Quiet Lines Design

A haiku I'm very much cherishing in this season.

I'm Shirlee and I am the one woman show behind Quiet Lines Design. Here's a little more about me of you are new around here: As a little girl I would say that I wanted to be an artist, however for most of my life I have struggled to believe that this could be a real possibility. I lacked a lot of confidence in college and only got a minor in Art. I have really had to work at believing in myself and my abilities. I am the mother of a sweet little two ...year old. My daughter fills up my life with so much joy. Lately, I have loved seeing her slowly be able to articulate more of her needs....let's be honest though, sometimes this is through a good tantrum. I was introduced to a gardening and farming at a young age. I have many memories of going to the nursery to pick up soil and plants. Growing up, there were always fruit trees in my yard, a square foot garden, and berry bushes. My mom has an incredible eye for landscape design and my dad is now trying to grow enough food to live off of the land. In college I also spent a summer working in a gardening program alongside adults with disabilities. During this time, I fell more in love with planting things from seed. I have slowly allowed this part of my life to influence more and more of my art. I have known my husband since the 4th grade and we grew up together. In highschool we both moved to different parts of the country, but were pen pals with MySpace messages. In college we lost touch, but our paths crossed on Catalina island at a summer camp we were both staffed at. We had no idea that we had both applied to work at the same camp. This rekindled our friendship and turned into something a little more. We were married at 22, and have been married 8 years! Thanks for taking the time to read, following along, and supporting Quiet Lines Design. It means the world to me! Photo by: @kailleen Hair styled by: @meg.styles.hair

You guys! My calendars completely sold out at the pop up last Saturday! It happened so fast that I didn't even have time to let you all know my stock was low for you to grab one online! I'm doing a small restock, so if you want one you better grab it! You can purchase one in the shop but it will be a "pre-order" until the re-stock comes in and should ship within two weeks! Thanks everyone for supporting small businesses during this holiday season!

Thank YOU, thank YOU, THANK YOU! Thank you so much for your orders this weekend and for sharing about Quiet Lines Design in your insta stories. I can't even tell you how much it means to me. Running Quiet Lines Design is a passion of mine and it often requires a lot of sacrifices to make room to create (being a elementary art teacher and a mom of a 2 year old doesn't lend itself to lots of free time ). Your support brings me so much joy to see all the work and sacrifices pay off. Thank you for giving me momentum especially during a pandemic. Your orders are helping me to create my first wholesale catalog, invest in new products, and keep my business afloat. So once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Small Business Saturday! Enjoy 25% off all holiday cards with the code HOLLYJOLLY! 'Tis the season to send your loved ones holiday cards!

Biggest sale of the year! Happy shopping!

I am SO thankful for your support this year and ALL the years prior. Your orders, your eagerness to show up at pop-ups, your sharing of my posts, and all around love for me and what I do never ceases to blow me away. You make my dreams a little more real every step of the way. Many of you have been here since the beginning. Five years ago, I did my first art show with a couple of hand built pinch pots and a handful of cards that I printed at home on photo paper. I had no idea what I was doing, but this started the journey of what is now Quiet Lines Design. Because of your support through ALL of the stages, I have been able to build my business and continue to grow in my craft. I can't say it enough, but THANK YOU again and again. Wishing you a wonderful safe Thanksgiving!

I'm having a Black Friday sale event, which is my biggest sale of the year! If you've been holding out on buying some Quiet Lines Design products for yourself or as gifts...now's your chance! Be the first to know all the details for Friday so you can be the first to "jump in line". Sign up for my newsletter at www.quietlinesdesign.com

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. William Arthur Ward This quote spoke to me this morning and I just had to pass it along.

