new stationery on Etsy

I was inspired to draw these tiny cages while bird-sitting our friend's sweet parakeet, Christabel. The kids were sad when I told them that our temporary pet (the best kind) would be heading back home so I created a little birdie friend for each.

And, naturally, turned them (the birds, not the kids) into stationery.

birds on a wire flat notecards three wheels design on etsy

They are $16 for a set of twelve in my Etsy shop and come with some happy chartreuse envelopes. I'd be happy to personalize them for you too!

take your customer to work day

Since I work out of my house and it's usually pretty crazy here, I thought I'd share some photos instead of inviting you all over for Take Your Customer to Work Day (which is really my loss because I'd love to have every one of you over for coffee).

I dream of having an amazing studio like this one or that one but I don't. Really. With the exception of the desk, which I bought years ago for my husband from a local woodworker, the furniture is what I like to call "re-purposed late-century Ikea" aka the furniture that was in my living room when I first graduated from college.

Even though I'd love to have my own studio space, my little corner of our busy downstairs family room is perfect. It allows me to keep an eye on the kids and encourages me to stop for play breaks.

Keep in mind, there are lots of reasons that I didn't give you a wide shot of the room. Like this:

And this:

Thank goodness for early bedtimes, portable laptops, and cozy corners upstairs like this:

Thanks for coming with me to work today!

custom party decorations

A few weeks ago I completed a fun project for an Etsy customer of mine. She asked me to create shower decorations to coordinate with the plaid pram stationery from my shop.

I designed a banner with the baby's name. The letters were printed on thick cardstock and held together with chocolate brown ribbon.

Then I created some cupcake toppers. I printed a custom message on the front and the plaid pattern on the back. I used 80 lb cardstock (not too thick, not too thin), and cut out the circles using a 2" hole punch.

I struggled with finding the best way to adhere the two pieces to each other and the toothpick. I ended up using my Xyron (sticker-making) machine. There was a good deal of glue left around the edges (the downside of using the Xyron) so it took a while with each piece and my adhesive eraser to get rid of the sticky edges.

I was really happy with the way they turned out but I'm not sure that I'll be listing them in my shop. Maybe I'm just slow (or too much of a perfectionist) but the toppers took way too long to assemble. Besides, glue and I don't really get along.

I would consider listing banners in my Etsy shop though... no adhesives required. I'll keep you posted ;)

newest goods

I'm excited to share my newest designs and I'm even more thrilled to tell you where to buy them. Goods for Goodness' Sake, created by Cathe Huynh-Sison of Feterie and Lara Frankovitch of Tiny Tales, is a stationery boutique "built on the belief that sharing just a little good fortune can go a long way." 

 

 

When you shop at Goods for Goodness' Sake, they donate 100% of their profits to the charity you choose (Project Night Night, Cystinosis Research Network, One Warm Coat, Craft Emergency Relief Fund, Stand Up for Kids) and you have the opportunity to purchase designs created exclusively for GFGS.

 

I feel so honored to be included among some incredibly talented stationery designers working with Goods for Goodness' Sake. I decided to create a group of children's birthday party invitations and matching stationery with some sweet (and always original) illustrations. 

 

Celebrate another healthy, happy birthday in a charitable way.

 

  

 

Psst...Goods for Goodness' Sake is extending a 15% savings offer for their newsletter subscribers during their grand opening celebration. Sign up to get the code!

the sweetest signs of spring...

With a studio filled with birth announcements and new babies everywhere (welcome cousin Nate), I can't help but think the garden will start blooming any day...

do good things | cora's playground

I cannot wait to get my hands on this sweet birdie shirt I just purchased for Jane from I Love Plum

There are a lot more goodies for sale to benefit Cora's playground. Here are some of my favorites:

Juicy Handbag | Luca Bella

Spring Blooms gift tags | Lemon Tree Studio

Brothers Postcard | Sarah & Abraham

Springy Flower felt hair clip | Lovey Dovey

And these most delightful aprons by our own Heather (super mom, crafter, and friend of Three Wheels) :

Juicy Jungle Little Mommy Apron | Handmade by Heather

I'm donating all of the proceeds from each sale of my printable stationery to Cora's playground too!

Now start shopping!

Pssst...

I've been incredibly busy lately (and I'm not complaining). I've sold about 250(!) valentines on Etsy and I've got a pretty full production schedule of birth announcements, wedding invitations and some custom projects. I feel like I have so much to share with you that just I can't get to it all.

But I don't want you to miss out on a chance to win some Three Wheels goodies from my Etsy shop! I don't participate in giveaways often so get on over to 30 days, leave a comment, and cross your fingers...good luck!

30 days

A big thanks and a little contest...

I'm wicked excited that both Design Mom and Cool Mom Picks shared my printable valentines with their readers!


To celebrate, I'm giving away one set of print-your-own valentines to the first reader who knows what DIYBWALHFTWD(!) means. Just be the first person to leave a comment with the answer and you'll win!

Good luck!


nothing says love like handmade

I just sent out a newsletter with a coupon for printable valentines on my Etsy shop.

Go ahead. Sign up... I'll get one to you too :)

Will you be mine?

Print-your-own valentines from my Etsy shop are perfect for your little Romeo or Juliet this Valentine's Day.

Each set includes an 8.5 x 11 inch printer-ready pdf file with a sheet of six 3x4 inch valentines. The blank backside is perfect for a kid-sized signature (or a sweet little love note!).

Calling all Baltimore-area crafty mamas!

Join me for some convivial crafting at Bediboo (on Harford Road in Lauraville) for Mama Craft Night!

I'll be sharing some fun, crafty projects so bring yourself, your friends, and $10 each (for supplies) on Sunday, January, 18 at 4pm.

Reservations are required so go ahead and email Gretchen today.

PS. Plan on having lots of fun...no previous crafting experience required!

PSS. Of course non-mamas are welcome too!

Birth announcements are in the shop...

It has taken a while, but I am finally getting announcements up in the shop. When I first started Three Wheels Design, my very first products were photo birth announcements and I hope to have those up soon too!

What's in a name?

I was speaking with a friend recently who said she would love for me to use her son's name when I created a new stationery design. Naturally, I told her I'd be happy to use his name on my next new card (especially because it's such a cute one). This conversation got me thinking-- what IS in a name? Why do I choose the ones I do?

When I started creating stationery, I decided to name each of my products according to the name I used on the design. In the beginning, I went through the names of everyone I knew. And everyone they knew. And everyone related to them.

Some of those designs are still available while others {thankfully} made their way into the recycling bin. Oddly enough, some of those closest to me still don't have products named after them. I'll admit--there is a bit of pressure to find just the right design for the right person.

At the same time, sometimes I create a card and simply draw a blank when it comes time find a name to use. Often I let the font lead me. Admittedly, there are some letters in the English alphabet that are just plain prettier than others. The letters J and M come to mind (this is why I tend to name my designs using those letters most frequently).

Don't forget--I am also a school counselor. I have spent far too much time with far too many "itchy" students to not have some bias against certain names.

Sorry Tyler.

Speaking of Plaids...

I'm finally getting birth announcements up in the shop. I still have a bit of tweaking to do but here's a preview...