So what now??

After designing under the guidance of clients, I am finding it a bit bizarre not to have feedback from the customer. Not bad, just different. It`s a freedom I am enjoying now that I have time to explore the styles I love.

After taking pictures for my sister`s store, I found myself really enjoying photography. I take pictures out of need, but nonetheless it was fun!


On a sweeter note, my dear friend Paulette @Paper Nosh just made Romantic Country Magazine. I am so proud of her! Kudos!

Simply Sweet ETSY`S Dulce Shop Delicious Debut

Apparently there is an art gene dormant in all of us. My sister, who I always wanted to be like because she was so "orderly", is discovering the artsy side of her. She started her store on etsy at DulceShop.Etsy.com (Yes I did her gorgeous graphics!)

I have to say I am quite at awe at her newly discovered talents. She can cook like nobody`s business and can scrapbook like a pro. But better yet, she can make CANDIES!!!

After she made her goodies, I photographed them for her and she listed her goodies at her store. As I am helping her, I became extremely aware of all of the skills you must have in order to run an online store. And if you do not have those skills, you better hire someone who does.

Luckily, she`s got me. A seasoned designer and web geek to provide guidance on her new venture. I am very proud of her and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
You may visit her store at DulceShop.Etsy.com.

XOXO,
Elaine

The Road Less Traveled

I am happy to announce that I am dedicating my design firm to illustrations and stationery design. I have said this many times, but this is the right time to finally embrace what I love.

Through the years I have come to see web design the same way an artist sees mounting canvas before painting, annoying but necessary.

I am one of the very few designers out there who actually draws her designs and codes her own web site. I understand web design and have a special appreciation for what it does.

I invite you to visit my fashionable stationery sites at http://www.FashionableStationery.com and http://ElaineBiss.Etsy.com and let me know what you think!

XOXO,
Elaine

How to Make Decorative Couture Cupcake Liners

 Here is an updated version of this tutorial http://elainebiss.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-wrap-couture-cupcake-liners.html                                                                                                                                 

After seeing so many events serving cupcakes with ugly little liners, I thought I would do a little tutorial. I tried to do it as easy as possible. I also used some of my new damask designs on canvas, which turns out, you can actually wipe off any frosting that may have gotten on it. You can use paper if you would like!

Damask Canvas Orig...

elainebiss

1. Get your Supplies- You will need a ruler, your canvas or damask paper, Scissors and tape. **Do not frost the cupcake until after you have wrapped the paper around it.
2. Measure your cupcake-The best way to figure out how tall your strips of paper should be.

1. Cut the paper (or Canvas)-The best shape to cut it is with a little slant on one of the edges.
2. Tape it-Hold the paper with a little slant, so the bottom is narrower and the top is wider. Darn it I have chubby fingers!
3. Frost it and enjoy it!!
   
   

Link to Martha`s Cupcakes

Don`t Let me Haunt You But...

About a year ago, a friend of mine sent me a chain letter. A very scary chain letter, that involved an ugly ghost corked from a movie. The chain letter threaten that if you didn`t forward it, you would have some unfortunate accident. Cha-Raaaighhhtt.

So to mess with my friend, I photoshopped about 10 of my pictures with the ghost and sent her an email blaming her for my unfortunate discovery.

Here is my little video explaining how I did it.