Finished with Christmas Orders

I shipped the last of my Christmas orders yesterday. Here's a look at my new boxes with the 'Patty Hartzell Designs' logo. I purchased the custom stamp from Simonstamp.com and picked up some embossing powder and tools at Michaels.

Orders, Orders and More Orders

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been super busy with orders and my day job. I ran out of snowflake ear rings and needed to make more Red, Crimson and Black (pic below) this week to fulfill my Christmas orders. Also, here's a shot of the bags and boxes I created with my new embossing tool. I can't wait to add the finishing touch, the PH logo.

Custom Stamps

I'm continually searching for ways to improve my packaging and presentation. Recently, I added box inserts explaining the clay art process. Now, I'm looking to brand my boxes and bags with an embossed logo for an elegant look.

I took my friend's recommendation and ordered a few custom stamps from https://shop.simonstamp.com/. Really cool website - you can upload artwork and turn it into a stamp. It even includes an option to send yourself a proof. Super nifty! They should be here later this week. Here's a peak at my stamp creations.

I also picked up some bags and boxes, an embossing gun and power at Michaels. The embossing process is really cool. Unfortunately, I did have one near flaming experience. Apparently one of the tubes of powder I bought was just glitter - not embossing power. I didn't realize this until the box underneath the heat gun turned brown! Whew...thank goodness I realized before it actually started burning. Signing off to now to check the batteries in the smoke detector. :)

New Packaging Slips

The wine glass markers and a few snowflake ear ring orders are ready to ship. I want the end recipients to know that these items are handcrafted - and not Walmart jewelry! My sister helped me with a new packaging slip design. The slip explains the clay cane process and includes my logo and contact info.

I gathered a few ideas at a stamping party today. I think I may try to get the logo made into a stamp or attempt to make my own using a block-style eraser. I love new ideas....

Signature Stamp #4 in the Lead!

With only 2 days left to vote, design #4 is in the lead. Can you guess which one I picked? Hint, hint, check the blog header. :) Keep the voting going. This is soooo high tech - no hanging chads; just simple little radio buttons. The voting bar is on the right and the designs are in my Oct 7th post.

Talented Sister Designs New Signature Stamps

My talented sister designed a few new signature stamp options for me this weekend! She's so much better with Photoshop that I am. She emailed me 7 options - woo hoo - which I've included below. The top row features the logo design; the bottom row shows you what the imprint will look like on a clay piece. Try my new voting feature (on right) to let me know which one is your favorite.

My Signature Stamp

The more blogging I do...the more I'm convinced that an artist's signature is important. Most clay artists have a mark that signifies the piece is unique and their handywork. So, this past weekend I started a stamp project. Essentially, I'm designing a tool that will enable me to sign my clay work...so to speak. I experimented with clay, paint and my dremel tool in hopes of showing my initials in a darker color. Here's a glimpse of the work in progress. I'm still not happy with the results, but it's taking shape. Ha ha ....no pun intended.