COZYmade Shop Update & Other News

So the shop will be closed for a few weeks. The truth of the matter is that I haven't been paying the attention to it that it deserves with other projects taking over. I have a whole list of new items I want to make, but I just haven't had the time.

What have you been spending all your time on you ask? Well here is my life right now in a nutshell.

• I am currently in the process of looking for a new job.
  I am still employed full time, but my employment is coming to an end and would like the smallest gap as possible in employment. They always say it's easier to find a job when you have one. I am putting this to the test and exploring my options. For those of you who are new to the blog, I am a graphic designer by trade. Since I have started looking for a new full time job (about 3 months and counting)- the idea of working for myself has been circling my head daily. Ideally, I would love to work up to this point, but I am not currently in a situation where I can afford not to have a steady paycheck. But I can still dream.
• I have been doing a lot of freelance design work.
  With the idea of working for myself circling my head daily... I have taken on many freelance jobs this year. I have worked with many clients on projects such as wedding invitations, trade show materials, re-branding and brand new logo/identity sets. On top of my design freelance I have also taken a few handmade custom orders that are larger than usual or what I am use to. Aka... quantity of 100 vs a quantity of one.
• COZYmade will be sharing a booth at the Vintage Bazaar.
  So despite the fact that I have been so busy and have not been keeping up with inventory. I am sharing a booth for 2 days at the Vintage Bazaar with Remixed by Jacki. I have been working like crazy to get inventory to bring with me. A few sneak peaks here and here. The fair is this weekend! June 22nd & 23rd. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello.
• House/Car Etc
  I have been looking for a house for longer than this year, but now more than ever I feel the need to put down roots. So while I was working towards this major life purchase.... of course my beloved Mini Cooper died. I knew I had needed a new car for a while now, but was hoping to get through the end of the year. Moving on... I have purchased a new Nissan Juke and am in love.

I am excited to share with you new products and give the shop a little face lift. I am hoping the shop will reopen July 5th just in time for a super-fantastic "Christmas in July" Sale. I will keep you posted. In the meantime stay connected by following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for sneak peaks, fair updates and more!

Green Thumb?

So, if you knew me, you would know I am not one for gardening. I can't even keep a house plant alive. Yet... for some reason I can't stop buying them and trying. This however was something different. A birthday present for D's mom who loves plants and gardens and all things of those sorts.

I purchased a terrarium from Etsy. A nice little shop with a good reputation and adorable stuff. Take a look here: Lush and Lovely Terrariums It was a perfect transaction. I had inquired about switching out some accessories in the kit I wanted and Mike was nothing but helpful. When the box arrived, everything was perfectly packed and I was excited to assemble.

They are so cute and looked so easy to put together. I thought it would be a perfect present. The result? Take a look...

After I set the plants, rocks etc inside, I added some jute to the top for hanging. My only regret was not buying a few gnomes to include.

The best part of this whole process was that D's mom loved it! I'm starting to think I should have bought two so I could have my own. But then again... maybe I will just enjoy hers from afar. I would most certainly buy from Lush and Lovely Terrariums again.

Follow me on Pinterest!

So... as you all know. Pinterest is a great way to find new ideas to try. It is absolutely full of fun creative projects I am dying to try out. As one of my goals... I plan on bringing my creative process to this blog. As you can see... I am a little behind.

None the less... I invite you to follow me on Pinterest. I will get to more posts/projects soon.... This year has been quite busy which was extremely unexpected.

And if you really want to see what I am up to.... there is always instagram!

More soon I promise :)

March disappeared...

A lot happened in March. Most of which was stressful (including finding out my job will no longer be my job in the near future). With that piece of news, I decided to update and re-design my personal design website. I have been taking a lot of freelance work lately and it was time for a refresh. Have a look around and let me know if you have any projects you would like to work on with me. www.stefwelik.com

In other news, things have been pretty quite on the handmade front. I have been focusing most of my attention on my design work, so handmade is getting pushed slightly to the back. Shop is still active and full. I plan on doing a give-a-way in late April so stay tuned for details.

