May 2, 2013

Artful Blogging Magazine Hello!


Hello to everyone visiting from Artful Blogging Magazine! Thanks so much for dropping by! 

Gingibersnap is in a bit of a transition right now, as we have just transferred over to a brand new URL to go along with our brand new website! All of our archives have been transfered, and I will be blogging from now on at www.gingiber.com/blog :)

So feel free to browse around here, but all future updates will be at www.gingiber.com/blog.

Cheers and enjoy!

Stacie

April 13, 2013

Thank You


Just wanted to say "Thank You"..... read more by clicking here.

April 8, 2013

A New Website And A New Blog


Today we launched our brand new Gingiber website! Along with this change comes a brand new, spiffy blog. All of our existing content has been transferred to www.gingiber.com/blog, and from now on it will be our home.

Be sure to update your feed/bookmark/bloglovin with our new blog url. 

Beautiful things are happening at Gingiber. And we are so thankful that we have you with us on this journey. 

Cheers and thanks,

Stacie

April 6, 2013

Gingiber Website Launching on Monday!



You guys, I am so excited about Monday! Why? Because Gingiber will officially have a website! That is right! Be sure to bookmark www.gingiber.com, because beginning Monday, you will be able to find all things Gingiber there!

And to celebrate, ever single order placed next week will receive this Exclusive "Je T'aime" heart print with their order!

Please stop by the new website on Monday. Let me know what you think! 

(p.s. for the time being we are still selling exclusively on Etsy. Later we will add the eCommerce store to gingiber.com)

Stacie

March 25, 2013

A Sheepish Shop Update


We had a rather "sheepish" update today at Gingiber! I've added several new items, including this  
 GIANT sheep pillow, 2 new sheep illustrations, and a smattering of other lovelies!






Please take a moment to browse the new goodies! Tell your friends, ya hear?

Stacie

March 22, 2013

Spring Product Sneak Peek! Launching Monday!


Hey ya'll! I wanted to give you a sneak peek of some new products hitting the virtual Gingiber shelves on Monday.

I am expanding our ever popular black sheep illustration to include a charmingly content gray sheep, and a slightly despondent brown sheep.

There will be a few other new items as well on Monday, but I am so tickled by how cute these precious sheep are I just had to show you! You will be able to purchase them as a trio, pick 2, or individually. 

What other products would you like to see at Gingiber?

Stacie

March 20, 2013

A Week of Spring Break Deals




Shame on me for not posting about this sooner! Every day this week I am offering some Spring Break exclusive deals!

Today is a BOGO day! Buy 1 8x10 illustration, get another 8x10 illustration FREE!


And stay tuned this Friday, as we are releasing a few new items :)

Stacie

March 10, 2013

The Four Finger Fundraiser Pop- Up Shop


Have you heard about the Four Finger Fundraiser to benefit Perrodin Supply Co? I cannot believe that I haven't told you all about this amazing fundraiser yet (silly me). I have had the privilege of working with 40 artists across the country to organize a special fundraiser to help my dear friends, Jonathan & Amber Perrodin.

2 weeks ago, Jonathan Perrodin, the sole wood worker for Perrodin Supply Co., amputated his right index finger in a tragic woodworking accident. In a moment, their lives changed. Now they are trying to figure out how to move forward with their business, but the damage to Jonathan's finger has resulted in loss of time, as well as huge medical bills.

That's where we come in! In an amazing show of support, handmade artists and makers across the states have decided to organize a fundraiser. Beginning on Monday, March 11th, donated goods are being sold in an online pop up shop, and all of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Perrodin family to help them during this time of uncertainty.

Artists supporting artists. The handmade community gathering together and strengthening one another. It is a beautiful thing.


 You can go ahead and preview all of the AMAZING donated items at our pop-up shop, FourFingerFundraiser.bigcartel.com. 

Shop opens tomorrow, Monday, March 11th! Please show up and purchase some amazing goods and help out the Perrodins :)

Stacie


March 5, 2013

40% Off Gingiber Toddler Shirts


Ya'll, I've marked down all Gingiber toddler shirts 40%. Snag them while you can! 


