The Stationery Guides

Amazing "Stationery" App

2010-09-20T10:42:00.000-04:00

If you have an Iphone, then you'll want to get this amazing app by card and graphic designer Fiona Richards of Cartolina.

It comes with several beautiful designs you can use to send your text, as well as an integrated calendar.

And if that's not enough, you can head over to Cafe Cartolina and be entered in an amazing giveaway. Check out the details on her blog!

Happy Jewish New Year!

2010-09-08T14:52:00.002-04:00

This is the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah. It is a happy holiday, a celebration to be shared with friends and family. Traditionally celebrated with apples and honey and good wishes for a good new year.

It is appropriate, though not required, to send Jewish new year cards to friends and family with maybe the following sentiments...

L'shana tovah!

Wishing you a sweet new year.

May the coming year be filled with health and happiness.

You may sign the cards with the family name or first and last names. If you are signing with first and last names write the woman's name first . Children's names would be just underneath parent's names.

The Miller Family

Sandra and Jon Miller

Jack, Isabelle and Chloe

Wishing you a sweet and wonderful new year!

xoEvy

Photo credits: Evy Jacob

Reader Question: What's the Best Format for Multiple Ceremony Invitations?

2010-08-27T07:10:00.003-04:00

I'm having trouble finding the right wording for my wedding invitation. My fiance is Hindu and I'm Catholic, so we're having a 2-day ceremony in Costa Rica! Friday is the Hindu Ceremony which will be the more casual affair and followed by dinner. Saturday is the Catholic ceremony and will be more formal, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing. All of you guests will be invited to both ceremonies. I'm not sure how to word the events on the invitation without being too wordy or it looking crowded, and I would prefer to avoid doing 2 separate inserts....please help!

Stationery Guide Cathe of Feterie suggests doing a double sided invitation that lists all of the events, starting with Friday.

Stationery Guide Carey of Lasso'd Moon suggested a gatefold invitation. This would allow you 6 printed panels (one for Friday, Saturday, Reception Info and then directions or other info your guests might need), so that each event could have its own section. You could have it designed so that when folded your names and date are on the front, and then when opened, the other info would be on the inside.

Don't forget to use your RSVP to figure out who is coming to what.

Best of luck and thanks for writing in!

Wooden Invitations: Grainy Goodness

2009-07-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

When choosing wedding invitations why not think out of the paper box? Wooden invitations are a perfect choice for the nature loving couple. These eco-friendly invitations are sure to stand out in your guests' mailboxes, while at the same time providing a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

I adore these unique wedding invitations from Oslo Press.

I love how they mix wood engravings with letterpress elements for a complete tactile experience. Each of their wood veneer invitations is laser engraved, then hand sanded for a smooth finish. Don't be fooled by the term veneer - it is in fact real wood, just very thin layers of wood. For durability their invitations are actually made from several layers of wood veneer. They only offer domestically grown wood species - nothing imported and nothing from a rain forest.

Wood not only makes for great wedding invitations, but other wedding elements as well. Set the tone for your event with these fabulous zinnia themed Save-The-Dates from Night Owl Paper Goods. Made from eco-friendly sustainably harvested yellow birch wood, you can also find invitations on their website that match.

Gorgeous and green what's not to love about these wooden stationery treats!

Images Night Owl Paper Goods, and Oslo Press.

-Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Journals Away

2009-07-02T09:16:00.004-04:00

I will freely admit to my crazy love of moleskine journals and I will repeat it regularly to anyone who will listen. I found etsy artists who print their designs onto moleskine covers — yay! Take a peek at some of my current favorites.

(Click on the pictures to go directly to the etsy listings)

photo credit: Laurie Nadeau * ouou design
How darling is this little illustration? And there's a monkey! Gocco printed onto little moleskine journals. By Laurie Nadeau * ouou design.

photo credit: Supastarr
The above journal is an original illustration by Supastarr and features hand silkscreened green sprouts.

photo credit: two guitars
This moleskine is also Gocco printed. Love the "do work." By two guitars.

dana {shimmer studio}

This Wedding Invitation Has A Life of It's Own

2009-07-01T23:00:00.006-04:00

Have you seen this yet? It's cropping up on blogs left and right. I keep seeing it EVERYWHERE. A wedding invitation gone viral. Click on the image, you have to read the whole thing.

Seriously clever. Seriously original. Designed by the groom himself, Matt Dorfman. Enjoy!

Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

GIVEAWAY: The Incredible Massive Letterpress Giveaway

2009-06-09T14:55:00.006-04:00

Ok Paper People, as far as giveaways go this is a really good one. So good I struggled with whether I should even post it (less competition - it's mine, all mine!) But alas I must share in an effort to spread good paper karma.

