Thursday, December 7, 2006

We've been mentioned on Miss Evil Kitty's Blog!



collectiveelements.com: they sell alot of past interviewes items how cool is that.They have tons to see couldnt pick a item i looked around and saw the ”Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History Button” button thats such a cool thought and idea to put on a button but its true my evil kitty in me had a good laugh! ' Gabbie of MissEvilkitty. http://http://www.missevilkitty.com/Missek/?p=87

How sweet! Gabbie's also an awesome designer who makes jewelry, paper goods, lip balms and bags. Her new site is going live at the end of the month. http://www.missevilkitty.com

Monday, December 4, 2006

We've been featured in the Woman Owned Business Spotlight


Wow, what a surprise to find out we were today's feature at the Woman Owned Business Spotlight!


You can read it here!

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Time is winding down...

Well time is winding down for my first trunk show next Saturday. I still haven't figured out what I was wearing. The menu so far:

Swedish Meatballs
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Beef Empanadas (Debating on Chicken too)
Macaroni Salad
Potato Salad
Crudite Platter w/Dip
Cheese w/Bread and Crackers
Petit Fours
Mini Danishes
Italian Cookies (Love these)

I wanted to keep it simple but similar to tapas. Menu may still change.

I'm going to my mom's tonight to map out the layout of the furniture. Then final shopping is this Saturday. I still have misc things to do. My mom wanted me to create a paper catalog but printing is not cost efficient so I may do a simple product sheet with order form. I don't have time to redo my business cards but the site has been redesigned. (Yeah me!!) Just need to update my contact page and add a page about hosting a private trunk show.

Goodie bags are almost done. I did 25 but my mom said we may have over 40 guests so I have to redistribute things. I'm really excited about the goodies...key chains, cell phone charms, soap, bookmarks, hair barrettes and one designer was generous enough to give me $25 gift certificates to her shop. Lovely! I need to hit the dollar store for supplies to spiff them up a bit and decide if I'm going to do a raffle for a large goodie bag. I still haven't decided.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

We're in The Indie Fixx Holiday Gift Guide!


The Indie Fix Holiday Gift Guide went live today and we're glad to be a part of the it! Featuring over 50 independent designers, its a great way to start your holiday shopping!

Our Cherish Notecards by Danielle L. Green (that's me :) are a part of the Stocking Stuffers Category.


Friday, September 15, 2006

Join us at the Bloomfield Harvestfest - September 16, 2006!


We invite you to visit our booth at the Bloomfield Harvestfest on
Saturday, September 16, 2006
In beautiful, Bloomfield, New Jersey!

All items are on a super sale to celebrate the occasion. We'd love for you to stop by and visit us. (And pick up a great freebie!!)

Hope to see you there!

Directions

From the North
Take the Garden State Parkway South to Exit 149 (right past the toll). At the stop sign make a left onto JFK Drive. Follow to the second light and make a right onto Montgomery Street. Go to the light by the Fire Department and make another right onto Franklin Street. After you make the right you will see a parking lot on your left. Take your first left and then an immediate left into the parking lot. Park your car and go have a wonderful day.

From the South
Take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit 148. After the toll continue to the second light and make a left under the bridge onto Franklin Street. Continue through two traffic lights. After you pass through the second light you will see a parking lot on your left. Take your first left past the light and then an immediate left into the parking lot. Park your car and go have a wonderful day.

Collective Elements
c/o Danielle L. Green
P.O. Box 32363
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Phone: 973-453-8469
Fax: 413-375-4961
Email: shop@collectiveelements.com
Web: http://www.collectiveelements.com

Collective Elements features the best in independent design. We don't follow trends but instead believe in following one's own individual style and encourage you to cultivate yours.

Can't make it to Harvestfest? You can still save! Take $5 off any order of $25 or more by entering the code word "BLOOM" during checkout!*

Shop and Save!

*Coupon is valid between September 16, 2006 and October 16, 2006.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

I'm seriously bummed...:(

I found this great gadget for making buttons in Valley Fair (a great local warehouse store) and of course its no longer made so I have to search for refills.



Picked up button/magnet refills from BuyButtonParts.com but they don't work. :( Well at least I got some buttons done for Saturday.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Lakewood BlueClaws Flea Market -- July 16, 2006 - Wrap Up

Preparing for my first market was exhausting mentally. I check listed over and over again but felt well prepared.

Favorite resources:
Crafts and Craft Shows by Phil Kadubec
Craft Show 101 by Brandy Agerbeck of Loosetooth

The only thing I waited too long to purchase were bags so of course the shopping bags didn't show on time so I had to make a trip to Rag Shop to purchase some brown gift bags to hold me for the day. Someone told me to check Home Depot but they only had extra large brown paper lawn bags.