Sales ends on Friday :)

March 3, 2013

Sunday


Hello again. I just got both kid's down for a nap. Nathan is out at a jam session (he loves to play the drums), and I am actually sitting. Doing nothing for a moment. I just had a lovely chat with a dear college friend, and now I am thinking about the next item to check off of the "to-do" list.

Yesterday was a rough day. The day before that was a rough day. I could go through the laundry list of things that have been going wrong (including my laundry room flooding, being pulled over, losing my debit card, etc.) but instead I will tell you about a few nice things.

My friends brought us dinner last night. Just to be nice since my day had been hectic. A community of friends, customers, and artists supported me through a small squabble involving my artwork's copyright being infringed upon. The sun is shining. My pants are looser. And for a brief moment today my soul has been at peace.

Whether or not this is an artificial peace brought on my some antibiotics I am on has yet to be determined. However, I guess sometimes when everything is going wrong, all you can do is sit still.

And dream. I've always had a vision of what our life would look like at this point in our lives. Now maybe it is time for the dream to change. Or shift. Or to become portable.

My heart has been heavy for a while now. I am ready to fill lighter.

Here's to springtime. 

Stacie

March 1, 2013

52 Weeks of Dogs: Week 9: Scottish Terrier


Have you ever seen a puppy Scottish terrier? I mean do yourself a favor and google the. Because I think that they are the cutest, boxiest little pups I've ever seen! 

I feel like I need to catch up on dog drawings. For a while I was ahead of the game, having a few reserved in case I had a busy week. This week has been exceptionally challenging. Lots of little life obsticles to overcome. 

But at least we can look at cute dog drawings, right? That has to make the day better.

Have a suggestion for a dog you would like to see in this series? Leave a comment below :)

Stacie


February 22, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 8: Corgi


I cannot believe I have finished 8 weeks of dog illustrations! And I've had a lot of people request a corgi. So at your service, friends! Plus, don't puppy corgis look a lot like teddy bears? The CUTEST!


I had to include this close-up of the detailing. I really love this "mosaicy circular" pattern in illustrations. It is a fun texture. I have been playing with it a lot!

Don't forget, I am posting about this project also over at the official website, 52weeksofdogs.com.

Cheers!

Stacie

February 19, 2013

No News Is No News


It hasn't been a secret that I have been feeling down. I shared about it last week. Sunday, however, I felt a slight reprieve from my persistent state of ennui. Nathan played outside with Violet for over an hour. And towards the end of the afternoon Lucy and I went into the backyard and played with them. Well, I just snapped some photos. 


I keep telling myself that this will be the last February for our family here in Arkansas. But, everyday that goes by without a campus invitation makes me second guess that. It is so hard, being on the other side of Nathan's education. He graduated. A job is supposed to be there. He has done everything right. Made the best out of so many terrible circumstances. Worked hard. Applied for the jobs. Had 1st round interviews. Now almost 6 weeks later still nothing. 


I have seen a few of my friends recently announce that they have received job offers, and they are moving across the country. I am genuinely happy for them. I have a lot to be thankful for. But I am ready for our ship to come in. I am ready to actually celebrate. Ready to plan. Standing still is probably the worst feeling on earth. I have to keep reminding myself that we are okay. 


Our family is healthy and my kids (as evident in these pleasant photos) are growing up and appear to be happy and in one piece. I am a planner. And without having something to look forward to, I feel like I am in a haze. 

So will you hope with me, that maybe this week we will get some good news? Or even bad news. Just some news at all. 

Stacie


February 17, 2013

Gingiber Tea Towels: Kitchen Accessory or Large Wall Art?

BRAND NEW: Gingiber Fox, Bear, and Barn Owl Tea Towels

I have been slowly plotting my plan to take Gingiber away from the "nursery decor" arena and approach the home wares niche. Personally, I am a sucker for tea towels. I love BIG beautiful towels with gorgeous illustrations. Sometimes I love a pretty towel so much I won't even use it (hint, my Dear Colleen tea towel is hanging on my office wall). 


