I named my shop Lillyzcardz after my dog Lilly, and the Zs in the name is in memory of my grandparents, Tootie and Rose Zarzana. I love the freedom of creativity I have in taking photos of the dogs and making cards out of them (I usually have between two to six dogs at my house on any given day). I begin by shopping at local thrift stores and dollar stores for props. Once I find a prop I can envision using in a photo shoot, then I go home and create the setting. After the photos are processed, I then get to do one of the most fun parts of my business: making the cards. Again, it's the freedom to let my creativity go wherever it takes me. To choosing colors for the cards, finding just the right cardstock to compliment the photo, and putting it all together. I also take pictures and make cards of cats and other interesting people and places I find on my walks or travels.

When I was in grammar school, my family would spend the summers at our cabin in South Lake Tahoe. I remember sitting on the front porch with my grandmother where I would design Christmas ornaments and then sew them by hand using felt and embellishments. Then around November my grandmother would take me door-to-door in our neighborhood where I would sell my ornaments. When I was in high school, I hand embroidered on bandanas and sold them at a shop in Historic Folsom. I've always loved making things by hand. My most recent adventure was designing and sewing dog clothes that I sold at a local dog boutique. Because of chronic pain, it soon became too difficult for me to sew.

One day I needed a card for a friend and didn't have one, so I decided to make my own card. My friend called and said she loved the card and wanted to buy some, but couldn't find any information on the back of the card that said where it was purchased from. I told her I made the card. She asked me to make some more cards for her, and that's how Lillyzcardz was born.

Growing up I always dreamed of having my own store where I could sell all the things I made. I never did open a shop, but I'm finding through Etsy that I can finally realize my dream and have my own store where I can sell things I create. I guess it's never too late to realize your dreams (I just officially became a senior citizen!). I hope you enjoy giving my cards as much as I enjoy making them.

In September 2012, Lillyzcardz was featured in a great blog. Check it out here: http://whatsernamejewelry.com/?s=lillyzcardz

Here's a few comments left by customers:

- 'AAA PLUS!!! While the listing is completely accurate it just does not do justice to these beautiful cards. Thank you so much.'

- awesome and super cute card, you can totally see how much time and effort are behind them , i love it and i send it ahead to my parents in law, awesome communication, awesome seller i will be back for any card needs. super fast shipping too