A-fair to Remember

I think my new year's resolution should be to exercise more discipline and write entries more immediately and more consistently. . . alas (and indeed, a-lack . . . further terrible puns intended). That shameful acknowledgement aside, lets talk about stationery!

Warren Tales attended two craft fairs in December, and had lots to learn from both unique experiences:

Artisan's Alley, Coronado

Artisan's Alley is a local show, held in my hometown, and is mostly comprised of small- to medium-sized local craft business. Now, what with my *extensive* experience in business and craft fairs (cue laughter) is was terribly pretentious of me to even briefly consider such a supportive and driven show "small potatoes" but there I was with a swagger in my step thinking, "Psh, I've got this!" And oh, how the heavens did smite me.

First of all, it's excellent when experienced small businesses automatically intimidate us noobs into doubting ourselves. I hope they can see our impromptu panic and I hope it makes them smile, because they've earned it. That being said, my practice at Patchwork definitely paid off and I made good use of a small space. Set up was timely (if not quick), and as I'd prepared. But what's that? A black cloud of doom approaching our outdoor show? Hurry, Macgyver that plastic sheet over the not-remotely-waterproof-umbrella and form a little safety bubble over the paper. Other booths: nonplussed. I'm actually proud to say the bubble worked well . . . at first. Inevitably, the wind picked up and my sheet took off like a sail, making my little ship the S.S. Waterfall. Water water everywhere (care for a drop?). Shockingly however, my flapped cellophane sleeves held up against the elements—so well indeed that only one envelope of one card suffered minor water damage (though my display cards were quickly turned into abstract art). And what followed was even more amazing: people shopped.

The biggest surprise of the day by far was the enthusiasm of the shoppers. The weather was rough on my side of the table, but these guys were walking around umbrella in hand (or not) and carrying on like they were protecting themselves from the sun. They couldn't be happier to be there. And when the rain let up they sprouted tenfold. Coronado is typically a warm and loving place, but the reception Warren Tales received—and the commitment to supporting local businesses, rain or shine—was just incredible. The product feedback was excellent, sales were excellent, and the experience was excellent. I've got to give an astronomical round of applause to my little Crown Town for making the show what it was.

But the big bad returned with a vengeance. Rain is one thing, but biblical downpours are too much for a paperie to handle. We called it a few hours early in the name of self-preservation, packed up like it was our super power, and wished the veteran arks good luck with the flood.

In all, it was a very successful day which taught me A LOT about resources and limits, and also gave me confidence in my product. So huzzah for warm and fuzzy feelings (especially when soaked through).

Renegade Los Angeles

At this point in my show experience, I'd learned the pitfalls of sunny cellophane (sweaty cards are not happy cards) but the benefits of its full-coverage (think greeting card raincoats), so I was curious to see how everything held up at Renegade—i.e. The Dust Bowl.

For once I was under cover, sharing a tent with the amazing Britta Ambauen and her beautiful jewelry, but I hadn't anticipated a "Park" of woodchips and the resulting "ninja dust" (as I like to call it). It was a menace: it stuck, it clogged, and it contaminated (sandwiches, mostly), generally covering everything as it kicked up from passersby. But the sleeves held up well, protecting the product, and a damp cloth held the madness mostly at bay—though a month later, I'm still finding it on freakin' everything. At this point, if you're peddling cards that are blank inside, and participating in outdoor shows, I really can't recommend using sleeves with fold-over flaps enough.

**Realization: Perhaps this isn't interesting to my everyday readers, in which case I sincerely apologize (especially if you actually read my posts every day—I love you!), but as someone in the biz, I was fascinated to discover so many nuances that vendors never seem to speak up about, so I thank you for bearing with me while I drop some knowledge (and maybe a little dignity after using that phrase).

To conclude: I enjoy the fact that my exhibiting experience has inadvertently turned into an anecdotal game of Dirt-Water-Cellophane. Perhaps I'll make that into an internal industry thank you card some day. Perhaps I'm that kid who doesn't know she's weird. Perhaps I'm happy you've read this far and feel validated in my eccentricities because of commitment like yours! My point is, I love this job, and I thank all of you for supporting me in the myriad of ways you do which allow me to keep working. You're the bee's knees, the cat's meow, and even the frog's hop.

Fairly Crafty

One down, and two more to go!

Warren Tales made its craft fair debut last weekend, and I am happy to consider Patchwork Long Beach a success. While a flash mob of fans didn't come stampeding through the show to find me, and I didn't have to worry about selling out of stock, I supported a steady string of customers, received invaluable positive feedback from the many browsers, and came away with a profit. I think the only way I could have learned more was if it was a complete disaster.