Poppytalk is hosting "The Incredible Massive Letterpress Giveaway," organized by our own Stationery Guide Kelly, of Paper Stories. Featuring the work of 38 amazing letterpress printers, including some of our Guides, the giveaway features three amazing prize packages, including First Prize - a COMPLETE set of prints from all 38 artists!

You have until the end of the day Thursday to enter and win. Good Luck! (I guess)

- Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Save the Date!

2009-05-28T10:01:00.009-04:00

Your engaged! You set the date, booked your ceremony and reception sites and now you want to tell everyone you know to mark their calendars. Whether you are planning a destination wedding, a formal and elaborate affair, or a small casual gathering, sending a Save the Date is a great way to let your family and friends know about your big day while reflecting your own unique style.

A vintage Save the Date Card from Lasso'd Moon Designs

A unique map Save the Date Card from Lasso'd Moon Designs

A bright and cheery magnet memento Save the Date Card from Fin + Roe

A damask Save the Date Card from Designed By M.E. Stationery

Before you send those Save the Dates out, there are some etiquette guidelines you'll want to consider:

Send Save the Dates only to guests you are positive you will be inviting to the wedding. You don't need to send a Save the Date to everyone you are inviting, but everyone who receives a Save the Date should also receive a wedding invitation.
Your Save the Dates should be mailed 6 to 9 months in advance. If you are planning a destination wedding, it is acceptable to send Save the Dates one year in advance. This will give guests plenty of time to plan for and make travel arrangements.
Keep in simple but be sure to include all the necessary information such as date, location and accommodations, if available.
Let your guests know they will be receiving a wedding invitation. Many Save the Dates include the phrase "formal invitation to follow".
Wait until you have your date and location finalized. If your plans do change, you'll want to pick up the phone and let your guests know about the change.

Your wedding day is going to be unforgettable to you. Sending a Save the Date helps provide insurance that your loved ones will be able to attend and help make all of those wonderful memories!

Cards of the Year

2009-05-22T13:36:00.006-04:00

As we head into the holiday weekend, we thought we'd leave you with a little stationery eye candy. Below are the two winners of "Card of the Year." The awards were presented in two price points at the 2008 LOUIE Awards, held this past week in New York City in conjunction with the National Stationery Show.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday everyone!

Compendium Ink, Winner Card of the Year (Under $3.00)

Tam Tam Design Studio, Winner Card of the Year (Over $3.00)

Stationery Guide Shakespeare's Bride Nominated for a LOUIE Award

2009-05-15T16:54:00.013-04:00

Stationery Guide, Shakespeare's Bride has been nominated for the Greeting Card Association’s highest honor, a LOUIE Award - the “Oscars” of the Greeting Card Industry.

Nominated in the Best Thank You Card Category (budget priced under $3.00), Shakespeare's Bride’s nominated card was a humorous “Thank You for Being My Bridesmaid” card entitled Helpful Bridesmaid , pictured below.

Out of the thousands of cards and invitations published each year, 176 made it to the final round in the 21st Annual International Greeting Card Awards competition, better known as the LOUIEs. The competition drew over 800 entries in 58 categories from nearly 140 U.S. and international publishing companies, including those in Brazil, Canada, England and India.

The awards are named after German lithographer Louis Prang who is credited with the birth of the U.S. greeting card industry in the 1870s. The LOUIEs are presented in conjunction with the National Stationery Show taking place in New York City this week, May 17-20.

You might have noticed that posts have been light here at the Guides this past week or two, as many of the Guides are busy prepping their stationery show exhibits. We wish them luck as they roll out all their great new products! And we wish Shakespeare's Bride good luck with the competition!

Baby: From Diapers to Dresses

2009-05-04T09:46:00.008-04:00

There are few things more adorable than all the little sweaters, booties, outfits and accessories that come with a newborn baby. Well except maybe the baby itself! And I believe that's why images of children's clothing—from the iconic cloth diaper, to ruffle-rich dresses—are a favorite among stationers and customers, when they create or purchase announcements, greeting cards, or other baby-related special occasion invitations. Here are just a few selections to show the type of stationery available and the variety of designs you can find, along the baby clothing motif.

A new set of twins means a lot more diapers. That's why I love this clever greeting card from marizipan inc..

Diapers were also the inspiration for these custom birth announcements I created at Bride Design. They are a unique way to let loved ones know just how much a family's world has "changed" thanks to their new arrival.

