The Sweetest Occasion

10 Red White and Blue Ideas for Memorial Day

cyd — Sat, 26 May 2012 12:00:29 +0000

Who’s ready to kick of the long holiday weekend? I know I am! If you’re looking to add a little patriotic flair to your celebrations, pop over to The New Home Ec at Babble where I’m sharing 10 red, white and blue ideas for Memorial Day – simple ways to add a festive punch to your party or home decor. Of course, these would be perfect for July 4th, too, so make sure to file them away for later. Here’s wishing you a fabulous holiday!

{Photo by What Katie Ate.}

Friday Link Love

cyd — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:15:36 +0000

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope everyone has had a fabulous week and has been enjoying all of the coverage from the National Stationery Show. I had a great time in New York visiting with old friends and being completely inspired by all of the creativity from my favorite designers. This weekend I’ll be home with family and friends, marking the holiday weekend at my mom’s fifth annual margarita party. It’s always a great time! I hope you have a fabulous holiday weekend – see you next week!

{Image by Ray Pettibon via Two Wheels Plus.}

I also write for Babble. Check out my posts from this week!

And a little link love for your weekend…

Pretty (and free!) printable save the dates
I’m crazy about lilacs!
Ahhh I want to plan a crab boil!
Super pretty calligraphy wedding invitations
Gorgeous DIY flower bracelets
Go here for loads more stationery show coverage
I want to try these lemon pancakes with blueberries
Fun neon party favors
I love this gorgeous shade of purple
Cute printable table numbers
Love these outfits for hot summer days
My teepee obsession continues

National Stationery Show 2012 (Part V)

cyd — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:54 +0000

After so much hype and so much anticipation, I honestly can’t believe show week has already come and gone. I’m not kidding when I say it’s the event of the season for paper junkies such as myself. This post marks the end of the stationery madness with ten more awesome booths. (And trust me when I say, it was hard to narrow it down to just ten!) Kicking things off, new exhibitor The Social Type. Allison and Jessica had an awesome debut with absolutely beautiful cards, brightly colored gift wrap patterns and a beautifully designed booth.

The pretty booth of Studio Olivine held all kinds of treasures. Beautiful letterpress cards and another awesome calendar were big hits for me. Plus the branding was just too lovely.

Katharine Watson, back for her second show, really nailed it. Her block printed creations range from tea towels to coasters to monogrammed cards in bold, rich colors. I love that she even showed off some of the blocks she used in creating her pieces and the bright rich color of the booth really showcased the style of her work.

Next up, Sugarcube Press! Always one of my favorite booths at the show and certainly not a disappointment this year. I love their cheeky cards and fun use of type throughout their collection.

There is something so endearing about the designs from Fugu Fugu Press. They are simple, well-designed and incredibly sweet. I love their clean, modern style and so many of their new cards made my list of favorites this year.

Jodi from Paisley Tree Press is always one of my favorite people to visit on the show floor. This year she literally had me laughing out loud over her new collection of mullet-themed letterpress coasters. Yes. You read that correctly. Mullet coasters. She also has an awesome line of gift tags that I always adore.

My pals from Pistachio Press made their third appearance at the show this year with a new line of cards and a fabulous new calendar for 2013. I’m a sucker for letterpress on kraft paper and their calendar delivered on the goods!

Next up, Kate & Birdie! I am crazy over their adorable notebooks, whimsical gift wrap patterns and really lovely cards. I love walking the show floor and getting to chat with so many awesome people and the Kate & Birdie folks definitely fit that bill.

In her second show, Nic of Nic Studio really charmed me with her funky cards and really cool prints representing animals as abstract versions of street lights, cranes, fire escapes and skyscrapers. Plus, Nic is just another one of those awesome people that I love getting to see every year.

Last but not least, the Rifle Paper Co. booth was another showstopper this year. Anna’s designs never fail with beautiful hand drawn illustrations, playful lettering and beautiful botanical prints. Plus a booth decked out in oversized paper flowers will always be a win with me.

