PAPER goods
talking about invitations cards, thank you notes, birthday cards, correspondence notes, gift wraps, tags
Finished up your invite or add a special touch to a thank you card with your own customized stamps. They are also appropriate to mark a special occasion, a kid birthday or something special happening in your life.
Where to buy?
The personalization process is the same whether you live in the USA or Canada. The difference is where you buy them. In Canada, you must use Picture Postage, a service from Canada Post in partnership with Canadian Bank Note.
In the United States, several companies own a vendor license from United States Postal Service to print customized postage. You can buy the stamps in the denomination that you need: postcard, envelop size and weight. Unfortunately, Canada Post offers only the customized stamp for the most current postage (standard letter under 30 grams).
How it works?
They all provide online a tool to design your postage using the same 3 steps. You first submit your own digital image. Then, you adjust your image into the stamp frame. Finally, you send your order.
In the United States, I like PictureItPostage by Endicia. There 2 main advantages are:
- bigger stamp – your picture is 1 1/2" x 1 3/16". Stamp is 2 1/2" x 1 9/16"
- background colors – which I like a lot.
Zazzle is another company that I discovered through Perfect Bound, a cute blog by a girl who day dreams about living abroad, dark chocolate and being a magazine editor. Today, she paired wedding invitations with customized stamps. Check her post; she did an excellent pairing job.
The special features at Zazzle are:
- you can write a small message text on top of your picture
- three sizes of stamp
- you can select pictures from the community gallery.
Canadian Way
The Canadian stamps look better in my opinion because they do not have a bar code. They look like regular stamp. But honestly, they are all pretty cool and can be as stylish as you design them. In Canada, you can buy a sheet of 40 stamps or a Keepsake Sheet of 20 stamps with a large image printed to keep as a souvenir.
Plan ahead and leave you plenty of time for delivery. These custom gifts make great gifts to new parents, grand parents or new homeowners.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: PictureItPostage - price: $18.95 USD for 20 large stamps
Buy online: Zazzle Custom Stamps – price: $16.95 USD for 20 medium stamps
Buy online: The Knot Wedding Postage Collection [Zazzle]
Buy online: Picture Postage – price: $24.95 for 20 stamps + a large keepsake image
Via: squared away [Perfect Bound]
Categories:
EVERYDAY
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
HOLIDAY
BIG events
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:16 PM | Feedback (0)
There is a new way to personalize your invitations with the launch of silhouettes by PosePrints.
You can add a couple, a bride or a pregnant mother. Same sex couples are represented by two male silhouettes. Strangely, lesbian couples are not represented.
The different between the female models are three hair styles. The silhouettes are also available in several colors.
There are less customization options than with the personalized avatars. Still you can find a suitable fit. The pricing is the same for all poses.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: silhouette models with navy spots [poseprints.com] – price: $50.00 for 25 cards
RELATED POST:
+ Personalized avatar on social stationery
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Feedback (1)
I told you that I was busy all day last Thursday for an important appointment. In fact, I had an ACL Reconstruction Surgery. I am happy to report that my surgery went well. My recovery is doing fine.
A Little History
In February 2007, I jumped a cliff while skiing. Unfortunately the back of one of my skis got stuck on 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) of heavy snow. I tore my anterior cruciate ligament. I often felt that my knee was "giving out" in my daily activities. Because I enjoy mogul skiing, it is important to me to have strong legs.
The surgery grafts a piece of my tendon on my torn ACL. My full recovery depends of doing lots of post-surgery exercises to stimulate the growth of tissues. More than 90% patients return to full sport activities after 6 to 12 months.
I will continue to write daily on At Home with Kim Vallee. I am telling you all that because I may sometimes deviate from my blogging schedule for my physiotherapy. So be patient with me.
Greeting Cards on Etsy
I am taking this opportunity to feature adorable Get Well Soon handmade products from etsy. I could not resist the cute Nurse Penguin designed by teenybeak. People staying at the hospital for a while typically enjoy having a teddy bear to comfort them.
I bought a Get Well Soon card a few weeks ago for a friend and I did not like what I saw at the stores. So, I regret not stocking some at home. You never know when you will need it. I am presenting you two artists who used the Red Cross symbol for their cute and modern Get Well Soon cards.
Bytheairport created a Get Well Soon Nurse Post Card Set. Screen printed with Gocco on archival card stock, the front includes a collage of a red paper cross against the black ink.
ArtMind did a fabulous job with her Get well soon package. This Belgian artist tucked away a small hand sewn 'red cross' made out of felt. A charming idea!
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: nurse penguin by teenybeak – price: $20 USD
Buy online: Get Well Soon Gocco Post Card by bytheairport – price: $6.50 USD for a pack of 3
Buy online: Get well soon greeting card by ArtMind – price: $6.50 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
OFF topics
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 10:18 PM | Feedback (1)
The owner and designer of Cartolina Cards, Fiona Richards sent me a wonderful set of card samples. These greeting cards invite us to a multicultural trip through the centuries that wraps up in a fresh, modern twist.
Ancient Meets Contemporary
You catch influences of ancient cultures, especially India in the work of this independent design studio from British Colombia, Canada.
Fiona Richards grew up in Scotland. Her grandparents were dealers in old world Indian textiles. She often visited her uncle who was an illustrator. So it is not surprising that Fiona Richards successfully interacts with vintage patterns and infuses them with a modern distinctive look.
