Comments on: Small Business Inspiration via Paper Stories Letterpress

By: Keryn

Keryn — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:38:56 +0000

Thanks for sharing this, it is inspiring me to share “my studio” in my own blog. Its not something out of an interiors magazine, but its mine and its giving me the opportunity to start my own business from home and work around my children. Now, work and children, thats a whole other blog post!! I too get most of my work done in the evening…late evening, as its the only time I can feel peace and quite in my mind. Its my most productive time. So, you are not alone, and although at times, completely exhausting, I don’t think I would have it any other way!

By: Deb

Deb — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:43:09 +0000

This is one of the best blog posts I have read in a long long time. Thanks for giving us all a reality check.

My daughter is now in college and gone from home. I remember it was really hard to make time for any kind of creative project when she was little. But they grow up super fast, so my suggestion is to enjoy every minute of it.

At some point, you might want to find other moms in your same situation, and do a child co-op- where everybody can get a few hours of daytime work done, by trading off a little childcare. It’s free, it’s cheap and everybody gets a few hours a week to get things done that they need to do.

I think you are doing great and I’m inspired by your creative energy. I look forward to seeing you at the Chicago Show.

Deb
:)
http://www.relics.typepad.com

Debs last blog post: *Lovelies *Lovelies *Lovelies*

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 06:54:29 +0000

Wonderful honest write up that really helped me feel ok about juggling two jobs and my four year old plus another on the way. The house is nothing like the sneek peeks we see with parents who have it all together unfortunately, and forget about space in the garage - we don't have one! - so yours is totally fancy! The dining table will be everything for a while longer I foresee but it's gonna be ok! Jennifers last blog post: Beautiful Bamboo Basin

By: r8ermom

r8ermom — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:20:43 +0000

I just had to add to the chorus of all the creative women who’ve written in response to your post today. Thank you for your honest and inspiring words. I, too, am a mom (to a 1-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy) and am trying very hard to get a free-lance writing business off the ground.

I get two, maybe four hours babysitting help a week but it’s just not enough to do all I want to do. On the one hand, I feel guilty relegating my kids to a babysitter/nanny and yet I have so many writing/business ideas running through my head all the time. It can be incredibly frustrating not being able to follow through because I’m so busy with my kids and household stuff, with my husband sometimes working 70 plus hours a week. It’s difficult because my No. 1 priority is my kids and yet I feel so creatively frustrated that I know I’m not always as engaged with my kids as I’d like to be.

I do tend to be a perfectionist so I am trying to let go of some not-so-necessary chores (like ironing all my baby’s onesies!!) In the end, I believe it will take a bit more adjusting on the babysitting front and a lot of more letting go of perfectionistic tendencies. I do notice that after my two or four hours of “free” time to work on my creative pursuits I return to my kids mentally refreshed.

Good luck on your work and on one day getting the studio space you would like. It sounds like your business is quite successful in the small time you have. I’ll be checking out your work and that of other women here as well.

By: riye

riye — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:27:44 +0000

Kelly, you rock. Just wanted to add my thanks for the reality check article. I had to laugh when I read your description of “showcase” studios. It kind of resonates with me because I’m a sculptor and my studio consists of a desk and any flat space available to put something while its in progress. I just got asked recently if someone could have a studio tour and I had to laugh. Thanks again! You brightened my Friday.

By: Kelly - Paper Stories

Kelly - Paper Stories — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:04:30 +0000

First, I must give credit for the top right invitation in the first pic (the red & blue one in French). It was actually designed by the bride, Annie Michaud from Montreal. http://www.anniemichaud.com/

***************

Again, thank you all! I am blown away by all the comments. It is nice to know that many of us are in similar situations and goes to show that it doesn’t have to be a deterrent.

And to Krista from Papered Together… you are actually one of my inspirations. I don’t know how you do it all with 3 kids. I have always been in awe of all you do.

By: Susse

Susse — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:16:44 +0000

Give yourself a big hug.. You are amazing. I loved your honest story and your work is lovely. I have a four month old baby boy and thinking about getting seroius about going back to work. I also have a studio that is dispersed around the house in different rooms. When I was based in London had many students come and work for me and I think it is a really great way to work. You both learn something from the experince. You have inspired me to carry on. Started working the night shift. Thank you. Susses last blog post: Susse Saturday Shop part 2

By: Melissa de la Fuente

Melissa de la Fuente — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:34:49 +0000

Beautiful, beautiful goods in your lovely shop! I can't wait to see your collaborations with the lovely Susie and Jen, I am big fans of both of them and bet your work together will be divine! Thanks for the great post! xo Melissa Melissa de la Fuentes last blog post: hope II

By: paperedtogether letterpress

paperedtogether letterpress — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:21:20 +0000

great post kelly!

with three kids & the press in the garage, I know first hand how crazy it can be. you rock for making it happen so gracefully :) I’ll be thinking of you next time I’m printing at 3 am in a freezing shop!

krista

By: Diana

Diana — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:36:06 +0000

Great tour! I love the space you've shown us - keeps me inspired to keep chipping away at organizing and decorating my own space. Dianas last blog post: domino magazine rocks my socks!