cute by jules (an update!)

Happy Wednesday Loves!

I wanted to share a little update on my cute by jules adventure! If you've been following along with me for the last while you'll know that in the fall I was lucky enough to be chosen by Etsy as the host of the 30 Day Etsy Challenge - together, with an amazing team of inspiring staff and mentors, I was able to open my own shop in 30 days! I also got to star in some really cool videos and be a part of a really great and supportive community.

I was able to open my own shop which was so incredible and something I've wanted to do for so long! However, I will admit the timing hasn't been great since I am also PLANNING MY WEDDING (!!!) hahaha :) I have some prints available in my shop but I want to add so many more and a bunch of new products as well. I love creating things and know this is just the beginning

My book of ideas is always growing and as soon as I have the time to focus on this I promise to crush it. I decided that after our wedding is over (and I get super sad that I don't have a big cute event to plan) that I will focus on my Etsy shop and grow it to be what I've always dreamed of ♥

Here are some photos of my handwritten quotes (still working on finding the perfect prints made at the right place!) but this is a good start.

Can't wait to add more things to my shop & spread some happiness and cuteness in to the world!:

Etsy Challenge - My Shop is now OPEN!

Happy Sunday, Gorgeous!

+ If you hadn't noticed, my blog is back (oh how I missed it) it was down for about five days and I am excited for it to be back because I have some fun things to post very soon. 

First up, an update on my Etsy adventure ♥ - as I posted before, I was chosen to be the host of the 30 Day Etsy Challenge which was an initiative to encourage creatives from all over to join me in opening their own Etsy shop in just 30 days. 

I've always wanted to open my own Etsy shop, in fact it's something that has been on my yearly goal list for at least the last two years! I've always thought of making and selling my own prints out of my hand written font. The past 30 days have been such a fun adventure, and between my full time job, this blog, our social life and planning a wedding it's most definitely been a challenge for me.

The homework & lesson plans for the challenge really inspired me and kept me on the right track, and the interactive Facebook group was a great way to share your ideas, get feedback and connect with other creatives! ♥  Even if I had a really busy day or week, the plans helped me to stay focused on the task at hand.

For me, I really like sharing my to-do lists, goals and dreams on my blog and social media because it helps motivate me and makes me feel accountable. Joining a community like Etsy motivates you, excites you and helps you in so many ways. This challenge was exactly what I needed to get my act together and really make this little dream I had a reality.

The biggest challenge for me throughout the 30 days, was staying focused and making time throughout the process to work on things to keep me on track. Time flies so quickly and life is busy, so it's important to schedule time for the things we really love, because before we know it the days, weeks, months and even years get away from us. This was a good learning experience for me and I definitely feel like I learned a lot from what I can accomplish if I really set my mind to something.

So, now what? My shop is officially open, but it's nowhere near perfect. I've got my first set of prints ready for the shop, but I know how I would like to improve them for the next round. I have ideas for new quotes and phrases, and other goodies I will sell in my shop! I am being realistic with myself, since I know with Christmas coming up, and nearing 6 months until the wedding, time is of the essence! However, I can't wait to grow this shop and keep it a fun & happy place for anyone willing to check out.

Here is the shop and some of the prints that are available as of now. Thanks everyone for the love and good vibes throughout the whole challenge.

shop cute by jules (!!!)

30 Day Etsy Challenge Update

Happy Monday, Babes! ♥ 

So just like that another week came and went, and is it just me or is time literally flying by? I cannot believe that October is almost over! This is insane. Yesterday was 2 months until Christmas (omfg) and this Wednesday will make it seven months until Pete and I get married! (omfggg x 2)

Also, we are already about half way through the 30 Day Etsy Challenge which is both amazing and terrifying. If you aren't up to speed on the challenge, I will give you the quick run down! - I am hosting a 30 day challenge to open my own Etsy shop! The challenge is open up to anyone who has ever wanted to open their own shop. We offer advice, support and good vibes to everyone taking the challenge, and so far it's been both educational and inspirational.

