oliveandfigpress

There is something special about making something with your own two hands. Every piece of art is a little different, and every project teaches me something new.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I can turn that love of creating into something more: a small business built around handmade prints, greeting cards, paper goods, and other thoughtful creations.

That’s what this little corner of the internet is for.

Welcome to Olive and Fig Press!

Why I’m starting this blog

I’ve always loved the idea of making beautiful things that people can keep, display, send to someone they love, or give as a meaningful gift.

Last year, I was introduced to Linocut. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with handmade books, cards, and other paper projects.

As I’ve explored these projects, I began to wish I had more time, more money, and more motivation to grow in these skills. The idea occurred to me that I could start a small business, selling what I create.

So the question arose: how do I grow a small shop when I don’t have a huge budget or unlimited free time?

I don’t have the answer yet, but I’m excited to figure it out.

Building a creative business without spending a fortune

One of my biggest goals is to build this business slowly and intentionally.

I don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment, supplies, and branding before I know what works. Instead, I want to use what I have, make thoughtful decisions about what I purchase, and learn as I go.

That means experimenting with affordable materials, keeping track of expenses, finding practical ways to package and sell my work, and figuring out which products people genuinely enjoy.

It also means being realistic about time. Like many people, I have responsibilities outside my creative projects. I want to find a way to build something meaningful without making creativity feel like another full-time job.

If you’re interested in starting a creative business of your own, I hope sharing my experience will help you feel a little more confident about getting started.

You don’t need a perfect studio, expensive equipment, or a complete business plan to begin making things.

You just need a place to start.

What you’ll find here

I’ll be sharing three main kinds of posts.

1. Printmaking and paper craft tutorials

I’ll walk through my creative process, from choosing paper and carving designs to printing artwork and turning prints into greeting cards. I’ll share the supplies I use, what works well, and what I would do differently next time.

2. Behind-the-scenes creative projects

You’ll get a look at works in progress, handmade book projects, design experiments, and the occasional project that doesn’t go according to plan. I want this to be a place where the process matters just as much as the finished product.

3. Learning to run a small art business

I’ll document what I’m learning about pricing, expenses, packaging, selling online, and growing a shop on a limited budget. I’ll share practical numbers and lessons where I can, because I know how helpful that information can be when you’re starting out.

My hope is that these posts will give you both inspiration and practical ideas you can use in your own creative life.

A little reminder for fellow beginners

It’s easy to feel as though you need to have everything figured out before you begin.

You need the perfect name, the perfect products, the perfect website, and the perfect plan.

But I’m learning that creating something worthwhile often starts with a much smaller step. Make one print. Finish one card. Try one new technique. Share one project with someone else.

Then do it again.

I’m starting this blog without knowing exactly where it will lead, and I think that’s part of the adventure. I’d rather begin imperfectly and keep learning than wait until everything feels ready.

Let’s make something together

Thank you for being here at the beginning of this journey.

Whether you’re a fellow printmaker, someone who loves handmade paper goods, an aspiring creative business owner, or simply someone who enjoys seeing how things are made, I’m glad you’ve found your way here.

I’ll be sharing new projects, tutorials, and lessons from building my little art business as I go.

Here’s to making beautiful things, learning along the way, and building something meaningful one small step at a time.

Until next time,

Olive and Fig Press