The best thing about these winter shows—aside from product refinement and developing selling strategies—is that they impose three hard mini-deadlines on Warren Tales, before I attend the National Stationery Show in May. They push me to create and finish new products, which might have otherwise sat waiting in my sketchbook. I debuted EIGHT new cards at the Long Beach show, two of which stormed ahead to became instant best-sellers. And now they've come to a shopping cart near you:

Non-Traditional Holiday Cards

Sweater Weather

Yes, it's the holidays, but it's also cold outside, and we love a good break from the summer heat as well as time to don our ironic ugly sweaters. Who doesn't. So celebrate hot chocolate, winter coats, and pumpkin/peppermint everything (and if you're on the East Coast, please mail them all to California, care of Warren Tales). It's winter in SoCal too—just last week it was overcast for a few hours...Available in red and white, in singles and sets of six. 

Warm Wishes

We drink tea, we reminisce, and we catch up—and when we don't, we miss each other. No matter what, we're missing someone on the other side of the kettle, so send them a note and let them know. Available in singles and sets of six.

Merry & Bright

Have yourself a geometric Christmas; let your cards be bright. From now on, your snail mail will be "out of sight!" Okay, so my cards are more colorful than my spoof-lyrics. Brighten up the shortest days of the year by adding an abstract touch to tradition. Available in singles and sets of six.

Other Occasions

Mrs Lincoln

Support with a touch of dark humor, because shit happens. You don't always get the best out of a situation, but it does get better. An instant best-seller, by popular demand.

Connect the Thanks

An interactive card to amuse and appreciate—just connect the dots to reveal a message of thanks!

Available in singles and sets of four.

Balloon Day

Happy balloon day to you and yours! These cute doodles are a great way to celebrate any occasion, from a birthday to success. Blank inside, and full of possibility.

Triangle Notes

Thank you's, well-wishes, or just because: it's not often you find triangles that are so well-rounded (couldn't help myself!) Write what's on your mind, and send a notable note.

Available in singles and sets of four.

Warm Thoughts

Warmth can be read on more than just a thermostat, and even after the snow melts, we're missing you.

Next up: Coronado's Artisan Alley on December 7th!

Festivals, Fatigues, and the Future

 

So much has happened for Warren Tales in the last two months, that I (clearly) haven't even got around to telling everyone about it.

The biggest news is that—along with the Long Beach Patchwork Show, the Los Angeles Renegade Craft Fair, and Coronado's local Artisan's Alley—I have been accepted to exhibit at the 2014 National Stationery Show in May! 

Obviously, at the news of attending the National Stationery Show, I was encouraged, inspired, clear-headed (read: quaking in my unintimidatingly small boots, considering whether I could fit in the gap beneath my bed, and utterly indecisive about whether it was a good idea). I was understandably unsure, but decided I have what it takes to push forward (forgo almost all sleep) and give it my best shot.

As I buckled down into extensive research, designs, and budgets—feeling better about the chance of a looming disaster—I meandered into an announcement for Tradeshow Bootcamp's phenomenal Paper Camp seminar course, and what? A scholarship opportunity. I had heard how invaluable a TSBC course was in preparing to enter the stationery scene, but I had no idea just how perfectly they had crafted their curriculum (no pun intended...) for everything a start-up needed. I applied at once, but went back to my research without thinking much would come of it.

So imagine my surprise on Halloween when I get a treat of an email in response and realize I should have dressed up as a soldier: I had won the Bootcamp scholarship!

In the last few months, I've achieved significant goals in my aim to bring Warren Tales to a legitimate and competitive business level: including (but not limited to) executing necessary licensing and tax law requirements, ongoing development of a successful product line, and creating an all-inclusive e-commerce website (check out the beautiful new www.warrentales.com site!). I've been accepted into retail fairs, a national tradeshow, and now a program to pull it all together and really give Warren Tales a shot. I'm flummoxed and beyond grateful for all of the support, patience, and encouragement everyone has showed me, and I thank you all so much for sticking through it all with me so far.

To give you an updated idea of where Warren Tales sits in its efforts to legitimize (and to hold myself accountable to all of you), I though I'd share my scholarship application:

Name: Lindsey Warriner
Business Name: Warren Tales
Email: warrentales@gmail.com
Website: www.warrentales.com

Where can we follow you online (social media handles):
Facebook: WarrenTales // Twitter: @WarrenTalesMail // Instagram: @warrentales // Pinterest: warrentales

Tell us a little about you and your business. Don't be shy!:
Warren Tales is an independent paper craft studio, producing original products from stationery to limited print publications. Over the past two years, Warren Tales has matured from a passion to an enterprise, and continues to grow as it transitions into a wholesale endeavor.

