Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

It's mid-June and in the world of Print-on-Demand, July 4th is the holiday that's selling now. Although our new Independence Day designs were created over a month ago (or more) the sales for 4th of July parties are going strong (at least with those who plan ahead).

We try to add new Independence Day designs each year to add to our inventory. So get the lawn chair and a cold drink, here's a wrap-up of our latest holiday products:

Old Glory Independence Day Horizontal Invitation

This invitation shows the US Flag in a different way by hanging vertically from the blue banner on top with the field of stars hanging to the left all against a modern cream colored background. A rich blue banner displays the Independence Day message with all text printing to the left of the flag. A row of stars in red and blue finish off the invitation. Great for a bbq, pool party or whatever July 4th may bring.

This invitation also has the option of displaying the flag in a horizontal orientation shown below.

 

Old Glory Independence Day Plate 

Zazzle recently released a new product. Melamine plates! These are perfect for any party, especially a BBQ or picnic,

Rows of Stars Return Address Label

I like this one. It conveys patriotism in a small place but it's not too overtly flag-waving and marching band-type patriotism.

Night Sky Fireworks 4th of July Party Invitation

Explosions of fireworks light up the starry night sky on this sparkling Independence Day party invitation. 

Night Sky Fireworks 4th of July Sticker

 Postage

Field of Stars Independence Day Party Invitation

A field of stars against a rough light blue background highlights your Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Labor Day party information on this invitation to set the patriotic mood. 

Patriotic Return Address Label

 

Field of Stars 4th of July Celebration Postage

Thanks for stopping by and here's wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. (er... that would be for those in the US, if you're outside of the US, enjoy your summer!)

Cake Pop-it!

Cake pops are a big thing, something I hadn't heard about up until 2 years ago or so. They're cute, sweet and they're like cupcakes but smaller, so I guess you don't have to feel as guilty eating a cake pop as you would a normal-sized cupcake. It's only a few bites! Frankly the only cake pop I've ever had is at Starbucks and that was because my daughter saw them and her eyes almost fell out of her head. Cake, icing and sprinkles on a stick...a child's dream! (and many adults too!)

In lieu of that tale, I've created a line of cake pop business items because they're hot on the heels of the cupcake craze.

Business card

Promotional sticker for packaging or labeling product

Square sticker for advertising and promotional use

 

T-shirts for employees or customers

Our shop, Star Stream Business carries additional matching items and even more business products that just might satisfy your sweet tooth! ;)

Personally, I've always been a basic yellow cake fan but I have recently discovered the joys of red velvet with cream cheese frosting. What kind of cake pop is your favorite?

Messenger Bag a Go-Go!

Thanks to some very inspiring women, I've been adding new products to my shops like a madwoman. Zazzle always has great sales going on and one recently included an impossible to pass up discount on the Rickshaw Zero Messenger Bags. I didn't have too many messenger bags and if I was going to take advantage of this great deal, I thought it was time to get on it and make some new ones.

If anyone knows anything about me, I am not a girly girl. I like patterns and typography and unusual images rather than flowery and pink and cutesy. I decided to get this particular messenger bag from my Star Stream Gifts shop.

I added a lozenge shape on the reverse to contain a name, enough to indicate ownership but not too overt. I didn't want any random person screaming out my name in the middle of the city.
In addition to this version, I added a few more in various color tones. The actual color of the non-printed part of the bag as well as the binding is customizable and there are 20 color choices on both the binding and interior color to choose from.

I have heard nothing but incredible reviews about these bags. The specifications are:

- Vibrantly printed with your custom artwork or text on rugged polyester and designed with a unique accessories system, this bag is as customizable inside as it is outside. Handmade with a focus on environmental sustainability, this bag combines beautiful form, function, and a small ecological footprint.
- Water resistant, extra durable (machine-washable).
- Large main compartment and 2 front pockets.
- Lightweight and forms to your body.
- Quick-adjust cam shoulder strap.
- Velcro strips accessory system; Holds a 13” laptop w/optional sleeve.
- Handmade with a sustainability focus in San Francisco, CA.
-  Dimensions 11" H x 12.5" W base x 18" W top x 6"D

I can't wait until it arrives and will do a review once I receive it. And remember to check out Zazzle's coupon page before you buy. You never know, you might just find a deal that you just can't refuse.

Gimme some Skin!

