Monday, February 22, 2016

#CPCCrush: Jessica of @LuxeandtheLady

We spend tons of time on Instagram every day, and believe us, we can get stuck in the deep, dark scroll of the explore page. But what exactly makes you stop on a post and search through more photos on the same profile? Around Christmas time, we discovered a couple of amazing layflat images from Jessica of @LuxeandtheLady. From makeup to candy, each perfectly laid out image featured a couple of items that told a story that had us hopping from photo to photo.

(Included above: Jessica features the Sumikko Gurashi Peek-A-Boo Notes amongst her handmade Sumikko Gurashi cupcakes!)

If you know us at Cool Pencil Case, we're obsessed with our product shots. Last week, we even gave a quick tutorial on Snapchat showing how we shoot our products! (Are you following us, by the way? Add us: CoolPencilCase).

We decided to reach out to Jessica and ask the burning question, "How do you make the perfect layflat?" Cool Pencil Case's proclaimed layflat queen answers a couple of questions and more, and even features her favorite Cool Pencil Case products in a few shots! Boy, are we lucky to have our first #CPCCrush as awesome as she is!

1. How did you get started creating lay flats on instagram?

I started doing flatlays on Instagram when I was looking for unique ways to display my box subscription products without actually showing the items inside of the boxes because that's what everyone was doing. I guess I was trying to literally "think outside of the box" 😊

2. How do you gain inspiration for your posts? How do you keep creative?

I gain inspiration through Instagram, blogs, magazines, and emails for my posts. There are so many creative accounts and tutorials out there! I love to find a way to adapt one to make the idea suit my style. I find that creativity grows with practice.


(Included above: 5-Pack Macaron Erasers, Good Morning Little Baby Pencil Box, Pocky Slim Scented Pencil 5-Pack)

3. Which Cool Pencil Case items are in your stationery rotation right now?

I'm currently using the Pocky strawberry scented pencils nonstop. They are just too cute, and I love anything Pocky sticks! I'm also using the Good Morning Little Baby Pencil Box to keep my paper cutouts and planner accessories organized. 

4. What three things do you need to get the “perfect” lay flat (props, lighting, etc.)?

My main essentials for a great flatlay are natural lighting, white foamboard, and poster putty. I like to use the putty to hold round objects in place, and sometimes I even use it to change the angle of an object to make the details more visible. 

5. What advice do you have for people who want to produce creative content on social media?

The advice I would give someone who wants to produce creative content for social media is to just go for it! For so long I let fear get in the way, but I've found that practice really does make perfect. The more I stretch my creative muscles the more ideas I come up with, and the better I can make my pictures. Inspiration can come from anywhere if you try looking for it. 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Valentine's Day Favorites

Have you felt the love lately? This week, we've got giveaways going on from some of your favorite vloggers and Instagram personalities like The Hollycopter and Studyign! Make sure you follow the rules in the description of each video for a chance to win!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we have gathered up some of our favorite picks across Instagram to get you in creative and loving spirit. Who would have thought school supplies and cool pencil cases could have that effect on you? See below for some Valentine's Day faves and shopable links to see more shots of the products that catch your eye.

 

Check out this awesome review from The Hollycopter featuring some Sumikko Gurashi favorites! Check out more color ways of some of the products below:


Sending all my love πŸŽˆπŸ’Œ - This year I decided to make my own Valentines inspired by my kawaii stationery and desk accessories from @coolpencilcase . They have so many adorable products I had a hard time choosing what to get! I am kind of obsessed with these scented strawberry Pocky stick pencils (they smell so good I want to eat them πŸ˜‹), pretty little macaron eraser set, and the cutest baby bunny pencil case (that fuzzy little bunny on top just makes me smile 😍). I totally already have my next order ready to go πŸ˜‰! If you are into planner decorating, fun stationery sets, Molang, Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, or just anything Kawaii you will love their shop! You can use code "CPCXO" to receive 10% off your $30 purchase between now and Feb 14, and they ship worldwide. I very rarely give a gift that doesn't involve candy, but I have to admit I love balloons almost as much. I think they are such a happy little treat πŸ™‚. These balloon heart Valentines were quite easy to make. I cut hearts and triangles (for the little tied part of the balloon) out of diff colored card stock paper, and glued them together. Then I cut faces and little shine spots out of each and layered with a solid black heart for more depth (the faces could just as easily be drawn on). I finished them up by tying a piece of baker's twine around the triangle and added a love letter (made from a white card stock rectangle with a piece of heart confetti attached). I tucked them into tiny translucent envelopes with a handwritten note, and a matching @theflairexchange mini heart balloon. Sending all my love to you, and please keep your eyes peeled for a fun Valentine's Day surprise I have coming up very soon! πŸ“¬πŸ’ŒπŸ’–πŸ’™πŸ’›πŸ’œπŸ’š #flatlay #valentine #stationery #thatsdarling #hearts #flashesofdelight #liveauthentic #candy #myunicornlife #ihavethisthingwithhearts #todayslovely #kawaii #abmlifeiscolorful #pocky #pastel #bandofun #creativityfound #vscogood #flatlays #livethelittlethings #nothingisordinary #thehappynow #target #huffpostgram #lovelysquares #peoplescreatives #balloons #diy #darlingmovement #whiteaddict
A photo posted by Jessica 🍬✨ (@luxeandthelady) on

Layflat queen @luxeandthelady gets in the Valentine's Day spirit by showing off a couple of her Cool Pencil Case favorites. Watch this space in a couple of days -- word on the street is that Jessica is going to be featured with a couple of expert tips on getting the perfect lay flat!

Shop her picks below:


A photo posted by Vanessa Dugan πŸ’•♠️πŸ’„πŸ‘“πŸ’‹πŸ‘›πŸ‘ πŸ© (@hautepinkfluff) on

@Hautepinkfluff shows her sweet side with some heart-shaped donuts alongside the Heart Pocket Pencil Pouch!



Pink and purple enthusiast @emeraldz4 shows off her "Let's Take a Trip Stamp" and reminds us that discount code is still going on strong at CoolPencilCase.com! Enjoy 10% off your $30 or more purchase until 2/14 by entering CPCXO at checkout!

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

What's in Your Pencil Case, @CharVillena?




A photo posted by @charvillena on

What's in your pencil case? One of our favorite illustrators at the moment, @CharVillena, shows off how she uses the Giraffe Charm and Wallet Pencil Pouch Duo with her favorite artist supplies! Proof that it's the perfect on-the-go pencil case whether you're an artist or student!


Also, check out her other Cool Pencil Case favorites featured in the video:


Valentine's Day Sweets and Treats

Make your Valentine's Day gathering even sweeter with these delicious, easy-to-make treats. From oreo pops to a red, pink, and white pop...