We arrived at my brother's in Lakewood approximately 11 p.m. My brother always happy for company, wanted my mother, aunt, daughter, and me to stay up late watching movies. I begged off. I was already wired for the next day and wanted to be bright and chipper in the a.m. So off to bed the little girl and I went.

Now I should mention that my family (read: my mother and aunt) are notoriously late for everything. I told them set-up was 6:00am -8:00 am. I got up at 4:45 am. They were still sleeping. I laid down until 5:15 am, then proceeded to get my daughter and myself ready for the day. At 5:45, neither my mother or aunt had hit the shower. Somehow they had forgotten my brother has three bathrooms and two showers in his house. **sigh** So neither one of them had used the bathroom thinking it was unavailable. **rolleyes**

I guess the talk I had with God the previous day worked out because I didn't flip. I just asked them to hurry up so we could get going. My main concern was getting the tent up because we never had a chance to test it. At 6:45, we're on the road. (Thank God we didn't unpack the van.) At 7:00, we were at the market. It was close to my brother's house so that was a lifesaver. Out came the tent and at the first sign of trouble I asked one of our neighbors to help us and he gladly helped along with another gentleman (Thank you fellas *muah* ) My mom and aunt got the tables set up and I went to work laying out the displays.

Click for larger images!!
Lakewood Flea Market 002

Lakewood Flea Market 001

Lakewood Flea Market 003

Lakewood Flea Market 004

Lakewood Flea Market 005

Lakewood Flea Market 006

Lakewood Flea Market 007

Everything is not shown in the pictures because I had customers before I finished laying out everything. **yippee**

The day went very well. There was constant traffic in and out of the tent. I handed out plenty of flyers and coupons. Alot of compliments on the inventory and set-up. I even had a nail salon owner ask me about setting up stock in her shop. So all in all a good day for a first market.

My mother said she was very proud of me. She loved how I set everything up, my ease with customers, she said she thinks its the beginning of something special. I took my employees (mom, aunt, and daughter) to lunch and we made the trek home. I would be lying if I said I wasn't tired.

But now its time to plan the next one...

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Renegade Craft Fair -- Brooklyn -- June 18, 2006 - Day Two

With great excitement, I took my daughter to the Renegade Craft Fair held in Brooklyn this past Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately I couldn't make it Saturday because I had to do my mother's hair for a party...only my mother, 58 years old and can't curl her hair with a curling iron but I digress. We were supposed to catch a ride with my aunt into Brooklyn Saturday night after the above mentioned party but my mother and aunt went to an after party at a hotel. (Again, only my family, lol)

So Sunday morning arrives and my daughter and I get up to make the long trek from New Jersey into NYC. Luckily transportation runs smoothly...bus into Newark, PATH into Manhattan, and L to Bedford Ave...everything connects back to back. I'm so thankful because anyone who has a four year old knows their lack of patience. I try to make long trips into adventures by telling her to count the stops and look out the windows and tell me what she sees. She was excited about riding two trains so that keeps her entertained.

Da Kid

We get to the park in great time. Just in time to get a goodie bag. **!!BONUS!!** I figure we'll walk around and get an idea what's what before we really shop. As I walk around I recognize many of the vendor names:
India Romeo
Crafty Chica
Seamripper
Twigs and Heather
Supermaggie
MissHawklet
To name a few...

I especially ones I have requested wholesale materials from like If'N Books and Biggs and Featherbelle. My daughter quickly reaches her first of many expiration dates of the day and demands a hot dog. I calculate its been a few hours since her morning bowl of Fruit Loops and stop a vendor to get "dos perros calientes" with ketchup and mustard. I snap a few pictures of the booths of TwoSpace and GirliePants

Renegade Craft Fair

Picture 002

Renegade Craft Fair

Little did I know these would be the only pictures I would get.

After stuffing ourselves with suspicious pink meat we continue walking around. I recognize Jess of Miss Chief Productions and spend a few minutes introducing myself and chatting with her about the fair. I score some awesome paper magnets for my mom who is a magnet freak and some cool bottle caps magnets for myself. My daughter gets a cool retro sticker.

Miss Chief Shop

Miss Chief Shop

We didn't get far before I fell in love with the glass at Kiku. I could kick myself for not bringing more cash. I resigned myself to just purchasing a pair of hair pins rather than the necklace I really wanted. I grabbed their business card. I will definitely buy online.

