Gramkin Paper Studio

Neat Things:Pillow Fight Weapons

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:48:00 +0000

These awesome Pillow Fight Weapons by Bryan Ku are sure to make any pillow fight EPIC! (ugh....is it just me or is anyone else leaning toward the battle axe?)

STOREFRONT:CRAFT LAUNCH

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:41:00 +0000

The latest kid on the block is Craft Launch , an online site that allows the owners of handmade and vintage businesses to easily build custom, professional websites...basically allowing an Etsy shopkeeper the ability to "tie in" their Etsy shop,giving it an "Storefront" appearance. I gotta say, its about time someone thought of this.

Once you sign up, CraftLaunch will take your latest Etsy listings and put them into your website so visitors can view them. When a customer clicks “buy” , it will then take them to checkout on Etsy. That means you do not have to manage two sets of inventory or checkout processes, and you only have to post and pay for your listings once.
There is a month $15 (pay-as-you-go) fee to use the service, but they are currently offering a 15 day free trial ( with no credit card required) to see if you would like the site.With the monthly fee you can get a variety of services ( google analytic's, unlimited Etsy products, social network linking, unlimited pages and etc) but there is an additional fee per month to use your custom domain. If you choose not to add that they your domain will be your site name.craftlaunch.com.
If you have finally decided to have your own website from Etsy, but your are "budget" conscious or don't know where to start(html, shopping cart, etc), this is a good first step. It allows you to "get your feet wet" and find out if your business is ready to sustain itself

PROS: Easy to use integration and automatic website updates when you add new listings to your shop. Great start for "1st time" website launcher.
CONS: Limited features, if you are looking to do more with your website, this is not the site for you.Also, if a customer is not an Etsy Member, they will still need to join Etsy just to buy fro your site and that may alienate customers who want your product, but dont want to take the time to join another website.

WRAPPERY CLOSING: Storewide Sale

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:23:00 +0000

Looks like Wrappery, the package supply store on Etsy is closing and they are having a clearance sale....so that means "Everything Must Go"!
They have doiles in a variety of sizes and types in some "hard to find sizes" like 14". They have bags and ties as well as some cute Sock Monkey Valentine Cello Bags.....One thing is once its gone, its gone, so get them now....looks like the bags and doilies are going like hotcakes.

New Valentine's Day Cards 2012

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:17:00 +0000

We have just added our new Valentines Day Cards by Gramkin Paper Studio . Get them in time for February 14th!

Chicken & Waffles Cupcakes with Maple Syrup Frosting

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Now when I first saw this recipe via Formal Fringe ,I thought this would rank down there with "Bacon Ice Cream" where it sounds good in theory, but never good in reality.This waffle-inspired yellow buttermilk cupcake is topped with maple syrup buttercream frosting and a mini helping of chicken and waffles....but more importantly the cupcake is infused with a shot of straight-up maple syrup right in the center.

Chicken & Waffles Cupcakes
(Cake adapted from Martha Stewart, with an original frosting recipe, makes 24 cupcakes)

For the buttermilk cakes:

3 cups cake flour
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons coarse salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 ¼ cups sugar
5 large whole eggs plus 3 egg yolks, room temperature
2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup maple syrup

For the maple syrup frosting & topping:

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup maple syrup
6 cups powdered sugar
24 waffle pieces
24 chicken nuggets
maple syrup to drizzle

Make the cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line two cupcake pans with 24 cupcake liners.
Sift or whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking power and salt.
With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and add the whole eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the egg yolks and beat until thoroughly combined.
Reduce speed to low and add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with two additions of buttermilk. Be sure to mix well after each addition.
Beat in the vanilla extract last.
Pour the batter into liners, filling each cup about three-quarters of the way up.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until they pass the toothpick test. Lift them out onto wire racks to cool.

With a food injector, inject roughly one teaspoon of maple syrup into the center of each cooled cupcake.