And there you have it! I hope you guys have enjoyed the highlights from this year’s show. If you haven’t yet gotten your stationery fix, be sure to pop over and check my girl Nole’s extensive stationery show coverage.

{Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.}

National Stationery Show 2012 (Part IV)

cyd — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:38:54 +0000

Guys, seriously. I’ve been going through all of my photos from the show and it’s so hard to narrow them down. I wish I could share them all with you! I’m back today with another seven designers that I loved and lots of pretty paper to ogle. First up, Wild Ink Press! The buzz about Rebekah’s booth started well before the show when she blogged about the DIY ombre walls she and her husband built. Let me just say, they did not disappoint. In addition to a stunning booth design, her new collection of cards was seriously adorable.

Next up, Melissa and the design team at Elum knocked it out of the park this year. I’ve always been obsessed with their gift wrap and this year they introduced some new letterpress cards and recipe cards that literally had me clapping. Yes, clapping. They also previewed a new letterpress wedding invitation collection that will be debuting at the end of the year and every single design was stunning. Stay tuned for that in the months ahead!

First time exhibitor Belle & Union was definitely one of my favorite booths at the show. It was impeccably designed and styled and their letterpress cards, gift wrap and tea towels are all darling. We’re talking super sweet illustrations, juicy colors and a certain Southern charm I basically can’t resist. Oh! And little vintage campers everywhere. You know how I love a good vintage camper.

Paper Boat Studios was back this year and I fell head over heels in love with their spirograph letterpress calendar. Children of the 80s, you know you love some spirograph action! I’ve also always loved their letterpress dominoes and checker sets. I’d like one of each, please and thank you.

The ladies of Smudge Ink are a stationery show mainstay and it’s so easy to see why. Everything they do, they do awesome. This year I was all kinds of crazy over their colorful gift wraps and their new 2013 calendars. (Yes, I love a good calendar, it’s true.) They also had some of my favorite holiday cards at the show, which I’ll be sharing as the holidays approach.

I’ve been a big fan of Moglea for a long time and I was so excited for Meg to make her stationery show debut this year as a part of the Ladies of Letterpress booth. She had the sweetest cards with beautiful lettering, bright edge painting and letterpress printed envelope liners that were completely darling.

I’ve made a point of collecting letterpress prints in general and specifically prints from Sycamore Street Press for years. This year they were back at the show with their signature collection of prints and a whole bunch of great letterpress and gold foil cards. I love their illustration work and would have gladly taken home one of each of everything.

And that’s a wrap for today! I’ll be back tomorrow with one more stationery show recap post featuring even more awesome paper. I know, I know. It’s hard to believe there’s more but there was so much to see and love this year. Stay tuned!

{Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.}

National Stationery Show 2012 (Part III)

cyd — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:32:56 +0000

So, who’s ready for another dose of gorgeous paper? I know you are. Seriously, there was so much great design at this year’s National Stationery Show, it’s a little hard to contain my excitement. Talk about seriously inspiring! So let’s jump right back into it with the gorgeous letterpress wedding invitations and an all-new calendar from 42 Pressed. I love Jackie’s use of typography and pretty patterned liners, but her new Dirty Dozen calendar was one of my favorite things at the show. I love the illustrations, which highlight the veggies and fruits you should want to buy organic due to the heavy use of pesticides. This calendar is pretty enough to make anyone a believer!

Up next are the gals at Haute Papier, some of the sweetest ladies you’ll ever meet. This year I was digging their new line of brightly-colored neon coasters and note cards. Letterpress + neon = major love fest going on over here.

This year I also totally fell in love with the new goodies from Fine Day Press. We’re talking gorgeous gold foil notebooks and cards, bright saturated jewel tones and one of the prettiest calendars I saw at the show.

Next up, Carrie at Anemone Letterpress who was kind and kept me well stocked in pink Starbursts this week. (You know you love pink Starbursts!) I’ve always loved Carrie’s card designs and this year was no exception. She rocks a great neon and some mighty pretty patterns, too.