Insta-Flashback: March

March has been full of work. From freelance design to custom wreath orders... I have been busy, busy, busy. On top of that I am working on a website for my other "design life". I am hoping to have it up with in the next week or so.... (fingers crossed.) For now... here is a look at March via Instagram. You would think with all the work I've been doing, I would have more pictures of a creative process... but I guess when your too busy for photos... you know your too busy :)

If you don't follow me on instagram.... you should.

It's a way to keep up with me in photo form :) Enjoy. Follow me!

Insta-Flashback: February

Through the course of this month, a lot has happened. More than I can even share on this blog. What I can say is that there will be more to come. For now, here is a look back at the craftyness via instagram for the past month.

If you don't follow me on instagram.... you should. It's a way to keep up with me in photo form :) Enjoy. Follow me!

 

 

 

 

 

2013.... What's Expected.

Shocking. I am late again with this blog post. Last month I told you to be on the look out for the 2013 goals/objectives I said I wanted to have for the upcoming year. Well... I am off to a fantastic start. Which makes me change goal #1 to the following:

1. Make a schedule and stick to it:
I typically work better with structure. It's just something I have learned about myself. I am going to make a creative schedule. This will include blogging, craft fairs, brainstorming activities and more. My goal is with in a few months, to have postings once a week. Postings will include things like shop sales, items of note I've found, projects, future ideas etc. You've read blogs before, you know the drill :) Which leads to goal #2.

2. Make art (or craft) for the sake of art:
Before I got so seemingly busy, and I was carefree in my 20's (yes, I've hit the 30s now... eeek), I use to paint, do mixed media, craft, walk around with my camera... all just for fun! I miss it. I really would like to get back to creating for fun again. That's not to say I won't make new things for the shop... but sometimes, you just need a craft social or pinterest project evening. I think it keeps the mind fresh, and ideas flowing. Hopefully, a post schedule will help me share what I've made.

3. A space to create, maybe even an organized one:
So, if you don't know me personally... you don't know that I've been on the hunt for a new home. The past few years, I have bounced around a bit. With all the shuffling around, not only do my craft and art supplies not have a home- but I am typically found working on the floor where ever I am because I don't have the surface space. I am determined to find a space of my own in 2013. I can't guarantee it will be neat and tidy, because lets face it- I work better in "organized chaos", but it will be mine.

Those are the major three goals for 2013. I have a few minor ones that I am throwing in there... but they are secondary.

4. Take better photos: When I was in art school (life as an art school kid, I do miss it sometimes), I knew my camera inside and out. Photography is not like riding a bike. You forget things, and I certainly have.

5. Master Crochet: Last year the only goal I actually accomplished in full was learning to crochet. (if you are thinking of learning... I started here) Well... I learned enough to make a few things, but the truth is, I learned one stitch. I want to learn more so I don't stumble every time I pick up the hook. And who knows, maybe it will lead me to knitting!

6. Cook healthier meals: Although I don't have a passion for being in the kitchen, its always nice a nice addition to any goal list.  Everyone wants to be healthier to start a new year, right? D is typically the cook, while my kitchen time is reserved for baking or making something sweet. Its a good goal to work on together.

And there you have it. My list, as specific as I could make it. Do you have something you'd like to accomplish this year? Please share!

It Begins...

So here it is, January 30th. Back in December I said... "I'm going to be good this year and blog on a more frequent schedule starting in January" Well... I am off to a late start, but here it goes. If you're coming over from Bright & Cloudy Blog, you will find yourself right at home. It's the same old Stephanie with the same crafty tendencies, and the same need to create things.

You may have noticed that the blog looks much different than the look of the shop. This blog and it's design is a work in progress. Throughout the year, I will be making updates and changes as well as my planned blog posts.

I read once that the more specific your goal is, the more achievable it will be. General goals like "I am going to lose weight" are less likely to get done than saying "I am going to lose 20lbs". This year, I am really going to think about how I write my goals. Despite the fact that it's late, I am going to post my goals for 2013 in the next post (stay tuned, it wont be long.)