Make the frosting:

In a small bowl, beat together the butter and syrup until blended. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add just enough maple syrup or milk to thin out the consistency.
Ice and decorate the cupcakes by piping a ring of frosting onto each. With a toothpick or wooden pick, skewer a chicken nugget and waffle piece together, then slide the pick into the top of the cupcake. Drizzle the top with a bit of maple syrup.

For the complete recipe and photo tutorial, go to Formal Fringe

Chalkboard Lunch Bag: A tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:45:00 +0000

I love chalkboard paint since it can instantly make most surfaces into a chalkboard, so when I can came across this tutorial for a Chalkboard Lunch Bag from Linda Facci via Fresh Home Ideas, I was excited!
This bag is great to write a little message to your child, whether it be a little not of encouragement or to remember to eat your veggies ;)

{MATERIALS}

Scissors
Black-board oilcloth (purchased at Bell’occhio)
Straight pins
Pinking shears
Sewing machine
Velcro sticker
Chalk

Step 1: Cut two 9 1/2 x 13 pieces of black-board oilcloth

Step 2: Pin right sides together and sew 3 sides, leaving a short side open. I cut the “open side” with pinking shears (not shown). Make sure to reinforce the corners by backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam

Step 3: Pull the bag at its sides so a diamond shape is formed on top. Mark 2 inches from point of diamond to middle of diamond and sew across. Reinforce seams

Step 4: Cut off the corners about 1/4-inch from seam

Step 5: Turn the bag right side out. For closure, attach one half of a Velcro sticker to the top portion of one side, roll down and attach the other half to the other side

Step 6: Write a sweet note to your kids

Step 7: And just wipe away at the end of the day with a damp cloth

For complete tutorial go to Fresh Home Ideas

COME BY AND SEE US AT YELP GIFTACULAR NYC!

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:54:00 +0000

Dont forget to come by and see us this weekend at the YELP Giftacular in NYC !!!
Located at 82 Mercer between Spring & Broome St (FREE TO ATTEND)
Just take the N/R to Prince St and walk 1 block south or take the 4/6 to Spring St and walk 2 blocks west.

Obsession: Cable Knit Mug

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:27:00 +0000

I am obsessed with the Cable Knit Mug from Starbucks' 2008 collection.Unfortunately, it is no longer made, but that doesn't stop my feelings of longing every time I see it. Now if Starbucks could just bring it back!....better yet, maybe some genius designer would make one as well as a set of dishware. Am I the only one that would totally buy a set of cable knit pattern plates and bowls?
DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO BUY A MUG LIKE THIS?

photo courtesy of LimeGreenOctopi

HOW'S THIS FOR PACKAGING?

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000

When shipped abroad, a Christian Lacroix wedding dress travels upright in a cloth case, each layer resting in a bed of tissue. Such extraordinary care and attention to detail is the foundation of the couture.
Am I the only one that now thinks my packaging is inadequate? lol

photo courtesy of Foudure.co

Download Day: Convokin Speech Bubble Icon Set

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:34:00 +0000

The main issue that arises with social media icon sets and that some of the newer websites are missing. I looked everywhere for an official"Etsy " button as well as several other popular sites and couldn't find one. Or if you have found one, it doesn't fit the design of the icons you already have.....so to sole my problem I just made my own.
Now in addition to the Etsy button, I have added several others in the CONVOKIN Speech Bubble Icon Set. This set includes all the popular social media icons (twitter, facebook and etc) along with rare ones like Etsy, Ebay, Pinterest, Tumblr, Vimeo , Paypal and more.

Download : CONVOKIN Speech Bubble Icon Set by Gramkin Paper Studio

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Download the icon set ( gif and png format )
2.Once it is saved to your computer, unzip using your own program ( WinZip , WinRAR,etc) or right click on the file and choose " Extract Files" to unzip the icons and save to your computer.
3. You will need to upload them into your own hosting ( photobucket, flikr, etc)
4. Add them to your website, bottom of your blog post or side bar

THE CODE:
The most common html code to use is :

Tell Me How You Like Them.........