After a lifetime of finding, folding, making, and molding any paper I could get my hands on, I was struck with the cockameme idea of going into business.

My greatest influences can all be accredited to innate dexterity, my Mother's insistence on recycling, and my Father's fabulously (terribly) punny sense of humour; all of which shaped me into the bowler hat-wearing Warriner (etymology: "rabbit keeper" . . . get it) you see today.

What are your business goals for 2013-2014?:
-Bolster product line of greeting cards, invitations, prints, and calendars
-Produce and distribute sales kits to potential clients (include catalog, samples, and marketing materials)
-Build wholesale client list through brick-and-mortar placement opportunities
-Create new and develop connections for business growth

How do you think TSBC can help you reach your goals?:
With an introductory background in marketing and publicity, and previous NSS attendance (as an observer) at the front of my mind, I feel that Tradeshow Bootcamp's Paper Camp is the perfect program to turn research and practice into applicable success. I am looking to learn how to be efficient in production and marketing; effective with design and placement; and sustainable in business growth.

Which store would you love to see your cards in? Why:
While I aspire to secure retail placement in independent gift and book stores, I would consider it a marker of true success to be distributed by Paper Source, as it reflects the interests and spending preferences of a mass market. As a former employee of Paper Source, I am familiar with featured stationers and the exposure (and awards) they have since achieved.

Are we in the stationary or stationery industry?:
I like to design new stationery while exercising on my stationary bicycle.

Ticking Along to "Africa Time"

For the past month, I've been traveling through southern Africa with family. This trip not only fulfilled a lifelong dream of everyone involved, but also marked the final lapse in responsibility and general conclusion to my experimental "gap year." In the last year I've traversed the country, accomplished significant life goals, (stretched the limits of my sanity...) and now experienced a world I hardly new existed. Here are a few trip highlights:

Bungee jumping off the highest jump in the world, from the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa (approx. 600 ft)

Shark diving with 14 Great Whites in Gansbaai, South Africa

  Walking (and scoring a little light petting action) with lion cubs in Victoria Falls, Zambia

 Hanging out with the locals on the Okavango Delta, Botswana

 Minding our Meerkat manners in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana

And taking in the expanse of the Makadikadi Salt Pans, Botswana

"Africa Time" is the perceived cultural tendency, in most parts of Africa, toward a more relaxed attitude to time (Thank you Wikipedia for that neatly-wrapped definition). While it's sometimes said as a pejorative reference to tardiness, I defend the good nature of wrapping yourself up in the less-crucial, and getting lost in the irrelevant. I'm not fast enough to process the world in "real time," and am irrevocably 15 minutes late to my own life, but it's this time that gets me where I need (and want) to be.

Learning anything from scratch is hard. Trying something new is hard. Taking a risk is hard. Following through is hard. Pushing forward is hard. Accepting it is hard is hard. The whole business bonanza is hard, but after a year of fumbling down this slow road——house-hopping, odd-jobbing, first-trying, and outright-guessing——I'm marching on, undiscouraged. It's uncomfortable not to know how things will turn out, but I have a fire under my ass, and there's no comfort in that either. I believe that Warren Tales can carve out its chance at success, and even if I wheel it in on "Africa Time," we'll get there when we're good and ready.

This week's gleaming accomplishment and celebration: 

Business License and Tax Registration

Thank you to everyone who's loyal support and readership continues to encourage me to whine less and design more. —WT

Coronado, CA Dreamin'

Back in January, I created my first hand cut depiction of Coronado, and I am pleased to announce that prints of this piece are now also available for purchase on Etsy.

This print depicts a hand cutting of the unique and celebrated island of Coronado, California. Coronado is a beautiful vacation destination off the San Diego coast, and home to generations of proud locals.  The print also highlights such popular San Diego neighborhoods as Downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Seaport Village, the Marina, Harbor Island, Point Loma, the Cabrillo National Monument, and of course the city's beautiful harbors.

Prints are available in 12" x 18" or 8" x 10" and fit standard frame sizes. Designs are printed on Strathmore 400 Bristol paper stock, and in Black, Harbor Blue, or Red in recognition of Coronado's renowned July 4th celebration. In addition, consider pairing a red frame with a blue print, or a blue frame with a red print for a fun, festive combination (frame not included in purchase).

