The Creative Process Behind Handmade Designs at Penny’s Dream Note Cards and More
The Creative Process Behind Handmade Designs at Penny’s Dream Note Cards and More
Around here, everything starts with an idea and a dash of heart. Every card, notepad, and quirky little creation is made with love, a touch of Appalachian charm, and plenty of caffeine-fueled creativity.
✏️ The Design Phase
Most of the artwork is dreamed up right in-house—from florals to sass-filled graphics. I do about 80% of the design myself, usually bouncing between sketching, digital doodling, and wondering if I’ve added too many sparkles (answer: never).
Sometimes, I’ll bring in AI to help me try new textures or mess around with color combos. It’s just a tool—not the boss. The heart of each piece still comes from old-fashioned inspiration and a bit of handmade magic.
✂️ Cutting & Printing
Once I’ve nailed down the design, it’s time to bring it to life. My trusty Cameo 5 cutter helps with all the clean lines and crisp shapes. Printing is another biggie—bright colors and clean prints are key. I’m picky about paper and print quality because if it’s not pretty, it’s not Dream-worthy.
✨ Assembly & Details
After that, it’s all about layering: the cardstock, sticker paper, a little embellishment here and there, and lots of sticking things just right. Some designs are loud and playful; others are subtle and sweet—but they’re all made with care and a good eye for details.
Each piece gets its finishing touches before it’s ready to go out into the world. I like to think they carry a little bit of the studio’s spirit with them.
💭 When Ideas Go Off the Rails
Not everything makes the cut. I’ve got a whole drawer full of “almosts”—test prints, designs that didn’t feel right, and concepts that were better in my head than on paper. But hey, that’s all part of the process. Even the duds have value—sometimes they lead me somewhere even better.
💌 Why Handmade Matters
I don’t do mass-produced. Every item is made right here, one step at a time, with attention, love, and a pinch of sass. Whether it’s a cheerful birthday card or a notepad to jot down your big dreams, I want it to feel personal—like something worth keeping.