A while back I discovered Ester Ramirez’s incredible work with paper and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Essimar Papel is an amazing art studio that creates a range of gorgeous paper products such as cards, art prints, sculpture, and even paper jewelry. I completely adore the vibrant colors Esther uses in her work. I just want everything she creates! In fact, I think it would be wonderful to commission her to create something for LAMA. What do you think? Hm…

To check out more of Esther’s work, be sure to visit her blog, flickr page, and etsy shop!

A few weeks ago I received a message from a reader in response to a post I wrote regarding the state of the nation and how it affects shop owners like myself. It was a rather personal account which I debated on putting out there for others to read. To my surprise and delight, the response ended up being so positive and encouraging! It really lifted my spirits.

I was so touched by one reader in particular (the lovely Stacy of Inkspot Workshop) who not only sent me the sweetest message, but she also sent me a pack of one of her latest card designs that was oh-so appropriate for the occasion.

It’s certainly something I have done my best to keep in mind ever since. “Life is Good: Despite What the Media Says.” Aside from the card I keep on my desk in front of me everyday, I’ve mailed out the rest to friends and family that have needed to read this simple yet affective phrase. 

To order your own set and check out the rest of Stacy’s fun and beautiful work, check out her Etsy shop Inkspot Workshop. I’m loving this gorgeous calendar!

Thanks again Stacy! It meant so much. 

This is my first day back to life and LAMA as usual after a tough week. Last Friday I lost my Aunt to complications associated with her recent breast cancer diagnosis. She was an incredibly warm and generous person who worked hard to bring her family from Ecuador to the US. In just one generation, our family has managed to accomplish some amazing things that could never have been possible had my Aunt not had so much courage, strength and wisdom. She deserves the biggest “bravo!!” you can imagine. She will be missed by so many people forever.

Coincidentally, October happens to be breast cancer awareness month so I decided to check out Etsy this morning to see how Etsy shop owners were getting involved. To my delight, there were over 140 pages worth of beautiful breast cancer products to search through and better yet, most of the sellers were donating a percentage of the proceeds from their sales to organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation! Here are a few of my favorite products.