Grand ReOpening and Launch Date

Happy Friday! So much progress is being made on my new website that I finally feel comfortable announcing the Grand ReOpening and Launch date for the new & improved Beth Hart Designs (drumroll please)... Monday, August 5, 2013!

In just about 2 weeks, I'll be launching my new logo, branding and website, and I'll be reopening for business! We'll be celebrating in a very special way, so stay tuned for the details. This will be my final blog post on this platform because my new website will have the blog built-in, and I'm so excited about all the goodness that will be shared there! Thank you so much for your patience with me during this time... I greatly appreciate your support and encouraging words!

Extending the little break...

Hi there! Well, here it is - late June - and my website is not yet ready to be launched. I've learned a lot about myself over the past month... I have a hard time saying a very short & small word, "No."

I absolutely love working with my customers, and I love designing custom paper goods for them. But I also know with all my heart that I'll be able to help my customers so much more with a new and improved website. Usually summer is a slower time for my little business, but I've been amazed at the number of orders you've so kindly entrusted to me! Thank you so very much.

I've had to extend my little break until late July, and I've put up an automatic away message in my email to hold myself accountable. I'm so sorry that I won't be able to work on your orders for another month, but trust me, the best is yet to come! Thank you for your support and encouragement, and be sure to check back in a month to see the brand new Beth Hart Designs website - it's looking oh so good!

Taking a Time Out

I'm not sure where the time goes, but here we are in late May... school's almost out for the summer, the lazy southern summer afternoons are beginning, and summer vacations are about to be in full swing! I love this time of the year - no matter how hot and humid it gets!

Here at Beth Hart Designs, I have decided it's time to take a little time out, but there will be plenty of work going on behind the scenes! Today is the last day to place orders until further notice in mid to late June. I'm working hard to catch up on current orders, and I'm building a better brand along with a new website that will better serve YOU - the most important part of my business! I'm also hard at work on a collaborative design project that I'll be excited to announce soon!

This "time-out" was actually a pretty difficult decision for me to make. In the 5 years I've been in business, I've never taken a break from customer orders (other than over the Christmas and New Year's holidays). I love working with my clients to design and create just the right paper products for their special occasions. But if I'm honest with myself and with you, I desperately need this time to catch up and rebuild the new and improved Beth Hart Designs. I've been promising myself for years that I'd take time to build a website that truly represents me and my business - a website that I can be 100% proud to show off. Now is the time to make this happen, and I truly appreciate your support and understanding!

Stay tuned for the exciting re-launch of the new Beth Hart Designs in mid to late June! You better believe we'll be throwing one heck of a party to celebrate!

Monday Motivation - Watch With Glittering Eyes

Good Monday Morning! My husband and I just returned from a long weekend in Charleston, South Carolina. It's one of our favorite places to visit for several reasons - delicious food, beautiful views, rich history, good shopping, and it's just oozing with true Southern Charm. We spent hours walking through Charleston's historic downtown taking in the amazing architecture and sophisticated gardens. I'm in love with those stately front porches, intricate iron gates, gas lanterns and beautiful courtyards.

I left Charleston with a renewed and refreshed spirit, motivational energy, and tons of inspiration for not only my business but also our lifestyle. So many days of my life I spend "in a hurry" - trying to cross things off the list without taking a moment to enjoy the Creator's beautiful masterpiece around me. Taking time out to explore the world around us and recharge our batteries is crucial to a well-balanced life. My friend and mentor, Whitney English, often reminds us that we need to allow for more "white space" in life, and I totally agree. The following quotation by Roald Dahl is an eloquently worded reminder that we must take time to watch the world around us with glittering eyes in search of the magic that lies in the most unlikely places.

I will be taking some time these next few weeks to complete and catch up on unfinished customer orders. I will also be using this time to finalize my new branding and website so that I can finally be 100% proud of the business I've built over these past 5 years. This Wednesday the 22nd will be the last day to place orders for the next few weeks. I hope you understand that I desperately need this time to recharge my batteries so that I can better serve you - the customer - the most important and appreciated part of my business! Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for the exciting re-launch of the new & improved Beth Hart Designs!

Monday Motivation - Discover New Oceans with Courage

Good Monday Morning! I know it's been a little quiet here on the blog, but I'm working hard behind the scenes on some very exciting projects. April is the birthday month for Beth Hart Designs - I can't believe my business is 5 years old! These past five years have been such a blessing and such a learning experience. I'm beyond thankful to my customers, family and friends for giving me the opportunity to do what I love.