Kiku

We kept circling the whole park...stopping to admire different "pretties" I admit I was alittle burned about one thing...are there no diyers making plus size clothes...I would if I could sew! But all in all great stuff to be found. Fell in love with more glass at Anna Built but had to walk away because I had just bought a beautiful hand blown pendant from the ladies at Shevon Gant's booth. I guess you can tell I love glass and ceramics. Maybe because I was so clumsy as a child and had to admire them from afar. Shevon's ceramics are gorgeous. I gave her my business card hoping she'd consider placing some product in my store.

Shevon Gant

Me in Shevon Gant

By this time, my daughter was entering melt down #3. She wasn't satisfied with the chocolate ice cream cup I'd spent $2 on. Four year olds you gotta love them. Stopped in Kate Black of Bad Buttons' booth to introduce myself...I carry some of her buttons in my shop but we've only "met" through emails. She was great...even offered my daughter an ice pop.

Next up, stopped to introduce myself to Sarah of The Small Object. I can not express how much I love her stuff. The quality is outstanding! I'm glad to carry her products. She recognized who I was as soon as she heard my name. That was great! I love that the indie community is so close and personable.

After looking around, I took my daughter to My Paper Crane to pick out a creature. I personally love the cupcakes and milk cartons so I was happy when my daughter chose a pink cupcake as her new little friend. It has a place of honor in her bedroom.

Da Kid and da My Paper Crane cupcake

After that it was pretty hot and we were both getting tired. My mom and aunt were coming to pick us up so we went for a walk to a local bodega to get some water. While there we ran into Vickie Howell and Jennifer Perkins. Again I introduced myself and chatted a bit about the hot weather. They encouraged me to be a vendor for next year's show. Ha! I haven't designed stationery in awhile and I have a few craft projects waiting to be finished but I'm considering it. We'll see.

After returning the park, I picked up some cool hair clips from Rainbow Sugar and we soon were picked up by mom and auntie.

Rainbow Sugar

Overall a good day...as I said I wish I had budgeted more cash. I used my credit card once but didn't want to get carried away. Was definitely worth the trip and solidified and energized my passion for indie products. I wish I could have visited Art Star last month in Philly but I'll definitely try to visit some of the local markets in NYC.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Collective Elements on Miss Evil Kitty Indie Shop Reviews

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Gabbie of Miss Evil Kitty for her Indie Shop Reviews site.



Read the interview here...

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Coming soon to a town near you!

It's finally time to prepare for seasonal flea markets and street fairs.

I really need to get on the ball...

First one:
Lakewood Blue Claws Flea Market, July 16, 2006
My brother told me about this flea market. It's a new one opening this week in his town. It's only once a month so I don't know how busy it will be. It's at a stadium for a local minor league baseball team. It's a short day 8am - 2pm. So I figure its a great trial run. The space is 18 x 18 for only $30. I can't beat that with a stick. I need to send in my application and check and I'll be all set for that. I just wish there was a home game that day. More foot traffic.

2nd one:
Meadowlands Flea Market, August 2006
This is a weekly flea market at the stadium the NY Giants play at. It's pretty large. We scoped it out last month. A mixture of new, vintage, antique, and plain old junk. I'm concerned about placement but hopefully we can find a good spot. Heavy foot traffic. I need to pick a weekend for August. I'm hoping I can find a street festival to replace this but we will see. I would rather be a vendor for the Howard/Grambling game but they want WAY too much money.

3rd one:
Bloomfield Harvestfest, September 16, 2006
This is the largest event I signed up for. I expect good foot traffic. Plus its a young hip town with a local college...good customers for my products. Plus its heavily advertised locally and statewide.

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Top Site Friends




Policies

My customer service goal is simple: I am committed to providing my customers total satisfaction. Every time. Guaranteed. Please feel free to drop me a line to share your thoughts, all comments welcomed.

Payment
Please note payment for orders must be received within three days on the order will be cancelled and the items returned to open inventory. Your order will not ship until payment is received. We do NOT accept personal checks at this time. All New Jersey residents will be charged 7% sales tax. (Effective July 16, 2006)I accept payment via Paypal, Amazon Payments, or RME.

Shipping
Purchases are typically shipped within 5 business days of full payment.

US customers only:Most items are shipped via Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. Small shipments are shipped First Class.

Customers outside of the US:Items are shipped via USPS Global Priority Mail to select countries. Keep in mind that you will be required to pay duties, customs-related charges, or other fees that may incur with shipment.

