In my series titled Hidden Gems I would like to introduce you to Patty the owner of  Charming Tree Designs!!

Charming Tree Design is an online stationery boutique specializing in stylish invitations, save the dates, and announcements.  From the moment he pops the question, to the day you say “I do”, Charming Tree Design is there to help make your wedding planning as easy and fun as possible!

Patty would you share with my readers a little bit about yourself and your Etsy shop…

I’m Patty, a graphic designer who is the owner/designer of Charming Tree Design. I live near Chicago and have a wonderful husband Joe, and a sweet daughter Haley who is 2. We are expecting another little girl this May.

What first got you interested in your craft…..

I have always loved being creative since I was a young girl. My parents signed me up for any art classes I wanted to take and encouraged me to try all different types of art. When we got our first computer I was around 10 years old and I remember loving the paint program that came with it. I would also create newsletters, birthday cards and posters on that computer just for fun. I really got into my craft once I went to college. I studied at a community college for the first two years and then transferred to the Illinois Institute of Art to obtain my B.F.A. in Visual Communications. Since then I have worked at a design/print shop as their graphic designer, and still do. I found out about Etsy though work actually. Some of our clients sell on Etsy and print their designs at our shop. I decided to take a look at how it all works and in August 2012 I started Charming Tree Design. I kind of just jumped right in, and have been learning along the way. I love selling on Etsy and find it very fulfilling. It really is my dream job to sell my designs online, and thanks to Etsy, I have a wonderful place to do that now.

Please describe your creative process….

All that was really required when I opened my Etsy shop was a Mac computer and the Adobe Creative Suite software, which I already had. I also have a notebook I take with me everywhere in case an idea pops in my head or I want to sketch a new design. I try to get on the computer to create a new design every few days. It’s hard though and sometimes I have to wait until the weekends because after working all day, and enjoying time with my husband and daughter at night, I’m tired and ready for bed. Since I’m pregnant, late nights just aren’t possible for me. I do spend a lot of time on the weekends designing, blogging and working on social media. My daughter still takes a 3-4 hour nap, and that is my time to get on the computer and create. I work on Etsy orders throughout the week as they come in and always send a first draft proof within 48 hours. If it’s a custom order it takes a little longer, but for pre-made designs I turn them around pretty quickly. I think excellent customer service is very important, and I intend to keep providing that to my customers.

Apart from creating things, what do you do…..

I spend most of my time creating when I’m not spending time with my husband and daughter or working at my other job. Other than that, I love to read and learn new things. I enjoy going for walks, taking my daughter to the park and just living a simple life.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us…..

What I’ve been learning along the way is you get what you put into it. If you work hard you will see great results. Also, it’s nice because this doesn’t really seem like work to me. I love what I do, and can’t wait to get on the computer and create more designs for my shop. I’ve got so many ideas floating around in my head, that I wish there were more hours in the day to do everything I want to do. This “job” of mine is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Where can people find you on the internet…..

You can find Patty at:
www.charmingtreedesign.com
www.etsy.com/shop/charmingtreedesign
www.facebook.com/charmingtreedesignwww.pinterest.com/charmingtree

I would like to thank Patty of Charming Tree Design for allowing me to share her shop and her creative mind!!