The Sweetest Occasion

The Sweetest Occasion Wins Today Show DIY Contest

cyd — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:30:38 +0000

Wow, guys. Weeks like this just kind of blow you away and make you feel so humbled and so grateful. A couple of weeks ago I was thrilled to have NBC’s Today Show (yep, that Today Show) reach out to me about entering their DIY wedding contest. Now I should preface everything by saying that I watch the Today every morning while I’m drinking coffee and sifting through email. So the fact that I won that DIY contest? And that my glitter vases are going to be making an appearance at Bobbie Thomas’s wedding at Kathie Lee Gifford’s house later this month? Come on. That’s just ridiculous. But, it’s true! Pinch me. Seriously, just pinch me already.

Initially there was talk that there would be an on-air demonstration of the DIY tutorial so I’ll keep you posted if that comes to pass, but in the meantime, you can check it out over at Today’s website! Of course, none of this would be possible without (a) all of you and (b) my partner in DIY crime, the amazing Alice G. Patterson who is not only massively talented but also a dear friend. It means so much to me to see our collaborations getting this kind of love. From the bottom of my heart, thank you thank you thank you.

[Image from NBC's Today.]

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National Stationery Show 2013 (Part IV)

cyd — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:51 +0000

Not surprisingly this week has been a whirlwind. Walking the show, visiting with friends, spending time with my fabulous roommates, and spending far too long delayed at LaGuardia getting home really took a toll and I am completely and utterly looking forward to the weekend. But I’m not running off without more of the newest designs to hit the National Stationery Show. So let’s get to it with the ladies of Smudge Ink! Kate and Deb are mainstays on the show floor for years and they never disappoint. I am in love with their calendars this year and their fabulous collection of cards, greetings, notepads and little pocket-sized notebooks. Their colors and patterns are just really pretty and sophisticated. Oh and their bold, three dimensional display showing off their gift wraps? Pure brilliance!

Although no big surprise because Lisa always delivers the humor, I spent a solid fifteen minutes just laughing my butt off in the Sapling Press booth. After booth after booth of colorful and elaborate designs (which I no doubt absolutely love), Lisa’s cards are just type on white and entirely refreshing. Also, they are completely belly busting hilarious! With cheeky, straight-to-the-point punchlines and really lovely letterpress printing, Lisa can basically do no wrong in my book. The snarkier the better!

Let’s chat about Cat Seto’s new line Ferme a Papier, shall we? Cat shared a preview of her collection leading into the show and I was so excited to scope it out in person. I have to say, I love everything about it. The colors are rich and saturated, but moody and sophisticated in a way that really made her collection stand out on the show floor. Her hand painted and illustrated designs are whimsical and introspective and I loved it all so much more in person. Bravo to Cat on a fabulous debut!

I missed seeing Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress at last year’s show and it’s a shame because Carly and Kevin’s work is pretty gosh darn awesome. Their letterpress cards were completely charming to be sure, but I was entirely smitten with their sketchbooks, calendars and bookbinding kits. Those little extras really make a collection shine in my book and these guys seriously delivered!

A little shout out to my sweet friend Jodi of Paisley Tree Press for letting me stash my overstuffed tote bag in her booth the opening day of the show – and a huge shout out for her awesome collection this year! Jodi introduced tea towels, tote bags and prints that really were the stuff my tea towel, tote bag, art print loving dreams are made of. (Yeah, that’s totally a thing.) Think cute, colorful and just plain ol’ fun.

Cruising right along, I once again really found myself digging the work of Katharine Watson, all hand block printed and crazy lovely in their simplicity. In addition to the fabulous greetings and social notes from previous years, Katharine introduced stunning new textiles this year, namely an incredible quilt that I really really want to own one day. Everything about her style has a warmth to it that I just sincerely enjoy.

Last but not least for today, let’s talk Flywheel Press! Specifically, how Amber is one hell of a kickin’ lady and how her cards always make me giggle. You walk into her booth and you light right up because it’s just pure fun from top to bottom. This year her letterpress ‘happy birthday’ bunting was just the kind of thing I’d love to have in my stash of party goods and her colorful cards are basically all things I want in my personal stationery rotation.

That’s a wrap for today’s recap but guess what? Because I’m that girl, I’m sneaking in one more recap on Monday because I just can’t resist sharing a handful of additional favorites from the show. It really was that good this year. I hope you’ve been enjoying following along – more to come soon!

[Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.]

