Sanctum Design Studio

What happens when a Designer gets engaged...

2010-04-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well I got a wonderful surprise at my boyfriend's Mom's birthday bash... He proposed! I was really proud of the fact that he kept it such a secret. He just can't lie. haha.

Now that I'm officially engaged - I mean I knew it would happen eventually, but now I can actually say it.... I've started planning.

So what does happen when a graphic designer gets engaged? I can only really speak for myself, but I have already started working on the stationery. I am planning out all the details of the save the dates, invitations, place cards, and programs... and I don't even have a solid date or venue. All I know is that I want a colorful Spring wedding, most likely next April, and I want an outdoor ceremony. That's it.

I do have a venue in mind and we're checking it out tomorrow. But I just had to update the blog and let everyone know I'm back at the craft table, thinking of designs. Sometimes it takes a huge event to get me motivated to create, and well this was it.

I'm dreaming up new invitation sets as I type... and unfortunately, I can't use them all, so I will start making samples and posting them as soon as they are created!

Holiday Clearance Sale - Ends Monday

2009-11-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

Hello all of my lovely followers.

It's been a while since I have posted, but I figured what better time than now, to dust off the old blogger account and let you all know about my little sale.

Everything in my shop is $1 per card. So sets of 8 are $8 and so on. You can order whatever size set you want, just convo me via Etsy, So I can set up a custom listing for you. Please let all your friends and family know. This sale will not last past Monday. In fact, I'm not sure how much longer I can keep doing the "Etsy" thing. So take advantage of these prices. I can't go much lower than that because of cost of time and supplies it took to make those babies. I'm hoping someone will find them cute enough to take home!!

There's a lot of inventory that I am unloading from spring that is really cute - like the Bunny cards, Thank You set and the Fill-In Baby shower Invites.

I've even listed some new designs for the holidays.

Go take a gander and remember the more you order in one shot - the more you save on shipping! :)

Funky Finds - Spring Fling

2009-04-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had originally wanted to apply to get into this show, but when I went back to the website to put in my application, there was already a waiting list. But I decided to go to show some support for my Etsy Dallas mates and take a few pictures.

One thing I noticed is it was HOT. Poor vendors... But when I ran into a few ED members, they were all in good spirits. They all said it was a pretty good show. I hope The peeps at Funky Find do more!!

Here's a few pics I took :)

Tefi Designs Sorry about the harsh sunlight, in this one...
Pamela Michelle and Dowdy Studio
Cut Out and Collect
Kessler Craftsmen

SusanaOrtiz.com Launch!

2009-03-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce the launch of SusanaOrtiz.com.

I teamed up with my day job boss and we designed this sweet, simple, flash site to showcase my photography. I decided to start doing photography under my own name, so I got the domain that is, well, my name. Because... what if I get famous or something? Hehe, one can wish!

It's only got a few old pics up, but I will be adding more soon. I have a few projects coming up that should spice up my portfolio.

Anyway, take a look and tell me what you all think. Test out the email and send me a note!

-Susie

I got Holga, How 'bout you?!

2009-03-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm a couple years too late, but I've finally jumped on the Lomo bandwagon. I remember reading in W Magazine, a LONG time ago, about these cool toy cameras that take very imperfect but interesting pictures. I'd been eying a few online, cause they are really cheap (about $40 to $60 depending on the brand.) I finally broke down and bought a Holga.

If you haven't heard about Lomography, you should definitely check it out. There's a Flickr Pool, 18,700 members strong, dedicated to everything Lomo. There are some really artsy and beautiful captures, and a lot of it is accidental. The imperfections of the camera are what make it so special.

I'm planning on creating prints of some of the stuff I capture, so keep an eye out for new stuff in my shop.

Etsy Dallas Spring Bash - Just applied!

2009-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. If you're into cool handmade stuff, you should put May 16th on your calendars. Etsy Dallas is throwing their first annual Spring Bash. Their Jingle Bash was a huge success, and I've applied to be in the Spring show, this time around. There will be all sorts of great vendors.... Hopefully including me! Even if I don't make it in, I'll be there... so check it out at EtsyDallas.com

OMG Green shooz?!

2009-03-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

With everyone and their mother looking to go green in anyway possible, why not start with your feet?

Simple Shoes sells awesome, environmentally friendly kicks, at, or around the same price you would buy hip designer sneakers, like Diesel or Sketchers. They have a wide range of styles in Men's, Women's and Kid's sizes. My favorite pick is actually a Men's shoe.

