anemone letterpress

And a Happy New Year to you!

2011-12-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

I love a new year. To me it's like looking at a map of the world – full of possibilities. The holidays are over, the solstice has passed, making every day a wee bit longer (my favorite part) and everything is fresh and shiny. Without dwelling on the old, I'd like to do a quick recap of the last year for me personally and professionally, starting with:

First trip to New York, Ellis Island to see where the great-grandparents landed, awesome restaurants in Hell's Kitchen, meeting new friends at the National Stationery Show and getting to share a booth with a great group of gals, the Ladies of Letterpress. Palm Springs. Hiking the local foothills with the husband and dogs. Barcelona, Vila de Gràcia, Castellers in Vilafranca de Penedès, drinking copious amounts of wine, eating delightful cheeses and meat in tube form, and Catalan cooking. First Thanksgiving with my dad in years, bicycling with my husband along 17 mile drive to Pacific Grove, stopping at tide pools along the way. Spending Christmas with my mom and 93 year old grandmother (Meme) in Central California, thinking about my grandpa (Papa), who we lost a few years back, the fun times we had and how lucky I was to have him for as long as I did. And finally – although it hasn't happened quite yet – spending New Year's Eve with my husband, pooches and close friends.

Goodbye for 2011 and see you all in 2012. Happy New Year to you all!

Big, Big Love

2011-12-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

As in, (I've got a) Big, Big Love (for you). Oddly enough, whenever I look at this new Valentine's card, those 60's era country lyrics from Wynn Stewart pop into my head (there's a lot of weird stuff swirling around in there).

Anyway… I know it's not even Christmas or Hanukkah or what-ever-holiday-you-celebrate-this-time-of-year yet, but I wanted to get a jump on some Valentine's day goodies. First up, the aforementioned Big Love and then a little Hypno Cat. Both are available in my shop along with some other new goodies, which I may or may not blog about. Hey, at least I'm being honest!

Unique LA Preview Lookbook

2011-12-01T11:08:00.001-08:00

And we're in it!

Open publication - Free publishing - More arts

Take me to Issuu to see the lookbook!

The Errant Blogger

2011-11-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hello there, friends. Been awhile, no? I thought I'd give you all a little update on some fun stuff coming down the pike.

First off, we have a few new holiday cards that you can purchase here during a FREE SHIPPING!!!** four-day weekend. This will cover you from Black Friday, to Small Business Saturday, to don't-have-a-catchy-name-for-it Sunday, to Cyber Monday. If you're into numbers, the dates are: 11/25 – 11/28.

Secondly, we are so happy to announce that we'll be at Unique LA's holiday show on December 3 and 4. If you are in LA that weekend, it promises to be an amazingly fun time. How can anyone pass up talented, fun, and friendly vendors plus the promise of free booze. Win-win if you ask me! For more information about the show and other projects in the works, check out their new website, State of Unique, it's a beaut!

** Orders shipped within the United States only. Sorry other people...

A little something for dad

2011-06-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Fun fact: Did you know that the male seahorse is a unique dad? The mother lays eggs into his special pouch and he carries and gives birth to the babies. This is what I had in mind when I created this father's day card. Well, that and drawing a fun under-the-sea scape!

My next father's day card is (a little) inspired by my own dad, who is in many ways a (partially) tame lion. He's been known to roar loudly, but most of the time he appreciates a good nap.

Both are available here, if you are so inclined.

So thrilled to say...

2011-05-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

... that three of our newest designs, Avalon, Carnival and the French Anemone have been included in Invitation Crush's Wedding Invitation Ideas lookbook! So what are you waiting for? Pop on over and take a peek; it's chock full of goodies!

And Finally a French Anemone Design

2011-04-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

This invitation set has been percolating for awhile. I wanted to create a graphic anemone that fit with my style, rather than opt for something I scanned out of a license-free art book. Now don't get me wrong – a lot of those invitations are gorgeous – they just don't fit with what I'm serving up. If you know me, you know that continuity and cohesiveness are pretty important to me. And sure, sometimes I fail, but that's also how I learn.