A pattern is printed on the front and the back of the cards. Therefore, these cards feel luxurious. Whether you are looking for a Have a Beautiful Birthday card, to transmit a Bravo, to forward your Best Wishes, to send Many Thanks, to celebrate Love in Wedding Wishes, check out their one of a kind catalogue at selected retailers across Canada, United States and Australia.
Eco-friendly Cards
Better yet, these gorgeous and uniquely original cards are eco-friendly. They are printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified recycled papers, printed with vegetable / soy based inks. Their printer was named Most Environmentally Friendly Printer in Canada at the 2006 and 2007 Environmental Printing Awards.
The retailer catalogue of Cartolina Cards that I received shows 58 models of greeting cards, 18 note cards and 37 mini cards. Note cards are sold in single or box of 8. Mini cards are sold individually or as a six pack.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Cartolina Cards – retailers list on their Web site
Buy online: Cartolina Greeting Cards at Tansu, a few models only – price: $5 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Saturday, May 03, 2008 9:52 PM | Feedback (0)
If you mother is the Bree Van de Kamp type who brings delicious sweets everywhere she goes, make it simple for her by giving her personalized stickers, tags or stamps for Mother's Day. I found adorable models on etsy.
Baking Stickers
LittlebeaneBoutique has several models. Pink is a dominant color is her design. She sells the stickers by sheet of 12 stickers. I like the pink mixer and whisk.
Kitchen Stamps
OfficialInitial produces well-made custom 3" by 1.5" stamp. I like the Cupcake mounted rubber stamp where the name of your mother can be printed.
I like the handle on the From the Kitchen of stamp by sweetpaperie. You have a choice of a flatware setting, a whisk or a pear.
Sweet Tags
If your mother style is more French country, she will be delighted with the Vintage Look Petits Fours Glaces tags at Bluebirdlane. The tags measures about 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" each. Ribbon will vary.
Any one of these would make a fantastic gift for any culinary guru. It will show to your mother that you value her cooking.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Personalized Pink Mixer Stickers by LittlebeaneBoutique – price: $4.95 USD for 12
Buy online: Personalized WHISK Baking Stickers by LittlebeaneBoutique – price: $4.95 USD for 12
Buy online: Custom Cupcake mounted rubber stamp by OfficialInitial – price: $25 USD
Buy online: From the Kitchen of stamp by sweetpaperie – price: $19.95 USD
Buy online: Vintage Look Petits Fours Glaces tags by Bluebirdlane – price: $5 USD for 8
Categories:
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:24 AM | Feedback (1)
Each couple has a story. I happened to meet a TV actress not too long ago. I am telling her how I could relate to her storyline because my husband and I got together a little bit the same way of her character.
I am telling you that because people do not always know or remember how you became a couple. If you have an interesting story, one of most memorable things you can do for your wedding celebrations is to splurge on personalized designed invites, place cards and paper goods.
I have to warn you: Be ready to be swept off your feet with the bespoke portfolio of Chewing the Cud Weddings. Their attention to details is totally divine. But craftsmanship and exclusivity have its price tag.
Chewing the Cud was founded by Viola, a graphic designer from San Francisco. To know the extent of her talents, look at what she did for her own wedding.
Get Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird
Viola loves books. Her husband Phillip loves movies. "To Kill a Mockingbird" was their favorite story of all time and became the inspiration for the wedding. Viola designed their save the date cards, invitations, event details and a press kit.
Some of the wonderful details included:
- Guests are invited to write wishes for the couple on the bird cut-outs.
- Instead of seating cards, guests are invited to discover their names on colorful journals that nestled in the milk crates.
- Viola printed their vows, their favorite poems and she hand-drew playful illustrations throughout the custom table runner. This is really an idea to borrow for a birthday party or an anniversary celebration.
- Treasure boxes sat on the dinner tables. They revealed childhood photos of the couple and guests which turned out to be a successful conversation opener. Trivia questions also appeared on the menu. When you host an event with guests who do not necessary know each other, make sure to plan a conversation starter activity.
A Signature Collection
The official launch of Chewing the Cud Weddings is recent; it happened on April 8th, 2008. Besides the unique and true to your wedding vision of Bespoke, Chewing the Cud Weddings proposed a signature line featuring 14 refreshing styles. Every signature style is inspired by a concept/theme that can be further personalized by choosing from our assortment of motifs, illustrations, ribbons and embellishments.
Chewing the Cud Weddings has partnered with Flybird Press. Your invites will be printed on the finest 100% cotton, tree free papers with soy based inks. Flybird Press prints with a vintage flywheel letterpress.
Understanding The Price
The attention to details and excellent craftsmanship that go in the making of these wedding invitations explain the higher price bracket. Having work on designing custom cards myself, it is time consuming. And a lot of work went prior in designing the signature line. When you factor everything in, her invites are reasonably priced.
I envy Viola since I thought about launching a similar business two years ago. I wish Viola all the best with Chewing the Cud Weddings. She developed a great concept. She brings something new to the table. I hope the market will respond well.
If you are interested by her services, you will find on the Chewing the Cud Weddings Web site how the process works with both options: the bespoke invitations and the signature line.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Chewing the Cud Weddings – starts at $1875 for 75 invites with RSVP, $2100 for 150 invites
Her blog: chewing the cud weddings has launched!