The CARload shoe is made with Car tires and cotton, and are oh so cool! I'd love to get a pair in all black... if they had my size.

I'll just have to wait and see. But you should stop by and take a gander. With all the styles they have, I'm pretty sure anyone can find something they like. They even have Vegan friendly shoes!

Check them out at SimpleShoes.com

New Item - Modern Baby Card

2009-01-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

I've added a new card to the Sanctum Design Studio Line.

The Modern Baby Card

Great for:
Baby Shower Invites
Gift Enclosures
Birth Announcements
Congratulation someone on their new "addition!"
and so on...

It's 4.25"x5.5" folded printed on linen textured card stock, and paired with a white envelope. It comes in Blue, Pink, Green, and Purple or I can do custom colors at no charge. Hop on over to my shop and check out the Modern Baby Card. There is also a set of 10 available, as well.

Another Feature! Oh how "fabulous!"

2009-01-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Wow. People really love my "Love Birds" cards!!

I got featured in another blog today, with a picture and everything!

I'm so excited how much everyone likes the design! Sales have picked up since it's getting closer and closer to Valentine's Day. I had 3 sales in the past 2 days, which is amazing for me. I don't make cards to make money. I just like sharing my designs with people and hope that someone can make a loved one's day by giving them handmade card.

Go check out fabulous fabulous! It's the blog of Jill Peitzmeier McNamara, a photographer and craft favorites blogger, located in Phoenix.

Her blog is full of her favorite picks from Etsy, and she really has great taste... obviously! ;)

Timothy Adam's Handmadeology

2009-01-13T17:40:00.001-08:00

Timothy Adam is at it again, creating a great way to learn how to sell handmade items online, successfully. He is a wealth of useful knowledge when it comes to this topic and has created a site devoted to it. He will be starting his lessons starting January 26th, and you can sign up for the newsletter for free. If you have a small handmade business that you want to get off the ground, this is the guy with all the best tips.

Visit Handmadeology.com, now for more info and make sure to sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the page!

From his bio:

"Timothy Adam is a self taught metal artist who makes a living selling
online. He is also dedicated to helping others achieve their goal of successfully
selling their handmade goods online."

Timothy Adam's Top 10 Monday

2009-01-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Timothy Adam's Top 10 Monday has been posted and so far the exposure is much appreciated!

If you have an Etsy shop, its very easy to be considered for the list. Visit the Top Ten post and follow the instructions for entering. All you have to do is comment on your favorite from that week and mention your shop. Go to the Etsy forum, do the same, and That's it! He picks his favorites out of the entries every week. It may be a little late for this week, but he does this every week.

You can stay posted on his blog and Twitter page.

Google Analytics - On Etsy!

2009-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

This post is a little overdue, but I still wanted to share a link with you all.

For my fellow Etsians, you may know that Etsy has started to offer Web Analytics, provided by Google. This allows you to track page views and see where you're getting clicks from. I realized I am getting a lot of traffic from referral sites... Some I hadn't even heard of. It's really cool to see people are reffering to my site!

Anyway, if you have an Etsy shop, you might find it useful to start tracking your traffic and comparing stats. Timothy Adam posted "Google Analytics and Your Etsy Shop," with a great little video giving a basic overview of the different features of Google Analytics, and different links to help you get started. Tim's a wealth of information, so I suggest you hop over and check out his blog!

Time for Change - and I'm not taking about Obama!

2009-01-09T22:58:00.000-08:00

My hair was getting long and starting to make me feel frumpy because I felt buried in it. I'm Hispanic, so that means my hair is thick and plentiful. Some girls would think this is a good thing, but believe me, it's not! It's really heavy and as it gets longer, all it wants to do is get tangled and split at the ends. So, since I am getting gradumicated (my word!) tomorrow, I decided to get a hair cut.

I've always liked the short choppy layers I see all the cool kids doing and thought it would be a cool look for me. Every time I go somewhere in the mall I end up with a basic layered cut. It's like they decide to keep it subtle. I'm not paying them to play it safe! So I went to someone my boss recommended and voila!

I got a great cut for not too much money. And he's a really cool guy too.

His name is Shea Lemons.
If you ever need a haircut, you should look him up!
He's located at the Plaza Salons in Irving, TX - Suite #52

Tell him Susie sent you!

P.S. This is merely a friendly recommendation. I'm not getting any perks for referrals!

Getting my first feature!