Packaging wholesale orders is one of my favorite things I get to do in the studio (besides designing of course). It reminds me of the repetitive motions of throwing pottery, which I love so very much. Each card is folded, with an envelope placed inside, slipped in a plastic sleeve, and sets of six are finished off with a wrapper called a "belly band." I love throwing on some music as my hands become a machine moving piece by piece. Often during this time, I get many new card design ideas as my mind has room to dream. Also, just a behind the scenes nugget of the stationery industry...a pretty fun topic amongst my colleagues is to talk about how many cards you can "sleeve" in a minute. Let's just say I have some growing to do in this area :)

Sometimes we are unable to see all the good qualities that others see in us. This card's original haiku is perfect to remind someone how special and amazing they are.

Just a reminder this morning. Make Monday great by believing this truth: you are the only person who can offer what you bring to this world. No one else will do anything just like you.

Plant stickers to start your weekend off right. Happy Friday friends!

Cards patiently awaiting their big moment where they get to break out of their storage box get put into a package to ship to a new home. Before I had a lot of card designs in my stationery line, I would look at other stationery designers' studios. Most often these classic boxes would be holding their cards...and I just couldn't wait until I had enough cards to line them up like this. I guess it's no wonder that my favorite store to go to as a kid was Office Depot. Storage and office supplies just got me really excited, ok?!

From time to time I like to create an intentional space where we can connect on topics where we can all feel some solidarity. These posts have become to be called "heart conversations," and it is an open invite for you to join the conversation on matters close to my heart. So lets's dive in, shall we? I want to be honest and say while making this calendar I wanted to give up so many times. This calendar took five months of work before seeing the finished product in ...my hands. There was a lot of research, many sketches, several drafts of haikus, emails back and forth with my printer, and looking at the months of 2021 over and over again to ensure no mistakes were made. Right when I felt like I would be done, another hurdle would be thrown my way. I share this, because you may be working on something right now and might feel like you won't make it to the finish line...and in this moment of feeling stuck you might find yourself looking over your shoulder to see how others are moving through life. Then suddenly, you get slammed with comparison. How are they doing it quicker? How are they doing it more successfully? What is it that I am doing wrong? Why is this taking so long? The truth is, we ALL feel these things. You aren’t the only one. We all feel stuck sometimes and have moments of comparison. The truth is...growing and changing takes a lot of work. You may feel defeated today, but please keep pressing forward. You are doing important and much needed work. In closing I will leave a haiku here for you tonight from the month of May in the calendar: Change is long and slow You are where you need to be Take comfort in that Please know you are not alone and you are moving forward. Share in the in the comments something you have found to be encouraging in moments of feeling stuck. We will will all benefit hearing from you.

All the Christmas coziness captured in one little card with original haiku: "These days filled with cheer With family held so dear Cherish the good times" ... It's not too early to start getting those holiday cards put together! Shop link in bio. See more

Just over here smiling at the future... and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and encouragement. I have been blown away by all of the calendars and stickers that have been shipped in the past couple of weeks. Every time I carry a package to the post office with my daughter's hand in mine, I feel so honored that you would spend your hard earned money on products that I dream up and make. Sometimes, saying thank you just doesn't feel ...like enough....but again, THANK YOU! I know there are many other places you can shop, but I hope you consider shopping small this holiday season. Every order truly makes a difference in the lives of small business owners. I will be coming out with a holiday gift guide with some of my favorite small shops you can shop with online, so stay tuned! Photography: @kailleen Hair: @meg.styles.hair See more

It's been unexpectedly cold the last couple of mornings in Southern California, which has me feeling ready for the holidays! Anyone else? Confess...have you listened to Christmas music yet? Just me? Shop link in bio.

Happy Saturday! Currently feeling these "New Growth" 2021 Calendar color vibes.

So excited for all my friends who are expecting and delivering so soon! the world is going to become brighter with these new little fingers and toes. Shop link in bio.

Lots and lots of stickers in the shop! Made out of vinyl, these stickers are durable and dishwasher safe...and ready to be put on just about anything!

This is one of the first card designs that lead me down the path of corresponding my illustrations with haikus. I had the intuition to correspond my art with my haiku poetry two years prior, but wasn't confident in the idea. I was nervous to be different and was worried people wouldn't "get them." Maybe that's still true, but I do know I'm happy I was encouraged to go with my gut and what felt true to me. So note to self: go with your gut.

