How to Display Photos in Your Home

When you order a custom family portrait from me you’ll receive a digital file to use however you’d like. But I know that often times we put off printing our images, so they end up sitting on our phones instead of filling our homes and making us smile. You know what I’m talking about, those vacation pictures from the beach belong on your wall! So let’s do something about that, shall we? Here are some ideas for how you can display your portraits around your home.

Parabo Press prints. (I’m obsessed with this square format! I mean obviously, that’s the instagram lover coming out in me.) They come on a heavy textured paper and look so cute hanging in a grid on the wall. Use my code IIXEOV and get $10 off your order.

Canvas Prints. Printed on sturdy canvas with wrapped edges around a wooden frame, these look so nice in a gallery wall with some of your favorite art! If you need some tips on how to create this look yourself, then check out this helpful guide.

Magnetic Hangers. This look is one of my favorites. Printed on semi gloss sturdy canvas ready to hang in no time.

Wooden Block from Rooted and Built Design. This would make a GREAT gift idea for mom or dad or anyone who works at a desk that could use some cheering up. (these work best if your print is on a thick paper that can hold it’s shape. Parabo Press prints would work perfectly.)

Christmas present toppers. How cute is this? Your family portrait can double as your Christmas tags this year! Simply use twine or yarn and a mini paper clip and you have the most personable gift tags ever. I’m definitely going to be creating some gift tags for my husband and I’s Christmas gifts this year.. better get on that. ;)

And of course, the classic shelfie. A print in a frame with a simple vase is so timeless!

These are just a few ideas but there are so many other ways to incorporate prints into your home. I hope they inspired you! Let me know what you think and give me a shout if you have any questions at all about family portraits or printing. xo.

Thoughts on brain fog and focus.

I love documenting every little moment of our lives. I don’t have a good memory so it helps me in that way, but it’s also a fun hobby for me. I know some people can’t relate, but I actually really enjoy arranging my breakfast on the plate in an aesthetically pleasing way. 😂 And I like posting to my IG stories, adding some doodles, and looking back on what I did that day. It’s a creative outlet for me. It’s also how I find potential customers and clients, so it’s a big part of my life and business.

Somewhere down the line, though, it turned into something else- something that doesn’t allow me to be fully alive in my current moment, because I’m only half there. I don’t like to admit it because it feels silly, but it’s true.

I don’t know about you, but my mind bounces around a mile a minute. Always thinking about what needs to be done, what’s coming next. One minute I stand up to do laundry and the next thing I know I’m staring at my computer wondering what my purpose in life is. 🤣 So this week I tried something new (for me). I didn’t check my phone when I woke up in the morning, I focused on my present moment.. what I’m thankful for, what I wanted to accomplish that day, and I kept my social media closed until later in the evening. And man I have to tell you, it was the best.

I was able to set goals for myself and keep them. I was more productive. I noticed things that I wouldn’t have noticed before. We’re lucky enough to be in Costa Rica right now, so I saw dolphins and macaws that I’m convinced I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I was working on an illustration of a monkey on the balcony when I looked over and saw monkeys in the tree right next to me. I can’t totally explain it.. but I just had several moments where I was like OKAY, world. I hear you. (Also, I realized that my thoughts exist in the form of Instagram captions... is that weird/bad? Haha. Maybe I should channel them into an illustrated coffee table book..)

The few times I slipped up, I saw how much time I spend in Instagram when I don’t even mean to, which is the scary part. Opening one post lead me down a 45 minute spiral into looking at tiny food, which don’t get me wrong, I live for #tinykitchen. But I’m realizing that I need to have a specific time set aside for scrolling or it creeps in and distracts me from what’s going on in real life.

I’m challenging you (and myself) to do a little refocusing. Be present. Make goals. Schedule out your days and set specific time aside for catching up on social media. (btw I know that “being present” is such a trendy phrase right now- but I’m all for a trend if it helps us become better humans).

Life update.

The state of Kelsey Davis Design: haha. Sounds so fancy.

I just finished my last two plush taxidermy pieces that I'll be making for awhile so I wanted to share what's going on behind the scenes. I announced a few months ago that I would be closing the shop for a bit to take some time and rework my designs, create new products, and work on an overall shop refresh. That's still the plan but the details are fuzzy.

I've hit a point where I feel like my business has slowed and the only way I'll be able to grow it is if I take a hard look at my shop and make some changes.. what's working, what's not? What do I love to do, and am I doing it?* I've enjoyed making all the little animals for you guys! I'm just getting the itch to switch things up, even though it's super scary to start something new.. because who knows if it'll work out? (*shoutout to my super supportive husband who inspires me on the daily and is constantly pushing me to just go for it; whatever that may be.)

Will I still be offering custom plush taxidermy in the future?