2009-01-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I entered my shop to be considered in a blog list, and I got on it!

Timothy Adam, a very talented metal artist, is also an avid blogging and marketing guru. His blog is full of great tips and trick for people who like to sell handmade items online. Every week he features his favorite picks from certain Etsy shops. His blog gets a lot of traffic, so the feature is very exciting!

I already got a sale, just because he announced his picks on twitter!

I'll be posting a link to his list when he posts it on Monday. I just couldn't wait to share the news.

Make sure to stop by Timothy Adam's site and blog. He sells handcrafted metal jewelery, jewelery stands and art... Well... actually - All his stuff is art! Some of it is just wearable!

:)

New Item - Red Poppies - Flat Thank You Cards

2009-01-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple card I created to throw in with an order yesterday.
I liked it so much I want to offer in my shop.

4.25" x 5.5" Flat note cards
Left blank on the back for you to add your own hand written personal message.

Set of two for just $4

Larger sets available in two's
Save when you buy more!
4 - $6
6 - $9
8 - $12
10 - $15
and more, just ask!

All designs are © Susana Ortiz - Sanctum Design Studio

Commencement... finally.

2009-01-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

I started school back in October of 2005. Seems like such a long time ago. Especially for it only being a 2-year degree. But nonetheless, I have finished school and will be graduating this Saturday. It's finally starting to hit me as I have been inviting people to come -last minute. With the short notice, it looks like not many will make it. Those who will be able to make it will share the day with me as I finally finish what I started. It's probably going to be an emotional day for me. I worked really hard for something a lot of people take for granted.

This moment came close to not happening at all, when I tried to re-enroll for the last few classes I had left. I had to sit in front of a committee and promise that I would finish my two terms, with not one absence. I did it, as promised.

My hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. I'm lucky to be doing what I love, everyday, and still have time for what matters most to me: my family. I'm not, by any means, wealthy, but I'm able to provide for my daughter and that's all that matters.

I couldn't have done it alone though. Over the past few years I had the full support of my friends and family. If you're reading this, I want to Thank you all.

Project365 is underway!

2009-01-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

As I posted yesterday, I decided to take one picture per day, as a project for this year. I started off on the 1st, but just got a chance to upload my pics yesterday and today. I went ahead and posted all the pics I have so far. Please feel free to follow this blog, and keep up to date with my little project. I hope to make it interesting, but in reality, it will probably be a lot of pictures of Gennie.

I might have to change the name of the project to Gennie365 ;)

01-01-09 - Gennie in the tub

01-02-09 - Gennie Rummaging :)

New Year Creativity Goals

2009-01-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

As the new year arrives, I've been thinking of ways to get off my butt and start exercising my creativity a bit more. I've gotten lazy when it comes to my side work, and I decided to challenge myself a bit more.

1. I'm going to take a picture a day.

This doesn't sound like a lot, but for me it's a starting point. For someone who doesn't use their very expensive camera as much they should, it's an effort to try more. Plus, I noticed I started slacking in the "mommy-needs-to-document-everything" area.

I started yesterday with some pictures of Gennie in the tub, being oh so cute. I can't post it now, since I'm at work, but I will as soon as I get home, along with whatever today's picture is. Notice the slacking of POSTING a pic a day.... lol. I started a new sanctumds flickr account that I will use to document each day.

2. Design AT LEAST one card a week.

This is a lot. I don't have a lot of free time to devote to designing, but this will at least give me a minimum goal. I'd like to do a card a day, but I've already tried this and it's not as easy as I thought. So I'm staying realistic and factoring in the listing and blogging process. I will shoot for more cards than just one, so keep following and you'll see all the new designs I come up with this year!

3. Just Do MORE!!

I need to up the ante and start venturing out, more. I have already started twittering and networking, and looking for outlets to start marketing my cards. I have also talked with my dad about starting to do some leather work, so we can collaborate on that. He's all for it, but I have to keep on him and go over there more so we can work together on it. I already have some designs I'd like to try out, so I'll keep everyone posted on that.

All in all, I'm not really asking much of myself, really. I just need to try a bit harder and push myself to do more than nothing with my creativity.

Any other suggestions or words of encouragement would be great.

Happy New Year!!

-Susie

Sarah from Going Coastal

2008-12-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

I am part of a great group of Etsians and have had the honor of meeting a few very talented designers that contribute to the group.

One in particular was very sweet when I met her in person at the Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash. I had only met Sarah from Going Coastal in one little exchange online, and introduced myself to her at the bash. I had wanted to get a bracelet from her for a while.

