <a href="http://www.betterwithabow.com/">http://www.betterwithabow.com</a> . I know what you're thinking...."I've seen a million stay-at-home-moms add bows & ruffles to clothing and think they're clothing designers." Ah-ha! That's where this is different. Better With A Bow has a truly keen eye for what colors and fabrics go togetehr and her styles are inventive. More importantly, they are well-made! I should know as someone who has a B.S. in Fashion Design what it takes to make a well-made garment. These are well made and just the most adorable styling. I purchased a hand crocheted tank sweater for my daughter and I wish it came in my size! Better With A Bow's fabric choices are unique and not your run-of-the-mill local fabric store stuff. If you're looking for a truly special dress or outfit for your daughter, check out <a href="http://www.betterwithabow.com/">http://www.betterwithabow.com</a> . You won't be disappointed. I can't wait to order something else!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-50869226704874732682009-04-01T08:55:00.000-07:002009-04-01T09:05:59.537-07:00Full of IdeasWell I'm happy spring is here but I sure would like the wamer weather to come along with. Every Spring I get rejuvenated and a flood of new ideas come popping in to my head. It's great to have those creative juices flowing but difficult to reign the ones in that will be profitable. Many times I have ideas that are great for someone else. For example, I have alot of new ideas for the American Revolution Center <a href="http://www.americanrevolutioncenter.org/">http://www.americanrevolutioncenter.org</a> that is being built here in Lower Providence Township, PA. Lucky for them, I wrote them all down and will present them to their new president! LOL<br /><br />I've also got alot of new ideas for Stacie Dale Designs Inc. I'm working on some hand painted dresses and even considerng a new spin on an exisiting product. I also found a company I thought was really neat! <a href="http://www.classiccottage.net/">http://www.classiccottage.net</a> is a maufacturer of bed crowns. I just love these. You've probably seen them over the beds of royalty and in places like the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg, VA but now you can have one of your own! They're just pretty.<br /><br />Well, I've got lots of time to tinker around with my new ideas. Sales for March were great but April tends to be a calmer month for me so I'm looking forward to spending time with just me and my paints. Until next time...staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-14310634273745254962009-01-19T10:30:00.000-08:002009-01-19T10:47:11.912-08:00Fresh New Faces...lots of changes.So far 2009 has brought many changes to the baby/child product industry. We've seen wonderful companies like Posh Tots ( who was purchased just over a year ago by etoys) file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. We've seen how the CPSIA law is affecting many small businesses and putting some in financial distress to pay for lead and pthalate testing. It's been a tough start but there are some bright spots!<br />There's an adorable website , <a href="http://www.happychickadee.com/">http://www.happychickadee.com</a> , that sells a very select assortment of baby and toddler clothing and gifts. They are selling alot of their old inventory at 65% off in order to clear out merchandise that hasn't had to be tested before the CPSIA law goes into effect on 2/10/09 so hurry on over and get the cutest baby gift or a great deal on some beautiful boutique clothing for your little one.<br />Another change that's coming. For those who are thinking about giving Arbonne products ( <a href="http://www.arbonne.com/">http://www.arbonne.com</a> ) a try, do it before Feb. 1, 2009. There are changes to the structuring where those who become consultants ( and you don't even have to sell the products!) currently receive a 35% discount on all products. In Feb., it changes to 20%. Those who already have the 35% discount will always get to keep it so if you haven't tried this phenomenal line of skin care and cosmetics, now is the time to do it! If you order online, tell them Kelly Mosteller is your consultant ID# 16690023. Her phone#215-646-4676. I'm not a fan of the home party biz but Arbonne products do what they say and I'm a tough sell. Love them!