And on that note I leave you with a quote...

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. -Ayn Rand

See you next week.

This is happening...

Yes.

Be excited.

The COZYmade blog is coming in 2013. Time for something new... stay tuned.

In the meantime.... be sure you are following COZYmade on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Thoughts? Ideas? Anything you'd like to see on this blog? Email me!

It is time to say farewell...

Hello All-

As you have noticed, blog posts have been scarce over the 2nd half of this year. Although I have loved all things Bright & Cloudy, it has come time to bid it farewell. For those of you who do not know, I have started a new adventure; COZYmade. It has been quite a journey. Since opening my little shop in November of 2011, I have had a ton of fun creating new and exciting things. With COZYmade becoming more and more popular, I have decided to focus all of my attention there.

Starting in 2013, My Bright & Cloudy Shop will remain closed. If you have enjoyed following this blog, I encourage you to continue. New products, new adventures, maybe a tutorial or two.

It has been fun. I hope to run into you all in the future. If you have any thoughts or ideas of what you want to see going forward,  please email me.

-Stephanie

Hey All-
I know it has been a while since my last post- and I promise to fill you in on all the crazy-ness that is going on in my life but right now I need your help. I am trying to gain support for my design for the Talenthouse/No Doubt logo contest.

Every vote counts, so please head over and support me. Voting ends on September 18th and the winner is announced on September 25th- the day the new album is released. Click the link below to vote.

http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/adcbe342b54a3312ad1a25c14832f192/700


Thank you to everyone who has already shown their support! This contest will help me greatly.

-Stef

Treasury Time: it's almost summer...

I've been noticing a lot of bright summer colors lately. Thus making me want to put a collection together. While I work on my new collection, check out this recent treasury I made over on Etsy.

So head over and check it out: it's almost summer. And stay tuned for new stuff from both Bright & Cloudy and COZYmade soon.

Giveaway over at The Crafted Sparrow!

Want a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the COZYmade shop? Who wouldn't...

Gift certificates can be used on anything you wish! One of my favorites shown above. 

So head on over to The Crafted Sparrow blog and enter for your chance to win! But hurry, time is running out. The giveaway ends in Monday!

GIVEAWAY: Stickers from Print Runner

Today is an exciting day... my first giveaway! And it's a good one. As a graphic designer, I know how difficult it can be to find the right print services, and at a great price. Print Runner is a great place for almost anything you need to print! From business cards to posters, they have what you need and at great prices.

Now for the goods. Print Runner has generously offered to give a free set of stickers to one lucky reader!

Full Information on this Prize:

Standard Stickers
Size: 2" x 3.5"
Quantity: 250
Paper: Premium Sticker Stock
Colors: Full Color or  Black/White
Proof: none
Ready to Ship In: 3 Business Days

These stickers would be great for so many uses! Small business marketing (calling all Etsy-ians!), Crafts, Labeling etc. PrintRunner is your convenient online print service resource. Check out their site and try printing stickers from them today!

So how do you enter? You have 4 chances to win!

1. Follow this blog.

2. Follow Bright & Cloudy on Twitter and/or Facebook

3. Follow COZYmade on Twitter and/or Facebook.

4. Tell me what you will use your stickers for.

and post a comment here for each entry. Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday. Winner will be chosen at random on Monday March 12th and will be notified. Please make sure to leave an email address to contact you.

Good Luck!

Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above. Thank you to PrintRunner for providing this prize, I will receive a set of stickers for hosting this giveaway.

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This drawing is now closed. The winner has been chosen via Random.org.


And the winner is...... Comment # 3 from jacki w. Congradulations Jacki. 


Hopefully there will be more giveaways in the near future, everyone else stay tuned!



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Treasury Time: I feel blue...

So one of the things I would like to try and do more of this year, is create more treasuries on Etsy. Here is my latest....

Be sure to head on over to Etsy and check it out! There are alot of good items in this one, most of which have made my wish list!