I introduced 2 towel designs over the holidays (a Caribou & a Deer) and they were a HUGE hit! Especially at holiday shows. So now I feel brave enough to introduce these lovely towels.


I designed these with the idea in mind that they could also double as affordable large wall art. They are square (26 inches) and look really lovely when they are displayed.


I hope that you like them! I am very proud of these designs ;)

Stacie

February 15, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 7: Dalmatian


Hey everyone. This week I drew a dalmatian. It was my favorite dog as a child. I collected dalmatians. I had around 54 stuffed dalmatians. I shouldn't say had.

I still have them. In plastic tubs. My poor husband inherited my giant stuffed animal collection.

I digress.

Nathan had a dalmatian as a child. Something just seems so right and sweet about a spotted pup.

This week's giveaway winner is: Lauryn Green

*I've decided to no longer give away weekly dog illustrations. Mainly because the cost of shipping internationally has gone up astronomically, and I just don't feel right not being able to offer this gift to my international friends*

I still hope that you will follow along with my 52 Week Project at 52weeksofdogs.com

Thanks so much,

Stacie


February 12, 2013

Lately (Lots of Words)


So I have not really updated this blog much at all, other than new product updates or promotions. I suppose I never told you all that I moved out of my home office and am now working in some leased space! It is in a safe building, is around 600 square feet, about 4 minutes from my home, and serves as a nice dumping ground for all things Gingiber.

It is not really pretty. Very utilitarian. Filled with metal shelves and folding tables. We can never seem to have enough tables for work space :)

The we, I am referring to, are my lovely helpers, Angela, who is now sewing all of the Gingiber pillows, and Vanessa, my shipping specialist. I have to say, I am not good with change. Or trusting other people to help me. I am not good at letting go of complete control. But these 2 gals are simply wonderful!


I moved out of my house for several reasons. Gingiber had outgrown my spare bedroom. The house was always filled with Uline boxes, unshipped packages, scraps of fabric, etc. Also, I was working 100% of the time. Like in between feeding the kids and showering, I was always thinking about work. I was trying to create some boundaries in my life by separating work and life.

So now I go to my studio 3 days a week, but only for 15 hours a week. And really that is not enough time. In fact, I feel like I am even more stressed than ever. Before the move, I could simply run and do something if I had a spare 15 minutes. Now I am keeping a monstrous to-do list, finding that I am never catching up. There are still a lot of kinks to work out in order to have a smooth operation. But I know this separation is for the best.

Yet, as I mentioned, I am kinda like an unfocused ball of nerves. I don't know what it is, changing business locations, my health (which never seems to be regulated), the constant stress and unknown of if we will be moving over the summer, etc. But I just haven't felt at peace.

I really don't know what it will take for me to feel content. I don't think I have ever been content. I feel like if there is a straight line to walk, I will always manage to go in a zig-zag motion. Also, the "down time" of the sales season, that fall off right after the holiday rush of crazy business, really has affected my confidence.


Which I know is silly. Because Gingiber is doing well enough. I am driving my business. Creating products that I am proud of. Nathan is finally being paid a small salary now that he is graduated. So some of the financial burden has been lifted.

But still I feel like my business and my identity have intertwined with one another. I think that I need to figure out how to love myself. Whether or not Gingiber is thriving. And loving myself is hard. Like many creatives I know, I am very hard on myself. I hold myself to this impossible standard. I am critical of myself and pick apart my own flaws. Even in times of plenty.

Well, somehow this turned into an essay on "Stacie's emotions". Sorry about that. But if you will indulge me, every once and a while I like to share something that seems more real. And to be vulnerable. Often the people around me just see "Stacie, the girl who has a rocking Etsy shop" and I feel like people think that is all that I am. Or maybe that is how I feel about myself. And I am projecting it onto others.

Thanks for being here. I won't write like this too often, I promise,

Stacie

February 11, 2013

52 Weeks of Dogs Has Its Own Website!



That is the URL of my 2013 illustration project's new home! I've decided that the best way to direct people to this fun project is to give it a proper home :) So from now on be sure to bookmark 52weeksofdogs.com to keep up with the project.