I bought a great wrap bracelet for myself and a little one for my daughter that night and just fell in love with her work. I later placed a custom order for a black and red wrap bracelet, since they are my favorite colors and she turned it out in very little time. She even had to special order the red coral beads I wanted. I really appreciate her going above and beyond and just wanted to share my great experience. She was even so sweet to send along a thank you note with a bracelet for Gennie, because of "my continued support."

I love people like this. This is the why I love buying handmade. There's just an extra feeling of friendship that goes into the process. Even though I don't really know Sarah, I feel a little connection, with her and her work. When items are handmade, they mean something. At least that's how I feel about it, lol.

I always enjoyed creating handmade cards for my friends and family. There's just something special about handmade items, whatever they may be.

Here's a look at the great bracelet she made.

You can see more great hemp accessories at her Etsy shop.

The quality of her work is amazing and the materials she uses are genuine coral and top quality hemp.

Visit:
GoingCoastal.etsy.com

Sweet, Simple Card

2008-12-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

It's never a bad time to give your loved one a little note to say "I Love you." I created this cute little card of two birds (another bird card- what? I love birds) mingling on power lines... one confessing it's love for the other.

Its sweet. It's simple. And you still get a surprise gift sample with purchase.

Only $2.50 (cheaper than Hallmark!!)

It comes with your choice of a white or red envelope. Please specify when ordering, to conserve paper and supplies. Thanks!

I decided to print this one on a light brown weave textured card stock, and as with all my cards, it is cut and scored by hand with care. Approximate measurement is 4.25"x5.5" folded.

It's blank on the inside for you to personalize by hand. Sweet!

Colorful Bird Cards

2008-12-13T14:07:00.000-08:00

Colorful Bird Note Cards

I've added some even more colorful bird cards to my etsy shop. These are printed on colorful textured card stock and come with matching envelopes (unless you want white)

$6.50 per set of 4

Save the Date - Etsy Dallas Show in May

2008-12-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

"Etsy Dallas is planning it's next big arts & crafts show!

Mark your calendars for
Saturday, May 16th

We suggest jotting down in your agenda, "Must buy local handmade goods and support Dallas' greatest art/craft collective." Or something along those lines...

Stay tuned!
Sign up for our newsletter"

-Etsy Dallas

Please sign this Petition!

2008-12-04T08:34:00.000-08:00

I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:

"CPSIA Impacts on Children's Apparel Industry"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA?e

It doesn't effect the things I make, but it effects a lot of crafters I know. It effects their ability to make and sell handmade children's clothing and toys.

CPSIA is a blanket act that covers ALL children toys and clothing, rightfully protecting children from the crappy toys made in China. However, it needs to be revised.
They need to consider the clothing and toy makers (and crafters) that follow the lead regulations set for the US, Canada and Europe. Most crafters cannot afford to get every single handmade item tested for lead content, I believe if they are using materials manufactured in the US, they shouldn't have to.

Please take a minute to add your name to the list. Forward this to however you think would agree.

Here's some more links to articles and stuff that will help you get a little more educated on the topic:

http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/legislation.html
www.handmadetoyalliance.org
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/322.pdf
www.nationalbankruptcyday.com
www.fashion-incubator.com
www.apparelandfootwear.com/
http://cpsia-central.ning.com/

Thanks!

Susie

Crafty Crafts...

2008-12-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've finally got to the point where I can actually have some free time to do stuff I want to do. Part of that comes from having a job that isn't so demanding of my physical and emotional stamina. I have started to enjoy my weekends at home and decided to make use of my free time and get back into crafting. It's a hobby that I had long since put on the back burner since I was working and going to school. Now that I'm done with school, I can start making stuff again.

I had already been a member of Etsy.com and joined the Etsy Dallas Team, because my friend Rita asked me to. I hadn't really been involved because I really didn't have the time to devote to it. But I've started the ball rolling for my new side projects.

I have decided to start building the stationery side of Sanctum Design Studio. I will be creating modern thank you notes, blank stationery and unique artwork postcards. I ordered a custom hand stamp with my logo that I will be signing all my items with.

I will post new products and links to my Etsy items soon.

For now, please take a look at my Modern Holiday Greeting Cards

Only $20 for 10 cards. Usually about $2.50 Each. And they are customizable, just contact me with your info and I will put in your order as soon as possible.

New Job!