When creating the New Growth 2021 Calendar, I wanted the images and haikus to be enjoyed after the months passed...without a pair of scissors and perfect cutting skills. With two perforations on every page, the hole and the calendar portion can easily be removed making it easy for you to frame or gift the pages as prints. Shop link in bio.

"Bunny Hugs" the first print of my Quiet Lines Littles collection, dedicated to creating unique and playful designs for the young and young at heart. Shop link in bio. What do you look for in kids and nursery decor? What animals or color tones are you drawn to?

Some of the recent favorite stickers lately. This little Meddling Cat sticker has recieved a lot of love and I'm thinking I may just have to draw more cats?!

This cute little sticker joined my growing sticker collection! Inspired by a vase I made with ever popular Craspedia. Is it too early to think about stocking gifts? These stickers make great ones! Shop link in bio.

New Growth 2021 Calendars listed in the shop! Each month features an original haiku poem centered on growth and plant illustration to bring about encouragement and hope for those moments that growing seems slow or stagnant. Simply tear along the perforations to detach and keep the images, so you can continue to enjoy them as the months pass. This calendar makes a unique and long-lasting gift for your plant loving friends.

The "New Growth" 2021 Wall Calendar comes out tomorrow at noon PST! Featuring original haiku poems centered on the theme of growth and plant illustrations, this calendar is sure to be loved by the dreamer, goal setter, and plant lover. Perforations turn each page into a print, so that the images can continue to be enjoyed as the months pass. ... I can't wait to share this with you! Join my newsletter today to get a special discount code to use! See more

She has been feeling it for awhile now---that sense of awakening. There is a gentle rage simmering inside her, and it is getting stronger by the day. She will hold it close to her---she will nurture and let it grow. She won't let anyone take it away from her. It is her rocket fuel and finally, she is going places. She can feel it down to her very core---it is her time. She will not only climb mountains---she will move them too. ---Lang Leav @langleav "Moving Mountains" print available in shop!

If you haven't heard this from someone lately, let me be the voice to tell you. You are making a difference in the world and the lives around you. You are important and you are needed here. You are the only one who can be exactly you. In a world that seems to be a little on its head, please remember that your life truly does make ripples and you do change the world. Please don't doubt that for a second. If you need to pass this message on, these little cards are in the shop. It's no wonder they have quickly become a best seller...sometimes we all just need to be reminded of the impact we are making.

Happy fall! Who doesn’t love the crisp air, seasons changing a good latte and oh wait a giveaway!!! I have teamed up with some amazing makers over at @shop.current to give once lucky winner handmade earrings, ceramics, candles, gift cards and so much more! The giveaway will be open today 10/4 - 10/9. TO ENTER 1. Make sure you’re following: @shop.current @jasper_lain ... @retreatcojewelry @casualmagicco @kmpthings @leeprints @madebykippen @nikkig.studio @quietlinesdesign @thegoodclayco 2. Tag a friend in the comments section of @shop.current most recent post (the more friends the more entry’s) Giveaway closes 10/9 and winner will be announced 10/10

Wishing you all a very happy first day of October! I've got a hankering to make some delicious pumpkin coffee cake this weekend and grab some pumpkins to decorate our home with. I can never decide which I like more...fall or spring. They just both make me feel so alive and refreshed. What's your favorite season and why?

You won't ever be rushing to the store to find a silly card that you don't even like when you have a big 'ol pile of unique stationery to pull from when the occasion arrives. Anyone been there!? Go check out my surprise bundle of 5 cards for $10 to get your collection going today!

Add a poppy pin to your collection and you get the best of both worlds...a little fall color with some sunshine vibes. Link to shop in bio.