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-67233149800464191772009-01-03T13:42:00.000-08:002009-01-03T13:52:45.452-08:00New Year, New QuestionsWell, it's January 3rd and I've been reading alot about the new CPSIA law that was enacted with the intention of preventing lead and other harmful substances from reaching the mouths of kids and babies. While this sounds like a great idea, the law is about to put alot of small businesses in a very unfair and tough position. Every product that is intended for use by a child under 12 years old, must be tested by a Consumer Product Safety Commission accredidated lab for potentially harmful substances or pieces beginning February 1, 2009. This includes children's clothing, furniture. toys and baby products. While I think it's a great idea to test products for harmful substances, there's no way that a children's clothing company can possibly have their garments tested at a price tag of $500 each! Lead can't even tranfer from fabric on to the skin. Has anyone died from lead in fabric? I'm still waiting for an answer from the CPSC about whether or not I am even included in this as my products are meant for parents to use but potentially can be given to their children anytime before age 12 to handle. For many small toy companies, even those who make 100% natural wood toys!, this may be too much of a cost to incur to make staying in business worthwhile. Let me know your toughts on this. Is the law too far overreaching or is it fine to force businesses who can't afford the testing OOB?staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-12937399512745476092008-11-16T15:35:00.000-08:002008-11-16T15:41:49.642-08:00It's the Most Wonderful Time of The YearYes, it's cold season. I am starting to get a cold. It happens every year around Thanksgiving. I get stressed out over holiday orders and then I don't sleep at night and then I get sick. I should know better by now.<br /><br />On a happier note, I'm looking forward to a product review in HybridMoms Magazine this December. Also, I will be featured as the "Swanky Mom of the Week" on <a href="http://www.swankymoms.com/">http://www.swankymoms.com</a> . It's one of my favorite sites to visit to see what other moms like me are cooking up.<br /><br />We continue to donate 10% of our proceeds to Philabundance in hopes of helping to feed the hungry this season. Visit their website at <a href="http://www.philabundance.org/">http://www.philabundance.org</a> . It's a wonderful organization doing really good work on a minimal amount of money.<br /><br />It's only 6:40 PM but I think I'm done for the day. Nighty-night.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-91449560344423654212008-11-09T13:50:00.000-08:002008-11-09T13:55:49.073-08:00We all need some humorOk, one of our newest retailers, <a href="http://www.buzzworthygifts.com/">http://www.buzzworthygifts.com/</a> has one of the funniest products I've seen in awhile for new moms. It's a book called Porn for New Moms....yes you read it right Porn for New Moms. It's photos of hot men doing things like changing a diaper or getting up in the middle of the night for a feeding. All things new moms would LOVE their husbands to do. I'm ordering a copy for my sister-in-law's baby shower. It's too, too funny and we can all use a good laugh.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-5161628389983015502008-11-02T05:40:00.001-08:002008-11-02T05:54:35.084-08:00Time of ChangeWell, it's November already. A time of year that begins a faster pace for those of us in the retail industry. Although our economy is suffering, there's always a desire to get a special gift for someone. November is also my son's birthday month so I've been searching as well for that perfect gift for a 9 year old. Somehow I think it will have something to do with Pokemon.<br /><br />It is also just 2 days from the presidential election. Although my husband and I are on opposite sides, we can both agree that a change will be good for the country. These next few years will be tough ones and I don't expect any miracles to happen, but I hope that we all become kinder to one another and help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Everyone has something they can give to others in need. Whether it's time, food, clothing, shelter or just being a friend to someone; we all have gifts to share with the world.<br /><br />My favorite charity is Philabundance. They provide food pantries across Eastern PA with much needed food for those who can not afford groceries. For some, this is the only option available for food. This year, food donations are critically low and they are in need of donations and money. You can visit their website at <a href="http://www.philabundance.org/">http://www.philabundance.org</a> to make a donation or learn how to hold a food drive.<br /><br />With the holidays approaching, let's all agree on one thing; do something kind for someone less fortunate. It's a gift that can really make a change in someone's life.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-40739805384888664402008-10-21T16:58:00.000-07:002008-10-21T17:08:30.944-07:00They're Here!Today we launched our 2 new products, the keepsake box and the photo frame at <a href="http://www.staciedaledesigns.com/">www.staciedaledesigns.com</a> . I've been wanting to offer a smaller version of our popular keepsake chests for quite some time and have finally found a way to get it done! I hope you all enjoy the new boxes and frames and as always, if you have an idea of a custom design you would like, just let me know and I'll do my best to accomodate. I want to thank Pam Long at Long Consulting for all of her wonderful advice and hard work on my website. You can find her at <a href="http://www.longcsi.com/">http://www.longcsi.com</a> .