Chelsea Bird

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

-I’m 25 and a small business owner in San Diego, California. I married my favorite man in April 2010 and I adored the wedding planning process. I plan on 2011 being our best year yet.

2. I know you recently celebrated your five your blogging anniversary. Congrats! What got you interested in blogging?

-For about a year before I started blogging, I read a lot of blogs – mostly written by “famous” scrapbookers and artists. I loved the idea of keeping a journal and decided to jump in too.

3. Can you tell us about your style?

-I would say I have pretty simple style. I tend to go for solid colors or two color prints – both in my decor and in my clothing. Whenever I buy something new, my husband says “that looks like you” so I guess I have a pretty specific look. I’m impossible to buy for though – I have to pick everything out myself.

4. You seem to have a great love for paper products. Can you tell us how this obsession began?

-I think I was ten when I became interested in scrapbooking. Then after I graduated college, I worked at a paper store for 2.5 years. There I learned so much about invitations and different printing styles and I got even more hooked. It’s so easy these days to get ideas for paper projects – the internet is full of tutorials and great inspiration.

5. What are your favorite trends for winter?

-Scarfs and more scarfs. I love that they keep you warm and can add an extra color or pattern to an outfit. And comfortable brown leather boots are a must. They go with everything.

6. When you’re not busy blogging, or working on items for your shop, what can you be found doing?

-I read a lot. Mostly fiction and beautiful craft books like Handmade Living. And my husband and I are hooked on way too many TV shows. Our favorites are Fringe, Dexter and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

7. With regards to fashion, what do you draw inspiration from?

-I think my biggest inspiration comes from different color mixes. I love pairing new colors and can’t stand anything that is too matchy-matchy. I don’t dress up a lot because I work from home so it’s always fun to shop my closet for different outfits when I’m going out to dinner or headed some where fancy. Also – j.crew and anthropologie are geniuses at layering and cute style. I adore their catalogs.

8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?

-It would be something lame like jeans and a v-neck tee. Or maybe my wedding dress which I’m still obsessed with.

9. You seem to have a real knack for branding. Could you explain a little bit about your branding process?

-My current branding is the result of me trying to figure out how to explain my job. I came up with a handful of phrases that could be used to answer the question “What do you do?” and then I slapped them on business cards. I think it’s important to share images of your work on your branding materials or provide a clear idea of what potential clients will find once they go to your site. It’s also important to remember that your brand and image can grow and change with your business. It will evolve! You are never locked in to anything.

Also – keep in mind that most free download-able fonts are NOT suitable for your logo or promotional materials. Free fonts are usually for personal use only. It’s better to stick with a basic font or spend some money on a special font to use.

10. Do you have any advice for someone that is new to blogging? What about someone interested in paper products and crafting, but doesn’t know where to start?

-For blogging – Take GOOD photos to illustrate your posts. Post often (at least four times a week). Be sure to always give credit for ideas and images if they are not your own. Be yourself! People want to know the real you behind the blog.

For paper crafting – Consider taking an online workshop in the field that interests you most!

Thank you so much Elise for doing this interview with me! Don’t forget to check out Elise’s blog, and also her shop, Elise Joy, to see more of her lovely paper goods.

-Chelsea