Banquet Atelier & Workshop was back this year with some seriously lovely botanical printed notebooks, cards and all around prettiness. I love their new guest book art print – it’s perfect for weddings!

Amber of Flywheel Press is one of those ladies who always keeps you laughing. I love that. I also love her new split fountain letterpress greeting cards. The split fountain gives them a cool ombre effect that is basically the bee’s knees.

There’s loads more where all this paper madness came from. Stay tuned through the rest of the week for more stationery show highlights!

{Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.}

National Stationery Show 2012 (Part II)

cyd — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:04:12 +0000

Wow! I am honestly loving the show this year and have so many great new things to share with you. Let’s get right back at it, shall we? First up today, Grey Cardigan, a brand new exhibitor at the show and one of my favorite booth designs from the entire show this year. Featuring a modern and quirky collection of art prints and cards, I love the debut collection that Brian put together.

Next up, another new exhibitor, Rocket Ink. Featuring beautiful hand lettering and illustrations, Katie’s collection of cards, notebooks and bookplates were a big win for me.

Back for her second year at the show, Claudia from Fig. 2 Design Studio brought new letterpress wedding invitations as well as introducing a new collection of gift wrap and new cards. Of course, as expected, her booth was impeccably designed once again this year.

Returning to the show after a hiatus for a couple of years, the new collection of cards from Sugar Paper did not disappoint. I love their use of lettering, bright gold foil and inspired envelope liners.

Another newbie to the show, Pei Design debuted a darling collection of cards, notebooks and pencils. I love their fill-in letterpress party invitations which are perfect for birthday parties, impromptu gatherings and dinner parties.

I’ve long been a fan of Chewing the Cud and it’s pretty easy to see why. Viola designs the most gorgeous reusable gift wraps, totes, cards and cloth baskets. Her patterns are always fresh and colorful and I personally want her baskets and totes all over my house.

An oldie but a goodie, Old School Stationers was back at it this year with a colorful assortment of cards and prints that pretty much had me at hello. The new 2013 calendar? To die for. It’s absolutely on my wish list.

And finally, the sweet Suann of Simplesong debuted at the show this year. Her collection of envelopes, cards, gift tags and wax seals was the perfect reflection of her signature look. Plus, I can’t get enough of her white-on-kraft letterpress calendar.

{Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.}

Fig. 2 Design Studio is a sponsor of The Sweetest Occasion. Read more about our editorial policies.

DIY Memorial Day Goodie Bags

chelsea — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:23 +0000

by Chelsea Costa

Okay, who needs a last minute quickie DIY for your Memorial Day celebrations?! I know you’re out there raising your hand. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’ve got a quick, cheap, super cute DIY that will make your Memorial Day clambake just perfect.

Supplies -

paper lunch bags
a few colors and patterns of washi tape (red, white, and blue make it pretty patriotic!)
scissors

Place a few strips of washi tape across the bottom of the lunch bag, and press them so that they’re smooth and secure.

Trim the ends of the tape so that they’re flush with the edge of the bag. Don’t do what I did, and accidentally snip the bag open!

Open the bag, and roll down from the top. Don’t be afraid to crinkle it! Just be careful not to cause any extreme tearing.

That’s it! Fill them with goodies and put them out at your party! They work perfectly for snack foods – popcorn, chips, cookies, and the like. Or fill them with utensils, napkins, and other party supplies. Happy Memorial Day! xoxo

{Photos by Lovely Indeed for The Sweetest Occasion.}

National Stationery Show 2012 (Part I)

cyd — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:35:34 +0000

Good morning and happy Monday, friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend. As promised, I’m here in New York for the National Stationery Show and I’ve already been blown away by all of the new products and designs my favorite lines are introducing. For play by play coverage, make sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@cydconverse) where I am going nuts sharing pretty things from the show floor. In the meantime, let’s get into it with a few highlights from day one, shall we? Paper fans, buckle your seat belts! It’s about to get good.