Neat Things:Handjob Hooks

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:36:00 +0000

This just might be the best Home Goods design of the year! These Handjob Hooks by Therlermont Hupton come in familiar gestures, including thumbs up, wave, handshake, OK, point, peace and rock....but I personally like the "up yours" version. Can you guess which one that is?
Though this is technically a "functional" home item, to hang your bag or coat on, I think they double beautifully as wall art...and based on the $145 USD price tag, so do they.

New Holiday Photo Cards by Gramkin Paper Studio

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:24:00 +0000

We have just added our new Holiday Photocards by Gramkin Paper Studio. Just add your photo and what every name or message you would like! Order them now, just in time for the holidays.

IS ETSY STOPPING YOU FROM GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:05:00 +0000

I have a love/hate relationship with Etsy....they have brought me exposure to a wider audience, but in some aspects they have also hindered me from gaining new customers.
The community is large and for the most part extremely helpful, but I have found that some customers are put off by having to go to Etsy and join the site just to buy my or others products. Also it stands to reason that while a customer may go on Etsy intending to buy from a particular seller, there is a strong likely hood that they will stray from the intended purchase by searching thru the site ( I have done that many times). One seller brought up a good point....when someone asks you "Where did you get that?"...do you say the store name , like" Gramkin Paper Studio" or do you just say "I got it on Etsy, or Ebay or Artfire...." More than likely you stated Etsy or the selling site as opposed to the actual name of the company who makes the item.
Now there are people who do "Quit Their Day Job" and I like others, read those featured sellers, but the majority of people who sell on etsy, have a "back up plan" in the form of a full time working partner or a job themselves. I am a big promoter of not putting all your eggs in one basket, having income from various sources and because Etsy doesn't really have the easy "social media" integration that a website gives you, it makes it difficult to cross promote your brand. You really cant add a blog, twitter or an other site that you might have that the customer might like to see. There is no mailing list for your specific store, just Etsy in general and the customer has to sign up to be part of the marketplace to purchase items from you. There are definitely customers that I have lost because of this last option.

What am I doing about it? Well, my business has expanded beyond what Etsy solely can do for me so I have decided to do a company overhaul. We now have a brand new site "Gramkin Paper Studio" and market outside of Etsy.This allows me to not only sell my merchandise, but also integrate all the other branding tools that I need. Now I still have love for Etsy, but now I love it like a mistress as opposed to my website that I love like a spouse. Etsy will now be a secondary option for those of my customers that still shop there..... basically a giant promotional tool for my business.

HAVE YOU GROWN BEYOND ETSY?

pictures courtesy of BearandRobot

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Happy Halloween
from Gramkin Paper Studio

MINI OWL TREAT BOXES: DOWNLOAD DAY

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:09:00 +0000

These menacing but cute owl treat box is brought to you by Domestifluff. This DIY box is easy to make and is a great party favor to hold candy or other Halloween goodies.
The great thing about this box is that you can easily make the owls different colors.Instead of using just plain black or another solid color, try mixing it up. Make your owl with one row of an alternate color, like brown with scalloped row of cream.
(for complete tutorial with pics please visit Domestifluff)

{SUPPLIES}:

Mini Owl Treat Box Template

black and orange cardstock(as pictured) or any color of cardstock you would like to make owl in

A stylus, ruler, and small cutting mat for scoring the box template (optional)

craft scissors

glue dots and double-sided tape

school glue

a small paintbrush

a paper plate or piece of paper

glitter ( Martha Stewart Fire Opal Pictured)

{INSTRUCTIONS}:

1. Print the templates onto cardstock. Page one of the template contains everything that will need to be printed on black; page two contains the beak and eye center pieces, which are printed on orange. Cut out all of the template pieces and, as shown in the picture, assemble the eyes and attach the beak to the horns using glue dots. Assemble the box according to the instructions found in the template file.