I've also added a link on the sidebar to this new website, in case you forget the URL :)

Tell your friends!

Stacie

February 10, 2013

Instagram Flash Sale: Tuesday February 12th @ 7 PM


Hey everyone! I wanted to let you know about a Gingiber Instagram flash sale happening this Tuesday, February 12th at 7 PM Central time. These prices will be LOW! Like close to wholesale prices!

Product Available:
  • 2013 Owl Calendars
  • 2013 Bear Calendars
  • "Oopsie" Animal Pillows (thin backing fabric, small blemishes, etc)
  • A small selection of toddler shirts
How It Will Work:
  • I will post a picture of the product and price on Instagram. The 1st person to comment with their email address wins the item.
  • I will invoice the winning email address via PayPal
  • Winner has 24 hours to pay their invoice
  • Shipping will be $3 US & $8 Canada (sorry shipping is too expensive to offer internationally)
  • Winner will be determined by the 1st comment to appear on the IG FEED
Instagram User Name: Gingiber
  • I know not everyone has an Instagram Account. But this is just one of the many fun ways that I would like to try to clear out excess inventory. If you cannot participate in this sale, I am always running specials in the shop and occasionally offer coupon codes. Thanks for understanding.
I hope to see you all there Tuesday evening!

Stacie
  






A "Beary" Cozy Pullover


Sorry for the extra large picture of me, but I wanted to show you something I did just for fun! That's my January Bear illustration, printed mega large onto a very cozy American Apparel pullover. 

My amazing pal Beca of Tumbleweeds (yeah, she & Doug makes those AMAZING veneered sunglasses) suggested back in January that she would buy like a million pullovers with my illustrations on them :) But I am not really pursuing Gingiber clothing at the moment. So I compromised and asked my amazing screenprinters at Orchard Street Press to make a small run of these bear pullovers. 

So now Beca and I are rocking some Gingiber clothing. You can view her rocking the Gingiber Bear Pullover by clicking here.

Anyways, I would like to get to posting more regularly over here. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stacie

February 8, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 6: Beagle


 This week's dog illustration is a Beagle.


Enter to win this week's illustration by leaving a comment on this blog post (US Entries Only)! The winner will be announced next week along with week 6's illustration! 
This Week's Giveaway Winner: Mari 

Mari please get in touch with me by sending an email to gingiberdesign (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize!

picked via random.org 

February 2, 2013

Brand New: Gingiber Posters



 Gingiber posters are here! 6 of our most popular illustrations are now available as 16x20 Fine Art GiclĂ©e Prints. They officially launch on Monday, but I wanted to go ahead and give my blog readers the 1st chance to view our newest collection. I hope that you love them as much as I do!




February 1, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 5: Greyhound

This week's dog illustration is a long legged Italian Greyhound. 

Several months ago I participated in a show at Shindig Paperie here in Fayetteville, AR. I had a very enthusiastic dog lover put the idea of drawing dog breeds into my head. She desperately wanted to see a Greyhound. She said that they are extremely underrepresented in the dog art arena. 

So, sweet lady that I met at Shindig (I've forgotten your name) this is dedicated to YOU! 

Enter to win this week's illustration by leaving a comment on this blog post! The winner will be announced next week along with week 5's illustration! 

This Week's Giveaway Winner: Alyssa Samuel 

Alyssa please get in touch with me by sending an email to gingiberdesign (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize! 

picked via random.org 

I cannot believe that I am already in my 2nd month of my 52 week challenge. I will be honest, I am working ahead when I can to make sure that every week I have a fresh pup to show you. Thanks for following along! 

 Stacie

January 25, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 4: Boston Terrier

This week's dog illustration is a black and white Boston Terrier. 
 
Did you know that $1 from every sale of the 52 Weeks of Dogs series will be donated to the Humane Society?
 