GROW. I have been focused on this word a lot these past few months. There have been many times that I have felt "stuck" this year, and maybe you can relate. Through this, I have tried to focus on what I can do to continue to grow despite external circumstances. What grew out of this experience is something I am pretty proud of...my first ever wall calendar called, "NEW GROWTH" which is full of plant illustrations and a haiku on every page centering on the theme of growth. I cannot wait to share these with you. Head over to my website to join my mailing list so you can be these first to know when they launch!

It can be easy to buy into feeling like 2020 has been a complete wash. However, if you evaluate differently and really look closely, I believe that you will find many things you should be proud of this year.

When you yield to the process of transformation, no matter the sacrifices and growing pains, the result is beautiful. Wherever you are in your journey of change and growth...hold onto that truth. I am trying to become more disciplined in my daily practices in order to develop the growth I want to see happen. It's been hard, but I know it is going to be worth it. Also, if you don't have someone to hold you accountable to your goals...find someone. That's the only way I am making progress these days. Thanks @helloholydays! Transformation Moth Prints available in shop. Link in bio.

Clinging to these two sentiments lately...showing up and holding onto hope.

Hello there! If we haven't met, I'm Shirlee and I'm the one woman show behind Quiet Lines Design. I love to create, but more importantly I'm driven to create work that speaks deeply and encourages us to connect with others. My hope would be that my haiku poetry guides you to say the things you often don't say enough and maybe helps encourage to say more to those in your life. Life is too short, and I think it's necessary to let our loved ones know how much they mean to us on ...a routine basis. This whole week is "Thinking of You Week" @thinkingofyouweek and it is an international movement to celebrate the joy of sending and receiving hand-written notes and greeting Cards. Between September 21-27, the intention is to create a wave of happiness across the globe by letting people know that we’re Thinking of You. I will be participating in this and I hope you do too!

This just about explains my feelings of having my college roommate move about 40 minutes from me after living out of state for some time. Looking at you @that_cari_nicole_ Couldn't be happier about it. Friendships that you can pick up where you left off and go to deep conversations fast with are so special. This card is perfect for those soul sisters in your life...and just in time for @thinkingofyouweek. Shop link in bio.

This little illustration I made a year ago is what started my love for color and adding texture to my work...and I guess I haven't turned back since. My illustration style has felt like an evolving organism at times. It's been a weekly practice of honing in on what I feel like I want to consistently add to my work. Texture, polka dots, and my color pallete are often the spices I add to my recipe. I share this, because I think sometimes people think that artists jus...t are "naturally talented." However, it has been my experience (and many artists I have spoken to), that it really comes down to constantly learning, putting in the time, and consistent play. What you see now in my work has been 5 years in the making...it's been a process of refining and it will continue to be. I hope this brings you comfort, even if you don't call yourself an artist. There are all things we are striving to be better at. It just takes time. Just keep showing up. See more

This little "Meddling Cat" sticker is quickly becoming a best seller! These stickers are perfect for just about anything and are weatherproof and dishwasher safe. Need I say more? Shop link in bio.

Retailers, you are not going to want to miss out on shopping at @faire_wholesale August 26-27th! You will find a new release of stickers, prints, and cards AND I am offering a show special of 10% off of your order of $100-$249 and 20% off your order of $250 with free shipping! Shop the virtual showroom at quietlinesdesign.faire.com, link in profile!... Don't worry, if you aren't a retailer all of my new items will be added to my shop soon. Keep a look out for them, or better yet subscribe to my newsletter via my website to find out when they are listed! Link in profile.

And just like that. Another month gone by. Being an elementary art teacher as my full time job has brought some added challenges this year....but I'm doing a lot more drawing to cope with the added stress. It also means that my instagram has taken a back seat. Woops! However, I cannot wait to release a bunch of new goodies come September! Keep an eye out for a 2021 calendar, new holiday cards, new prints and stickers! ... Hope you are all doing well! Now I'm off to continue lesson planning for a variety of scenarios!

This little card is still one of my favorites and can be used all year round. Remember to tell your loved ones you love them today.