Via: Wedding Invitations by Chewing the Cud by Style Me Pretty
Categories:
PAPER goods
BIG events
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 6:37 PM | Feedback (2)
The common theme is obvious this week. I am presenting you a dinner party invite, a kitchen gadget and a beautiful tabletop.
black . white . bliss for twoguitars :: Let's Eat
I enjoy the vintage look of these charming Gocco-printed invites from twoguitars on etsy. Twoguitars is inspired from his various obsessions and addictions: filmmaking, photography, music and travel.
Produced by a graphic designer, black . white . bliss showcases beautiful design things black, white and a few shades in between
GlamNest for LUXURY BEAT… On Tired Feet – Day One
This post reviewed what is going on at The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. If you are planning an upscale kitchen, you probably look at pot fillers, those handy faucets that hover over cooktops and ranges to make pasta boiling more convenient.
Hansgrohe innovates with the first countertop-mounted unit. Before pot fillers were restricted to wall mounting. Now homeowners have more flexible design options.
Toast and Tables for Design LIFE! Nicole Sassaman's table setting
I enjoy reading Toast and Tables. It is not surprising since Sarah and I share a love for nicely dressed tables.
This tabletop was created for DIFFA’s Dining by Design event by the celebrity designer Nicole Sassaman. Nicole teamed up with Viking and displayed for the occasion the aluminum and white square dinnerware from West Elm. The result is fresh, modern and elegant. I like this tabletop because it is not over ornate. Over ornamentation was my major complaint about the 2008 DIFFA’s Dining by Design edition.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Lets Eat, Set of 5 Gocco Dinner Invites by twoguitars on etsy – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Aluminum and white square dinnerware from West Elm – price: $16-39 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
KITCHEN tools
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, April 14, 2008 1:15 AM | Feedback (0)
A mother wrote to me because she is looking for fun unique ideas for the graduation party of her daughters in May. They want polka dots for a theme with lots of bright spring colors!
I expanded on the polka dots theme for a trendier look. I went instead with fresh, bold patterns where dots are omnipresent. The final look is amusing and young.
Sharing Memories
The mother told me that the girls do not want the boring photo albums. A graduation party is a time to remember where you have been. So I will show you other ways to share memories.
For starter, I suggest distributing around the room notebooks with colored pens for people to write their taught. The unlined notebooks work the best for a party since people can draw or write their messages. Small notebooks are more practical because they are easier to carry around. Select a model that does not require a writing surface. As the girls will get older, they will be happy to have memorabilia of their graduation.
I chose recycled paper notebooks from a small Canadian design studio. The products of ecojot are widely available through retailers across Canada, the United States and in a few international stores. The illustrations I selected clearly convey spring and happiness.
Taking about memories, why not take the time to reflect of the past years without disrupting the path of the party. For that goes with a continuous playing slideshow on the TV during the party or install a screen with a projector. Let me explain the beauty of it.
I suggest a continuous play because your guests look at it when it pleases them. A set projection time always breaks the flow of a party. Trust me, it is a lot of more fun and it generates more interactions between the guests that way.
How to Make a Slideshow
Create a slideshow with the pictures that best illustrates their time at the school. It is more interesting to develop a story based on theme / interest instead of making a time based story. Include pictures from their friends.
Unless you make a DVD copy for their friends, do not bother about the music since it would interfere with the great music playing at the party. Create a slideshow that lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Typically, I leave 15 to 20 seconds between photos. Keep the transitions simple and use the same transition (two to the max).
My Design
Graduations, even from high schools, are a bridge between childhood and adulthood. The items I selected reflected that fact. I really like the Fun Dots Pink and Green Invitation.
The funky GroBal Pot designed by Karim Rashid keeps your house plants lush, green, and looking sharp. I suggest you make long rows. You can mix the small (baby) and the regular sizes. I like to thank Nicole Lecht of freshly Blended that introduced these modern iconic egg-like pots to me.
The fantasia disposable tableware set looks stunning. This modern kaleidoscope of color was designed by for Jackie Shapiro for French Bull. I would suggest using certain pieces but not all of them at once. You can go for a fuchsia tablecloth. You can make you own placemat with fuchsia paper sheets.
You can insert Teeny Dot buckets from The MacBeth Collection. Their pattern collections are very impressive. What is great with The MacBeth Collection is that you can add your girls’ initials and customize the patterns.
The buckets are great for the bar station. Get several sizes to serve large quantity of citrus fruits and smaller one for the cherries, olives, etc. Since these buckets are not designed for food consumption, insert either a glass jar or a parchment paper to serve any sliced fruits and vegetables. You can use the buckets to distribute candies or the party favors.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Fun Dots Pink and Green Invitation at The Stationery Studio – price: $90 USD for 25 flat 6" x 9" invitations
Buy online: Karim Rashid: GroBal at Velocity Art & Design – price: $24 USD
Buy online: Karim Rashid: GroBal Baby – price: $15 USD
Learn more: 3 x4" notebooks by ecojot – see their retailer listing
Buy online: French Bull Fantasia paper dessert plates at Plum Party – price: $4.75 USD for 8
Buy online: Buckets at The MacBeth Collection - starting at $25 for the bitsy, $35 for the midi
Via: freshly Blended
Categories:
PAPER goods
PARTY ideas
BIG events
posted @ Friday, April 04, 2008 2:59 PM | Feedback (4)
New parents can save until April 18th, 2008 with the Buy 1 Get 1 free event on their new Birth Photo Announcement Cards. From their design studio in Toronto, Penny People Designs ships worldwide.
