Monday, July 19, 2010

It's been a long time...

Well hello, hello! It's been a while, almost a year. I can't believe we've been in business this long. Since my last posting, we've been pretty busy. In recent news (as in the last two months), I've completed a couple personalized runners, some invitations and have programs in progress. I'm so excited about what we have going on! I am going to post some pics of course, but I think I waited too long to post everything I've been doing. So I'm just going to post the recent stuff. In other recent news, JB and I found out that we are expecting our second addition. Baby is due February 10, 2011. The funny thing is, my sister's birthday is that same day. However, for some odd reason, she isn't too happy about sharing a birthday - something about her losing attention. Ah well! At any rate, I will try to update more often about what is going on with the business. I've commissioned the help of my sister/cousin/friend, Maritza. She was so helpful during my wedding and she loves being crafty. So this should be a promising match-up. Pictures and more stories coming soon, since its been a while. Until then - smooches!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

A job done!

Yesterday I finally completed and delivered the 250 wedding programs. I know, I know, they were due Thursday but there was just so much detail that I could not get them done by the deadline. I did let them know that it wouldn't be complete until Friday, which was still fine since the wedding wasn't until Saturday (today). I came home and actually dreamt of programs and invitations. My dreams were so intense that I woke up 3 or 4 times to ensure that my project box was empty! The final product was beautiful, if I do say so myself. I provided them with two different kinds of program layouts...




















With the two designs, it provided a little versatility as well as keeping the bride within her budget. During the completion of this job, I learned a couple of things that I have incorporated in my order policy (coming soon). I assumed that JB would help. He did, a little - a cut here, a smile there. Yeah, it's my project but sheesh! Although this was not my first order for programs, it was the first for Raphyne' :-)

So it's official, we are up and running! I'll be finishing the banner soon and posting pics of course.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Wedding Bells are ringing... can you hear them?

Ok, so I actually figured out how to post pictures on here. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it was - read here, click there, and presto! Pictures up. So at the present time, I have been commissioned to do a job for a wedding. 250 fan petal programs. I plan on jazzing them up a bit, but here's what I've done so far.
I realize why companies charge $3/program for this format. It is a whole lot of work! Making sure everything is lined properly, etc. Sheesh! I was so excited about this design though, since it is a little unique. Since this current job has to be done by Thursday, I think I will just post final pics before I take them to the bride.


I have also begun a mock up for a wedding banner. I will post it as soon as everything is complete. So things are beginning to look up. I am proud of the strides that are being made daily. My next goal is to get as much publicity as possible. If you know someone who is looking to have items made for their wedding (or other event), please, think of me!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

The start of something big!

Ok guys, so I have decided to find out what blogging is all about. I would like to first thank you for stopping by my blogspot to find out more about me and what I do. So let's begin...

My name is Lexi, and I am a 27 year old wife and mother. I work full time, but I have decided to do something a little different with my life. I have "dabbled" in a few different creative ventures, but never completed anything. I decided to take my creativity a step further and actually make money doing the things that I love to do. Like most people, I realize that the economy is down and that most jobs are in jeopardy of being lost, for whatever reason. With that, I was given the inspiration to combine all of my hobbies into one money making hub - Raphyne'.

Raphyne' (pronounced rah-fee-nay) was the name that I was inspired to give to my group of hobbies. The name was inspired by the french word raffine, which means refined or sophisticated. In everything that I do, I strive to achieve a refined end. I love for things to be in order, and look a certain way. I feel that if a person is paying for a high class job, the job should look just that - high class. And even if a person decides to pay a little less than top dollar, their project should still be upper echelon. So, everything that falls under the name Raphyne' will have a certain look that stands out from the rest.

Raphyne' offers wedding stationary (save the dates, invitations, programs, favors, personalized aisle runners and banners - and anything else I can think of), soy candles (and soon, reed diffusers), and jewelry. My bff likes to tease that I am "jamaican". I just say that I am creatively innovative. As of now, I am a team of me, with the occasional assistance from my hubby, who will be referred to as JB. Once I figure this all out, I will post pics and will go into further depths about how we are progressing in our quest to be hobby moguls. Until then, I will leave you with this thought. It is never too late to follow your dreams. Sometimes, we may have to go a different way to get to a desired end. This detour, however, could be the catalyst to a "point of no return". Do what you have to do, with no apologies, and the possibilities are endless!