Happy Cactus Designs formally launched in 2011, but 2012 was the year we really gained our "sea legs" and grew in so many different ways. One of my favorite aspects of running Happy Cactus is getting to work on custom projects. I didn't anticipate how well received our personalized stationery would be. I held a trunk show in early November and was thrilled to have so many people order custom note cards for themselves and for loved ones as holiday gifts. I worked at full speed for many weeks in November and December to create these designs and wanted to share some of them here! Many incorporate designs from the existing collection. View more designs here.
Happy 2013! This week's doodle is coming to you one day early.
The photo in the background was taken at Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. I traveled there over the holidays and it is simply breathtaking!
2012 was a huge year for Happy Cactus Designs and the company grew by leaps and bounds. I'm very excited about what 2013 has in store and can't wait to dive into new projects in 2013!
One of my favorite projects of 2012 was this New Year's card I designed for one of my dearest friends.
Cassie is deeply involved in raising awareness about animal welfare issues, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and contributes to the community by participating in animal rescues, collecting supplies for animals in need, and working with various animal-related organizations. She wanted a New Year's card featuring a photo of her furry family (are they not the cutest?!) and using her favorite colors - pink and green. She also wanted the card to share some information about Paw's Cause, an event she is co-chairing in early spring that benefits the SPCA of Texas.
I used a bold green on the front of the 5x7 card to match Josie the parrot's bold feathers. On the back, I created a fun hand drawn paw print pattern in pink and green.
I am wild about this card and how all of the elements came together. I also cannot get over how photogenic Cassie's sweet pets are! To learn more about Paw's Cause, visit the SPCA's site here.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Happy Cactus Designs!
As we wind down 2012, I thought I'd share a compilation of the small business related blog posts I shared on this blog over the year. I hope other small business owners have found these posts to be helpful. I'm planning even more small business related content for 2013!
Making Things Official
Making Things Work
Jump Start Your Tradeshow Experience with Tradeshow Bootcamp
Making Things Look Good
Essential Components for a Website
Making Things Social
Using Social Media Tools to Grow Your Small Business
Using Facebook to Promote Your Business and Build Brand Awareness
Using Twitter to Promote Your Small Business and Connect with Colleagues
Using LinkedIn to Connect with Industry Colleagues
Using Pinterest to Find Inspiration and Promote Your Small Business
This week's Christmas song inspired doodle comes from one of my favorite holiday tunes - Walking in a Winter Wonderland. This doodle is best viewed while listening to the Bing Crosby version!
It's that time of year when many artists and small business owners like myself are taking part in local craft fairs and holiday shows. I love doing these types of shows because it's a great way to meet customers face-to-face, get feedback on products, meet other artists, and, of course, sell your goods.
There's still time to order your Christmas cards! We have limited quantities of various styles in stock. Order today and you should receive your cards by the end of the week. We ship all orders via USPS Priority Mail - typically delivers in 2-3 days. Check out our cards here!
Practicing my hand lettering to some favorite Christmas songs!
Just in time for the holiday rush, we're pleased to be offering free shipping on ALL orders through 10pm EST December 5.
This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on holiday cards, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and thank you notes....everything you'll need for a merry December!
