Tropic Topics

Tropic Topics
Welcome to the Tropic Topics lens by Drive Industries Design Group. Hawaiiana is a category of design and art which has been made popular by collectors, eBayers, swap meets and thrift shoppers in the past ten years. We started collecting Aloha shirts and tropical memorabilia back in the early seventies. Our background in the apparel industry was greatly influenced by these collections, which eventually lead us into surfwear and the action sports industry. We hope to showcase some of the items we've collected, as well as present new products that were influenced by them from our Zazzle store and that of others.

Business Changes are "OFFICIAL"

I'm not sure if "officially" is the word, but for some reason I feel like using it because a big weight has been lifted off of me. I have OFFICIALLY closed my handmade business FOR A WHILE. For a little over a year I have made quite a few blankets, nursery sets, onesies, and other miscellaneous items and although I have gained a lot of experience designing and working with various customers, it has been a very time consuming "project". Here's the thing... I LOVE designing, but I HATE sewing. I can't afford to hire people to produce my designs so I am the one making the items which takes me away from what I am really good at - designing. It was just too much to juggle.

For the past few months I have been designing for my "print-on-demand" invitation, announcement, greeting card and gift business on Zazzle.com. This allows me to focus on designing exclusively without being hassled with producing my items. Zazzle produces all the items that I sell, handles the business end of things such as payments from customers, having a functional store and much more! I love Zazzle. For me they are a godsend. It is exactly what I needed to run a successful business right out of my home so I can stay home with my boys while making money.

I have BIG plans in the next year while utilizing Zazzle. I have two successful stores up right now and I am working three more as we speak. Stay tuned for more on that.

Back to handmade items. I know there will be a small following of people that will miss my creations however I am not eliminating that business 100%. I am going to still make handmade items, but my items will be ONE-OF-A-KIND designs. I will create items pretty much when I feel inspired and have the time. Unfortunately, I will not be accepting anymore custom orders or duplicate requests. Some folks may get lucky as I may create an item again but may have a slight modification. I am hoping this will ease my stress of deadlines and mistakes (which often happen when I'm rushing). I do my best work when I am relaxed and actually enjoying creating something rather than HAVING TO DO IT.

I am quite excited as the new year approaches and once the holidays are over - it's full speed ahead with designing. Hmmm... Valentines is next. Look for some new designs on www.zazzle.com/keanusmom AND www.zazzle.com/hapagirldesigns.

Single Honu Hawaiian Hibiscus Skateboard from Zazzle.com

I am so pleased that one of my first Skateboard designs on Zazzle.com got a Today's Best Award! I am not sure why I didn't put my designs on skateboards sooner! So fun!

Single Honu Hawaiian Hibiscus Skateboard from Zazzle.com

Modern Owl Designs on Zazzle by Jennifer G Designs

My modern owl designs have become quite popular and I really enjoy creating different products with the designs. My newest design is "Snowy Owl". There is just something about owls that really intrigue me and I just love designing them!


buy unique gifts at Zazzle

I'm Now Selling on 1000 Markets by Amazon.com

1000 Markets

Jennifer G Designs

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Holiday Penguins - Baby's First Christmas Onesie / T-shirts

Holiday Penguins - Baby's First Christmas by keanusmom
More Emperor T-Shirts

Just in time for Christmas! Check out more of my modern designs of animals and nature on my Zazzle site!

Laura Engstrom Photography

My dear friend and next door neighbor has started a photography business in which she specializes in outdoor photography with natural light, which, honestly, makes for the best and most beautiful photography. I find Laura Engstrom to be extremely talented and gifted and has an eye for good photos of children and family portraits.

Check out her website and contact her if you are interested in having her work for you.


Blog: www.lauraengstrom.blogspot.com

Website:
www.lauraengstrom.com