Starting this journey five years ago took a leap of faith and a lot of courage. I've had several hills to climb but thankfully a whole lot of growth along the way - both professionally and personally. My business has gone through a good bit of change, and a good bit more is on the way. I've been blessed to have taken some amazing opportunities to work on my personal growth - including attending The Stationery Academy last summer and attending the Authenticate workshop last week. Both of these were led by Whitney English Kolb who is an amazing teacher and an inspiration for so many creative entrepreneurs. She has an abundance of knowledge, experience and courage from her own journey that she so graciously shares to inspire and encourage others. Thank you, Whitney!

I'm so anxious and excited to share my rebranding and new website with you in late May/early June! I feel like I'm finally going to be able to share the real Beth Hart. Without giving too much away, there will be a new element to Beth Hart Designs - something that I'm really passionate about and something I've never done professionally before. I'd be telling a fib if I said I wasn't nervous or scared about putting myself out there to begin this new chapter of Beth Hart Designs. But I'm determined to be courageous and follow my gut.

At some point, we all have to face decisions that require courage. In order to become the best we can be, we have to look fear in the face and move forward. We have the option to either let fear and uncertainty hold us back or to move onward with courage to discover new oceans and new lands of opportunity. I choose courage, and I hope you will too!

Monday Motivation - What You Were Made To Do

I've been neglecting my blog for several reasons - business is busy (I'm so thankful), winter makes me want to hibernate, and I'm rebranding Beth Hart Designs.

I can't wait to share the new and improved BHD with you in May! I've designed a new logo, established colors, patterns, and fonts for my brand... and most importantly I'm building a brand new website that I think will finally represent me, my business, my products, and my passions. I am truly thankful for my customers who continually put blind faith in me and my designs... because if you look at my current website, you'd think I was one of the most limited paper companies out there. It's been driving me crazy! So it's time to do something about it!

My journey with Beth Hart Designs has been wonderful, but I know that I haven't fulfilled my purpose or reached my potential. At the Stationery Academy, we learned that it's so very important to put our best work out there that represents us as designers and creative entrepreneurs so that we can attract our ideal clients. I'm in the process of defining my ideal client so that I can reach out to her. I'll be sharing that definition with you soon.... I'm so excited about the possibilities that will come from my efforts to represent the real Beth Hart!

Everyone has a purpose and potential. The key to fulfilling your purpose and reaching your potential is believing that you are fully capable. Our Father has designed us to do great things, and He will help us along the way. I'm learning to throw my "agenda" onto His shoulders because I know He has far greater things in store for me than I can ever hope for. "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20).

It's Monday - a fresh start to a new week! Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do!

What's Happening - Three Blind Vines

Happy Wednesday! I wanted to take a little time on my lunch break to share with you a pretty big project on which I've been working... Three Blind Vines. I'm a board member of The Next Generation Heritage Foundation in Franklin and Williamson County. Our annual fundraiser is Three Blind Vines - a fabulous wine tasting event with a silent auction, delicious food from local vendors, and live music.

The theme in the past has revolved around the fashion trends from the Roaring 1920's. This year, the board decided to adopt a new theme based on styles from the late 1950's and early 1960's. The hit TV show Mad Men on ABC was where most of the inspiration came from along with the film Catch Me if You Can and the original Ocean's 11 featuring the Rat Pack. As a Graphic Designer, I volunteered to take on the role of Branding the event.... everything from establishing the logo to designing ads, posters, flyers, brochures, programs and more! I've had the privilege of taking a small ownership in this event that our board has worked many hours to make a reality.

Three Blind Vines is this Friday night, February 22nd from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. I encourage you to come taste the great wines, eat delicious food, and enjoy live music all to benefit the amazing Franklin Theatre. For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit the website.

The inspiration board and event branding designs are below... Hope to see you this Friday night! Cheers!

Monday Motivation - Trust The Creator

Good morning! I wanted to share a bit of motivation and encouragement for those who may be feeling a little unsure of what lies ahead. Of course, none of us really know what the future holds, but there are definitely times when you feel stuck in "waiting mode." It may seem that you're held hostage by the "in-between," and you're anxious to know what the next stage in life will hold.

I have been in these places before, and I feel that way now sometimes. My business has grown leaps and bounds over the past few years (thanks to my amazing and loyal customers), but I still feel like I'm on the verge of something new and exciting! I have plans to launch my new branding and new website this Spring, and that may be the stepping stone I need. But for now, I'm in the "in-between." I'm not afraid of this stage, and I'm willing to be patient for what lies ahead. I trust The Creator because He knows what He's doing.

Business and careers are not the only places where we can feel stuck in "waiting mode." Some people may be waiting for the miracle of life to arrive like an expecting friend of mine here in Nashville. Some people may be waiting for a previous house to sell so they can find the home of their dreams. Some people may be waiting for a cure to the dreadful disease that has affected a loved one. Life is full of these "waiting" moments.