Penny People will double the ordered quantity of any Birth Photo Announcement cards if you answer Eupdate to the question "How did you hear from us?" during the checkout process. Offer valid until April 18th, 2008.
The design of the Penny People cards can be changed to suit your taste. So do not worry if you do not like the shown colors, the fonts or the fact that the picture is in black and white. As far as I understand, these design changes cost nothing.
Added Attention
Because Penny People knows that you will be quite busy after the birth of your infant, parents-to-be can receive the envelopes early for an additional $3.00 mailing fee. Therefore, it makes senses to order the birth announcements prior to the arrival of your baby.
Remember that you can order party favor gift boxes with a personalized stickers that match your invites.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Birth Photo Announcement at Penny People Designs – price $2.75 each
Buy online: Personalized Candy Box 2" x 2" Box & Sticker – price: $1.25 each CAD
Buy online: Personalized Candy Box 2.5" x 3.5" Rectangle with Sticker – price: $1.60 each
Learn more: Blog of Penny People Designs
Categories:
PAPER goods
BABY showers
posted @ Thursday, April 03, 2008 5:08 PM | Feedback (1)
Lisa Zuraw of sweetbeets produces the most adorable birthday cards. Lisa finds the inspiration for drawing her original illustrations by watching her children play. Her cards focus on infants and preschoolers from what I have seen.
Sweetbeets’ cards are eco-friendly. They are printed using vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Her technique leaves a crisp impression that you can see and feel. That is the beauty of letterpress printing.
Sweetbeets will debut at the National Stationery Show in New York, May 18 to 21, 2008. So if you are going at the show, visit her at booth 2134.
There are many new babies in my circle of friends. That is why I started a reserve a few months ago. Her cards cost $5.50 each or make your own set of any 4 cards for $18 at her etsy shop.
Lisa Zuraw also writes Modeco Kids, a blog on modern and eco-friendly products for babies and children.
Sourcing:
Buy online: spinning top card by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Buy online: three blocks by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Buy online: puddle jumping fun by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Buy online: birthday girl balloon by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
KIDS party
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (0)
I selected three ideas for stylish entertaining. These fresh design ideas were featured by a trio of talented bloggers that I visited frequently.
Exceptionally, there will be a second pick of the week tomorrow because there was too many wonderful posts on the blogosphere last week.
My three picks of the week
Style Me Pretty for Do-It-Yourself Projects
Have you ever seen prettiest coat checks than these handmade tags? Absolutely gorgeous! And this Do-It-Yourself project seems that they are not too complicated to make. Follow the instructions on Style Me Pretty.
Design & Inredningsbloggen for Krydda med musik
Cheerful and unexpected are the two words that come to my mind when I first looked at this pair of salt and pepper shakers designed by Naoto Fukasawa. A great find by Pethra of the Swedish blog Inredningsbloggen.
let your creativity .... FLOW for Designer Ghislaine Vinas
I spoke several times of colors this week. And as a fan of fuchsia, I could not pass the opportunity to show you a stunning interior done in fuchsia. I know many of you can be scared by this color but it is easier to live with that you may suspect. Five bar stools and a huge sectional sofa made this place the ideal spot for entertaining.
My friend Jennifer from Toronto spot this fabulous interior designed by Ghislaine Vinas. Jennifer is showing off several more on her blog so I suggest you have a peek.
Categories:
HOME decor
PAPER goods
TABLEWARE
posted @ Sunday, March 09, 2008 11:30 PM | Feedback (2)
The love in your life deserves something unique. So start with a crafted card from artists on Etsy. I compiled 4 cute Valentine stationery that fit the bill.
First, Love Birds Valentine’s Day Note Cards is a set of 6 note cards designed by Jennifer of Turtle Papers. Lovely! Comes with 6 chartreuse envelops and costs $9. Charming zoo animals, origami cranes and delicious cupcakes are typical topics.
Love is in the Air brought up memories of a popular disco song. I am singing it as I am writing this post. The picture refers to many years before. The orange caught my eye and I like the vintage feeling. Designed by Australian-born Helen of Pepperina Press, Live is in the Air displays eye-catching shades of strawberry silhouette and orange lettering.
By the girls behind the blog Fabulous Finds, these romantic Parisian Chic Red tags are a limited Valentine edition. They are perfect to wrap your gift or as place holders hanging on the chair. Sold in a pack of 4 for $4.25.
Feeling Sassy? Show it with this retro card. This comic illustration was created by Earmark Invitations of San Diego. All their stationery is printed on recycled paper.
Sourcing:
Discover: Blog of Fabulous Finds
Discover: Blog of Pepperina Press
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOLIDAY
posted @ Thursday, January 17, 2008 11:02 PM | Feedback (1)
Often while you are at the phone, you need to write something just for a while. And you throw the paper after. Why not use something that can save a tree?
That is the premise behind this Ceramic Memo Pad. You simply write your message with a basic dry-erase marker. Once done, wipe the board clean and you have a clean slate.
I know that it would not help you with your grocery shopping. But you can use this Ceramic Memo Pad as a tiny communication board for members of a household.
I like the fact that it has a non intrusive design so people visiting will not notice it. Better yet, your space stay clean since you would not get papers pilling up because you forgot to throw them away.