First up, alee and press, introducing a gorgeous new letterpress wedding collection and really cool cards and stationery. Plus, it should be mentioned that I was blown away by their neon string art sign. Nails, yard, plywood. Genius! I also couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous calligraphy and typography that really made their wedding invitations and card designs pop.

The always awesome Linda & Harriett was back this year, debuting a brand new oversized calendar that basically blew my mind. Silkscreen printed and featuring gorgeous designs for each month inspired by traditional quilting patterns, each month can later be used as a stunning art print. Liz also debuted a new line of her ever-popular calendars for 2013 with colors and illustrations that just make me happy.

One of my favorites from last year, Figs & Ginger was back this year with more of their signature cake toppers, laser cut cards, jewelry, and signs perfect for weddings, parties and showers. Their designs are always whimsical and pretty and really stand apart from the crowd.

With a background in event design, new exhibitor Wednesday brought a fresh new collection of cards and wedding invitations. I personally loved their holiday greetings and the design of their very first booth was absolutely adorable.

With a colorful and happy booth featuring the sweetest pom pom garlands, Printerette Press was back with the sweetest wedding invitations and some of the cheekiest cards I’ve ever seen. I adore Catherine’s illustrations and bright, punchy colorways which give the whole line a fun, playful vibe.

I personally adore Patricia and Rachel of Fawnsberg so it was so nice to see what these crazy-talented sisters have been up to this year. (Plus, it’s worth noting that they’re fellow upstate NY natives!) Expanding the line for their second year, they’ve added beautiful cards and calligraphy rubber stamps in addition to more of their signature writing sheets. Bonus – they gave away adorable erasers to booth visitors…it was all I could do not to snatch up a handful all for myself.

Night Owl Paper Goods is always a perennial show favorite for me and this year was no different. With new cards, recipe books, calendars and journals with lined pages, their line is still completely fresh and unique to me. This year I’m really loving their holiday collection in particular, because who doesn’t love a cute, huggy Santa?

I’ve been such a fan of One Canoe Two for a while now. I love their letterpress prints especially and own more than one that hang in my house. This year I was super impressed by the new collection they brought to the show loaded with gorgeous cards, prints, journals, and a beautiful new recipe book. I love the folky, hand-drawn quality they bring to all of their work. It’s quirky, modern and cute and I basically love everything they do.

Stay tuned for lots more from the show! We’re just getting started!

{Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.}

8 Things to Do this Weekend

cyd — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:00:05 +0000

On the hunt for a little fun this weekend? Pop over to The New Home Ec at Babble where I’m sharing 8 ideas for things to do this weekend. Here in the northeast we’re expecting a nearly picture perfect weekend weather wise and I can’t wait to take advantage. Here’s wishing you lots of sunshine and fun adventures!

{Photo by Goro Watari via Plenty of Colour.}

Friday Link Love

cyd — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:00:58 +0000

For all of my fellow paper junkies and I, the event of the season kicks off this weekend in New York – the National Stationery Show! Over the next several days I’ll be catching up with old friends, and wandering the aisles of the show floor like a kid on Christmas morning. If you want to follow along in the action, I’ll be tweeting up a storm so catch me on Twitter and I’ll also be posting show coverage throughout next week sharing my favorite finds from the best designers in the industry. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend and if you’re attending or exhibiting at the show be sure to say hi! xoxo

{Photo by Nathan Legiehn.}

I also write for Babble. These are my posts this week…

And a little link love for your weekend…

So excited to see Claudia’s new collection at NSS
The prettiest things for a little one’s closet
Congratulations to Darci on the all-new With this Ring Weddings!
Hello, awesome typographic paper cups
I need a French onion soup sandwich in my tummy
Perfect inspiration for a spring garden wedding
I so very much want to live here
Really cool DIY string art escort cards
Attending NSS? Take part in the matchbook scavenger hunt!
I’m probably baking some of these very soon
Shut up! And then make yourself some glittery shoes
Am I too old for a dollhouse? Because I surely want one!