so much to say...

well, this is what my life looks like today....
piles, boxes, to-do lists and sooo much excitement! i love the new loft so much... here are a few shots. i still have *lots* of unpacking to do....
(i know... these are just a bunch of photos of "stuff"... i'm saving the wide shots for when it's more lovely... don't worry. just a day or two! i made sure to get "before" pictures of every room before we painted!)

my dad is super awesome!!!! jeremy's and my parents have been so kind and helpful in setting up my new home and our new studios. i couldn't be more thankful... i think we owe them unlimited gatorade, chocolate chip cookies and dr. pepper forever and ever.  seriously. :)
and a pretty place to rest... :)

i'm working on a home for all things gocco... i love the packaging soo much. always have had a soft spot for anything japanese... :)this morning when i woke up i was dying to play with the gocco (moving does that to you! i always have to set up my studio *first*!!) and this is what i made.....
a little fall print (i used aged book paper that i collected a while back from a flea market....) the back to school/fall mood in the air is so exciting to me. These prints will be extra goodies for my etsy shop orders for a little while (as long as they last... :)). making fun extra goodies for my shop orders is something i've wanted to do for a while. moving to a new home seems like the perfect time to start things like this that i've been "intending" to do. great feeling. by the way, my shop has opened again (i took a break during moving week) and i have added some new items. ACEO originals (basically little cards with original designs on them) they are SOOO much fun to create. here are a few...
and i finallllly got around to taking a real photo of my underwear postcard set today. i've been wanting to make a mini book (something about a week of daily life) with these....oooh... and one more etsy related thing. i finally finished testing new papers (i've been wanting to switch to a different paper for my prints for a little while) and found the most perfect one. Velvet fine art paper. It has the most amazing texture. Here is a photo where you can really see the texture...in other great news, i have finally hired a new assistant and i could not be more excited!

And another thing that I have been wanting to talk about...
For the past two years I have been working exclusively for KI Memories designing the Love, Elsie product line. It was truly one of the most fun and challenging experiences in my life. Your response and support for the products were so amazing. I really had a wonderful time.
Anyway, to make a long story quite short I resigned from my position with KI this past month. I have mixed feelings about that choice. On one hand, I loved the product line (both the designing process and the actual product) and I will be very sad not to see it coming out again. It was a very fun season in my life and certainly a huge learning experience!
I have some new dreams that have been taking over my mind and heart this past year. Some things I will share very soon. I am also very excited to work independently again on projects like books, designing and occasionally some teaching.  In fact, I haven't been so excited about the projects I was currently working on since I started writing my first book. There is one project in particular that will easily be the most ambitious and challenging that I've ever taken on. I'm tempted to tell you now, but don't worry, it's not too far away!So, there is my version of bad news/good news. Goodbye to Love, Elsie.... hello to new opportunities! I feel like a new season of life has started and I am really looking forward to it!

I don't tell you enough how much I appreciate you. Each day I read so many kind comments and e-mails. Thank you. Elsie

Comments

[Lana]

ohhh... first post.

Sorry ??? to hear about you leaving KI, but I suspect it'll be right and good for you in the end. I'm really looking forward to whatever else comes your way.

*hugs*
Lana

[nikki]

I am SOOO sad to hear that I will not being seeing any more Love Elsie! That was one of my favorite product lines and I assure you it will be missed. : )

[Brenda McGowan]

It's fun and inspiring to hear about other artist's dreams and ambitions and excitement... thank you for sharing! P.S. I love the colors you pick out for your spaces and am looking forward to seeing your completed loft :-).

[Rachel Denbow]

A time for new dreams to become realities. I am so proud of you and behind you with every new undertaking. It only means good things for the rest of us, too!
Love you, Elsie.
Rachel

[Chrystina Ann]

it totally made my day that you had a new post today! I'm so excited to see pictures of your new place. You are so creative and you inspire me! I look forward to seeing the new projects that you have coming up! kudos to you miss elsie

[lilith]

I wish you great success in your coming projects! I know how frustrating it can be not to be "physically" able to realize all the ideas that come to mind! can't wait to read what it is all about:)
by the way I made a dream last night and you were in it lool! I am french and so all that happened in this dream was in original english version! that's nice for practising:)

[katie]

awww... that's the saddest thing i've ever read. i felt my heart crush... i *love* your products! and i'm so so soooo sad that nothing new will be coming out... i was really hoping for a halloween line... i could've died with happiness if you would've made a halloween line.

oh well. good luck with everything.
<3katie

[Holly Neufeld]

your new loft is looking great!! The gocco desk is awesome. I'm the same way, with wanting to set up the studio stuff first. :)
I'll be sad that Love. Elsie won't continue (I'll have to find a new favorite!) but at the same time, so so excited with you, and for you!! I wish you all the bestest with your new opportunities. Can't wait to see all the successes you'll have in the future!
You'll always be my creative hero, and I'm thankful to the Love Elsie products for introducing me to you. <3

[Jamie H]

Yay! Pictures and you're back! You've been missed! Can't wait to see the "finished" loft shots! Awwww...so sad about Love, Elsie but completely understand! Can't wait to see what the future has in store for you and your wonderful, inspiring art! You need to have a contest guessing what you have in store soon!!! ;) I have my guesses...
I finally just ordered my underwear postcard set and can't wait to make "a week in the life" mini book. :)
Three cheers for your new season of life! Your excitement is contagious! And what better season to welcome it in!!!
xoxo -j a.k.a. Inspired Mess

[Mandy Ford]

So excited to hear about your new projects...and see your new space. I'm already loving all of the fun colors.

[Susan Westberg]

I can't wait to see your new space ... and what you have up your sleeve for your new products. Love what you have done in the past, looking forward to more greatness in the future. Oh, and I'm jealous of your new assistant. If you ever need some Minnesota help, let me know! LOL!

[Amber Ulmer]

Hey Els... Love the new peeks of ur place... must come for another visit... maybe w/baby in tow... :)
I posted snippets of our new place too...
excited for a new season for you deary... fall brings out the best in stuff i believe... i love fall so much... xo

[Amy Garigan]

Oh Elsie,
It is bitter-sweet (no more Love,Elsie),but;I am happy for the new direction for you. Will you still be designing scrapbook papers and embellishments? Your products are so unique; I hope you design and market scrapbook supplies somewhere.

[F-RoseScrap]

SO cute

[Krista Lamb]

I am a proud owner of Love Elsie product, and I will miss it BUT I am so happy for your new season of ideas and projects. Congratulations and I am excited to see pictures of your new space. I love your decorating style. Thanks for sharing :)

[Mandy]

Thanks for this post. My family and I are in a transition period in our lives as well, and it's encouraging and inspiring to hear about your doors closing and your doors opening. Heres to chasing all the new dreams your heart is calling you to!

[Chunling]

Elsie, i am really REALLY SAD to hear that there will no longer be any Love, Elsie products! I have a whole folder in my online gallery and albums in my scrapbooking space specially dedicated to your designs, and i don't think anything can fill that void now! But i sincerely wish the best for you, and i'll be looking forward to more great stuff in your Etsy store, and more great news about your new work. Lots and lots of love!

[Victoria]

Good luck on your new endeavors, Love, Elsie will be dearly missed.

[lizee]

I am so crushed Love Elsie is coming to an end! It is my favorite scrapbook line. :(

sooo sad :(

[Amy Pruden]

Good luck with whatever you do, remember to keep yourself first and foremost. You are doing a great job. I can't wait to see what you have planned.