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The Sweetest Occasion in Better Homes & Gardens

cyd — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:00:11 +0000

I got my first magazine subscriptions when I was 10. My parents were probably pretty amused when I asked for shelter magazine subscriptions for my birthday, but they’re pretty awesome and they got right on board with my unusual childhood ways. Today, twenty years later, I can’t even believe that I’m about to tell you that my name is printed in the current issue of Better Homes and Gardens. It’s mind boggling, honestly. I’d love to have you pick up the issue where I’m quoted alongside some pretty amazing bloggers and event planners, all of whom are party animals of the highest level, sharing our tips for summer entertaining. While you do that, I’ll be wallpapering our house with all the extra copies I bought. I’m that girl.

I have to take a quick moment to say that none of this would be possible without you, the friends and readers who are here every day sharing in what I do and making me feel like a million bucks. This is the stuff little girl dreams are made of and you’re the reason I am living that dream.

[Image from Better Homes and Gardens.]

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National Stationery Show 2013 (Part III)

cyd — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:00:32 +0000

Jumping right into the third installment of highlights from the 2013 National Stationery Show, we’re kicking things off with One Canoe Two today. I have been following the work of Beth and Carrie for years now, since I first bought one of their letterpress art prints and fell totally in love with what they’ve got going on. This year they blew the show out of the water with two dramatically beautiful wall calendars, a bunch of really darling notepads and cards and their signature art prints, recipe binders and recipe boxes. Their pieces and patterns calendar may just be my favorite thing from the entire show this year. It’s that good.

Back for her second year at the show, Meg of Moglea also really knocked my socks off. I’ve always loved Meg’s work and it was so fun to see her collection grow this year. Meg’s designs are romantic and whimsical but with a really clean, modern style that’s all her own. Her new watercolor calendar is just too lovely for words and I was really charmed by all of her cards, social note card sets and perfectly cute letterpress notepads.

Next up, I really loved stopping by the Dear Hancock booth and scoping out all of their illustrations. With a new 2014 calendar featuring cities from around the world, a whole host of whimsical cards, an adorable paint brush inspired notepad, and new nail polish palette kits (too cute!), I was really taken with their collection this year. Plus this husband and wife duo are dog lovers. Always love me some fellow dog lovers!

Also returning for the second year, The Social Type was back this year and I loved getting to catch up with Allison and see all the new goodies. What I love about this line is the clean, modern design paired with type, color and foiling that really make it shine. (Literally, quite often.) The standout in the collection this year for me were the most darling matchboxes, foil printed and featuring some pretty amazing designs. They’d make an incredible gift paired with your favorite candle!

There’s more to come later this afternoon and then tomorrow I’ll be wrapping up the coverage of this year’s show. Thanks for following along on Instagram while I was in New York – I always love getting to share with you what I’m up to and your feedback on some of my favorite highlights from the show was so fun. Be back in a bit with more!

[Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.]

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National Stationery Show 2013 (Part II)

cyd — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:10 +0000

I’m back this morning serving up another helping of highlights from the National Stationery Show! The second day of the show continued to provide more than ample opportunity to marvel over everyone’s new collections and to discover new favorites. Among those was the debut collection from Bench Pressed (booth 1365) and their amazing calendar featuring craft cocktail recipes and really fun letterpress cards. One of my favorite styling props of the show was also hanging out in the Bench Pressed booth – the most adorable porcelain squirrel lamp!

One of my surprise favorites from the show so far is the work of Girls Can Tell (booth 1377) and their collection of tea towels, lunch sacks, notebooks and little accessories all featuring the coolest illustrations inspired by architectural drawings, but with a playful twist. You know I logged a lot of hours drafting in my old architecture days so I love these!

Making their show debut in booth 1852, Sideshow Press rocked out a collection that has my name written all over it. With a vintage camp inspired vibe, their field notebooks, cards, gift wraps, packing tape and accessories play on colors and motifs that make me think of getting lost in the woods for a few days. You know, with a vintage cooler in tow.

Returning to the show for a second year, Belle and Union (booth 1853) brought loads of charm yet again with their impossibly darling cards, gift wraps, notepads and tea towels. They even introduced two new art prints this year that come framed on the underside of a barrel lid that I just love! It’s the whimsy of Meg’s illustrations paired with the simplicity of the overall designs that I just find so utterly charming.

I knew from her show preview that Sarah of Parrott Design Studio (booth 2168) was going to bring a whole lot of pretty to the show and that she certainly did. I am really loving her collection of letterpress cards even more in person, with their gorgeous color combinations. Sarah does all her own design, lettering and printing making her designs even more fetching in my eyes.