The latest product that Zazzle has graced the marketplace with are electronics skins. These are vinyl skins that are designed for over 270 different devices. They're made to fit and protect your device from every day wear and tear. The skins are printed in full-color and have a a high gloss finish. Being that this was such a huge release, I decided to dedicate an entire shop to skins, The Skin Shop.

While it's still a work-in-progress, we're building up our inventory and for now, have focused on some of the most popular devices.

Damask is always a huge draw and we've made sure to include a few. More will be coming soon.

 

 A classic monogram is a great option. This comes in a variety of colors.

Zebra print is always a big draw...

And yes, there's even CUPCAKES...

Skins are a great way to express yourself...

If there's a design that you might like for a less common device, please contact us either by commenting on this post or sending us an email via our shop. And check out The Skin Shop for more exciting skins to come!

ACTING!

Don't know what's come over me but sometimes I get on a roll with a theme. For some reason I've turned this week to actor's business cards. They're a great promotional tool in a convenient size. Rather that carrying around an 8x10 headshot with a resume on the back, these are a great option for an impromptu opportunity. These types of business cards are not only limited for actors but can be used by singers, dancers, models and musicians among others.

This is a really convenient size as it easily fits in a wallet. It has all the basic information in a contemporary black panel.

Another option is the chubby size business card. Obviously it incorporates a larger headshot, but this style accommodates a condensed version of an actor's resume on the reverse.

Can't decide on which headshot to use? Why not use three on a triptych version of a chubby business card. A name and main contact information stands out below in the black panel with a short version of a resume on the reverse.

A regular sized business card takes advantage of the entire space by filling the front and reverse with two separate photos. Contact information stands out in a slightly-transparent black panel.

or

Use a headshot with a white background to make an impression with just a name next to the photo. The reverse reveals a feminine floral background that can easily be customized to any color in order to highlight contact information. This version is displayed in a bright purple.

Whatever the choice, consider using a business card to promote yourself as an actor or performer. They're an easy, convenient and inexpensive way to take your career to the top!

Damaskapolooza

Damask is a big draw in business cards and other paper products. We've been busy lately rounding out our damask category for business cards and other corporate identity pieces. They are a versatile look that can go from ultra-feminine to corporate. Damask patterns are seen in designs for interior decorators, hair and nail salons, retail establishments, textile designs and consultants. Classic beauty never goes out of style.

Gracious Damask Business Cards by starstreambusiness

An opulent business card for a variety of businesses. A rich purple and sage green damask serves as a background for an ornate Victorian-style frame containing a business name. Below the damask changes to a deep rich purple. The reverse reveals both damask patterns to give a more detailed summary of a business.

Weathered Grunge Damask Business Card by starstreambusiness

A unique look for a business catering to a more alternative clientele. A weathered damask wallpaper pattern sets the vintage mood. The card is made totally modern via a grungy ornamental frame containing a business name and other important information.


Below are some similar looks for damask business cards, but with varying color damask backgrounds and gilded frames. These all come with matching products.

 Make sure to check out our full line of damask business cards and other products. We can also do custom design.

Scalloped Lace Baby Shower Label from Zazzle.com

Scalloped Lace Baby Shower Label by starstreamdesign
View more Baby Labels

Scalloped edges echo the curves of the bottom of the umbrella on this cute baby shower label. It features a pastel pink umbrella on top of a cream colored scalloped edge frame. It all sits on top of a matching pink flower patterned background. This is a great label to seal favor bags or change the text to fit any purpose.

Sweet little 16

Big Bash Sweet 16 Invitation by starstreamdesign

It's been a very long while since I even visited this blog and I just can't blame it on the holiday madness. Let's just say I've been crazy-busy with EVERYTHING.

Anywho, this invitation was designed very spontaneously. I've been doing invitations for a relative's Bat Mitzvah and this invitation sprouted from that. It's sort of a mix of a concert or circus poster, but I thought it would be a fun invitation for a Sweet 16. I could see that this would fit the bill for a huge celebration sweet 16 party like those portrayed on "My Super Sweet 16" on MTV. I could see it now: contortionists, fire eaters and maybe a wild animal or two. Fun!

I also made some matching products to go with the invitation. This is a poster that would be a great welcoming sign.

Big Bash Sweet 16 Welcome Poster by starstreamdesign

And then of course, every party needs a backstage pass....

Big Bash Sweet 16 Party Button by starstreamdesign

I've had fun designing this series and hope to keep a little more current in my blogging. Now I'm off to design more products to go with this design and new colors!! :)