Monday, June 30, 2008

Whimsical Stationery and Artwork by Le Papier Designs



Good Monday to you! It's the beginning of the work week, and the end of a month. Hard to believe we're half way through 2008, isn't it?

I had mentioned in a previous post, that we would be doing things a little differently here on The Downtown Boutique. We no longer have "Tots on Tuesdays", but we will still be featuring some fabulous artists and crafters and giving away some wonderful gifts. We will be doing reviews on products, and even giving some of them away!

So today, we will be featuring Vana of Le Papier Designs. At Le Papier Designs, you will find one of a kind customized + handmade stationery and invitations, as well as fresh and whimsical artwork.

Vana started "drawing" when she was 3-4 and according to her parents there was something in those early drawings that helped set the stage for the type of work she does now. Vana says she actually "mastered" it in high school during her preparation to be accepted to the architecture school.

Vana loves to cook and has just started to learn how to knit (but this is far from a talent-more like a hobby). Living in Europe for most of her life helped her become fluent in Italian, French, Greek and of course Albanian.



The reason Vana started selling on Etsy is because she wanted to find a creative outlet to relieve herself from the stress of a busy day (which she is sure is the same reason why a lot of others started selling on Etsy) and pick up on her creative side. Vana says, "I love being a mom and working part time from home has been such a huge blessing. But at times I found myself doing the same things over and over again and had developed a routine....Selling on Etsy has kept my creativity going. I would say if you do something out of love and passion you will succeed no matter what. Plus I think I might be a bit too determined. There are so many creative people selling on Etsy which have inspired me a lot. And the positive feedback from the client is always a nice bust of confidence and helps me to keep doing what I do."


Typically, about 95% of Vana's orders request custom prints. "And this is the part I love the most. I know it makes a huge difference and sets me apart from other sellers who might offer children silhouette artwork but not the option to customize the silhouettes."

Since becoming a mom, Vana has kept working on her profession part time from home. At times she misses being part of the office life, but says it helps to stop by every week for a couple of hours. On the other side, the blessing of being home with your child to watch him grow is truly priceless and she wouldn't trade it for anything.


Vana loves going on walks with her family in the late afternoon. It's the best thing and helps them catch up before the end of the day. Playing at the park with her 3 year old is fun as well. If she wants to take a moment for herself, she likes going to the local coffee shop, sipping coffee and reading something or finishing up a pencil rendering.



I asked Vana, if she could take a month's vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why? This is what she said: "There is no place like home....and I don't mean home here in the US but the home I grew up in Southern Albania. My parents live by the most pristine beaches. Every year we spend 2-3 weeks with them. For a change I would love to visit Southern France (the French Riviera) and Northern Italy as part of my vacation. It would have to be by the beach though as the best vacation for me has to have the beach in it."

Vana, thank you so much for taking the time to "chat" with me, and to give our readers a little glimpse of your life and your business.

Le Papier Designs is giving away a fun, Personalized Silhouette Print for a boy or girl. This is an 8x10 print, and Vana will personalize either the boy print or the girl print, just for you.




To win this print, please go to Le Papier Designs and take a look around. Then come back and leave a comment about which of her products is your favorite. (My favorites? Click HERE. And HERE.)

Deadline to enter is Sunday, July 6th. We will draw a winner on Monday, July 7th. Please be sure to only leave one comment and please leave a valid email address.

If you mention this giveaway in your blog, please send me the link to your blog, and you will receive an additional entry.
*********************************

Don't forget, if you own an Etsy shop, you can enter to win one of two EtsyMini Advertising Spots here on The Downtown Boutique.

Also, you can enter to win a gorgeous piece of jewelry, valued at up to $25, from Moondog Cottage.


Take care!
Angie

29 comments:

Mrs.French said...

Yay! I love Vana so much! Her "personalized floral stationary cards" have to be my favorites right now! Oh and I am so happy her blog led me to yours...it's wonderful!

Terri Fisher said...

There is so much to like here! I was drawn to the personalized silhouette print with the first letter of your child's name in the one corner, and your child's name underneath. Too cute!

tfisher83 AT myexcel DOT com

Kathleen W. said...

These are so beautiful! I love the At The Beach Silhouette prints. These would make wonderful gifts. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I just ordered cards from her the other day. Love her things. I really love the little girl under the tree with the bird on her toe. Precious!

Unknown said...

I love the At The Beach Silhouette Prints. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

planetmisty at gmail dot com

kamewh said...

I love the Walk with Me- Personalized Siblings Silhouette Print 8x10! Thank you so much for the giveaway!

Jenni B said...

Love her work! Great selection of featured artists!

Uniquely Yours said...

I love her custom silhouette images especially Emmma too cute with my daughter starting dance next week.

Unknown said...

I really like everything because I have a passion for collecting vintage silhouette clipart. But, I went to the end of the product line and linked up with "Lili and Fairies." Very sweet!

Please enter me!

Also, I am celebrating my 1-YEAR BLOGOVERSARY with a Giveaway. Stop on by...

KJ

Susan said...

Hold my hand is so darling! Love all her goodies!

bevsclark said...

I love the Personalized Kids Stationery Folded Cards with Stickers. My daughter is a dancer and these are too cute.

windycindy said...

Evening, I write a lot of letters and I adore her "Personalized Gerber Daisy Flat Cards With Envelopes and Stickers!" Please enter me in your giveaway contest. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Julia said...

I'm such a fan of this lovely and delightful artist! She has so many goodies! I've been a fan of her blog as well :) That's how I found your site with this give-away!

Anonymous said...

Wow thanks for sharing this very talented artist! I perused her work and I am esp fond of the Personalized Floral Stationary Folded cards & Personalized Stationary with Lined up Envelopes. Very good work! Thanks for the giveaway!

wildhuneyblossom at victorianpassage dot com

MillieDog Designs said...

Wow! I'm amazed at the style and quality of this shop! It was very difficult to pick a favorite, but I finally settled on this
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13061484

phxbne said...

Gorgeous things! I love the Little Girl's Stationery Flat Cards Set of 12 with Stickers

Jaimee McClellan said...

Vana's a new blog friend and customer...so glad we crossed paths. She does such beautiful work! Although, I've marked practically everything in her shop as favorites, I think these are my top two:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12691823
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12972949

Now I'll cross my fingers until Monday :)

Oh, my email:
spinlady (at) aol (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I love her Personalized Stationery with Lined up Envelopes. All of her items are just lovely though!

I'm going to post a link in my blog. :)

My e-mail is southernsuds (at) gmail (dot) com.

Stacey Moore said...

love the Personalized Gerber Daisy Flat Cards with Envelopes and Stickers -set of 24!
thanks!
moore.g at insideconnect.net

Doreen said...

I think the Fun with Bubbles Print is adorable! :) purposedrivenlife4you AT gmail DOT com

Anonymous said...

I like the sprint stationery with the pink flowers.

Anonymous said...

I blogged your giveaway on A Contest Blog at http://acontestblog.com/index.php/2008/downtown-boutique-le-papier-designs-giveaway/

{It's a family affair} said...

OOOHHH...the walk with me series are beautiful. Those just make my heart melt. My babies would look so great in one of those!!!;) What a fabulous give away!! THANKS!

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to seeing the print. Thanks for hosting the giveaway, I'm thrilled to have won.

TinaJewel said...

I loved the personalized photos that are frame able! So dear!
tinajewel@gmail.com

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