When I've been in these places before, it's amazing to look back and see how God directed my path. He put everything in place and worked out every little detail that led me to far better opportunities and circumstances than I could have ever dreamed for myself. Because of His faithfulness in the past, I'm not afraid of what lies ahead. I trust that He knows what's best for me and for those who trust in Him. So cast your cares upon Him, and embrace the "in-between" because He is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine!

Monday Motivation - Be Yourself

It's the last week in January - hooray! I love January for the new beginnings and fresh starts, but I'll be honest - I'm never sad to see it go. I love sunshine and warm weather, and January makes Spring seem so far away. So come on, February!

I'm in the midst of rebranding and launching a new website for Beth Hart Designs. I learned from the Stationery Academy that I need to first define who I am and what I value - then build my business to reflect just that. It's easy to compare myself and my design style to other professionals, but I ultimately want to set myself apart from the rest. What makes BHD different from any other paper design company? It's me, Beth Hart. I need to be myself and the rest will fall into place. I know that I'm doing what I love, and I have faith that my Father will help me reach my full potential.

It's not always easy to be yourself or stand out in a crowd... sometimes it's just easier to blend in and be like everyone else. But I think we were all created to let our own unique light shine. We all have a purpose which can't be fulfilled by being like everyone else. So go be YOU, and shine brightly!

Monday Motivation - Happiness

Good Monday Morning! I spent a good part of my weekend cleaning out closets, organizing, and de-cluttering. While I still have a long way to go, I'm pleased with the progress that was made. It amazes me how "stuff" just seems to multiply over time... where does it all come from? I'm a firm believer that "less is more," but good grief that's a hard philosophy to follow when you run a business that requires supplies and inventory! My little office is busting at the seams, and I'm so ready for it to become more functional and less cluttered. To get my office in tip-top shape, I'll be having a clearance SALE in my Etsy shop soon! Stay tuned!

As I was cleaning out the clutter this weekend, I realized how "stuff" can easily over-take our lives. It seems that so many people these days want more... more money, more house, more cars, more clothes, more high-tech gadgets, more shoes, more jewelry, more... stuff. It's ironic to me that we want all of these things to define our lives - give us a certain status or fill us up, but then we spend our New Year's and Spring Cleanings getting rid of all the clutter that seems to have overtaken our homes and ultimately our sense of peace. I'm so guilty of wanting unnecessary things - I think we all are. But I want to make a genuine effort to seek happiness outside of possessions. The truest peace and contentment does not come from the things we own - we can't take it with us when we leave this earth. So rather than yearning for more... I'm trying to make the most of what I've already been given. I'm blessed beyond measure, and I want to seek happiness within my soul.

What's Happening - Valentines for Kids!

Valentine's Day is one of my favorites! Not necessarily because of all the red, pink, hearts and lovey dove stuff... but because you can let others know that they are special with a simple card and a treat! I launched a few designs for children's Valentine's cards last year, but I've added a few more to the mix. Here is the full collection...

These cute little cards are personalized for $1.10 each which includes blank envelopes. They measure 5.5"x4.25" and are printed on a heavy white cover stock. The minimum order amount is 10 cards, but you can order any number after that... 11, 14, 18, etc.

I will be selling these in my Etsy shop very soon, but until then you can email your order to: bethhartdesigns@gmail.com

Adult Valentine's cards will be featured here on the blog tomorrow... be sure to check back! Happy Wednesday!

Monday Motivation - Seize the Day

Happy Monday! We've all heard it a million times... "Carpe Diem = Seize the Day." But these words really hit home yesterday morning when our pastor said them during his sermon. He reminded us that we have all been put here on earth for a purpose... every one of us has a significant role. We're only given a short amount of time to play these unique roles, so it's important to make each day count.

I'll be honest, sometimes I'm just looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. I don't take the time to unpack each day and make the most of every single hour, minute and second. But what if I started living each day for that day? How much less anxious and worried would I be? How much more productive would I be? How much more of a positive impact would I have? How much better could I fulfill my unique role?

I'm making 2013 the year of "Carpe Diem"... taking each day one at a time and making the most of it. What if you made 2013 your year of "Carpe Diem?" Today has just begun, and it's yours for the taking!

What's Happening Wednesday - Brand Inspiration

I'm using my lunch break on this rainy day to brighten, refresh and better define my brand. With the start of this new year, I've naturally been doing a little personal and professional soul searching. I've asked myself numerous questions that essentially get to this point:

Why am I in this paper design business and how does it answer to my higher calling?

I absolutely love what I do, and Beth Hart Designs is such a large part of me and my life. I'm proud of the hard work I've put into BHD, but I know there is plenty of room for improvement! The about page on my website helps to define a little more about me and why I'm in business. But I ultimately want all aspects of my brand to reflect the love I have for Southern style and the faith I have in my heavenly Father.