Just a reminder that YOU are needed and important. Your voice, your creativity, your personality...the whole package...Only YOU can impact the world in the way that YOU can.

These times still call for celebrating those special people in our lives.

Trying to add more beauty to my home this month. I have plans to paint my kitchen cupboards green! I am adding art to my daughters room and making my little desk area functional, yet cute. I use these little air plant hammocks as a perfect addition to add some green in a room. I currently have mine in my kitchen. I realize I have never done a home tour of our tiny little rental...I just think that might be the perfect thing to do after the cabinets are painted! Air hammocks listed in shop!

Just taking a moment to bask in gratitude. I am so thankful for even the little moments of time that I have to design and create. It is my small offering to the world, but it is something that truly gives me so much joy. I have so many ideas buzzing in my head these days. Lately, I have been frustrated that I don't feel like I have enough time to give myself to that creative energy, but I'm intentionally moving towards gratitude and being thankful that I do have SOME time.

To let you in on my little secret, I have been designing my first calendar that is inspired by pottery and plants! I can't wait to share it with all of you.

Poppy pins are restocked and ready to give you a pep to your step!

This summer I am continuing my education in the world of art with a course called "Leverage Your Art" with Stacie Bloomfield of @gingiber. For me, learning from other artists and taking classes have always been the best way for me to take bigger steps in my business and creative journey. It is the best way I know how to keep me accountable to keep "showing up." One of the first things I was encouraged to do in this class was to make a vision board. This might surpri...se you, but I have NEVER made a vision board. To be honest, I have always felt that they are kinda cheesy and just a way to usher in the New Year with friends. I am so sorry for ever thinking that, because making a vision board for my business has been such a big pivot for me. Waking up every morning and SEEING a visual representation of my goals has made me so MINDFUL of every action I make in the day to slowly get me towards where I want to go. So, here I am showing up and I am going to speak out loud some of these BIG goals, because I am starting to believe there is power is speaking about them openly and often. Some of the big goals I am working towards are: showing at the National Stationery Show in the future, have my product in 100 stores, hiring an assistant, have a studio downtown, and start coaching and offering workshops for other artists. I look at this list and think...HOW? How is this going to happen? However, I am reminded by the words of Katie Hunt from @prooftoproduct, "Slow and steady growth is how strong businesses are built." So slow and steady I go, and I just going to keep showing up every day... See more

Today is an exciting day for me, as I am getting back to the studio. Thank you to everyone who gave suggestions on things you want to see in the shop update. Can't wait to try some new things!

Making sure birthdays are still being celebrated in this global pandemic! Did you know that all cards ship free? Shop link in bio.

My hands haven't touched clay since the end of March, and I am so eager to get back to the studio! My goal is to have lots of new work to have a robust shop update sometime in the next month or so. I have lots of ideas up my sleeve, but would love to know what you all want to see!

Tend: to care for or look after; give one's attention to. What does it look like to tend to your soul? For me, it has been an intentional look at what I need to do to feel full so that I can continue to give myself to others.... It does not take much for me to feel completely burned out and depleted these days. This summer I have fully recognized this as I care for my young daughter, Cora. With the constraints of activities that we can go do and the heat, I feel as though I am completely drained by the end of the day. However, as easy as it is for me to feel drained, I have been happy to find that it is just as easy for me to be filled up again if I'm intentional about it. These are really basic things that are helping me to "tend to the garden of my soul." Feel free to snag some ideas if you are needing some tools to start tending -journaling every morning -taking a morning walk and getting outside throughout the day -listening to uplifting music -lighting one of my favorite candles -calling a friend to chat -listening to a podcast When we tend to the garden of our soul, we are healthy and full. We have enough for ourselves as well as enough to extend to others. What do you do to tend to your soul?

To the person who has been by your side when you are a blubbering mess and celebrated with you in your most joy filled moments. Card in shop, link in bio.

The party is continuing on over here to celebrate Quiet Lines Design first online shop birthday! Until Sunday, everything in the shop is 20% off! Shop link in bio.