As of right now, I will not be offering completely custom pieces. This was a main reason for closing the shop, because the way my custom orders were set up took too much time for one person (me, haha) to do by themselves, and 6 weeks was too long of a turn around time to make my customers happy. Which is understandable, that's a long time to wait!

Will I still be making plush taxidermy?

My main focus will be elsewhere, but my plan right now is to do small batch shop updates every few months where I release a few ready to ship pieces on a particular day. Keep an eye on my instagram for updates on this. I'm hoping to have some ready to go in the fall around thanksgiving.

What will I be doing in the meantime?

This is the part where it gets fuzzy! My background is in graphic design, so I'm planning to dive back in to my computer. I've been spending so much time sewing that I haven't had time to design as much as I've wanted to lately, so I'm excited about that. I've started a new side business with my husband where we're designing enamel pins, stickers, and other fun flair. You can follow along with us on instagram @dribblekiller if that sounds like something you'd enjoy :)

I'm reallyyyy trying to let myself go for a few months to experiment and create things just for fun without thinking too much about what will sell. And guys, it's not easy to flip that switch! But I'm trying. Maybe I'll make some pillows? Prints? Embroidery? What would you like to see more of in your feed? Let me know! Keep up with me here and on instagram if you want to see where all of this ends up. 

This quote from Awesome with Alison has been sticking with me lately as I try to dig in and figure out what I really love to do. It feels like everything is SO oversaturated right now, doesn't it? Everyone is a photographer. Or blogger. Or hand-letterer. But guess what? You should do it anyways, because no one is YOU and if you truly love it you will bring something unique and different that no one else can. Plus, the bottom line is you need to do what makes you happy. Period. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, because you are your best self when you're doing what you love.  

What makes you feel like a boss?

I've always struggled with getting stuff done. I know I'm not alone in that, but a lot of times I feel like I am. I think it's because I let my to-do's pile up and then I just get so overwhelmed that it seems impossible to get anything done! That's why I've declared this year "the year of getting stuff done". I'm constantly trying to remind myself to just do the things AS THEY COME, instead of putting it off. I haven't been totally perfect so far, but I think I've been a little better :)

I am completely inspired by the Being Boss ladies and their weekly podcast. Thanks to them, I now know that it feels really awesome to refer to yourself as BOSS. Who knew that a little 4 letter word could change the entire way I look at myself and my business? (And also my shoes.. My favorite pair of boots that I wear when I want to look good/ feel good are now my "boss boots". Because they make me feel bossy and I like it. :)  But for real. They get it. They get what it's like to run a business and they know what it takes to succeed. It's so nice to hear other people confirming that there are days when working for yourself can be a major struggle, for all sorts of reasons! But on those days you just have to buck up and DO THE WORK. Nothing will make you feel better except doing the work. Period. 

A topic they frequently discuss (which is probably my favorite) is, "What can I do to make $100 today?". It's so easy to get lost in the bigger picture and to get so overwhelmed that you just sit and do nothing instead. This question breaks it down to the simplest form possible- what can you do TODAY? Whether that's writing a blog post, designing a new print, or offering a 24 hour coupon code on instagram: what is something you can do right now that will make your business better, and make some money while you're at it?

I designed this print to hang in my studio and remind me to just start somewhere and do the work. Every day. It's also available as a free download if you need some boss-yness in your life. 

Click here to get the printable!

Inspiring quotes round up left to right: 1 / 2 / 3/ 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

I also made these little pins.. because you can never have too much inspiration, right?! 

Things that make me feel totally boss:

• making a plan and sticking to it. (crossing things off my to do list)
• working so hard that I crash into bed at night.
• coffee. all day.
• making a really great breakfast or lunch for myself.
• answering emails right away. (it makes me feel productive and I know customer's really appreciate it!)
• being able to schedule time to sit outside and soak up some sun in the middle of the work day ;)

What makes you feel like a boss??

Craft Show tips

Craft show season is upon us! This year, I decided to only do one so that I could fully enjoy Christmas time without being a craft show zombie ;) But the one that we DID participate in was such a blast! The Little Craft Show in Fayetteville, AR is so well curated and perfectly executed.. it's only our second year but it's quickly becoming one of our favorite holiday traditions. I have met some wonderful people and made some awesome trades!

My dad made the wall for my display out of a PVC pipe frame and thin wood board screwed on top. It consists of two 4'x8' walls that can be used together or separately! 

I've been thinking of some of the ways that I try to keep my sanity during this busy time of year, and I thought I'd share in case anyone is experiencing their first craft show season frenzy. :)

1. Make lists, lists, lists! (And stick to them) A month or so prior to a show, I make a list of everything I need to take with me (supplies, business cards, inventory, display items). This gives me plenty of time to order things in bulk online (like brown kraft bags for purchases) to keeps costs down instead of trying to buy everything locally last minute. I also make a list for how much inventory I want to take with me, then break down the work into daily sublists consisting of how much I HAVE to do each day in order to achieve that goal.

