So maybe you've heard I draw things...

Dear 28,
So maybe you've heard: I draw things. For at least the last five years I've been using highlighters and an unlimited supply of punny material (Some have been funnier than others, I will admit that.) and nearly 1000 postcard stamps to entertain myself and send mail to a whole bunch of people I like.

PKN 03/11 - Over 40 cards to hand out.

And then, poof*, someone wants to (gasp) buy them from me. In the past year I've sold at my favorite local stationary shop, Ephemera, fulfilled several custom orders (it's hard to make Easter funny, but I was hoppy to try for somebunny special), and even did a couple sets.

And then, a couple weeks ago, I was asked by my friends at Dwolla to help out with something big time. In one week I sort of became a real illustrator. (At least that's what I'm calling it.) 75 printed postcards went out inviting Dwolla peeps to "meet up" on August 24th- you should go too. I'm so excited about it. Probably a little too much, but thanks to Sara, it all came together. 

Sketching the top 20 cards for the printing.

I'm trying to grow my little postcard biz ever so slowly. I'm not that business savvy and after years of doing this for fun, it's hard to think of it in that way. I have all kinds of people willing to help me get moving (Francy Pants- you will get your cards first, promised) and lots holding me and my highlighters accountable. Then there's tax ids, plans, craft shows, displays, storage of 2,000 cards and wholesaling to worry about, which seems like a whole lot. Soon I'll be printed. Soon. In the meantime, thanks for supporting my itty bitty postcard empire.

xo-LP

(Fast forward to August 13, 2013 and here I am still printing cards and sending mail. Read more about the new projects, plans and the [gasp] year 30 list at http://xo-lp.com)

*It wasn't really some sort of magic "poof." Actually it was more like a lot of people thinking what I make is cool. Then talking about it. And then telling more people about it. Then the poof happened. I have really terrific people willing to talk about me, or at least talk good things about my whimsy highlighter drawings.

28 has been busier than 27.

Dear 28,
I think 28 has already outdone 27 and we're only a couple months in. I've had a blogless 6ish weeks and so much has happened I don't know where to start this turbo speed recap.

Got to introduce Janer to the delights of Des Moines. She cooked, she cleaned, she wrote thank you notes.

There was that little music festival at the month's beginning: 80/35 rocked my socks off. So much good stuff to see. So much sangria to be had. So much I should write but don't have time to document.

We watched (and napped through) Jaws on the lawn of the DMAC (in honor of Tim).

Tom's birthday celebrated over lawn games, kind company and a medal I didn't win but was able to wear.

Dinner with an artist who was sassy, a postcard hater, quite talented and shared my love of whiskey.

In other July news, I witnessed two perfect weddings (photos to come) in Missouri and Illinois, traveled to Minneapolis, dined with another artist, celebrated the end of the 4404 era, moved into the Stoop, was holed up on the couch for four sick days, and fell in love, again, with confetti.

It's no surprise (after writing all that out) that there hasn't been much time to blog. Off on vacation but upon return- big news in the postcard biz, an ode to the 4404 and more list-cross-things-off adventures.

Until then. 

xo-LP