2. As shown in the picture, attach the feather ruffles to the box using glue dots or double-sided tape.

3. Using a small paintbrush and school glue, cover the beak in glue. Immediately sprinkle the glitter over the beak until it’s completely covered, and allow excess glitter to fall onto a paper plate or piece of paper below. Tap off any remaining excess glitter, and set aside to allow the glue to dry completely.

4. Paint the eye center with glue, and use the technique in step 3 to complete the glittering process. Repeat for the second eye.

5. After the glue on the beak and eyes has dried completely, attach the eyes to the beak/horn piece using glue dots or double-sided-tape.

6. Attach the completed face piece to the front flap of the box using glue dots or double-sided tape. Fill with treats, and seal the box shut using glue dots, double-sided tape, or even a small piece of velcro.

owl picture courtesy of domestifluff

Celebrities on Etsy: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:04:00 +0000

For those of you who like our popular post "Cebrities on Etsy"....it looks as if there are alot more celebrities who sell there wares on Etsy as well.
Take Tamara Mello, the character actress best kown for playing politically-correct vegan Lily Esposito on the TV show "Popular", looks to have gotten her friend Mad Men's"Christina Hendricks" to pose in her "Blackbird Design House" knit creations.

GRAB YOUR BALLS....IT'S CHRISTMAS!

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:53:00 +0000

That time of the year is upon us again. It seems like Christmas just ended, but it has already been a year. We have just listed new Gramkin Paper Studio Christmas merchandise ( with more to come) and don't forget to our box sets of 10 or 20 cards!

WORLDS GREATEST SANDWICH

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:12:00 +0000

This recipe is via From Away for the Worlds Greatest Sandwich ,that chef Thomas Keller developed for Adam Sandler to make in the movie Spanglish. It's basically a bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich dressed up with a fried drippy egg yolk and it is pretty great. I ended up making this one night when was up ridiculously late and didn't want to leave my house to get something to eat.....this truly may be one of the worlds greatest sandwiches.

Spanglish Sandwich

{Ingredients}

4 thick slices of bacon
2 slices of Monterey Jack cheese
2 thick slices of sourdough bread or other toasted rustic country loaf (pain de campagne)
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
4 tomato slices
2 leaves of butter lettuce (yes, it's called butter lettuce)
1 teaspoon unsalted butter
1 large egg

{Assembly}

1.In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

2.Set the Monterey Jack slices on 1 piece bread, and toast both slices of bread under the broiler until lightly browned and bubbly. Spread the slice of bread without cheese with mayonnaise, and then top with bacon, then lettuce, then tomato.

3.Melt butter in a small nonstick pan. Add the egg and fry over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp around the edge, about 4 minutes; the yolk should still be runny. Slide the egg onto the lettuce; close the sandwich and eat immediately.

Note: I happen to love a runny egg, but some do not, so if you don't, I suggest cooking it a little more to your liking....trust me, it will still be good :)

Prettiness of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:54:00 +0000

This gorgeous photoshoot is from Tanishiq Bridal Jewelry by photographer Sharon Nayak.
The colors , styling , lighting and last but not least the model are stunning ....great inspiration for any genre of design

NEWEST STOREFRONT: GOODSIE

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:37:00 +0000

There are alot of "Online Store Fronts" that try to make a name for themseleves like Etsy or as Ebay once did...Zazzle, Big Cartel, Artfire, Foodzie, Store Envy along with countless others, but a new kid has entered the block...Goodsie

Goodsie , a NY Based online store front is from the creators of Favors.Me, has created a simple way of creating a website similar to Wordpress. Users are able to choose from multiple layout options, color pallets, background patterns, and typography without having to worry about HTML or coding issues. Users can transfer domain names for free, get site analytics, and connects to most payment options including PayPal without charging transaction fees. This is a great option that allows the owner to interagate a "cart " without alieanting some buyers by having them "join" the site to purchase from you like Etsy or Ebay.