I just thought I would share a bit about where I am now when it comes to the challenge

challenges:

- Time is a big one for me right now. Between my full time job, planning a wedding, general life things and of course the jays being in the playoffs (the past few weeks) it has been hard to set aside some serious time to get some work done. This is something I will be working on in the next few weeks for sure

- Finalizing Products is obviously one of the biggest tasks and just thinking about it scares me. I want to make sure I have enough listings up to actually launch my shop in a few weeks so that is something I need to crush this week.

accomplishments:

- Instagram account for my @cutebyjules shop - I've been getting in the habit of posting more often on my Etsy/Craft account and really focusing on keeping things clean, crisp, cute and of course, on brand! I also recently made the decision to change my Instagram name to match my blog name and to keep things consistent (new name is @heyjulesxo)

- Defining my brand a bit more over the past few weeks, taking new photo's, working on some new ideas for the shop and new hand written quotes and sayings to practice. The one thing I have left to do is a "cute by jules" mantra

goals:

- Unplug, this week I really need to spend a few hours getting organized, brainstorming, crafting and creating. It's so easy to constantly be distracted by your phone, computer, facebook, blogs, instragram etc. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we really stay focused and dedicate some time to creating something special without being plugged in.

- Research some more stuff when it comes to having a working, updated Etsy shop. Spend some more time on the site to get to know other shops, think more about finalizing my own shop, and read useful blog posts etc on branding, shops etc.

5 reasons to open your own etsy shop

Happy Wednesday! ♥

So, yesterday was the first official day of the 30 Day Etsy Challenge that I am hosting with Etsy! ♥ - I am beyond excited to get started and am planning on having some serious creative time this weekend to think about my shop and play around with some fun ideas + inspiration

CHALLENGE YOURSELF //
This is a huge one for me. I love trying new things because I love challenging myself, and exploring something new. If you follow my blog or instagram then you know that I am very much goal oriented. I love setting goals and bucket lists for myself and always trying to accomplish awesome stuff. Think outside the box, challenge yourself to do something you've thought about doing for a while and thought was not possible. Learn something new every day!

GET CREATIVE //
I've always considered myself a creative type person. Inspiration is all around me. I've always felt like someone who stood out and did things different than other people, even from a young age and especially growing up and in High School. Being creative allows us to have passion and excitement for something we love. Maybe you are not able to be creative at your day job or in your regular day, so use opening a shop as your creative outlet to change things up! Create an inspiration board in your room, online or in a notebook! Write all your wonderful ideas down, always (no matter how small)

TRY SOMETHING NEW //
I am a firm believer in always learning and trying new things. Even as adults I think we sometimes forget that even though we may be done school, it's never too late to learn or try something new. Maybe you're in a slump and feeling kind of bored? Why not try something new like opening and managing your own shop? This is especially awesome if you ever dreamt about being your own boss. Hey, we all need to start somewhere, don't we?

MAKE SOME EXTRA MONEY // 
I realize that when your first start out, it may seem like you're spending money rather than making it. I think if you're willing to accept that you may need to invest time and money in to your shop at the beginning, that with the right attitude, business plan, and will to succeed your shop could become very successful! Making some extra dough on the side is never a bad idea right? I am thinking about how nice it would be to be making some extra cash right now while planning our dream #whishwedding

CONNECT WITH AWESOME PEOPLE //
This could not be more true! In the last month, since starting this journey with Etsy I have already met so many awesome and inspiring people. I love talking to other creatives, hearing how they got started, reading their posts, seeing their products come to life and learning from them. Just like on other social media platforms, Etsy creates the opportunity to get to know, connect with and meet fellow sellers. They've got platforms on the website that connect you with other sellers with similar goals and interests, and connecting with them on all social media platforms only introduces you to more and more amazing people/artists. Keep an open mind

I guess what I am trying to say is - Why not make it happen? I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the Etsy Challenge and hope anyone else who has ever thought about doing this is all over it!

