Jan 1, 2014
Happy New Year! It’s officially 2014, and if you don’t have a calendar yet… you need one! Here are my two favorite picks from this year. In fact, I’m keeping one of each!
#1 – This Letterpress Calendar from 1canoe2 letterpress – I love the style of this calendar! It’s got cute imagery, but my favorite part is the “holder” (a sawed piece of tree branch, which I lovingly call the “stump”). Only $28.99
#2 – A colorful and bright option is this gold foil gorgeousness from Waste Not Paper. It’s a steal too at just $19.99. The holder is simple – just fold back the clear tray it comes in!
Dec 24, 2013
As some of you know, this year wasn’t exactly my favorite. I lost my beloved Sarah, and that pretty much made me want to skip Christmas altogether (it doesn’t help that her birthday is December 28th). Every year I make a photo card with her and Lucy, and I just wasn’t sure that I’d be up for making one without her. It was REALLY hard, but I decided that despite the sadness and pain of this year, it was more important to remember that I am still blessed. I still have the option of choosing JOY, so that’s what I’m trying to focus on.
Since it was hard to make myself do it at all, I tried to keep the design pretty simple. This year’s card is a 5″ round ornament with red twine. The front has the definition of joy (I’m kind of nerd – I collect antique dictionaries when I run across them, so I created this version from a compilation of resources I had on hand). The back is my own version of the definition: JOY is not measured in things. It is measured in the presence of love, endurance of faith, and abundance of hope. (No matter what I’ve lost this year, I still have a good amount of love in my life, faith that God has great things in store for me, and the hope that more happiness in the future exists.) As you can see, I decided on black envelopes (my slight nod to the darkness of this year).
My wish for all of you and yours is JOY in 2014!
“Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice!” – Phillippians 4:4
Nov 1, 2013
I have a confession to make. Although I own a paper and gift store, and I’ve ordered beautiful, expensive stationery for many many customers… I’ve never ordered some for myself. I know it’s ridiculous, but it seems (and is) such a luxury- and I’ve never been good at treating myself! (I’m much too practical for that.)
After I returned from Stationery Academy in August, I decided to bite the bullet. (I wanted to test out a new vendor I’d heard about for letterpress anyway.) This design is pretty simple, but I love the way it turned out – simple, red, and full of texture! Now that I have them, I’m not sure I could go back – I’m in love!
Working on getting a letterpress stationery program set up for the shop. New designs hopefully coming soon!
Sep 4, 2013
I love the idea of having a “little something extra” to amp 
up your decorative paper straws for any occasion… so why not a pennant for football season? It’s perfect for other sports themed events too- maybe a baseball baby shower or basketball birthday party? It’s kind of like a new twist on the classic, felt pennant on a wooden stick (except more cute and more useful)!
Today I’ve got a very special FREE printable to help you get into the school spirit this football season (courtesy of Calligraphy Etc.)!
It’s easy to do, and you’ll only need a few supplies:
a printer
colored paper
scissors
double -sided tape or glue
cute paper straws (you can get them here)
Ready to get to making adorable straw pennants?
1. Download the “GO FIGHT WIN” straw pennant sheet HERE.
2. Print it out on colored paper (to match your favorite sports team).
3. Carefully cut out the pennants on the dashed gray line.
4. Apply double sided tape to the back side of the pennant.
5. Approximately half an inch from the top of the straw, gently wrap a pennant it, being mindful to match up the pointed ends.
Easy, right? It’s a quick way to add a little punch to your next Tailgate, Game Day party or sporting event refreshments!
Aug 25, 2013
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 2013 Stationery Academy in Dallas!
I was so blown away by the caliber of the women attending this workshop, as well as those that were leading it. In fact, it was what I would call, “information overload”. Seriously. Too many great ideas jam-packed into two days!
I especially loved meeting Natalie Chang, Rachel Shingleton, and Emily McCarthy. I’ve known Whitney English for a few years, but it was fun to see her in this “educational” setting.
Although I was distracted with all that was going on with Sarah, I took copious notes that I know I will be referring to frequently as I move forward with my business. I also met some amazing women that I know will be lifelong friends.
If you’re in the paper/invitation industry, I would highly recommend Stationery Academy. It’s chock full of information and brimming with encouraging girls. With a full brain, it’s given me a full heart because I’m so inspired by what is to come.
Stay tuned, friends!
Jun 14, 2013
I found a lot of great paper items this year at the National Stationery Show, so I just had to post a few more of my faves. Love this greeting card (isn’t it so true?) from Ladyfingers Letterpress
And these lovely monogram flat notes from 9th Letter Press
And this Southern-inspired thank you card from 1Canoe2
And these fun floral notebooks from Rifle Paper Co.
Don’t you just love them all?! Coming soon to Calligraphy Etc.!