<br />Also today, I received a copy of HybridMom magazine with our business listed among many other wonderful mom-owned businesses. It's always great to be a part of a larger community of people with similar goals. Visit <a href="http://www.hybridmom.com/">www.hybridmom.com</a> to see what they're all about!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-73238990940854873402008-10-19T16:05:00.000-07:002008-10-19T16:33:33.739-07:00CopycatsWell today I think I've seen someone I used to know hit a new low. From time to time I like to browse competitor websites just to see what else is out in the market in comparison to what I'm doing. Today, I saw a company introduce a new product that is an exact copy of another well-known product in the baby market. Now, I don't know for certain that the other company isn't OK with this, but I'd find it highly unusual. I won't name names but let's just say this person has been accused of this before so why go down that road again?<br /><br />Maybe I'm making too much of it? I know there are other artists out there doing keepsake boxes like me, but I hope mine are unique enough to stand on their own. I have even once had the misfortune of unknowingly painting a wall hanging for a customer (back in the day when I owned my own little store) that was similar to one out in the market and I got called on it and rightfully so. But to knowingly copy another company's product and market it as your own seems ruthless. But perhaps that is their mantra. All I can say is,what goes around, comes around.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-5545368417449674112008-10-09T16:22:00.000-07:002008-10-09T16:37:45.343-07:00Steady As She Goes!Well this has certainly been one heck of a rollercoaster ride on the stock market this week. I just received my statement for my kids college education funds and my IRA and let me tell ya, I'm back where I was three years ago. Feels like I just can't ever catch a break but hopefully in the long run ....the very long run., all will work out.<br />October has been a little slow to start but things are starting to pick up. It's been sort of nice to have a few days to sketch some new ideas and think about things before jumping back in to work. There's lots going on politically as well which has been captivating my attention for what feels like forever. I'm a die-hard Democrat married to a die-hard Republican so you can imagine the "spirited conversations" in my household. The economy has been a big topic of discussion obviously, but I'm taking a tip from my Republican husband to keep calm about our investments and go slow and steady before acting on any "Sell, Sell, Sell!" impulses I may have. I'm trying to think long-term for my money and for my company but it is difficult with so much uncertainty. I know the slow-down can't last forever, but like this election cycle...it sure feels like forever. Wishing everyone the best in these tumultuous times.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-89531618199485577972008-10-03T11:33:00.000-07:002008-10-03T11:44:24.540-07:00Things Are BrewingWell, it is now October 3rd and I am going tomorrow to my dear friend, Linda McManus,, <a href="http://www.lindamcmanusimages.com/">http://www.lindamcmanusimages.com</a> , to have my new line of keepsake boxes photographed. I'm excited to be able to offer a less expensive alternative to the keepsake chests and also offer some hand painted photo frames which make fabulous holiday gifts!<br /><br />After all of the tough financial times Americans are feeling, I hope that my less expensive alternatives are something customers will enjoy. I had a nice conversation yesterday with Jamie of Jamie's Painting & Design, <a href="http://www.jamiespnd.com/">http://www.jamiespnd.com</a> about the tough financial situation right now and I hope that in November we all make an informed vote to help turn this country around. Jamie has a background in animation and her painted tiles are a wonderful personalized holiday gift as well. She's also got alot of great advice for entrepreneurs on her blog so take a minute and read what she has to say.<br /><br />I'll be emailing all of my previous customers and retailers to introduce you to the new product line so look for an email from me soon!staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-37851892721695456672008-09-07T06:03:00.000-07:002008-09-07T06:36:03.817-07:00How It All Got Started<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Many of my customers and friends ask me how I started Stacie Dale Designs Inc. so I thought I would give everyone a summary of how it all came to be. In 1992 ( wow, that long ago!) I graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia with a degree in fashion design. I went to work right away as an assistant designer for Alfred Angelo/Christian Dior bridals. I had always wanted to do childrenswear and so I left and started working at Flapdoodles, then SO Fun Inc. and then I started my own line of children's clothing called Seasons In The Sun. What a disaster that turned out to be but I learned so much about running a business that I would never ever want to give up that experience.