Etsy 30 Day Challenge With Hey Jules!

Oh hello there, I've got some very exciting news that I am beyond thrilled to (finally) share! I have been selected by Etsy to host the Etsy 30 Day Challenge and I could not be more excited about this adventure!

What is the 30 day challenge? First off, definitely take a few minutes to check out the site for all the details, but to sum it up for you: I am going to be opening my own shop in 30 days! I will follow 8 different lessons to get me ready to make a dream I've had for a while finally come true. There will be 8 lessons & videos (starring yours truly) talking about the lessons & sharing some tips. There will be mentors to offer advice and support and a wicked awesome Facebook Group where myself and other creatives will be posting about their progress, ideas and all things related to the challenge! I am excited to support others with a similar dream to make it happen! I will also be posting my progress, struggles, ideas and more on this little blog here.

I've really thought about opening an Etsy shop for a while now. At first I wasn't too sure what I'd sell, but in the past year I've realized how much I love to write and create pretty things and knew this is what I would do when thinking about what to sell in my shop. I've done some thinking about what I want to create, but I am still in the very early stages and will be really taking this challenge and crushing it out. I've had the thought so many times before, and have even had it on some of my goal lists (like yearly goals, things to do birthday my birthday etc) The 30 Day Challenge is literally the exact push I need to MAKE THIS FINALLY HAPPEN!

Have you or anyone you know ever thought about opening your own shop? I'd love for you to join me! Join & like the Facebook Group and sign up for the challenge if you're up for this!

I will be updating all my social media outlets throughout my etsy adventure, follow along ♥ :

Instagram (personal account)// @heyjulesxo 

Instagram (crafty/etsy account) // @cutebyjules

Twitter // @heyjulesxo

Facebook (hey jules) /HeyJulesBlog

Facebook (30 day etsy challenge) /HeyJulesEtsyChallenge

Cute By Jules - Sneak Peak!

Monday, let's do this.

Today was VERY Monday, if you know what I mean. I am excited to share this post with you guys because it's something I've been spending a lot of my time doing lately! Hand lettering quotes and lyrics and gearing up to make some prints very soon.

Remember how I've mentioned that I am working on something exciting with ETSY? Well here is a sneak peak for you guys! I will be posting more about all of this very soon, can't wait to share more! In the mean time, please follow me on my crafty adventure on Instagram @cutebyjules

Etsy Weddings - Adorable Gift Ideas!

H a p p y   T h u r s d a y!!! ♥

Today I am excited to share my second post about my ETSY wedding finds! I am thrilled to be working with Etsy and have had so much fun looking at all the amazing Canadian vendors! These people are seriously talented and create the most beautiful things.

This post is a round up of my favourite gift ideas for wedding gifts! This could be gifts for your bridesmaids, for a wedding shower, a bachelorette or for the wedding day! I love taking the time to choose a really special, unique and most of all handmade/custom gift for my friends and family. I love being able to support local vendors and also choose such a thoughtful gift! So here are some of my favourites:

*Sweetheart Jewelry Box Etsy Shop*

Montreal, Quebec

Sweet and simple handmade jewelry that is so beautiful and feminine! I love the idea of treating your bridesmaids to something special with their initial or favourite colour that they could wear on your wedding day and many days and years to come! I love the dainty necklaces and bracelets with such soft pretty colours! 

*gracedesign Etsy Shop*

Toronto, Ontario

Can you tell I am a sucker with anything that has gold and pastel colours on it? GraceDesign creates BEAUTIFUL bags. All different sizes, designs and colours. I fell in love with these clutches that are just gorgeous and perfect for a wedding day! This would be so perfect for a bride or bridesmaids! This one comes in mint green too. So lovely!

*Siideways*

Peterborough, Ontario

OK so this is the most adorable thing ever! Siideways makes temporary tattoos of all shapes and sizes and all kinds of designs. I found this custom temporary tattoo for a bachelorette party and fell in love! How adorable is this? I just love it, and of course you can customize it with the brides name! 