Refunds and Exchanges
If you are not happy with your purchase, you may return most purchases* for a refund. You must arrange for a refund or exchange within 7 days of receiving your purchase by emailing shop AT collectiveelements.com, and the item must be returned in the same condition in which it was received.

Do not return an item until you have contacted Collective Elements and received instructions. Returns or exchanges made without prior notification may not be processed.
*Earrings and underwear are not returnable due to health considerations. Maternity items are also non-returnable. Items purchased at our appearances at craft festivals, flea markets, or trunk shows are non-refundable.

You can only receive a refund to the same account that you used to place the order. You are responsible for the cost of shipping the item back to us, and the order's original shipping/handling charges are non-refundable.

Refunds will be processed when item is received by Collective Elements in the same condition in which it was received. You are responsible for proof of delivery, such as USPS Delivery Confirmation or Signature Confirmation.

Features and Mentions

I've been mentioned at the following:

Vintage Indie 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Modish 2008 Holiday Gift Guide




The Sampler - Summer 2008

Indie Love 2007 Holiday Gift Guide

Mixed Plate Holiday Guide - October 15, 2007

Indie Shopping Back To School Guide - 2007


Modish - June 13, 2007



Style Conspiracy - April 14, 2007


Indie Fixx Spring Shopping & Gift Guide - 2007



Indie Quarter - February 12, 2007



Nole Style & Beauty Indulgence - February 1, 2007

Indie Shopping Valentine's Gift Guide - 2007



Indie Fixx Valentine's Day Gift Guide - 2007




Miss Evil Kitty - June 10, 2006

Links

Plus Size Links
Women's Plus Size Clothing by Generousfashions.com
Offering Plus Size Shirts, Plus Size Jackets, Plus Size Blouses, Plus Size Tanks, Plus Size Tops, Plus Size Dresses, Plus Size Beach Cover-Ups, Plus Size Caftans and more

Divine Minerals
Kidcessory Haven - Custom Accessories for Mommy and Me
Pitter Patter Boutique
Valhalla Soap Blog
Humble Pie
Crafty Secrets
Top Sista Sites
Snooty Booty Diapers, LLC - Snooty Booty Diapers offers a great selection of popular cloth diaper brands and accessories, baby and mama needs and more!
Put The Writing On The Wall - Unique decorative vinyl wall writing appliques. Window & door decals. Easy do it yourself product. seasonal and gift items. Many quotes available. custom orders accepted.

Etsy Links
Etsy Bloggers
Etsy News
Heart-O-Matic

Entertainment Links (Music, Movies, Books, etc.)
SoulBounce
Chaka Khan
Conya Doss
Deborah Bond
Audre Lorde
Donyelle Jones
Eartha Kitt
Georgia Douglas Johnson
Gwendolyn Brooks
Incognito
Janita
Jayne Ann Krentz
Langston Hughes
Ledisi
Lizz Wright
Maysa Leak
Mia Amber Davis
Nikki Giovanni
Nora Roberts
Sonia Sanchez
Tami Hoag
Toby Lightman


Fashion
Donna Ricco
Igigi
Torrid
Svoboda
Kiyonna


Paper Links
Canon 3-D Papercraft



Wikipedia Affiliate Button

Ultimate Paper Love!!

Danielle L. Green was born in a land far far away where faires danced in moonbeams and the air smelled of honeysuckle...

Just kidding...

I was born in Newark, NJ and raised in different cities in Essex County. I was always a creative type of person, music and art were my first loves. Growing up in the 70s and 80s you couldn't help but fall in love with music and art...well I was always doodling something and playing with my Crayola Caddy. (Remember those?)

My love for music led me to a Bachelor of Arts in Music but my love for art...well that went in a different direction. I love art in all mediums...I paint, sculpt, crochet, make jewelry, but my main love is paper.

My love affair began with simple copy paper and expanded as I was introduced to tissue, cardstock, mulberry, and more. As with the strongest of love affairs my love only deepened and ripened over the years. It wasn't enough to play with store bought paper, I also began designing my own stationery and digital graphics marrying the tech in me with the artistic side.

I craft each of my products lovingly in my home in Irvington, NJ hoping to bring a smile to your face. Unique and one of a kind pieces are my speciality and I love bringing new ideas to the field of papercraft. I also design websites and stationery for special events and businesses.

In my spare time, you can catch me spending time with my superstar daughter or working on some homework while singing along to some tunes. (I'm a grad student at NJIT pursuing my MS in Information Systems...another discovered love affair.)

You can find my products at 1000 Markets or Etsy.com. If you have questions, please contact me at shop AT collectiveelements.com