So I'm ready to get to work and give Beth Hart Designs a fresh new look. My current website is terribly outdated, and there are oodles of designs and products I offer that no one even knows about. Shame on me! So I'm building a sparkly new website, editing my logo a little, establishing my collections of products and designs, and making sure that BHD represents everything that I value and hold close to my heart. It's so exciting!

If you follow me on Pinterest, you'll see that I've been busy pinning many ideas for color and pattern inspiration on this board. To sum it up, I've included my favorite pictures below:

I can't wait to share the finished product with you this Spring - don't you think Spring is the perfect time to launch a new beginning and have a fresh start? I better get back to work! Happy Wednesday!

Monday Motivation - Get Going!

Well I don't know about you, but I've had a hard time shifting from "holiday mode" to "get things done mode." With New Year's Day falling on a Tuesday, I just wasn't motivated to initiate my resolutions mid-week. Sure I was working and getting (a few) things accomplished, but now it's time to get in gear! I have so many ambitions, goals and good habits to form... so with the start of a new week in this new year, I plan to Get Going!

I have big ideas and goals for my business, and I have numerous personal resolutions for 2013. Like many people, one of my personal resolutions is to live a healthier life. Last year, I lost about 25 pounds by eating better and exercising, but as the year came to a close, the weather got colder, the food got heavier, and business got busier, I lost the ambition to keep up with a healthy lifestyle. In return, I put on a few of the pounds I had worked so hard to lose.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my life - you could say it's been a roller coaster ride for me. One day I may share a more personal side of this story, but for now we'll leave it at that! I do know for sure that when I'm eating better and exercising, I have much more confidence, higher self-esteem, and tons of motivation to accomplish great things! A healthy lifestyle allows me to become a better person which (I hope) positively affects those around me.

So today is the day that my husband and I Get Going on our healthier lifestyle. We are holding each other accountable - to stay on track with eating better and exercising as much as we can - whether it be going for a walk, a run, or a bike ride. I'm sure there will be days when we fall off the wagon and won't feel like committing to this lifestyle, but we know it's what's best for us.

So I encourage you to Get Going on your 2013 goals and resolutions. And if you're wanting to implement a healthier lifestyle like me, this print design is for you! I'm thinking I'll hang a few copies of this around my house for motivation!

A New Year and New Beginnings

Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that 2012 is over, but I'm so excited about the possibilities that 2013 holds! I was so very blessed in 2012... it was my first full year being self-employed with Beth Hart Designs. And I have you to thank for making that happen so successfully. I really and truly appreciate your business and your support so much.

I have lots of new ideas and am setting pretty big goals for this new year. I know that some hard work will be involved, but my batteries have been recharged and my creative mind is running full speed ahead. It's amazing what a little down time can do! I hope you were able to relax and recharge over the holidays so that you too can accomplish great things in 2013.

While I plan to share my ideas and goals with you along the way, this post is more about inspiration and motivation to make the most of this brand new year. One thing I know with all my heart is that I'm doing what I love and what I feel called to do. I know that design and inspiring others are my passions, and while I always feel that there is room for improvement, I am certain that I'm working in a career that's perfect for me.

Of course, there is more to life than just our careers. I think we all have the dream to fulfill a higher calling - strive towards something greater than ourselves. My personal goals for 2013 include the desire to simplify (get rid of all the physical and mental clutter) so that I can focus on what really matters. I hope that by defining what's most important, I can live a more purposeful life that brings glory to the One who matters most.

This brings me to Les Miserables. The musical has meant so much to me for as long as I can remember. My mom and I would sing along to the soundtrack when I was young, and I've been fortunate to see the live performance twice. The release of the movie this Christmas was a dream come true (I've seen it twice with my mom as well). Hats off to Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway for their most amazing performances. Les Mis is a compelling story of grace, dreams, love, mercy, passion, forgiveness, redemption, new beginnings, and fighting for what you believe in - answering to a higher calling. Not only is the story amazing and applicable to real life in so many ways, but it's set to the most beautiful music I know. If you are not familiar with the story, I encourage you to read about it so that you can appreciate the music that much more when you see the film.

I've always been moved (often to tears) by the music of Les Mis, but with the dawning of a new day and a new year, these songs have inspired me even more so:
To make the most of new beginnings and second chances...
To show grace, forgiveness, mercy and passion...
To love others unconditionally....
To fight for what I believe in...
To dream a dream...
To answer to a higher calling.

And so I encourage you to shoot for the Stars (in their multitude) and Dream the Dream with a Heart Full of Love in 2013. Define what matters most and make that your focus in this new year. We have a clean slate and a fresh start to become who we want to be and to make incredible things happen. Cheers to you! And Cheers to 2013!

Here is a print design with one of my favorite lines from Do You Hear the People Sing - it's about answering to a higher calling and the new life that can begin when your dreams, passions, desires and purpose are in rhythm.