*Noteworthy Designs Co. Stationery & creative packaging*

Peachland, British Columbia

How precious are these vow books? I just adore them and think they are so sweet. Noteworthy has a number of gifts that come from the heart, and it's obvious in the pieces she creates. From vow books, to tags to wedding guestbooks - Noteworthy offers a number of heart felt gifts and favours for weddings and events! These vow books are my fave.

*The Recovery Well*
Ottawa, Ontario

OK if this is the cutest thing you've ever seen than I don't know what is! The Recovery Well has a number of different designs on forks and spoons, a lot of which are perfect for a wedding. This would be a sweet gift idea for a wedding shower or the big day! There are a bunch of different phrases but this one is just so perfect for us coffee lovers. 

*Lovely Hankies 2015*
Edmonton, Alberta

LOL. OMG, stop! This is actually the most hilarious/amazing thing ever. I legit lol'd when I saw this specific phrase on Lovely Hankies Etsy! It's just too perfect, and so funny! I consider myself a pretty laid back/fun bride so something like this is just perfect. Would be a really cute gift for a bride at a shower or to give her on the day of her wedding! There are a bunch of different phrases too!

ETSY Weddings - Inspiration for the big day!

Oh hello there gorgeous! We're half way there! Happy Wednesday ♥

So, if you've been around here for a while you may of heard that Pete and I are engaged (omg! still excites me so much to say it) we are over-the-moon excited to plan our big day! 

A personal goal of mine for the wedding is to support any friends and local vendors as much as we possibly can! I love supporting local shops and businesses in general, and it's something I've always been passionate about. Since we are in the early stages of planning our wedding, right now it's all about finding   i n s p i r a t i o n & it's everywhere! I've been flipping through magazines, looking at wedding blogs, and I've made my own inspiration board in my craft room!

In the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my favourite ETSY shops for weddings! I've spent so much time searching on Etsy and have found some seriously beautiful stuff. Bookmarking in full effect.

Here is my first ETSY wedding round up for some inspiration!

* Spark & Thistle Etsy Shop *

Toronto, Ontario

I have been a huge fan of Spark and Thistle for a while now, and the pieces they create are absolutely beautiful. They have a diverse and unique selection of handmade jewellery and I basically want everything in their shop! These two pieces were some of my faves in the shop. It would be so fun to wear something pretty like this to add a pop of colour on the big day!

* Truvelle Etsy Shop *

Vancouver, British Columbia

The handmade dresses in Truvelle are beyond beautiful. I cannot even begin to imagine the hard work and time that goes in to making such custom gorgeous gowns. They are so feminine and soft, I really love her work! This dress photographed above is just to die for. 

* Sparkle Pony Shop Etsy *

Montreal, Quebec

Sparkle everything! I am in love, I am in love with it all. Sparkle Pony Shop is a whimsical place filled with the most wonderful shiny, and sparkly decor. Table runners and table cloths and pillows oh my! I am seriously swooning over these pieces and might need to convince Pete that we *NEED* a sparkly table runner for the head table!

* Pixels and Timber Etsy Shop *

Caledon, Ontario

Ok, how adorable is this custom handmade wedding coaster? Pixels and Timber creates some lovely custom wedding decor, like wooden signs and coasters. I love the fonts she uses and the design! So pretty and unique. These would be cute for the bride & grooms table!

* Pomtree Etsy Shop *

Ottawa, Ontario

Party and wedding decorations handmade in Ottawa. Pomtree has so many adorable paper goods to choose from! Anything from tassle garlands, to pompoms, to paper bags, to paper straws. I literally cannot even choose what I like best because I love them all! 

* Dixie & Twine Etsy Shop *

Calgary, Alberta

More glitter covered party favours. Truly the key to this sparkle queens heart! Dixie & Twine is a shop filled of sweet-as-can-be paper goods. Custom banners, flags, straws, tags and paper bags. All of the most perfect colours and patterns, and I will most definitely be all over this shop when it comes to making up our wedding favours for guests!