Virginia Kraljevic

You are Loved

2012-07-01T11:33:00.000-04:00

A custom illustration for a client's nursery -- I loved the saying so much, I turned it into a print. ;)

Renegade Craft Fair Recap!

2012-06-30T11:17:00.000-04:00

Hello, lovelies!

Thanks to all who came out to Renegade this past weekend! With great weather and a new location, it was such a blast! I had the pleasure of sharing my booth with Jessica Marquez of Miniature Rhino again -- where she was debuting her upcoming DIY embroidery book, Stitched Gifts!! You can pre-order it now on Amazon here. It's seriously one gorgeous book and I can't wait for its official release in October!

Anyhoo, here are some pics. ;)

The Renegade Craft Fair, Brooklyn 2012!

2012-05-30T21:02:00.000-04:00

Hey, y'all!

I'll be back this year at the Renegade Craft Fair! Mark your calendars for June 23 & 24!

My Lacoste crocodile tee is here!

2012-04-10T10:34:00.001-04:00

So excited to share the news — my rendition of the iconic Lacoste crocodile has arrived! I was so honored to design this tee shirt for them. Check out your local Lacoste stores or online shop to get yours to wear this spring/summer season 2012. Sorry guys, it’s only for the ladies. ;)

xoxo,

Virginia

Etsy Success Rewind!

2012-04-04T10:56:00.002-04:00

All photos courtesy of Etsy Labs -- you can find more here at their Flickr group

Hello, lovelies!

Phew, what a week. Between my house being turned upside down due to some desperately needed renovations and some other crazy car mishaps and work stories... all I know is that the week ended up on a really positive note and I have some pictures to share, yay(!) (all courtesy of Etsy from their Flickr set). If you were able to attend in person or watch it live -- I hope you were able to get some really useful information and tips on how to get found! I had a blast on my panel with Sara Dick, Megan Auman, and our moderator, Danny Orendorff. If you missed it, you can check out our power hour here where we discuss the ins and outs of craft shows, trade shows, and getting noticed: Success Symposium Session Getting Found at Craft and Wholesale Shows.

I've been so honored to speak at several events lately and I think that regardless of what the topic is, the most essential bit of information or inspiration I want to convey is to just FOLLOW YOUR HEART and GET OUT THERE! Do what you love and with some concentrated effort, research, and dedication, you can accomplish most anything. There isn't a magic scale that can weigh your success -- and the whole idea of "success" is so arbitrary. Success is whatever you want it to be -- to some people, you already are the epitome of success. In your mind, whether or not you believe that you've made it *yet* or not, I think it's the trying that counts more than anything. Are you doing what you love? If not, are you trying to? If so, how hard are you trying? These are key questions to ask yourself if you're not sure. Making a conscious decision to change the direction of your life in whatever way is already a large feat and I give you kudos for that. The road to "success" can be long and windy at times and you may even get lost here and there -- just know that you're not alone in embracing the unknown. And back to the topic of "Getting Found" -- the most important thing you can do is to simply get out there and introduce yourself to the world. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how open people are to you and your work -- and you may surprise yourself at just how far you can go.

So, keep on keepin' on! You can do it.

xo,
Virginia

And please make sure you download the FREE Etsy Success Symposium workbook that includes some tips of the trade and other helpful worksheets to get you on your way here: Etsy Success Symposium Workbook 2012

Thank you all for watching -- and it was so nice to see some familiar faces and meet new ones! Until we meet again...

With the ever-so-talented Nguyen of KnitKnit and Jessica of Miniature Rhino

The Etsy Success Symposium!

2012-03-22T09:05:00.001-04:00

Photo by Nicole Licht

Do you have an Etsy shop and/or a small business? Then tune in next week to this year's Etsy Success Symposium where there will be an entire day dedicated to workshops that will help you to get found! Everything from your tweets, emails, and your pins to how to stand out at shows, tips and inspiration will be offered for free through Etsy's Online Labs. What's also neat? I'm going to be there! I'm thrilled to be on the panel "Get Out There: Using Craft and Wholesale Shows to Support Your Small Business" scheduled for 4pm EST on Friday, March 30. Will you be there in person? I'd love to meet you! See you there.

xoxo,

Virginia

Don't Stop Believing

2012-03-01T20:23:00.002-05:00

Just don't do it -- don't stop believing because you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Everything in Due Time

2012-02-28T19:18:00.002-05:00

Newest print to the shop! :) I have been becoming more obsessed with sayings and quotes these days. I love listening to people and catching little phrases they use repeatedly. I'm so very bad with remembering phrases, so I always write down the ones that resonate with me one way or another.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Ha, love this.

2012-02-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

Doodling is a gateway to illustration. Get help now! ;)

Forever Ever

2012-02-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

For all the lovebirds. New to the shop.

It is what it is

2012-02-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Newest. Just finished. And now my hand needs a rest! Inspired by a catch phrase that an old colleague always said. Every day. ;)

Haiti's Clean Cook Stove Project

2012-02-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

Check out this awesome IndieGoGo project my friend is leading -- rebuilding Haiti through community capacity and sustainable technology -- and if you're able, contribute what you can or spread the word!

Thank you,
Virginia

Etsy Treasuries

2012-02-16T17:26:00.000-05:00

I love to make treasuries. It's like making a little collage. One of my latest was featured on Etsy's front page today. Always a thrill!! You can see more of my treasuries here. ;)

What an awesome speech.