Hello to all the new faces around here! I'm so happy you are here! I'm Shirlee and I am the little lady behind Quiet Lines Design. You've just joined in on an exciting week as I celebrate my "first business birthday" of having an online shop. I have been selling my work for the past 5 years here and there at art shows, but this year has felt like my "first" year of consistent business. Last year, July 1st, I launched my online shop with only 10 card desi...gns. I knew I just needed to get started and put something out there, and I'm proud to say I now have over 40 card designs! I have been blown away by YOU continuing to support me and cheer me on this creative journey. To celebrate, I will be posting a giveaway this week and even having a sale! So stay tuned and get your party hat on!

If you have followed me for a while you know that I am known for having "posting streaks" followed by radio silence. I have come to realize that these silent times on instagram are an indicator that I have way too much on my plate to devote my time here, I am intentionally taking time away, or that I feel stuck mentally in connection to my work. For the past month I have been visiting family and intentionally decided to not worry about keeping my business going. I closed my o...nline shop for three weeks and knew that I wouldn't worry about posting on instagram for a month. I am finally back home, opened up the shop last week, and I am just trying to get back to posting regularly. However, I cannot return to this space without expressing in words the brokenness I have felt over our broken world and broken systems as of late. My heart is broken for the pain the Black community continues to go through. My heart is broken for the families that are in mourning and don't have justice. My heart is broken seeing people tear each other down to have their voice and their "side" heard louder than the other. This past month I have been made aware of the things I need to do as a white woman to help bring about change and I am taking action to do so. Black Lives Matter and I believe that creating real change is going to be an intentional and ongoing process. I know I am going to make mistakes, but I truly hope that in my pursuit I will outgrow the fear I have of making them and continue to educate myself. I hope you know that I value this space and the many heart conversations we have had over the years. In short, I hope we can continue to have them. I apologize for my lack of communication for my absence and not even letting you know I had closed the online shop for a while. I am still very new at this whole running an online shop thing and didn't even think to make that announcement. Much love to you all, and once again thanks for sticking around.

This afternoon I'm reflecting on the many women who have been a part of my journey as an artist. Their lives have impacted mine so immensely and I truly wouldn't be where I am today without them. I just wanted to give a shout out to three of them here today, because each one off them means so much to me. If it wasn't for Lynn Richards I don't think I would have ever had the courage to do my first art show. It was truly her encouragement and camaraderie that started this who...le adventure of selling my work. With the help of Sue Krauser Robson, I have grown so much in my personal development. Her guidance has helped me defeat so many lies I have believed about myself. She has also developed in me the ability to see and dream bigger than I have before. My product line development and knowledge of the stationery industry would be lost without the support of Proof to Product | Paper Camp Alums. Katie's generosity to continually give of herself to the community she has built continues to amaze and inspire me. So to Lynn, Sue, and Katie...thank you. Thank you for believing me in, cheering me on, and guiding me each step of the way.

Now through Memorial day everything in the shop is 15% off! You heard me right, that includes pottery too! Shop link in bio.

Leaning into this today

The "Let Love Rise" print has been a crowd favorite lately. This image came to me during the first week of our quarantine. It's incredible how much time has passed by since then, however this piece will forever be timeless. Print in shop! Www.etsy.com/shop/QuietLinesDesign

A little reminder to tell those around you that you love them today. Secret bundle bags available in the shop: 5 cards for $10!

Oh, just reminding myself of this yet again this evening.

Summer is soon approaching and I couldn't be more ready. For me, summer is often met with enthusiasm for creating new work and taking big risks. Last summer I officially launched my etsy shop, came out with a tote bag, my first enamel pin design, and started my greeting card line. I'm excited for what is to come this summer! As always, thank you to everyone supporting me throughout this journey of creating. Also, this necklace is now in the shop!

These little feet made me a mother a year and a half ago. I'm so grateful today and my heart is full.