With this in mind, I took some photos, sketched on whatever I could get my hands on, scanned the drawings in and began my process in Illustrator. The end result is something that I'm really pleased with. Originally I wanted to print this with clear varnish and black, so it would look like a lovely French anemone. Then I came to my senses when I realized that only the black center would really show up. I figured that a good compromise would be a soft, blush pink and navy – just as successful, but not as stark. And it worked, pretty but not too overpowering.

As with all of the invitations, samples are available for purchase in my Etsy shop or if you would like a quote you can email me at: hello{at}anemoneletterpress.com

Public Service Announcement

2011-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Along with showing our line at the National Stationery Show, another task we've undertaken is building a new, better website. While the site may be down for awhile, you can still find us here or on twitter ( <----- look a convenient, clickable link!) If you would like to contact me, you can do so at: hello{at}anemoneletterpress{dot}com.

Something Old, Something New

2011-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

A couple new cards to give to mom from you. And... that's why I'm not a poet!

In other news, we're in the thick of preparing to show our line at the National Stationery Show in May with the Ladies of Letterpress. I'm super excited and have designed a bunch of new cards, which will be rolling off the press in the next few weeks. Can't wait to show them off!

Carnival

2011-03-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's safe to say that last summer I went a lil' bit berzerk for the San Francisco Giants. They were my grandfather's team and because he passed away almost four years ago, he never did get to see them win a World Series since the move. It was a little weird, because even though I had grown up with baseball (Papa had a TV and two radios(!) going all season long), I was never really a superfan of the sport (I'm more of a football gal). But last year was different – I kinda felt like I was watching for him and even a little bit with him, cheering this misfit band of baseball players on. Anyway, it was different and good and gave me a warm, content feeling.

What does all this have to do with this new invitation set, you ask? Well, I got that nice feeling again while designing it and again when I printed it in Giant Orange. And even though it's named the Carnival Suite, I will always think of that wonderful summer of baseball and my Papa when I look at it.

For more information about this suite, shoot me an email or if you would like to order a sample, you can do so here.

Avalon

2011-03-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

Introducing the new Avalon invitation suite! This design, like a lot of my favorites sat in the incubator for a little while – it had to be just right, you know? I'm beyond happy with how it turned out. The design, to me, is all California and is inspired by the unique mix of Spanish and Art Deco architecture that you only find here. Enjoy the pics and if you would like more info on this particular suite, shoot me an email or if you would like to order samples, you can do so here.

Yes, that's right – a new post!

2010-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, almost a year eh? Well, rather than apologize and say I'll be back on a regular basis, I'll just leave you with some pictures of our 2010 Holiday line, all available here, at the ol' etsy store. The old standbys are available as well :)

a little holiday cheer in not one, but two colorways!

Rose Magazine

2010-02-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

A little while back Evelyn Barge from Rose Magazine contacted me about doing a little write up on Anemone Letterpress. I didn't want to say anything earlier for fear of jinxing it (I'm a slightly superstitious sort), but the issue came out today and we're in! Page 20 to be specific! If you'd like to see the online mag in it's entirety cliquez ici. Thank you, Evelyn!

Absent

2010-02-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

It's true. I've been absent. But in my defense, I've been so busy working on custom jobs and shipping Valentine orders, I just haven't had the chance to share anything new! Sadly today is no different, but I did want to give you last-minute peeps a heads-up: there are only 12 Love Invader cards available. If you are so inclined, here is a link-a-dink to my etsy shop.

Just in the nick of time!

2010-01-25T17:47:00.000-08:00

All this rain we've been having in Southern California put me WAY behind in my printing schedule. I did manage to get my taxes done and do a little organizing, but it's not as much fun as getting on the press and printing a brand new design. Luckily, we've had 3 rain-less days and in that time I printed another run of Mr. Roboto thank you cards, the NEW Venn Valentine and this little dorky bee or the Bee Mine, Valentine? Doesn't he kind of remind you of Uncle Fester? I just love him!

