A New Identity

Yesterday I told you to come back and read because there are some changes afoot.  Changes I have been wanting to make for awhile, and the time has come (or will soon, when I get a little bit of time) to change my shop name and blog name and branding in general, the last of which I have not really ever had.

If you've been reading along with me awhile, you'll remember me talking about this here and here, where I was so very excited when Etsy announced the ability to change your shop name and total disappointment when I realized that "by the book," the intended new name, was already taken.  Since then I've just kind of left it floating, playing around with ideas and trying to make a decision.

In the past few weeks, a few opportunities arose, including the upcoming craft fair that I talked about yesterday, that forced me to make a decision.  I also watched this vlog by April at The Flourishing Abode- the last segment on brand packaging in particular- and I realized that I really needed to do something more consistent with my brand.  I have thought up and down about what to call my shop relating to "by the book" but getting rid of the "paper" part, since that is not the only product anymore.  I also asked your opinions, hoping for fresh ideas, and I appreciate everyone's comments.  I decided to try out "by the book handmade" and even starting putting that on my business cards, but it didn't totally sit right.  And I finally figured out that I am not "by the book" anymore, and that I'm not sure if it ever was.  I started out with the intention of making personalized bookmarks and wanted to play on the word book, though I've never been entirely happy with what I've come up with.  However, my shop is so much more now that just bookmarks and I intend to keep it that way, so a few nights ago I decided that it was time to make a total change.

I want something totally generic in a shop name, something that can stand for any product I decide I want to make without me having to worry if it makes sense with that name.  Something cute and fun that works well with paper, fabric, gifts, kids items, you name it.  One day soon (maybe after this weekend?) you will come back here and wonder if you are in the wrong place.  I'm going with a whole new name, banner, colors, etc.  My business cards and packaging will reflect these colors.  I plan on keeping my avatar for a little while until people get used to the new name and then I will switch over.  I know it will be confusing at first, but I no longer want to continue on with the name I have, kinda-sorta-maybe happy with it.

So what is it?  I decided on a shop name comprised of two first names, first names that we almost gave to the kids when they were born (they were on "the list").  I momentarily considered using my kids' own names, but wanted to keep them separated from the shop name, so I started thinking about the monikers we almost gave them and a new brand was formed.

I'll let you ponder on that over the weekend.  Anyone want to take a guess?  Leave me a comment and if you're able to nail it (not you Heidi or Rachel) I'll send you a gift in the mail.  I'll even give you a hint- they both start with M.

Have a great weekend everyone!