Enter to win this week's illustration by leaving a comment on this blog post! The winner will be announced next week along with week 4's illustration!
 
Giveaway Winner Week 3: Lorene
 
  Lorene please get in touch with me by sending an email to gingiberdesign (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize!
picked via random.org
 
If you like this week's illustration, have friends with pugs, or just think this project is mega cool, please share!

January 19, 2013

Owlphabet Poster: Bigger and Better Than Ever


Year after year, our quirkly owlphabet remains one of our best selling designs. And now we are offering it in an even larger poster size (16x20 inches)! It fits this standard Ikea Ribba frame, so that you know that your poster will be easy to display!

We will be debuting a new line of posters in February, but I could't wait to get this larger sized owlphabet out there for you all to enjoy!

Purchase your own Turquoise Owlphabet Poster here.

I hope that you like it!

Stacie




January 18, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 3


Week 3: Doxie Illustration
 

This week's dog illustration is of a tiny little doxie. Available in blonde or brown fur, I love this sweet little weenie dog!
Available for purchase here in the Gingiber Etsy Shop.
Enter to win this week's illustration by leaving a comment on this blog post! The winner will be announced next week along with week 4's illustration!
Giveaway Winner Week 2: Martha Carolyn
 
 Martha please get in touch with me by sending an email to gingiberdesign (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize!
picked via random.org
If you like this week's illustration, have friends with pugs, or just think this project is mega cool, please share!

January 11, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 2


Week 2: Pug Illustration

This week's dog illustration is of a sweet, wrinkly pug. Fawn colored with sad little eyes and sweet pink cheeks. The little dog paws are my favorite :)

Available for purchase here in the Gingiber Etsy Shop.

Enter to win this week's illustration by leaving a comment on this blog post! The winner will be announced next week along with week 3's illustration!

Giveaway Winner Week 1: Grace Sandford

picked via random.org

I am so jazzed about this project. I am thinking of donating a portion of every dog illustration sale this year to the Humane Society. Still working out the details. As a pet lover and dog owner, I think this would be a great way to "give back".

If you like this week's illustration, have friends with pugs, or just think this project is mega cool, please share!

January 10, 2013

It's My Birthday and Gingiber Poster Preview


Ya'll, today I turned 27 years old! Honestly, I have always felt like a 40 year old trapped in a twenty something's body, so every year that I get older, I feel a little bit more like myself. Is that totally strange?

I've had the most pleasant day so far, working for a few hours in my new studio, followed by lunch with Amber of Perrodin Supply Company. Lucy tagged along, too! Now both kids are home and we are getting ready for dinner with my in-laws. Nathan's step-sister has the same birthday as me, so it will be quite the merry party!


So in case you couldn't tell in the 1st picture, Gingiber posters are coming! And Violet has already claimed this amazing Quilted Fox poster for her bedroom. She is mega pumped!

I am releasing the 6 best selling illustrations as 16x20 inch posters. They fit standard Ikea frames, and are really really high quality. Luscious colors. Thick, sturdy paper. Why didn't I release posters sooner?

They should be in the shop by the end of the month! I have to photograph/style them first. I am the WORST photographer of all time. Some people can just see the pretty in a frame and style the heck out of product. I over think it ;)

Are you excited about posters? Which of the 6 is your favorite?

Stacie

January 4, 2013

52 Weeks of Dog Illustrations: Week 1



Week 1: French Poodle. Available in Black and Gray

Hello and Happy New Year! I am so excited to share with you a project of mine for 2013. I am going to illustrate 52 different dog breeds throughout the year! That's right. A different, adorable pup for every week of the year.


Check back here every Friday. Each week's illustration will be available for purchase in my Gingiber Etsy Shop

AND to make it more fun, I am hosting a WEEKLY GIVEAWAY of that week's new illustration!!!! To enter, leave a comment on that week's dog illustration blog post. The winner will be announced the following week.

I hope that you will follow along with my personal 2013 project. If you'd like, share about it with your friends on twitter and facebook. 

Check back next week for week 2, and don't forget to enter to win this week's Poodle Illustration!