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I married my husband, Doug in 1995 and went back to work at the only job I could find at the time making prison apparel and hospital gowns ( yes, I said prison apparel)...it was a low point in my career. Finally a job opened up at The Eagle's Eye where I went to work as a technical designer and I loved the people I worked with....but wasn't all that passionate about the job. While there, my friend Judy had a baby and I needed a gift for her. We didn't have much money back then so I got an unpainted toy chest and painted a Beatrix Potter design on it to match her nursery. After the baby shower, I started getting calls from people who had seen it or seen photos I had of the chest, and they wanted one too. I started selling smaller pieces of hand painted furniture to a kids store in Bryn Mawr, PA and also started painting murals in homes all while still working at the Eagle's Eye.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">In 1998 I became preganant but sadly, had a miscarriage 5 months in to the pregnancy and decided not to return to work full-time. It was a time for taking a deep breath and making alot of tough decisions about what I wanted to do. A month later, Doug and I purchased our home and I continued to work a very part-time schedule at Eagle's Eye. A few months later, I became preganant again and in November of 1999 my son, Pierce was born. At my baby shower, a friend of mine gave me a cardboard keepsake box that had 2 tin containers for his first tooth and lock of hair. Ah-ha! It immediately gave me the idea to do hand-painted keepsake chests. This idea rolled around in my head until 2002. I was busy having my daughter, Katie, and raising 2 little children, going to pre-school and all that fun stuff new Moms get to do. In 2002, my friend Judy told me about her interior design website she had started and so, I decided to give the website idea a try as well (eventhough I'm not good with a computer at all!).</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Three months after I opened my online store, I got my first order! The first year was slow and I wondered if this was the right avenue to go. But then, I found google adwords! My second year sales were double the first and the business has continued to grow ever since. I've made alot of changes along the way by adding a wholesale line, importing from China, getting the chests pre-painted white or ivory, etc. I love to paint. When I paint, I am able to block out everything that is going on around me and that is a wonderful place to be. I'm still learning every day but I love the challenge of creating something unique for my customers and being able to give them a special place to hold their keepsakes and memories.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-25794582591934712222008-09-02T10:43:00.001-07:002008-09-02T10:47:32.997-07:00Back To School<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well my 2 children went back to school today which leaves me with a little more quiet time. I miss them. My new shipment of chests is sitting in customs inspection (ugh!) so I won't be getting my new products for a few more days. I have a few orders that I need to get working on so I'm off to paint! I am looking forward to finding some time to create some new designs...I have a bunch of ideas rolling around in my head...just need the time to create them! Hope everyone had a great Summer vacation!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-Stacie</span>staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6080325003365365624.post-68037829384387384292008-08-21T17:33:00.000-07:002008-08-21T17:38:26.545-07:00First Blog!Hello and welcome to my first blog post. I'm Stacie Dale, creator of hand-painted keepsake chests. You can view my website at <a href="http://www.staciedaledesigns.com/">http://www.staciedaledesigns.com</a> . I am very excited because my new shipment of keepsake chests arrives in just a few more days and I can't wait to see the smaller boxes and photo frames that are coming too! I'm looking forward to creating some great new artwork for these new items and will have them up for sale on the website in mid-September....just in time for the holidays! Well, back to painting a new keepsake chests for a wonderful repeat customer...it's turning out great but this one was a real challenge.staciedalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13641722839145470949noreply@blogger.com0