Sass & Peril (booth 2169) was at the show this year along with their new stationery line, The Paper Cub Co. With a whole bunch of crazy cute screen printed cards, I fell right in love. I am also really digging Sass & Peril’s art prints and little stuffed animal pillows. It would be completely appropriate to pile them all over the bed in our master bedroom, right?

Another new exhibitor, Thimblepress (booth 2167) made a real splash with me. Kristen has to be one of the most enthusiastic and sweetest people at the show this year and her collection is equally as sweet. From her oversized botanical United States map to her colorful letterpress cards, she has a little something for everyone. Plus her confetti poppers are a hit! Originally intended just as a show promo, they’ll soon be available for sale.

And that’s all she wrote for this installment, but you know I’ll be coming at you all week long with more paper goodness than you can shake a stick at…seriously. Does anyone have a favorite so far? More to come tomorrow! In the meantime, catch me on the flipside on Instagram!

[Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.]

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National Stationery Show 2013 (Part I)

cyd — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:49 +0000

Hi, guys! Welcome to the start of the official National Stationery Show coverage, coming at you live from New York this morning. The first day of the show kicked off yesterday and I had such an awesome time catching up with old friends, meeting new friends and seeing what everyone has been hard at work designing over the last several months. Jumping right into the fun, one of my favorites from the show yesterday was new exhibitor Brainstorm (booth 2271). Featuring a whole host of gorgeous screen printed art prints, their bold colors and awesome illustrations really hooked me. From constellations to regional maps of the United States, I just found their whole collection really charming. I basically want all of these prints in our home.

Next up, Yellow Owl Workshop (booth 1756) is rockin’ it at the show this year with a bold and bright booth loaded with their signature rubber stamp kits, party kits with fill-in party invitations and matching favor bags, and even an awesome carve-your-own stamp kit for you DIY enthusiasts. The bright rainbow colors of the booth drew me right in and I wanted to stay and play with stamps forever.

Headed into the show I was so excited about the debut of 9th Letter Press (booth 1754) and they certainly did deliver! With one of my favorite booths I’ve visited so far, their charming cards, prints and gift wrap are seriously too sweet for words. I also loved the gold foil-stamped luggage tags they were giving away as gifts, boasting the loveliest illustration of the Statue of Liberty. Too cute!

Returning to the show for the second year, Pei Design (booth 1774) delivered the goods this year with more of Pei’s adorable cards, new gift wraps in pretty neutrals and adorable art prints and calendars. Pei’s modern illustration style is just sweet and fresh in a really simple way that I love. And talk about one of the nicest ladies on the show floor!

Next up, I was loving some of the new treasures from one of my perennial show favorites, the ladies of Sugarcube Press (booth 2047). In addition to their signature cards, they introduced new DIY tea towel stamp kits that come complete with ink, stamp and flour sack towel – perfect for gift giving or making favors for a shower! Add in a whole host of new cards and darling favor tags and I was really loving the new goods this year.

Year after year I find myself completely enamored with the beautiful trimmings and ribbons from Studio Carta (booth 1762). From the loveliest rolls of fabric ribbon to big spools of baker’s twine, there’s a little bit of pretty for just about every package you could ever want to send. This year I was loving all of the new colors and once again decided I need a huge wall full of ribbon and twine in my office.

Last but not least, the ladies of Paper Boat Studios (booth 2264) always have a smaller but beautifully thoughtful collection, one that is loaded with goodness. Case in point, adding to their collection of paper board games, I love their new tangram puzzle – perfect for the backseat when traveling! I also loved their geometric calendar and all of their gorgeous letterpress coasters, some of which were printed with cocktail recipes. We know I love a good cocktail!

And that’s it for now, friends! So many of you have been following along on Instagram and Twitter, which I love. There’s so much more to come over the next few days. So be sure to stay tuned! There’s a whole lot more paper action coming at you throughout the week.

[Photos by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.]

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Friday Link Love

cyd — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:31:14 +0000

Well, friends, it’s about that time! I’ve been running around all day today finalizing my laundry and packing and errands in preparation for my departure for New York tomorrow morning. I am so excited to catch up with all of my friends and to spend time with my awesome roomies. (This lady, this lady and this lady!) I’d love to have you follow along in the fun! I’ll be blowing up my Instagram and Twitter feeds at near warp speed and I’ll also be posting daily with my favorite finds from the day. (Plus Kelly has a killer DIY project to share next week, too!) Tonight I’m kicking back with B, an icy cold glass of white wine and enjoying the last little bit of quiet before the paper mania begins. Here’s wishing you all a fabulous weekend – see you here on Monday! xoxo

[Photo from Topshop via Fashion Gone Rogue.]