Sprout

2010-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Next up on the wedding invitation wheel of fortune is a little set we like to call Sprout. I don't know about other designers out there, but sometimes when I'm working I tend to get a little tunnel vision-y. Designing this set helped to get me out of 5" x 7" land and is one of my favorites! And no, it is not named for the Jolly Green Giant's little buddy ;)

Poppytalk Handmade

2010-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

We're super excited to be taking part in the Love Transforms Valentine and Wedding Market at Poppytalk Handmade. I am constantly blown away by the crazy amount of talented people out there and am stoked to be included with such awesome company!!

Palm Springs

2010-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite weekend getaway places is Palm Springs. I adore the dry desert heat and the modern architecture. I know I may sound a little crazy, but during the summer, I love that it's 90+ degrees outside at midnight; the perfect time for a little cocktail and a swim. This invitation set is inspired by this place of ex-presidents and entertainers. We call it the Modernist and samples are available in my etsy shop. Enjoy!

Well, well, well…

2010-01-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

… look who got off her tuckus, to actually take photos of the wedding line…

Truth be told, I had to do it! We're going to be participating in Poppytalk Handmade's "Love Transforms" Valentine and Wedding Market, and well, I had to include more product than just love invader cards (which are still pretty darn cute, btw).

First up is our Garden Party Invitation Suite. I've been noticing lately that the photos I upload to blogger (and etsy) stink. They tend to look washed out and this bums me out! For an uncorrupted and much, much better view click the link to my flickr page on the right side bar.

T.K. Smith

2010-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

The first business cards of 2010! These were design and printed (of course!) in-house for our friends, T.K. Smith and his wife and partner Jill. They were loosely based one some old calling cards I had created for him a few years ago, using a faux bois background and handset type. This time around I kept the wood grain, but ditched the handset. I wanted the design to be more impactful and to have the feeling of T.K.'s work, so we chose a deep blind deboss with sepia-toned type. Strength in simplicity.

Included is a photo of the press sheet with T.K and Jill's cards. This is a simple and affordable way to get more for less. Instead of the job being priced as 250 cards per person, we ran it as if it were a one person, 500 card job. Easy for us and a less expensive option for those of you with a partner and/or employees.

2010

2010-01-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't make a lot of proclamations about change at the start of a new year. This is not because I'll end up welching on the deal, but rather because I feel that any time is the right time to mix it up. This year is a little different for me because I feel January 1st is the perfect time to start a new tradition. As my New Year's resolution I've decided to donate 2% of all my Etsy earnings to the O-Fund, at Otis. I was fortunate enough to receive grants and scholarships when I attended and it has always been my dream to help out students who desire a career in art and design.

And before I forget… thanks to all of you who stop by and read this little blog. Your support is much appreciated! May good fortune find you all in the New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T11:06:00.001-08:00

Hope you all have the merriest of holidays!!!

Odin, in pure rawhide chewing bliss

Why So Crabby?

2009-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Part of the fun of designing and printing your own card line is the ability to create something that brings you joy or you might find humorous. This little homage to the "Deadliest Catch" falls squarely into the self-indulgent category. Yes, I know it'll never be a huge seller, 'cause really, how many occasions call for a "hey, why are you being a grump?" card. But still, for those who may have an inside joke with a friend or partner, or for those who may just want to pin it up on their bulletin board to remind themselves to relax a bit, this one might just fit the bill. Available now at my etsy store.

Dear Brides-to-be,

2009-12-03T16:13:00.001-08:00

If you are in the Los Angeles area, we'd love to have you come by our booth, #3007, at the Unique LA show to talk invites. We will have our wedding book and samples available to view and to fondle. After all this is letterpress :)

Shop Update

2009-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Whew! We have been sooo busy designing and printing that I forgot to post that the new holiday designs are finally finished. They are available in our etsy shop along with some of the old goodies like Mr. Roboto and the Love Invader cards. Hope you had a lovely thanksgiving!

p.s. this one's our fave!