2. Try to get everything finished a day early. It's always the same, no matter how prepared I feel, I'm always up too late finishing last minute todos the night before a show. This year I really pushed myself to have everything done the day before and it was so much better! I was still up until 1:30am, of course... but it was more about packing and checking my lists- then checking them twice. All of my inventory was finished so it freed up time for me to pack super well and feel really prepared before going to sleep!

3. Be prepared for anything. Make sure you have all of the supplies you could possibly need! Scissors, tape, glue, needle and thread, extra buttons... you never know when you're going to have to whip out a stack of new business cards because you ran out, or a super awesome display sign because you spilled coffee on your old one! Even though I hope that doesn't happen :) 

4. Get sleep and stay hydrated. If I'm being honest with you guys, I hate drinking water. But standing on your feet all day, smiling at strangers and making small talk with buyers.. it can wear you out. So keep those water bottles full and go straight to bed! (After eating something delicious at a local joint, because you definitely deserve a good meal!)

5. Smile and say hello! I've really found that this goes a long way. The way my booth is set up, we're situated behind a table and in front of the wall with my animal heads on it. Sometimes people don't see the wall at first, so they might just keep walking by if I'm not paying attention and trying to make eye contact with them! (Plus, there's nothing like some good eye contact to make buyers feel like they HAVE to come by and look at what you're selling, am I right? :) If you're not engaging with the crowd, you can easily get passed by.

6. Make friends and have a good time. Say hi to your booth neighbor! No one wants to sit silently next to the same people for two days. You could end up making some new friends and scoring some unique Christmas presents while you're at it.

7. Take as much as you can, but don't kill yourself. There is only so much time in a day, so you're going to reach a point where you can't physically make any more stuffff! If you do run out at the show, you can always set up an order sheet or email list and you'll be good to go.

My Poppy and Fern swan necklace that I'm completely obsessed with.

This little beauty just came in and I can't wait to use it at my next craft show. Cristelle at Chopped and Propped did such a lovely job, I couldn't be anymore in love with it! <3

My Studio: Inspiration

Studio McGee

I'm in the process of a much needed studio overhaul! It's exhausting because I have SO MUCH STUFF, and I'm somewhat of a hoarder when it comes to craft supplies, but I know that it will be 100% worth it in the end.

I'm so in love with the image above. White and bright with the gold pendants being the focal point of the room.

Ikea 

I also really love this natural wood with pops of black and white studio, so much so that I made the 3 1/2 hour trek to Ikea a few weekends ago to buy this Tarva storage system. 

Jelanie Shop, Apartment Therapy

My dad gave me a long table that is sturdy but not super nice, so it's perfect to use as my cutting table. The only problem is that I need it to be taller, so we're trying to think of solutions to add some height without having to buy a whole new table. I think the decorative cinder blocks or some sort of pallet construction would both look pretty great!

Left to right: Elsie Larson, Domino, SFgirlbybay, les petites emplettes

Something about white rooms with fun colors on the window trim really speaks to me. You get to have the bright white room, as well as a whimsical color pop without being too distracting. I'm definitely going to implement this in my studio, probably in the form of a muted mint. :)

In honor of full disclosure, I'll give you a little peek at my current mess of a studio.. (insert monkey covering his eyes emoji here!)

My husband Danny is the biggest supporter of my business, and he's always trying to help me come up with ways to be more organized and streamline my processes. He's making a giant 4x4 chalkboard for me so that I can write down my orders and kick my daily to-do's in the butt! I'll post more about it when it's all finished :)

Studio to-do list

• Clean, clean, clean!
• Raise table, buy barstools
• Paint window trim
• Organize shelves
• Make huge chalkboard
• Hang pendants

Pineapples and Palms Nursery Inspiration

I'm taking the pineapple and palm trends to the nursery, people! Babies want to be chic too, you know. :)

1. Basket Lamp 2. Plush Taxidermy from Kelsey Davis Design 3. Palm Print from InkSpot Workshop 4. Pineapple Print from Olive Twig Studio 5. You're Actually Wonderful banner 6. Pineapple Lamp 7. Caravan Crib 8. Light Jute rug 9. Mint Rocking Chair 10. Pineapple Crib sheet from Pappiyon

Basically this mood board encompasses everything I'm currently loving: coral and mint with a hint of natural jute. I think that pineapple lamp from Urban is WAY awesome, and that crib... so freaking amazing. My husband was watching me put this together and even he said, "Whoa. That crib." (And we don't even have babies/nurseries yet!)

I've been wanting to make a palm inspired piece for awhile now, and I'm so glad I did! It's in the shop if you want to snag it before it's gone.. I only have a limited amount of palm fabric, so I'll only be making these tropical cuties in the summertime! :)