tradeshow thursdays: mini meltdown

diary of a nss newbie, post #2 {107 days left}

as i’m starting this post my kitchen clock reads 3:54 in the morning.  i’ve been prepping for my first wedding show this saturday – indie wed.  if this is any indication of how nss is going to go, i am officially in trouble.  although i am normally a night owl, anything past 2am is staying up late in my books.  i must admit, i’m feeling a bit delirious.  sooo.. that’s it.  until next time… when i am a bit more sane and have had some sleep.

workday wednesdays: indie wed

wedding season is here!  penelope’s press will be participating in indie wed, “a unique event that combines the idea of a traditional wedding show with a street bazaar, highlighting local and nearby independent designers and artisans. Most bridal shows tend to cater to a very specific vision of what a wedding should be. Indie Wed is geared towards couples who want to take an “independent” approach to their event. It is wedding planning… redefined”.   if you’re getting married, check out the chicago show on february 2.  yours truly will be right near the entrance at table #2!  if you are getting hitched and want to attend the show, i have 4 complimentary tickets to giveaway.  contact me or post a comment below if you would like a free ticket.  hope to see you there!

tradeshow thursdays: nss countdown

diary of a nss newbie, official post #1 {121 days left}

if you aren’t already sick of me mentioning NSS {acronym for the national stationery show} you’re going to get real sick of me come may.  i’m going to try my best to document my nss adventures {to help out any nss virgins thinking of taking the plunge} because this here said trade show is a big deal {“The National Stationery Show® is the world’s most comprehensive collection of social stationery and related products for gift giving and self-expression.” -NSS website}.  when i’m not on mommy duty or printing a current order, every moment going forward is going to be spent thinking about, making lists for, brainstorming for, and stressing about this show.  this is no joke.

here’s a little timeline to bring you up to date:

• may 2012 – walked the show, talked to exhibitors, snapped a bunch of photos
• september 2012 – completed online application
• october 2012- received booth assignment {#1866!!} + contract + submitted deposit
• fall 2012 – completed tradeshow bootcamp
• january 2013 – paid remaining balance of booth {yup, going broke already and it’s only january!

i have lists on my computer, my iphone, ipad, on paper of a bazillion things i need to think about and do for this show…

• booth design?
• decor?
• flooring?
• signage?
• lighting?
• product lines?
• press kit?
• samples?
• product photography?
• line sheets?
• paper or online catalog?
• update website?
• pre-show marketing?
• mailers?
• promos + giveaways?
• drive or fly?
• leave booth and store in new jersey?
• accommodations?
• ????????

wow.  breathe.  i probably shouldn’t be writing this post right before i go to bed.  hmmm.  well, regardless of the stress, i am excited.  follow along as i blog my nss journey!!!

tangent tuesdays: my youngest

today is my baby’s second birthday.  i remember that day clearly… i went to my regularly scheduled doctor visit and at to everyone’s surprise, it turned out i was going to deliver sooner than later.  the doctor told me to tie up loose ends at home and head to labor and delivery.  i remember leaving the doctor’s office stunned.  i called up my husband and told him we were having a baby, but to first come home as quickly as he could to help me package my orders and drop them to the post office {i know, crazy.  it was probably all the hormones making me a little nutty.}  she was so tiny, born at only 4lbs and 3 ounces.  now, 2 years later, she has a full mouth of teeth, running fast, and doesn’t stop talking!  i am so blessed that i have the opportunity to run my business from home while raising my children– it’s a difficult feat, but incredibly rewarding.  happiest 2nd birthday to my baby girl!

mommy mondays: handwriting + letterpress gift tags

i save all of my off cuts {aka “scrap” paper”} for all of those small orders and projects {mini business cards, gift tags, etc}.  it’s probably getting out of control… i have stacks and stacks of small pieces of paper, organized and bundled by size {one day i’ll have to snap a picture of my stash to show you just how out of control it is}.  so, when my two girls celebrated their birthdays at a joint party this weekend, my off cuts came in handy!  i used my eldest daughter’s handwriting, turned it into plates, and letterpress printed gift tags for their goodie bags.  if you want to see your handwriting or your kid’s handwriting letterpress printed, let me know!