Loving this color of sunshine
The most amazing DIY painted tablecloth
And some DIY gold placemats, too!
Amazing! Peanut butter cayenne ice cream
8 cocktails with a vintage flair
Super pretty and colorful cakes
3 ways to arrange lilacs
I want to take this class summer – anyone want to join me?
Homemade banana granola? Yes, please!
The most beautiful film about ice cream (Seriously!)
Don’t forget to make yourself some infused vodka this weekend!
My absolute favorite pin of the week

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15 Favorite National Stationery Show Previews

cyd — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:02 +0000

Tomorrow morning I leave for the 2013 National Stationery Show! If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I’ll be sharing countless photos here and on Instagram as I walk the show, bringing you a sneak peek of the paper goods that will be hitting retailers near you soon. I can’t exaggerate how much I love show week. If you’re not familiar, NSS is like fashion week for paper. It’s a trade-only event where designers unveil their latest collections and buyers decide what new products they want in their shops. For a girl like me, it’s some kind of heaven.

Today I’m kicking things off by sharing my favorite NSS previews from around the web. If you’re attending the show, be sure to pop by and check them out! (Oh and be sure to let me know so we can hug it out. I’m a hug it out kind of lady.) For loads of stationery show coverage also be sure to also follow along with my girl Nole at Oh So Beautiful Paper and get ready for a week a paper madness. In a good way. Click through for 15 NSS previews!

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DIY Striped Ombre Party Favor Bags

cyd — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:05 +0000

Today’s DIY tutorial comes to us from Maxine, creator of Tulle Box Designs, and a lover of packaging and DIY. (Yup, she’s totally my kind of lady.) Maxine is showing us the sweetest little idea for making ombre stripe favor bags. Perfect for parties, weddings, showers or even gift wrapping, I love how colorful and fun these favor bags are – and we all know about my love affair with stripes so I don’t need to fill you in there. Many thanks to Maxine for sharing this fabulous project! For more of her packaging ideas, pop over and check out her DIY gallery.

Cardstock in assorted colors, in shades that create an ombre effect
Paper cutter
Glue
Cellophane party favor bags (available at craft and party stores)

Using your paper cutter, cut 1/2″ strips of cardstock measuring the same width as your cellophane bags. You’ll need strips of each of your cardstock colors to help you form the basis of your ombre. These bags feature five stripes, each in a different shade of the respective color, but you can play around and see what you like best on your bags!

Apply glue to the backside of each cardstock strip. A glue stick works great or you could also used a double-sided adhesive, typically scored in the scrapbooking section of your local craft store.

Starting at the bottom of your bag, stick your cardstock strips to the bag, applying pressure to adhere them fully. You’ll want to start with either the lightest or darkest of the colors and repeat with the other colors, leaving 1/2″ space between each stripe. Allow the glue to dry and set completely and you’re all done! Now just fill up your bags with goodies or treats in color-coordinated colors and you have basically the coolest favor bags going.

[Photos by Tulle Box Designs for The Sweetest Occasion.]

The fine print: Please link with love! As with all of our posts, DIY projects featured on The Sweetest Occasion may not be copied, distributed or reproduced without express written permission. Love and links are always appreciated! If you’d like to share this post, please link to this post directly for the DIY tutorial and do not include the instructions in your own post. Thanks so much! xoxo

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Loving Donuts

cyd — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:52 +0000

I know, I know. Last week we talked pretty extensively about brunch. And then this morning it was all about making your own infused vodka. And now? Now I’m hitting you over the head with an overload of donuts. Is it too much? Please say no. Otherwise that would make me a bad friend and I don’t want to be a bad friend. I want to invite you over for donuts. I’ve never made donuts. Actually, I’m not a huge donut fan. (Uhh say what? I know.) I like cake donuts. The chocolate kind with the glaze. But otherwise, I will always pass over donuts for a good scone or muffin. But homemade donuts? Somehow I think that’s a taste adventure with which I can gladly jump on board. Lately I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Or, at least like three times it has crossed my mind. So I don’t know, what do you think? Maybe we should do this donut thing and make our own donuts. I will if you will!

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