Where did everything go? Bright & Cloudy Shop Update

Where did everything go? As of today, the Bright & Cloudy shop will be closed. I am in the process of revamping the shop to include better products and a slightly new look. I do not have an estimated time frame for this change, but I am working to make this transition quick. Check back here for more information and updates.

In the meantime, I am happy to announce that the new COZYmade shop is alive and thriving. While Bright & Cloudy is under construction, please visit COZYmade and check out all the amazing wreaths and cozy felt flower accessories. Also, because I am so generous... take 10% off your next COZYmade purchase with coupon code CLOUDY. This coupon won't last for long, so take advantage of the savings now. New wreaths will be listed over the next few weeks for spring.

Hope everyone had a happy Valentine's Day.

-Stephanie

Saw It, Pinned It, Made It: 6-layer Rich Chocolate Malted and Toasted-Marshmallow Cake

In 2012, it is one of my goals to start making things I see on Pinterest. If you aren't on Pinterest yet, I highly suggest. But beware, it is rather addicting, so don't say I didn't warn you.

A 6 layer malted chocolate and toasted marshmallow cake. Can we say YUM? I saw this cake on Pinterest back in December, and thought to myself "I must have that for my 30th birthday."

It seemed complicated, but luckily my mother loves to bake and was completely up for the challenge.

The original recipe came from Rosie over at sweetapolita.com. She did a fantastic job explaining the cake and mom followed the recipe perfectly.



The night of my birthday I came home delighted to see this cake waiting for me. I was so excited, I almost didn't want to eat dinner!

It may have not looked completely like the picture, but it didn't matter. It tasted fantastic! You can get the recipe here.

So I can't take any credit for ACTUALLY making this cake.... but it was my idea to attempt it :) and I highly recommend it.

Happy Birthday to Me! COZYmade Sale!

Well, I am officially old today. I turn 30. Although I am not quite sure how I feel about it yet, let's see how the day goes.


But my birthday means savings for you... help me celebrate and save 30% off your next COZYmade purchase! Visit cozymade.etsy.com and use coupon code BDAY30 at checkout.


Ok Ok.... you want to save at brightandcloudy.com too? Why not.... use the same code in the Bright & Cloudy shop to save 30% off any order there too!


Sale is good now through Sunday 1/8/2012 so hurry along and go shopping :)

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL & New Etsy Shop

I am excited to announce COZYmade is now open on Etsy. Check out the new wreaths, and ornaments. With more felt-ness coming soon, be sure to keep checking back.

Looking for a deal? Take 20% off all purchases for Black Friday in both the COZYmade shop and Bright & Cloudy shop! Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY!

Another exciting deal coming for cyber Monday. Stay tuned.

Filters for the Filterless

So... like many these days, I am starting to have a little obsession with Pinterest. When I saw the coffee filter wreaths, I knew I had to make one for a girl who boasts about having no filter (check out her blog here). Of course, I needed to wait for her birthday- so I sat on this project for a few months. I must say I think it turned out quite nice.

This project was super easy. Basic instructions are as follows:

Supplies:

• Styrofoam Wreath
• Standard Coffee Filters (white or unbleached)
• Hot Glue
• Felt (optional)

Steps:

1. Fold a filter in half, then in half again.
2. Put a small amount of glue on the pointed end of the folded coffee filter.
3. Press to styrofoam wreath.
4. Repeat until entire wreath is covered.
5. Cover the back of the wreath with felt if desired.

Here are a few pics of my progress:

Tips:

• The amount of filters you will need will depend on the size of your styrofoam wreath. I used just under 100 filters for this 12" wreath.
• I tried to glue the filters as close together as possible, fluffing them up as I went. This made it easy to spot and fill holes.
• Other tutorials mention that you may need to trim the filters that stick out a little too much, but I didn't do this.
• Although I kept mine white, you can also dye or color the coffee filters before attaching them to the wreath.
• The plain wreath is great for embellishing for different seasons. I ended up attaching a birthday banner to it, but it can easily be decorated for christmas, fall, summer etc.