The Ceramic Memo Pad makes a neat housewarming gift. Show up at the door with a couple of pads nicely wrapped. Unfortunately you have to wait before making your friends jealous because See Jane Work is currently out of stock.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Ceramic Memo Board at See Jane Work – price: $11.50
Via: Apartment Therapy San Francisco
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Friday, January 11, 2008 11:41 AM | Feedback (5)
A quick way to push further your table decorations is by using decorative place card holders. This personal touch makes your table stands out.
Although those are sold for weddings, they work as well for your dinner parties. From my experience, if you are looking for something that is not widely available at typical retailers, search at wedding favor stores.
I received some samples from My Wedding Favors to appraise what they look like. I went for the traditional ones because I want to check the detailed works on the pieces since they are quite affordable. After review, I am satisfied with the look, especially considering that they do not cost a lot.
My Wedding Favors has a huge catalogue. Take the time to explore to find the right design for your event. To speed things up, I selected 11 place card holders for you; all fitting into my entertaining style.
Modern style place card holders
If you are looking for modern style, check the Classic Round Place Card Holders and the Silver Plated Fortune Cookie Place Card Holder. I usually prefer holders where the card is higher in the air. Sitting like that on the plate, The Silver-Plated Perfect Pair Placecard Holders look inviting.
Since Valentine is not too far away, I suggest either the Silver Mini-Heart Place Card Holder or the iconic love sign of Silver LOVE Place Card Holders with Matching Place Cards.
When you are short on ideas, you can let the party themes be driven by the style of your card holders. Over time, you could gather several styles and then, you will be set for all occasions.
Traditional style party ideas
These classic style chairs symbolize an elegant soirée in a traditional setting. It give you the chance to host a Victorian feats or a Dangerous Liaisons inspired dinner party. But I prefer the look of the all pewter chairs.
For a tea party, use any of these chairs to write the tea blends. If you like to host tea parties, get both Silver Teapot Placecard Holders and the plantation style Silver Pineapple Placecard Holders.
If you are celebrating a new baby, a promotion or a new house, champagne is in order. There is nothing wrong in this case to be literal and use these modern champagne bucket card holders. These sleek holders could be used on a buffet table to write the name of the dishes.
The wine buckets can inspire you to host a medieval dinner party. If you dress up your table with a few pewter serving pieces, the style of these wine bucket card holders will complement the pewter. It is ideal for an Italian style feast.
Creative place cards
A few tips on etiquette. Always handwrite the guest names and if any, the table number. At larger events where people do not necessary know each other, you can write the names on both sides so people can learn the names of everyone sitting at the table.
I find these beautiful handmade tags at Cox and Cox. If you stop by the art & craft store, you can buy fine paper by the sheet to make your own handmade tags. One trick of the trade, keep your old blade on hand for cutting. Having a slightly uneven edge adds warmth to your place cards. Or use a ruler to cut the edge of your paper.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Hand-Made Cards at Cox and Cox – price: £14 for a pack of 50 place cards
Buy online: Pewter Chair Set with Epoxy and Rhinestone Accents at My Wedding Favors – price: $7.95 for a set of 4 chairs (4 models per set)
Buy online: Set of 4 Unique Pewter Chair Placecard Holders at My Wedding Favors – price: $8 for a set of 4 chairs
Buy online: Wine Goblet Placecard Holder at My Wedding Favors – price: $1.80 each
Buy online: Silver Plated Miniature Champagne Bucket Card Holder at My Wedding Favors – price: on sale at $1.80 each
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PAPER goods
PARTY supplies
posted @ Wednesday, January 09, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (2)
If you enjoy winter sports, hot chocolate and retro modern design, these Holiday cards are probably for you. I like those because they look out of the ordinary.
From Binth
- Seasons Greetings displays a skier - price: $17.50 USD for 6 / $4.25 each
- Peace, Love & Joy is a bi-fold panoramic card with a modern winter wonderland print - price: $18 USD for 6 / $4.75 each
From Hello Lucky
From Bonnie's Style Press
From Fabulous Stationery
- Mod Homestead is reminiscence of the mid-century architecture – price: $45 USD for 25 cards
From Kates Paperie
From MoMA store
- Winter Skaters, designed by Keisuke Unosawa - price: $17.95 for 8 cards
More Christmas card suggestions
You might be interested to know that Kelly of Design Crush posted today her favorite Round Up: Christmas Cards. It may be handy if you are still looking for the perfect cards.
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOLIDAY
posted @ Monday, December 10, 2007 8:30 PM | Feedback (0)
Marijke is a contemporary graphic artist from Belgium. Her holiday cards explode in a feeling of joys and flair. You get 4 models in a box of 20 cards: It's a kind of magic, Snowflake couture, Dancing deer and Summer is so last season. These drawings are out of the ordinary. They would be the perfect companion to your stylish holiday season entertaining.
Her Piece of cake set would be adorable for a women tea party invite or thank you card. This invite evokes elegance and pleasure at the same time. A set of 4 note cards with soft salmon Clairefontaine envelopes is only $6. Explore EnfinLaVoila’s etsy shop because they are too much for me to show them all here.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Your cardstock for the holidays - handmade box with 20 cards and envelopes by EnfinLaVoila on etsy – price: $30 USD
Buy online: Piece of cake set by EnfinLaVoila on etsy – price: $6 USD for 4 note cards with envelops
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 3:57 PM | Feedback (0)
You gave excellent wrapping ideas for your Holiday Baking in my First Giveaway post of last Friday. Due to your interests in the subject, I scoured more ideas for other bloggers.
