taking some R&R

Friends, I am tired.

The last few months my calendar has been full, my studio space has been in wrecks and orders kept coming (which I am endlessly grateful for), but I am beat. I need time to read my books, to just hang with my man, enjoy my community and rejuvenate!

I am closing the shop for a week or so! It was a difficult decision because I didn't  want to lose my momentum. I was too concerned my keep up with the sales and other shops that I was missing out on life opportunities - I ain't down with that. I heard a small voice say "BREAK TIME." I probably should listen to that small voice than the voice telling me to keep up.

But I can't wait to reveal the 2014 line and I will be working on that in the meantime. I also can't wait to show you all my custom orders that I have worked on…

My shop takes a little vacation starting this weekend, December 22nd (the day my sister arrives here in Colorado - yay). SO, shop the AMAZING sales I have right now. I need to clear my shelves!

Thank you for making 2013 a great year for give with JOY. I just can't imagine what the new year has in store for the shop.

Oh almost forgot, I want your help with something. Can you leave a comment and just let me know what you may want to see in 2014 in my shop…what are some of your #happymail needs? XO - All comments will be part of a special giveaway :) (aka free stuff)

with joy,
aneta nina

(( good book + perfect weather + the mountains ))

Handmade Homemade gift ideas

Call me crazy, but I would rather spend time at home making a gift then spending time in a packed mall.

One of my favorite gifts that I made was for my sister-in-law. She loves to host parties at her house, so I put together a Gold Themed: Party-in-a-Box gift package! 

What you'll need:

1. Thank you cards or Invites

2. Drink Stirrers

3. Banner/Garland

4. Cupcake mix and cupcake liners

5. Candles

6. Gift for the hostess

How I did it:

For the invites/thank yous - I bought blank white cards and made a heart shape with glue and sprinkled glitter. 

For the drink stirrers - I bought skewers and wrapped feathers to them.

For the candles - I bought glass jar candles and used spray adhesive and glitter to make them pretty. 

Paper banner/garland - I took my heart puncher and sewing machine to make a banner for the party. It's quite easy if you have a sewing machine.

I bundled it all together with labels and fun wrapping. It's simply, but takes some time to put it all together! 

Hope this helps give you some last minute ideas.

with joy,

aneta nina

giving gifts

Do you have a friend that is always cheering you on? That challenges you to be better? I have a few and I know I am blessed for it!

My friend Rachael is one of those friends - BFF - to state it best! I work full-time and manage my online shop. The work piles up I tell ya - but then Rachael calls to check-in always asking how she can help carry my load. I have it good!

The other day, she sent me these amazing photos to tell a better story about sending out letters - using my very own stationery. Christmas is right around the corner and I put a lot of pressure on myself to hunt for the best gift. I spend too many hours shopping at the store or online. Don't get me wrong, I love giving gifts, but Christmas has become a busy time of year for me. And I would rather spend with people around a roaring fire and some eggnog than shopping.

That's why I am highlighting my stationery as a gift idea. It's easy to purchase and it's perfect for the people in your life that like to send out #HappyMail. Or this is the perfect time of year to send out mail - this can be a lonely time of year for someone! ((end pitch)) :)

Thanks Rachael for the photos!
with joy,
Aneta Nina

Shop give with JOY this Christmas!

you guys...

WOW thank you! Thank you for bringing my shop to 300 sales. Thank you for supporting my work - My dreams - And my designs.

I seriously love what I do. I love reading notes about how my cards were used and the joy they bring. That's why I began my shop.

I love when brides ask me to design their wedding invites and I am able to help them save on their invite budget. That's why I began my shop.

I started my shop to bring a little joy. That joy is in the work I put into my cards and designs and hopefully the joy people feel when they receive a handwritten letter.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to use my talents and to play a small role in inspiring joy.

Let's celebrate with a special sale! Here's 20% off now through November 30th: Coupon Code 300YAY (($10 minimum)).

Shop now! ((if you want too, of course))

Here are some of my favorites:

A Letter to My Husband - Three Years Later

Handsome Steve,
You, you are ah-mazing! I love how people fall in love with you the moment they have a conversation with you. You are one of the most real people I know. You don't seem to care what people think, especially when you wear your pjs and crocs to run an errand. I even say your outfit is silly, yet you walk in confidence ((as you should)).

You have taught me to be more gracious. You have built me up in God's word. You remind me that my self-worth is not in what people say, but what God says.

You forgive me when my mouth speaks quicker than my brain can control. You give me second chances when my sighs are heavier than my smiles.

In the last three years we have grown deeper. We seriously have become the best of friends ((we should probably get matching necklaces, yours can say BEST and mine FRIENDS)). We have high school as a sweet memory but are future ones hold even more as long as we continue to invest in our marriage. More importantly, as we continue to pursue a life deeply rooted in who God has created for us to be.

XO - here's to many more years!
Aneta

So last month, we celebrated marriage. We celebrated us. We celebrated three years as Mr. and Mrs. We celebrated our growth. We celebrated each other. And we were fortunate enough to celebrate on the east coast. A little of my heart is in Boston and Portland (Maine).

Enjoy the photos.

I found a handmade shop

I enjoyed the T in Boston