2012-02-16T12:04:00.006-05:00

Via the Etsy blog, I came across this amazing TED speech with Sir Ken Robinson:

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! from Beaver Country Day School on Vimeo.

I attended public school growing up and although I had fairly small classes, some personalized attention, and a great variety of extracurricular activities, there definitely was not enough focus on individual interests or natural talents. There was always too much emphasis on getting good grades in all classes rather than focusing to shine in the classes that spoke to us the most.

There was pressure in getting into the "right" school and getting the "right" job from a young age. I remember being told that colleges looked at your middle school transcripts as well (that's 6-8th grade!) so you better not slack off in any subject and you better start building up your portfolio... Although I am really grateful for the education I received and for having some standout teachers, I really just wonder how different my life would be if I was allowed to pursue the arts from, let's say, age five. Art was always my favorite class -- I even remember in first grade writing that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. But nowhere along the way was it expressed that being an artist was an option. Maybe an art teacher, but never an artist. That idea was never implanted in my head until I put it there when I was 28 years old.

But everything does happen for a reason. And after an eclectic peppering of professional and educational experiences underwing, I would not have found my personal artistic style and I would not appreciate being able to do my work as much as I do because of everything I've been through to get to this point. I cherish what I do more than anything.

Anyhoo, I hope all of you out there give yourself permission to follow your hearts (regardless of your age and/or education) because even if there are some hurdles to jump over, it may be the best thing you've ever done for yourself.

xoxo,

Virginia

Juice juice juice!

2012-02-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

And now a note on juicing. And I mean the green, leafy kind. ;)

I started juicing veggies this year a) because of all the health benefits (there's about a gazillion!) b) the health benefits are so amazing I have to mention them twice and c) because I have hypoglycemia and I'm determined to keep myself balanced every day.

And so, I've become completely obsessed with juicing. It detoxes your body like you wouldn't believe and adds a real kick to your step. For someone who has had daily bouts of brain fog since she can remember, it has been a real help in keeping me focused *and* awake.

I almost feel like Jim Carrey in this funny Juice Weasel skit back when he was on In Living Color:

Anyhoo, it's become such a huge part of my life that I had to share. Do you juice? I'd love to hear from you and any recipes you may love.

Here's a recipe I made up that is seriously yum-ola. And make sure it's all organic produce!!

Organic Goodness

Kale (3)

Collard Greens (2 medium)

Asparagus (2)

Dandelion (handful)

Carrot (1)

Ginger (1 inch chunk, peeled)

Lemon (1 whole, peeled)

Parsley (handful)

Cilantro (handful)

Cucumber (1/2 with skin)

Celery (3 stalks with leaves)

Green Apple (1 medium, no seeds)

xoxo,
Virginia

Bird. James Bird.

2012-02-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

An ode to James Bond.

Group Art Exhibition!

2012-01-24T12:28:00.000-05:00

So excited to be included in this group exhibition among some really talented artists. ;)

Some New Work

2012-01-18T09:33:00.001-05:00

New prints added to the Etsy shop! You can check them out here. ;)

As Seen in West Elm!

2012-01-17T11:13:00.000-05:00

Hey there, everyone! Do you receive the West Elm catalog or have a store near you? Depending on which issue you have, you'll be able to spot some of my work inside! Plus I got a sweet plug on their website. Check it out here! (Just scroll through until you see me ;)
xoxo,
Virginia

Vans Signature Shirts

2012-01-15T16:36:00.001-05:00

So I just realized that I never told you about my collaboration with Vans! Well, I was so honored to design some signature t-shirts for the legendary skateboard brand. Three women's shirts came out in the fall and you can still find them online and in some skate/snowboard shops.

HOLIDAY SALE!! 20% off all prints.

2011-12-13T14:54:00.001-05:00

Are you one of those holiday procrastinators who wait till the last minute to get their loved ones gifts? Well, you're not alone. And just for this reason, I'm offering 20% OFF ALL PRINTS in my Etsy shop now thru 12/14! No discount code needed at checkout -- everything has already been marked down for easy shopping. $30 prints are now $24 and $14 prints are 11.20 -- just until the end of Wednesday!

xoxo,
Virginia

Part II of the Etsy Holiday How-Tuesday is up!

2011-12-13T14:51:00.002-05:00

I especially had fun with this project because I literally scoured through my kitchen for potential items that could work to make some fun DIY handmade wrapping paper. Thanks so much for watching!

How-Tuesday: Upcycled Gift Wrap from Etsy on Vimeo.

Etsy How-Tuesday: Holiday Edition

2011-12-06T16:36:00.001-05:00

So psyched to be a part of this month's Etsy How-Tuesday Holiday video series. Check out the full article here for further instructions and project template.

How-Tuesday: Holiday Pyramid Scheme from Etsy on Vimeo.

Some Originals Added to the Shop!

2011-12-05T15:57:00.004-05:00

I'm excited to announce that some original pen and ink drawings have been added to my Etsy shop. Take a peek!

Happy December!

2011-12-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Wowee, can you believe it's December already? Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Buggles (the cat) and I wish you an even lovelier holiday season! I know I've been a little missing-in-action as of late, but I've been working on some fun secret projects that I hope to reveal to you shortly!

xoxo,

Virginia & Buggles