1 | The Baker Family
Send them home with a sweet treat is the story of the party favors that Denise of the Baker Family gave to her guests this year at her Halloween’s party. The jars are from IKEA and she was lucky to have a friends cooked close to 500 cookies for her.
If you want to give cookies at your Christmas party, know that presenting your party favors in long rows always looks more impressive. While you buying your jars at IKEA, do not forget to buy enough LACK wall shelves for your display. Calculate in advance the total surface you need assuming two rows and leaving the space for at least 1 jar free at each end side.
2 | NOTCOT
The December 2007 edition of Glamour published a unique twist on how to gift cookies without baking. You find cake and cookie preparation kits in store, so why not make your own version. I like the idea to include a cookie tool like a measuring spoon or a cookie cutter.
And if Neiman Marcus sells it own version with its notorious urban legend chocolate chip cookies at $20 per jar, rest assured that you would not look cheap. As NOTCOT stated in their post, everything is in the packaging.
3 | Design & Inredningsbloggen
If you have no time to bake you can give instead bowls of nuts. Making your own spiced nuts is a simple way to add a personal touch. Nuts take a new life when presented in the cool Paus bowls by Cult Design. Sadly, Cult Design is only available in Scandinavia as far as I know. This post shows again that Pethra of Design & Inredningsbloggen has an eye to spot great products.
An idea for the next time you host a cocktail party, why not distribute individual bowls for snacks? This way, your guests can move around with their owl bowls of nuts or chips. You can give it a try at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Giveaway reminder note
If you have not done it yet, it is not too late to participate in the First Giveaway of At Home with Kim Vallée. You have until Tuesday, November 20, 2007 11:59 Eastern Time to answer the question.
Sourcing:
Buy online: SÖTA jar at IKEA – price: $3.49 CAD
Buy online: LACK wall shelf at IKEA – price: $19.99 CAD for 110 cm long, $29.99 for 190 cm long
Buy online: Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix – price: $20 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 2:36 PM | Feedback (1)
This post reviews two brands, two price ranges and two custom print options. It is all about Christmas tree themes for cards and invites.
The modern style of Haute Note
I am showing you first the cool Holidays cards from Haute Note. This Vancouver card studio is known for its signature low rectangular format.
They newly added the classic card format with the clean modern look and design that you have come to expect from them. As you can guest, Haute Note appeals to the cool urban crowd.
Design-wise, take a look at Starry Starry Night from the classic note catalogue. From the signature card catalogue, explore the latest Festive Foliage series and Ornamental series. Each series comes in 4 illustrations from which you select the one you like.
If you are unsure about card etiquette, you find a quick guide by Haute Note on their Web site. Finding the right message for your Christmas cards is sometimes hard. Some of their samples are:
- Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year
- My favorite: From our home to yours, may your hearts be filled with joy this holiday season!
- Glad tidings for a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and peace.
Fine Stationery
If you are looking for a fresh traditional look, you will like the Bubbles n' bows invitation and the Mainio gift tag I picked. You may use the Mainio gift tags to label your Christmas cookies. The catalogue at Fine Stationery is vast and varied.
For the invitation, Fine Stationery gives you two options for the invitations: print the text message on your own printer or have a professional flat print job. The decision really depends on your budget and time frame. You select the ink colors and the fonts. Fine Stationery publishes a fun to read blog called The Finer Things.
More on etiquette
It shows good manner to take the time to hand write a message on the back. It is inappropriate to send only and all printed card or gift tag. If you have questions about etiquette, you can send your questions directly to Letitia, the America's etiquette authority. The most frequently asked questions are already published on Fine Stationery's Web site.
Because a part of your recipients can be of different faiths or agnostic, it is often suggest these days to omit Religious reference in the printed message and image of your cards. A solution is to write down a note to highlight the faith aspect of the Holiday whenever applicable. That is what I do for a matter of taste.
But if you prefer religious cards, you can do the inverse. Your friends know you and even if they do not share your faith I feel that they should not be offended since it is a religious celebration after all. You can very well hand write a non religious wish to the non Christians and agnostics.
Or you can decide to have two sets of cards. As you can see, there is no single option. My advice is to stay true to yourself and to judge on a one to one basis.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Starry Starry Night by Haute Note – price: $24 CAD for 8 cards + 9 envelops
Buy online: Festive Foliage by Haute Note – price: $24 CAD for 8 cards + 9 envelops
Buy online: Ornamental by Haute Note – price: $24 CAD for 8 cards + 9 envelops
Buy online: Bubbles n' bows # 71199 invitation at Fine Stationery – price: $31 USD for 25 print your own invites, $81 for 25 text printed invites, envelops are included
Buy online: Mainio # 72612 gift tag at Fine Stationery – price: $38 for 25 printed gift tags
Learn more: Blog of Fine Stationery
RELATED POST:
+ Wrapping ideas for Holidays cookies – do not forget the giveaway until November 20, 2007 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Categories:
PAPER goods
HOLIDAY
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 5:40 PM | Feedback (4)
Making Christmas cookies is a tradition that I followed with my husband. He is not a cook but he enjoys baking.
We do not go for varieties; we bake one or two recipes that we will bring as hostess gifts to every host during the Holidays. The container is a huge part of our plan. We indulge and change the styles every year.
This year, I want something that people probably do not already one. Use something like a ceramic or porcelain egg carton is unexpected. Egg crates of the House & Home collection are just adorable. To transport it, place a carton underneath for support and wrap everything with cellophane and a ribbon.