New users can join with a free 30 day trial and once the trial is up, the user will be required to pay$15 per month for the service. Just note that Goodsie is not the end all be all. It currently does have a coupon feature and though the layouts are great, they can be limiting if you are looking for something more extensive.

The bottom line is that this site will get you started, but if your business is growing, you will need a more extensive option.

PROS: Goodsie is a good starting place for 1st time shop owners on a limited budget. Easy to use with slick interface and clean lines. Offers great non traditional font options built in and great layouts.

CONS: Limited in extensive design options, fee per month, though low at $15 is still an expense. No automatic cross sales, like on Etsy or Ebay,where a customer may see your store and purchase ...you will have to push people to your site

WE ARE ON VACATION!

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:21:00 +0000

We are taking a much needed Vacation!
It has been a long time coming and the time is finally now.! We will be back on September 15th, bright eyed and bushy tailed with new blog content and post as well as new totally inappropriate designs.
While we are away, catch up on some of our popular posts or take a gander at our new company website that we have be whoring out lately and hopefully I will see ya in 2 weeks ...that is if I dont cause an international incident with my rampant inappropriatness ;)

{SOME OF OUR MOST POPULAR POST}

New Company Website

Etsy Business Tools You May Have Never Heard Of

Gramkin Tutorials

Gramkin Paper Studio Recipes and Yummy Goodness

Edible Play Dough

Craft Show Resources

Creative Packaging Resources

Photography and Photo Editing Tools

USPS Customs: Making your day at the Post Office less aggravating

OUR NEW SITE

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 02:25:00 +0000

We are putting up the finishing touches on our new Gramkin Paper Studio website.....take a look and tell us what you think

HELP ME......

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Sorry for the lengthy pauses between post...currently we're putting the "finishing" touches on our web presence updates as well as trying to juggle some other projects. BUT, we will be back on track in about two weeks..... Thank you to everyone for sticking thru the lack of prompt post, as you can see we are a little Stressed out, but nothing a 5th of Jack Daniels can't cure, LOL...

Mini Cupcake Stand DIY Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:20:00 +0000

::::::::::SUPPLIES::::::::::

1. Mini 3″ Candle Sticks made by Lara Crafts

2. 3″ Wooden Unfinished Circles by Lara Crafts

3. Wood Glue

4. Spray Paint ( any color), Rust-Oleum from Home Depot

::::::::::INSTRUCTION::::::::::

1. Take one candle stick and one circle and place a little wood glue around the rim of the candle stick and adhere the circle in the center.

2. Let them dry for 24 hours before you handle them.

3. Spray painted in the desired color, but I am sure you could use craft paint on them if you prefer that method. You may have to do more than 1 coat.

please note: They carry the Lara Craft brand of wood at Michael’s and other craft stores, but you may not be able to find it at your local Michael’s store.

pictures and instruction courtesy of Modern Moments Designs,

FONT BUREAU: HALO HANDLETTER

noreply@blogger.com (MG Designs) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:53:00 +0000

Halo Handletter Font by Mario Arturo
{DOWNLOAD HALO FONT}

::::::TO DOWNLOAD FONT::::::

1.click on link above and choose the "click here to download" bttn to save to your computer
2.go to your computer (where ever you saved the file) and "right click" on zip file.
3.choose open to "extract file here" or if you have a " zip extract" program like Winzip or Yemzip (for mac) then choose that program to unzip the file.
4.once the file is "unzipped" move the font file to your font folder on your computer
5.once your file is in your "font folder" on your computer you can use it with any of your programs.

please note: your "font folder" can be accessed in any "Windows System" by going to "My Computer" then click on "(C:)", then "Windows" and there you will see a folder called "Fonts". That folder is your "Fonts Folder" where all your fonts are kept...add any new fonts to this folder.