Archive for May, 2009

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You Notes

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

We’re glad to be back from the National Stationery Show that just finished up last week. Tif and I were happy to see our trade show friends and meet new friends too. With the economy in such see-saw action, we were happy to see friends like Red Cap Cards, Smock Press, Blue Barnhouse, Tallu-lah, Albertine Press, Gilah Press and many others return. The show was much smaller than in past years. New friends that had great stationery goods – Sunshine and Molasses, Maginating Press, Sugar Paper, our new neighbors at the show, Chewing the Cud, hello to you all again!!

This week on all letterpress all things good and budget conscious, we’re going to take a look at a cost effective method at thank you cards. I think for weddings, thank you cards are an absolute necessity but they don’t have to match invitations if the cost is too high. Most times when an invitation collection and thank you cards are ordered the same time, there are printing discounts. Do inquire about these discounts! Stores are always willing to help you get what you want. Sales gals are educated in their custom service and can think of many great ways to help you out. Don’t forget to go local! Visit your local stationery retailers!

Did you know that with most letterpress cards, you can customize them through an ink jet printer? Our house stock paper, Crane Lettra in 110lb cover, prints beautifully through the ink jet. Yes, it is thicker than regular paper, you’ll have to figure out the right settings. Our studio printers, a Canon MX700 and i4000 can feed the Lettra just fine. Just make sure to get about 10-15% extra of what you need, just for alignment and setting samples.

From Egg Press, Spring Flower Silhouette. These gorgeous cards are on sale right now, box of 8 for $6.75! For an idea on name placement, we would suggest the big flower on the lower right. A nice dark brown or blue in script or a san serif like Modula Sans would give these set a modern and expensive feel, without the expense.

From Linda and Harriet, Birch Trees, $14 for 6 cards and envelopes.

From Hello! Lucky, Swallows & Blossoms, box of 6 cards and envelopes for $12.00

From Albertine Press, Last Duck Wedding, $5.00 per card and envelope. Albertine sells this card as single cards only, not in packs, but I spoke with Rebecca, who was very helpful on the phone (thanks Rebecca!) and if you order this with a 50pc minimum, she will work with you on a bulk price.

From Gilah Press + Design, Heart Design from the Jubilee collection. I love how gentle this card is and will make a great personalized set through the ink jet. It is a square card, so there will be a bit more on the postage end but I think it’s worth it. The cards come in a set of 6 with 6 envelopes for $16. I think a Bickham Script font would work beautifully with this design.

Thanks for reading my post on all things letterpress. See you next week! – Vivian

Ginko Papers

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

When I was getting ready to write my post on Ginko Papers this evening I decided to check out the Ginko blog called Fresh Ink to learn a little more about the web site.  The latest entry on the blog announced the birth of a baby girl named, Mina. So, I just wanted to say Congrats to the family. How exciting and such a pretty name.

Garin wrote me an email that briefly described Ginko Papers. This sentence got my attention “I specialize in bringing Japanese stationary, letter sets, greeting cards, stickers, masking tape, decorative tape, erasers and postcards to those outside Japan”. Garin finds one-of-a-kind items in Japan and then sells them on the site. It’s a really unique site. You could spend a lot of time looking through all the products. Japanese stationery is so colorful and exciting.
Below is Japanese masking tape.  I love the packaging. 

Cute stickers!

Invitation Sampler: 2009 National Stationery Show

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

The National Stationery Show is “the premiere market for social stationery and related products in the United States.” Every May greeting card companies and invitation designers showcase their stationery lines for the press, retail buyers and others in the industry. Large companies such as Hallmark and American Greetings and small indie design studios unveil their newest designs. The coming year’s stationery trends are forecast by the cards, invitations and paper goodies found at NSS.

The 2009 NSS wrapped up earlier this week. I have been devouring inspiring blog entries written by the lucky exhibitors and attendees. I been diving through the copious Tweets about #NSS on Twitter. After a week of living vicariously through my friends in cyberspace, I have begun planning my trip to next year’s show. National Stationery Show 2010, here I come!

Below is a sampling of the invitation designers who stopped me in my tracks. Enjoy!


{Find me}
Web: www.jumpingjackdesigns.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/modernpaper
Email: info@jumpingjackdesigns.com

Cecily Ink Is Closing Its Doors

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

When I received an email from Cecily Ink the other day I was not expecting what I read. On May 31 Cecily Ink will be closing. I really enjoyed viewing the work from Cecily Ink. They were definitely one of my favorite stationery shops and I’m sorry to see them go. 

Don’t miss your last chance to own some of their products. Use coupon code closeout to save 50%.

Studio Rona

Tuesday, May 19th, 2009



This is unrelated to stationery obviously, but wanted to share this jewelry with you. These pieces are from Studio Rona. I was thinking of buying one for myself and one as a gift for a friend. It’s hard to know what other people will like and you can’t return things on etsy usually, but I’ll take a chance I guess.

Do you like them both?

The Perfect Baby Shower Invitation

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Baby showers are the perfect occasion to go all out with beautiful invitations. They are an invitation that will be cherished for years to come. What mom-to-be doesn’t showcase her invitation in a scrapbook or pregnancy journal. Plus it is a great opportunity to set the tone of the shower. Baby shower invitations should reflect the personality of the expectant parents and set the mood for the party you will be throwing.