As you can see from these pictures from the November edition of Canadian House & Home, you can be quite creative. Chinese Boxes have the advantage to be easy to find. The Dumpling box has a twist.
You must pay attention to the gift tag. And this year, beautifully crafted gift tags are all over. Put a fabric ribbon since they look better. If you host a party, you can recycle these ideas to set up your dessert table in style.
A magazine giveaway
I got an extra copy of the November 2007 edition of Canadian House & Home with several recipes of Holidays cookies and lots of decoration ideas for the Holidays. This is the first of their two Christmas editions.
I am giving it away. I will draw the lucky winner from the comments left here. Your comment must answer this question before Tuesday, November 20, 2007 11:59 pm Eastern Time:
How do you wrap your Holidays cookies or describe the best wrapped cookies you ever received?
Sourcing:
For Canadians: Egg crates of the House & Home collection at Home Outfitters
Photo credits: Canadian House & Home – November 2007 edition
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
posted @ Thursday, November 15, 2007 5:42 PM | Feedback (14)
With people having children at an older age, the deeper implication of fathers and a higher sense of design than in the past, there is a need for more stylish baby shower party themes.
More and more future parents value schemes that are far away from the same old matching baby showers offered by large retail chains. If you are planning a baby shower party for hip urban parents, I got a few ideas to pull off this challenge.
First, any event revolves around the food, the décor and the atmosphere. That is what I show you on my inspiration board.
The Invitations
Even if it is the first thing you should send, you must work out the details of the party before selecting your invites. An invitation sets the tone of the party. The festive note cards I displayed are miles away from the juvenile look typically associated with baby showers. Since it is a parent baby shower, a gender neutral model is the way to go.
The Baby Circles from Fabulous Stationery is light-hearted and sweet. The color palette mimics the food. An eco-chic option is the Shower box set by Binth. These fresh and modern cards are screen-printed on 100% recycled stock.
The Food
I decided to build the theme around the food. An Italian antipasto feast would be perfect for an afternoon event. Last month, the UK magazine Living etc. featured an antipasti party styled around the fashionable modern country look. One stop by the Little Italy neighborhood nearest you will provide all the food you need.
The best tip from Living etc is to
conjure up an impressive platter in an instant with a selection of Italian cured meats, parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes on the vine and antipasto of all sorts.
Take a look at the Antipasto Platter from ItalianFoodLovers.com for quick clues.
Gift suggestions
No baby shower occurs without a gift distribution. And buying a gift for the discriminating parents is not as easy as it seems. Usually, they preferred buying the basic baby stuff themselves. Available at Greener Grass Design, the handmade one of a kind felt animal by artist Chika of Chikagraphy or the Fresh Produce bags by Eazy Bean should please the cool urban new parents.
Beware that Donatello the Deer is not a baby toy, it is a decorative item. From a design viewpoint, baby bedroom normally incorporate items to give personality to the bookcase. These felt animals would be a winner in all décor style.
The Fresh Produce bags are available in 2 sizes of tomato, green tomato, skyberry, blueberry, gridberry and persimmon.
Mobiles are a key element in baby room. Again, I looked for something more stylish. Kenneth Wingard sells the Antique Brass Open Mo-bi-le-o online and in its San Francisco stores. Its treatment has nothing to do with child play. And why not display them as party décor? It is a great way to reduce the cost of a party.
These big and bold mobiles look great whether you hang them on the living room or the kid bedroom. It is a look that can grow with the child.
Adding a child feeling
If you wish to reduce the grown up factor of the antique brass mobile, there are several things that you can do. One easy way may be to paint all the open squares, each one with its own pastel color. You can play on tints to stay subtle.
You could display monochromatic illustrations inside the mobile. My advice is that whatever you do, make sure that you do not overwhelm the structure.
Sourcing:
Recipe: Antipasto Platter on ItalianFoodLovers.com
Buy online: Baby Circles at Fabulous Stationery – starts at $45 USD for 25 custom printed notes cards with envelops
Buy online: Shower by Binth – price: $ 14.25 USD for 6 cards with envelops
Buy online: Donatello the Deer By Chikagraphy at Greener Grass Design – price: $84 USD
Buy online: Fresh Produce bags by Eazy Bean at Greener Grass Design – price: $225 for a small, $270 for a large
Buy online: Antique Brass Open Mo-bi-le-o at Kenneth Wingard price: $92 USD for a 6-square mobile
Photo credits: Italian Antipasti party pictures were taken from Living etc - October 2007 issue
RELATED POSTS:
+ A hip and cool modern baby shower party
+ Dad diaper bags
+ Animal Kingdom baby shower party
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PAPER goods
BABY showers
posted @ Monday, November 05, 2007 2:15 PM | Feedback (0)
A sense of innocence characterizes this week board. Even if I qualified the color palette as juvenile, these objects are really cute. They have a certain "je ne sais quoi".
1 | Apartment Therapy : The Nursery
The mix and match melamine Taylor Sectional Trays from Pottery Barn Kids reminds me of the 70s TV dinners that we saw on TV. My mother never served us these fake meals. But the idea of compartment trays is fun. They would be a hit at a kid birthday.
Janie from Apartment Therapy : The Nursery confessed that there are appreciate by adults as well. Right now, they are on sale at half-price if we forgot the 99 cents difference.
2 | Oh Joy!
