come visit the new blog!

After days of furious coding, databases crashing (not my fault…), late nights, and trying not to change the design yet again, I have a portfolio website!

I’m so ecstatic! In the process I also moved my blog, and the new address is: http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com. As with my last blog-move, I’ll be posting in conjunction with the “old” blog for a week, and then will permanently move to the new home. So please adjust your feeds (sorry about this–I know it’s so annoying!).

So what do you think? I’ve been attempting to move away from my Elegant Musings moniker for awhile; it’s been an online identity I’ve had since my late teens and doesn’t quite fit anymore. Its a huge leap of faith for me–I’m really nervous people will view my blog/work differently (in a less friendly/approachable way; does that make sense?). But after talking with Kate a few weeks back about establishing an professional presence online, I know that this is the right move. Especially as I’ve been getting more work in the graphic design field and realizing that I really needed a portfolio!

There will be a few changes to the site and blog. Elegant Musings will still be maintained as a place to house my favorite inspiration images. I love sharing those with y’all! The site will probably be restructured later this year to reflect the changes, but will remain at it’s current address.

Here’s a preview of some of the exciting stuff I’m working on for the new portfolio and revamped blog!

- The blog will be restructured a tiny bit. I still plan on writing about my sewing and other projects, but I also really want to bring in topics like art and design; two things that are near and dear to my heart, yet I have rarely talked about online. I think I feel somewhat shy about thrusting them on my blog readers, since my blogging to this point has been so creativity-centric. Well, I guess it’ll still stay creative–just an expanded definition!

- I’ll also occasionally write about my latest projects/commissions. I realized after I posted Kate’s site that most of you had no idea I do this! hehe. I guess it’s because I have been kind of silent on that aspect, mostly because the freelance work didn’t start coming my way until January. So it’s all still new to me!

- There will be more freebies to download over the course of the summer. I have a lot of desktop backgrounds and other miscellaneous images/resources I’ve created over the years that I’m dying to share with y’all!

I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me (directly or not) during this process! Especially Kate for encouraging me to take the leap into my new identity, and Nubby Twiglet’s sage advice again and again about creating an effective website. And thank you all for following me around the last year as I’ve transitioned and been seeking to find my place in life. It really means a lot to me to have such a wonderful support system. You all are so sweet!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be back to my normal, blogging schedule–sorry about the lack of posts lately! I hope you have had a lovely weekend…

Be still my beating heart! Look what arrived this afternoon in my mailbox:

Aren’t they lovely?! These note flats feature one of my recent watercolors–and just in time for Valentine’s Day too! You’ll find them in little sets in the Shoppe; perfect for sending to your friends and family. I chose to include the larger envelopes just in case, you know… you’d like to include some little yummy treat with it!

Be sweet, my friends!!

Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]

[ a random picture of a new vintage sewing pattern acquisition! ]

Despite my best laid plans for returning to blogging today, I decided that I needed to be on a blogging break until after the first of the year. Why, you ask? Well, between the craziness that is the holidays, and the many things brewing in the Elegant Musings studio, I’ve had to make some decisions about what is optional and what isn’t. Blogging (sadly) fell into the former category. I have loads to tell you, but no time to sit and write them!! So, my dears, I’ll be posting a wee Shoppe announcement in a few days, but besides that, it’ll be quiet in my little corner…

…until January 4, 2008, that is! Then the real fun begins… Lets just say it involves much cuteness and artwork…

Wishing you a Happy New Year!!!

Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]

Hello! Just a quick note to let you know two important pieces of Shoppe information! Firstly, I’ve added a bunch of new items that are perfect for your gift-giving this holiday season!

Lastly, but certainly not least, I’m holding a special, after Thanksgiving sale! Take 50% off the price of shipping until 12am (Eastern US time) on Sunday (late Saturday, in other words… )! Proceed through the Etsy checkout as normal, but please wait to pay until I’ve sent you an adjusted invoice. This offer is good on both domestic and international orders. This is a great excuse to get some of your holiday shopping out of the way! But hurry! The shipping special ends soon!

I hope has a lovely weekend!

Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]

BOO!

Did I scare you? lol. Probably not, Alice isn’t the most terrifying of characters. I have no where to go today, but I dressed up all the same. Because every day, in my opinion, is a day to dress up! Halloween just makes it more fun because I can be really outlandish and no one cares if I’m over the age of twelve. I shall probably just hand out candy and watch B-horror movies on TCM tonight! And watch out for any white rabbits beckoning me down strange holes… (More dress-up pictures here.)

Happy Halloween, everyone!!

Cheers & Creativity,
♥ Casey [ email me ]