There are many options for shower invitations, but it can be difficult to find the perfect one. If you don’t find what you need, consider a custom or semi custom design. Many stationers offer designs that can be modified with different fonts or colors to reflect the theme of your party. They don’t always state that outright, so if you see a designer who’s style appeals to you, contact them directly with your specific wishes. Most stationers enjoy the challenge of custom design and are willing to work with you to create the perfect invitation.

Before you begin the design process, take some time to spell out your ideas and wishes. A clear vision and open communication will ensure you and your designer are happy with the final design.

Elements to consider:

  • What is the personal style of the expectant parents
  • What colors do you want to incorporate? Do you prefer pastel or vibrant colors?
  • Boy, girl or multiples?
  • What is the mood of your shower? Casual or formal?
  • Will it be a couples shower?
  • Have the parents chosen a theme for the nursery?
  • Is there a special story behind the baby’s arrival?
  • Are there specific elements you would like to incorporate such as a photo or quote.
There are few events as special to a new mom as her baby shower. If you are able to take the time to create a truly personal invitation for the shower you are throwing, it will be treasured for years to come.

Jumping Jack Designs

Sinthetik Designs

Paper Lanterns

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Sometimes it’s hard to find exactly what you’re looking for. I was recently searching for paper lanterns. I’m planning on using them just as decoration not as actual lighting.

Just wanted to share this site I found called The Paper Lantern Store. They seem to have everything related to paper lanterns. It’s easy to navigate through and there are a lot of images. 

Father’s Day is coming

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Oops, another posting over here at Paper Shop Ink has crept up on me and I’m not prepared. So, you’ll have to forgive me for bringing up Father’s Day so soon after Mother’s Day. But, I’m currently in design mode for Father’s Day cards, so I thought I’d go on an Etsy Hunt to see what others stores are getting ready early. Check out these green greetings.

Ey, Pops Card for Dad by Aspen Doo Lilly

Robot Dad Card by Mama Robot

F is for Father Letterpress Greeting Card by hijirik

Dad you Rock by modernemotive

Father’s Day – Gocco/Screen Printed Botanical Card by Anna Cote

Are you planning for Father’s Day yet? Got any great gifts you just have to get him? Don’t forget it’s June 21st so get thinking!

See you next week.

Elsewhere
etsy: http://modernemotive.etsy.com
blog: http://blog.modernemotive.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/modernemotive

Paper Garland

Monday, May 11th, 2009

My sister’s wedding shower is quickly approaching. Guess where the party is? It’s at my house. So, I’m of course trying to think of creative ways to decorate and make things festive with out going over board. I already know what I’m doing for favors (I’ll share those later). I’ve also found a great place to order some paper lanterns, since we’ll hopefully be partying outside. (Please pray that we have sunny and warm weather). However I still need some more decorations. Flowers are a must but those I’ll order closer to the date.

Early today I came across come garland ideas on etsy. The following ideas are from Kate Greiner and Aaron Murray. The circles would be perfect for me. I’m hoping Kate will take an order for some custom colors. It’s probably possible to make these myself but I’m running out of time.

When I was in DC this weekend I stopped in the Paper Source store in Georgetown. They had some cute flower garland but it was only available in pink. I wish they had blue. Also if you’d like to read about my trip to DC you can do so here. We had a great mini vacation.
If you have any examples of cool handmade garland I’d love to see it. I’ll share your ideas with other readers. 

Stationery Trend: Elephants are HUGE!

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

You already knew that, of course. What I mean is elephants are a BIG trend in baby stationery and design. They are everywhere. Invitations, announcements, note cards and nursery art. I had planned to write about baby shower invitations this week, but was completely side tracked by the wonderful elephant stationery that has hit the baby scene. Elephants are HUGE!

I am a big fan of Tracy Chong’s Pop-up cards. Her work requires so much precision and patience it leaves me in awe. Every card she makes is a work of art. Elle the Baby Elephant Pop-Up Card is one of my favorites. This card is perfect for a personal note written to expectant parents.

Oh Baby – Letterpress Note Card from Anemone Letterpress is a great gift and an even better way to say thank you after being showered with gifts. You can also find fill-in shower invitations with this cutie in their Etsy Shop.The wildly popular, and deservedly so, Sarah Jane Studios offers this gentle and sweet Welcome Card. The artwork is also available on fill-in shower invitations.

Be prepared to announce the arrival of your new baby. The Elephant Baby Announcements from Jumping Jack Designs are available in a fill-in style. Save time by addressing your envelopes before your baby arrives. They are available in three fun colors, purple, blue or soft orange, and printed on cream paper. Paired with a matching envelope and packaged in sets of 12.

Barking Bird Art is one of my favorite Etsy sellers, so I had to include one of their pieces. Elephant with Umbrella (Limited Edition Print) is one a many sweet art prints she offers.
So if you are planning to throwing a baby shower, give a baby gift or decorate a nursery, you can’t go wrong with elephants. They are fun, sweet, and perfect for a boy or a girl.

Next week I will talk about Baby Shower Invitations. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share my fabulous Elephant finds!