Of all the sweet vessels from Yoyo Ceramics that Oh Joy! presented, a consensus formed around the Apple & Pear set.
But these Apples and Pears are not just cute. They come handy in the kitchen or as individual serving pieces on the table.
3 | Design Boner
If you are keen on scientific stuff, you will fall in love with the Periodic Table of Sentiments Card Collection by Pink Loves Brown (what a lovely brand name!). Cardboard of Design Boner uncovered this find.
The Periodic Table of Sentiments come as an emergency set for 6 typical occasions or each card is sold separately.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Taylor Sectional Trays at Pottery Barn Kids – on sale: $16.99 USD for a set of 4
Buy online: Apples & Pears at Yoyo Ceramics – price: £25 for a set of 2
Buy online: Periodic Table of Sentiments Cards by Pink Loves Brown – price: $13.50 USD for a set of 6
Categories:
PAPER goods
KITCHEN tools
posted @ Monday, November 05, 2007 12:37 AM | Feedback (0)
It is the right time to stock up seasonal address labels for your Christmas cards. I am fond of the Blue & Coral Damask and the Polar Bear by Penny People Designs.
At $10 a sheet, they make a special and inexpensive Christmas for your new neighbors. You can add a pack of correspondence cards and give shape to a custom gift for your girl friends.
Until November 2nd, 2007, you will get an extra sheet for free when you buy one at Penny People Designs.
Quick tips on modern addressing for Christmas
Take the time to write down the address by hand. Even if you do not write in calligraphic style, a calligraphy pen looks better. Practice a little bit before you start.
There is a surplus of mailed letters during Christmas. So it is best to follow the recognized standards by the Postal Services when writing the addresses. Your letters will be delivered faster. And in case there is a problem, you increase your chances to get back your letter sooner.
The tradition and etiquette
Etiquette states that your return envelope goes on the back of the envelope. The Postal Services want it at the top left corner on the front of the envelope. Etiquette exists to establish what the good manners are and to show respect to others. In everyday life situation, modern etiquette provides some flexibility versus the traditional etiquette rules.
For Christmas cards, birthday party invitations and so on, I feel that none of your close friends and family members should be offended if you follow the Postal Services rules. I do so out of efficiency.
But if you send a formal event invitation like a black tie ball invite or a wedding invitation, you should definitely write down your return address on the flap of the envelope. There is no question about it.
I do not know what the explanation behind this formal etiquette rule is. If you know the reasoning, I will be glad if you were kind enough to tell us.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Buy 1 get 1 free Address label promotion at Penny People Designs - price: $10 for 30 labels
Learn more: Blog of Penny People Designs
RELATED POST:
+ Mommy and daddy calling cards
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:06 AM | Feedback (1)
Yesterday was my husband’s birthday. When we visited Toronto last week, I found this stylishly hip greeting card collection in a shop on Queen Street.
The minute I saw the romantic couple on the rug I knew I have to give it to his birthday. Just to prove how much I like it, I already bought him a cool couple greeting card the week before. Chut! (This is an exclamation in French that in this case refer to the fact that I said too much and I should keep it a secret).
Going back to the work of Nila Aye, her blank card collection for Beaumonde addresses over a dozen of occasions. The look spins around a fashionable and fun party mood. These cards are designed with the urban crowd in mind.
Nila Aye created nice illustrations that celebrate a Happy birthday, a new born, a new home, an engagement or a wedding. The Get Well Soon, Good Luck and Congratulations models are amazing.
About the card illustrator
Nila Aye was born in Burma in 1972. She moved with her family to England in 1975. Each one of her stylishly chic cards feature a silver foil detail that add something out of the ordinary. The cards are printed on high quality board and they come with a premium color envelop.
An ode to the blank cards
Whenever you want to send a card to someone, try to opt for blank cards. People appreciate blank cards more because you must make an effort to write your message. In this email and Web epoch, this is something that people value very much. With Nila’s cards you get a cool look and the personal touch.
Sourcing:
Illustrator: Web site of Nila Aye
Learn more: Nila Aye’s greeting card collection for Beaumonde
For retailers: International distributors of Beaumonde
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Thursday, October 18, 2007 2:05 PM | Feedback (1)
My fellow Canadian stationery artist Lana Stewart of Paper Skirt passed on TV for a card making segment at the show Living in Ottawa by CBC.
If you are interested, watch it right away because the show is supposed to be available online just for 5 days.
I particularly like the sewed cards and the look of lined envelops which are so easy to do yourself. Lana's segment is the first story of the show.
Sourcing:
Watch: October 16, 2007 episode of Living in Ottawa on CBC
Via: Blog of Paper Shirt
Categories:
PAPER goods
posted @ Wednesday, October 17, 2007 12:46 PM | Feedback (0)
A reader T. asked for my advice. She is planning a baby shower at the office for her sophisticated boss. The baby room décor involved red and white toile fabric with gold and yellow accents.
T. told me she enjoy the French style baby shower board I made earlier this month. But since her event will occur at the office; she would prefer a simpler scheme. I put the accents on what she mostly needs help: paper plates, napkins and cakes.
T. expects 40 guests at this baby shower. From a cleaning time and money viewpoints, she opts for disposable products.
How to determine the decor style?
First, I decided that the napkins will harbor the Toile theme. With that in mind, it appears that a plate model with solid center where the rim as the center of attention will harmonize nicely with the napkins. I feel that full pattern plates lo