For local purchases (no shipping required), prints will also be available for cash purchase in Coronado from July 2-5. For such requests or inquiries, please contact me at warrentales@gmail.com, or check out updates and announcements on Facebook. Selling locations will be announced for July 4th.

The Strength of Boston Supporters

I am so pleased and proud to announce that with all of your support and contributions, the Warren Tales Art Fundraiser raised $435 for donation to The One Fund to help the victims of the April 15th Boston bombings. Over the course of the fundraiser week, I shared some wonderful stories of people who's lives were touched by Boston, and in gratitude to the city and those who call it home, I'd like to share them again:

We celebrated with 3 generations of Boston ladies this Mothers Day: My grandparents met at a party in Anne's Commonwealth Ave, 5th floor walk-up apartment. "She had jet black hair and blue blue eyes, and my, she was just so pretty" says Oscar. And the rest is family history.

Emma's first memory of Boston is of being snowed in to the Copley Plaza Hotel during a freak April Fool's blizzard. "Boston is where all my memories are from." She says. "It's where I feel at home."

Sara's parents met, lived, and married in Wellesley, but with a twist of fate (and two young daughters) they were off to California. Despite the distance, Sara was never far from home, and has spent her life rediscovering Massachusetts with great pride in the strength of her Boston Blood.

Sarah and Don met in grad school, and started dating shortly after. Unwilling to part after an early date, they walked the long way home, along the marathon route from Downtown Boston to Brookline, and spent the rest of the evening baking together. As Don describes, "It was love at first pie."

Though heartsick in the wake of last month, Michael sees only love in the City of Boston: "In our 36 years together, Linda and I have followed the route of the Marathon: We started our life in Hopkinton; Made our first home in Framingham; Married and raised four kids in Sherborn; And with our youngest now grown, we've settled happily in Natick. Despite the heartbreaking events of April 15th, people have come together and helped in any way they can and have shown such caring and love for each other that it has pushed the hatred right out of Boston and replaced it with a unity not seen in recent times."

Together, we are all Boston Strong.

The best-selling Boston Paper Cutting Print (see above), as well as the other Boston prints, will still be available on Etsy for purchase as part of Warren Tales' permanent collection. As the fundraiser is now closed, prints will not be signed and proceeds will no longer be donated. Your continued support is sincerely appreciated, and I hope you'll keep Warren Tales and in mind for future purchases.

Boston Strong Fundraiser Kick-Off

Like everyone, I was shocked to hear about the Boston bombings in April 15th, 2013. But like slightly fewer people, this attack happened in my neighborhood, by my office building, to my friends, at an event I knew well, and on streets I knew even better. It's been almost a year since I left Boston to pursue new cities and experiences, and the absence of a place I consider home, in itself, was straining; let alone the pain of watching it suffer. Needless to say, I really wanted to do something to help.

For one week, Warren Tales will be selling special edition Boston Strong prints and postcards, from which all proceeds will be donated to The One Fund and the people most affected by the tragic events.

Boston Marathon Route Map

(9" x 16" -- fits nicely within a standard 12" x 18" frame, with/out mat)

This typography-inspired print highlights not only the route of the world's oldest marathon, but calls out the neighborhoods that annually host thousands of runners and supporters in the name of sport and charity, making the Boston Marathon possible and what it is today.

Boston Marathon Route Map Postcard Set

(8 cards at 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" each)
(Also available in 8" x10" prints, sold individually)

Each postcard honors a neighborhood involved in hosting the Boston Marathon. This postcard set makes for beautiful correspondence, commemoration, or decoration.

A print edition of the Boston paper cutting, depicting the city's downtown area

(8" x 8" print; 5" x 5" design)

This print celebrates the thriving City of Boston and includes the famous Boston Common, historical neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill and the North End, and the city's beautiful harbors.

All designs are original works by Warren Tales, and printed on Strathmore 400 Bristol paper stock. They are printed in "Celtics Green" to commemorate Boston's strength and drive. Each print will be marked with the unique tag of "Boston Strong" and the product's edition number out of the total number ordered (example: "Boston Strong 1/100"), to signify the limited charity edition.

Orders will be taken from Saturday May 11th through to the following Saturday, May 18th. As the special edition prints are limited in time, but not quantity, production will continue through the following week, and all orders will be shipped upon completion (no later than Tuesday May 28th). Sales will be processed through Etsy (Link).

You can find up-to-date information about the fundraiser on Facebook, and I encourage you to share the event with friends so as to raise as much money as possible.

Please email warrentales@gmail.com with any questions.


Thank you for your enthusiasm and support!