2008-10-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

So, I was unemployed for about 2 months, and I was starting to sweat, because my unemployment got denied, and I wasn't getting enough freelance work to make ends meet. I got an email from PrintPlace.com saying they found me on Monster and wanted me to come in for an interview. After a short interview and a Design test a week later, I got the job!!

It's been about 2 weeks and I love it so far. Lots of creative freedom since I'm doing product images for the corporate website.

For all my fellow designers that have not heard of PrintPlace.com, boy are you missing out! They have the lowest prices on full color off set printing... not digital like PSPrint and VistaPrint. I suggest you try them out. Anyway, enough with the shameless plugs...

In other news, Michael started a new job, too. He's doing field work for a natural gas measurement company. I nice change from the call center he used to work in, I'm sure.

Things are looking up, and I'm really starting to feel a bit of relief. Now, if I could only get my first check, so I can pay me rent! ;)

Love Guru (Movie Review)

2008-06-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night, me and Michael decided to go get his hair cut, and after we were done, we were pretty hungry. Spur of the moment, we decided on The Movie Tavern, because we could eat and watch a movie. The only on that was starting right then was The Love Guru starring Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, and Justin Timberlake, among others.

I had heard some things about this movie, like "it was a mistake by Mike Myers to make this one." So I went in kind of skeptical, but I'm so positive about movies, I gave it a chance and was pleasantly surprised. I might be easily amused, but I rather enjoyed this flick. There's some t-shirts inspired by this movie I'm going to want to make, but you'll have to watch the movie to find out what I'm talking about.

I give a thumbs up. It's a bit Austin Power-esque, but it's funny. Just let go and enjoy it.

Oh and by the way, for fans of Harvey Birdman, Steven Colbert kind of steals the show. He did his character in the "Phil Ken Sebben" voice, from Harvey Birdman and his character was even named Ken. Every time he opened his mouth, I thought I was watching Harvey Birdman, which I love, so I really got a kick out of it.

Movies to check out this weekend:

WALL•E - heard it was suposed to be the best pixar movie to date... but they just keep getting better and better??
Wanted - Angelina Jolie. HOT! action, action, action...

Portraits anyone?

2008-06-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

So , I got a new kick ass camera. I thought it was a semi-pro camera. Well it turns out its top of the line and I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I love it so far, and I plan on taking a photography class this summer to brush up on the technical stuff. If you guys would like any portraits done, I'm setting appointments. Seniors, personal, couples, whatever... let me know if you want some cheap portraits done. Most photographers charge over $150 for portraits, so you might like to jump at this chance for some decent, inexpensive pictures.

- Prices -
These are temporary since I am a beginner and these will be considered "practice shoots" DFW Area ONLY $125 for portraits. Includes 2 hours of shooting. No special lighting, just outside. includes post editing, i.e. fixing blemishes, and color correction.

For a limited time you get one free 8x10 print.

I can also get you additional prints, but it will be extra!

You get all your final images on a CD/DVD - no extra charge.

You can view some examples of my talents at www.sanctumds.com/portfolio.

haha.

2008-06-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 20, 2007 - "I plan to devote a little more time to keeping everyone updated on what's going on in the 'world of Siouxsie.'"

so much for that! I wrote a post and never posted again! Well, this time I am going to try harder.

Things have picked up for Sanctum Design Studio and I have since re-designed the site. I have lowered prices to cater to those starving artists and small business owners that just can't afford to pay outlandish prices for websites, business card design and logos.

Anyway, I hope that people will check back for updates.

I'm taking on craigslist.org right now. I'm offering services like model portfolios, photo retouching and as always I'm offering my regular services like logo and web design.

I have a great deal going on right now, where models can give me a cd of photos that they might have received for their time as a model for the photographer's portfolio. Most of the time these images are not edited... not good for the model. I take the images, clean them up and package them and have them turned into a hardcover book they can use as their portfolio. It's a great deal of time offered to them, at a fraction of the cost of other design studios. I just know how hard it is to find affordable quality work. So I'm doing it at out of the kindness of my heart... for only $100. It breaks down as $50 for the book and $50 for editing and layout.

If you know any amateur models that could take advantage of this deal, send them my way!

More special to be announced, so check back later, or better yet, subscribe!

New Spot for Updates!

2007-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

I'll be posting updates, tips, tricks and so on here. Please consider subscribing because I plan to devote a little more time to keeping everyone updated on what's going on in the "world of Siouxsie."

Okay, that's all for now.

♥Susie