{lunch notes revisited}

Remember this post?

When my three year old headed off to school last year, it quickly became a habit of putting a little note in her lunch box to get her over the first days of school jitters. Of course, I couldn't just jot her a line, I had to quickly sketch her a little character. Somedays the picture reflected something going on in our lives, others it was simply what happened when the pen met the paper. Over the months, I learned that it became a "thing" for everyone at school. The older kids would read her the note and they all enjoyed seeing what I had drawn. I would get grief from the teachers if the morning was a bit hectic and the note didn't happen at all. (yes, we have mornings like that in our house too!) Then the other mothers caught wind of it, they wanted their own lunch notes. Well ladies, you asked.... and now,  you shall receive. Lunch notes are now available and they come packaged in a cute little brown paper bag, ready for you to jot your little one a line. Just stop on by our etsy shop.

* * *

Fast forward to today: Not even 5 days after posting, somebody did stop by my Etsy shop. And that someone just happened to be the buyer for Food52's new market site, Provisions. For the past month I have been working with her on an exclusive line of lunch box notes and lunch boxes for there "Weekday Warrior" Collection. It has been a bit surreal taking those little doodles for my daughter and turning them into something for the world to enjoy. Even Eliza asked, "Mommy, why do people want to buy my lunch notes?" Check how far our little sentiments have gone. What a fun and wonderful trip it has been. 

 Check out the collection here. 

{lets do lunch!}

We spent the last dog days of summer vacation putting together a collection of Lunch Box designs for Food52's new shop, Provisions. Here is just a sample of what we put in front of them. We can't wait to reveal what they chose to feature on their site!!! Coming September 19th! 

The following are available now at our etsy store. 

{A Summer Essay}

Remember the essays on the first day of school, in 500 words describe, "The Best Part of Your Summer"? Well, we are not going to just let this summer slip through the cracks and we are not going to go down without a battle. Don't get me wrong, fall is my favorite time of year. As tempted as I may be to rush out and get that Pumpkin Latte or anything else pumpkin for that matter, as long as the temps are still in the high 80's and the humidity lying thick in the air, it is still summer to me. 

So, this week on our blog, we are going to look back at our months of freedom, travel and laid back attitude and share with you what has inspired us! As we are busy remembering the days gone by, hopefully the weather will turn without us even realizing and that fall crispness will be upon us. 

First stop: Northeast Harbor Maine:

I am obsessed with the blue mussels!!! I can't eat them, so I'll just enjoy their outer beauty. 

feeling like a little water color this morning and doing something just for the heck of it, not for a deadline. 

{a family trip}

Happy Friday everyone! WOW! What a crazy and fun week it has been around here. From back to school, weddings, booking our santa sessions, licensing deadlines, things have been all over the place in the studio. It seems a little crazy that just as we are getting back in to the swing of things and holding down some normal studio hours, that we just pick up and out head out on vacation. Well, call us crazy kids, 'cause thats just what we are doing. Bar Harbor, watch out, the Spotts family is invading! I used to spend a lot of time on the New England coast as a kid and my bones are just aching to get back. It's been far too long. One of the things that I am most excited about other than some good family time is spending a lot of time with my sketch book, just me and the pen and paper.  One of my favorite artists is Lowell Herrero. Now, I am not saying that any of my work is going to look nearly as good as his but I can only hope that I am just as inspired by my surroundings. 

this will be our family portrait next week. 

"cape ann"

my heart is always on cape ann! 

my sister and joke that this is us when we get older. 

 brings back memories of my summers in rockport. 

{Santa Sessions}

Yes, you read that right - Santa Session!

HO! HO! HO! It's hard to believe that the time has come to book your special day with big guy in red already. Contact us today to book your space. This jolly ol' guy is the real deal. Same great personal, one-on-one experience, same artistic and unique photos, but an ALL NEW LOCATION. We will be on the square in Roswell this year. No lines, no hassle, no creepy elves. This is our third year and for those who have joined us in the past, the kids are already asking about seeing Santa! Check out the video, pics and card samples below to see what it's all about. 

With your Santa package, you receive TWENTY-FIVE % off your inkSpotts holiday cards. New designs coming your way soon.

{back to school}

When my three year old headed off to school last year, it quickly became a habit of putting a little note in her lunch box to get her over the first days of school jitters. Of course, I couldn't just jot her a line, I had to quickly sketch her a little character. Somedays the picture reflected something going on in our lives, others it was simply what happened when the pen met the paper. Over the months, I learned that it became a "thing" for everyone at school. The older kids would read her the note and they all enjoyed seeing what I had drawn. I would get grief from the teachers if the morning was a bit hectic and the note didn't happen at all. (yes, we have mornings like that in our house too!) Then the other mothers caught wind of it, they wanted their own lunch notes. Well ladies, you asked.... and now,  you shall receive. Lunch notes are now available and they come packaged in a cute little brown paper bag, ready for you to jot your little one a line. Just stop on by our etsy shop. 

Happy Back to School for everyone!!! Yes, I am still coming to terms with the fact that summer is over.  It is our last day of summer break around here and it is only August 2nd. I guess that means for us in the studio that it's time to buckle down - Christmas will be here before we know it! And for those of you who don't head back until September, enjoy your month - it will be gone before you know it. You still have plenty of time to stock up on all of our back to school supplies. Be sure to scroll down to see what else we have to offer. 

{ to market, to market}

Doing a little market research for my next project. Grabbing a coffee and a little brunch at The Bakers Table, in Lancaster Pennsylvania = not a bad gig! I'm excited to jump right into this project. Can't wait to share but, for now I have to keep it all under wraps. 

{you've got mail}

There is nothing better than getting piece of mail in your box, especially one that is not a bill. This little envelope was the perfect thing to find on the first day back from vacation. I love the details of the custom stamps and postage Itzy added to the envelope and the response cards.