This sweet baby boy pocket greeting card by Specialty Cards 4U has been selected as a finalist for a coveted Louie Award, bestowed by The Greeting Card Association each year in May. Rough and tumble overalls definitely say baby boy to me!

This Rock Scissor Paper exclusive design can be had as a fill-in invitation, or custom printed. One might think the cute little dolly is the star of this invite, but I think her sweet, mod dress steals this show. I can't think of a more stylish way to invite friends and family to a future fashionista's first birthday!

~ Erin, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique

Celebrating Mom!

2009-04-30T08:08:00.008-04:00

With Mother's Day just over a week away, it's the perfect time to take a peek at just a few of the fabulous cards that honor mom and celebrate her special day.
For your favorite Hot Mama, choose this delightful card from Rock Scissor Paper.
This hand embellished card from Marzipan, Inc. celebrates a very "sweet" mom.

Just Another Day's customizable Mother's day card allows you to send the perfect message for your mom.

Spark Stationery offers a line of letterpress cards featuring their dachshund Henry - don't you just love his tattoo honoring Mom?

- Molly, Artful Sentiments

From "Will You?" to "Thank You:" Bridesmaid Cards

2009-04-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

Bridesmaid stationery is a popular way to both ask and thank your Bridesmaids for agreeing to be a part of your wedding. We love the below "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" cards from Designed By M.E. Stationery.

Inside Reads: "I promise the dress will be Fabulous."

When it comes time to thank your girls for all the time and work they've put into your wedding- why not do it with a sense of humor? These cute cards from Shakespeare's Bride acknowledge just how much effort goes into being a bridesmaid.

Inside Reads: "After everything you've done for my wedding, I guess now we know why they're called Bride's Maids."

Finally, if you're planning to throw a Thank You Bridesmaids Luncheon, don't forget that great stationery can also make a great gift. These cute notecard folios from Jilly Jack Designs could be set at each woman's place as a cute favor.

Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Photo Credits: Designed By M.E. Stationery, Shakespeare's Bride, Jilly Jack Designs

Show Me the PURPLE (wedding invitations, that is)

2009-04-22T18:49:00.005-04:00

Purple is a hot color this year for weddings and wedding invitations- here are some beautiful purple invitations from around the stationery-sphere:

From Bride Design- stunning letterpress invitations with a custom geometric border and a coordinating pocketfold

From Brown Sugar Design: The invitation was foil-embossed on metallic purple paper . The additional pieces were offset printed in deep purple ink on thick white cardstock.

From Tulaloo- a deep purple folder with a custom bright lime green swirly design.

From Oslo Press- their beautiful "Garden" design letterpressed in a lavender ink-

From Lasso'd Moon Designs (left) Two coordinating shades of purple topped with a soft white cardstock and font to match the bottom purple. On the right- an eco-friendly gatefold made with lavender plantable paper, with the invitation being layered in deep purple and soft white. Custom drawn maps were printed on coordinating lavender metallic paper.

The beauty of purple, and all of its many shades is that it goes with tons of colors- orange, greens, silver, black... the sky is the limit when designing with this color.

~Carey, Lasso'd Moon Designs
All designs are copyrighted by their creators.

April {Bridal} Showers!

2009-04-22T14:15:00.001-04:00

While there are many options for bridal shower motifs, there's still something very sweet about the traditional rain-themed shower (especially in spring). Looking for a fun and interesting twist on this tried and true theme? I love the adorable "bathroom shower" take found on these imprintable cards by marzipan inc.! Available with or without fill-in text and greeting, these invites would certainly make inviting easy on any hostess! Matching envelope and glitter embellishments included. Make no mistake...guests will surely get the message they'll be showering the lucky couple with helpful gifts and lots of love!

~Erin, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique

Bar and Bat Mitzvah: Monogram

2009-04-20T16:44:00.003-04:00

Since I've got monograms on my mind... Here's another fun way to incorporate a monogram into event stationery. This time using a first name initial in Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations. I'd follow through with this theme in all of your mitzvah stationery. Put the monogram on the place cards, the programs, the thank you notes and the favor tags. It's fun and it's hard to get more personalized than that!

{evy jacob}

Trend: Monograms

2009-04-20T15:16:00.004-04:00

Monograms are back in a big way right now. They certainly feel like a trend to me, but the truth is they have always been around and are actually very classic. The photos above are from an old edition of Vogue Etiquette that I have. I love to collect etiquette books and especially love this one.

Monograms are very beautiful to use on all our personal stationery, and especially for your wedding stationery there are a few simple guidelines that you'll want to consider.

If you're planning to use a single initial on your stationery, it's okay to use either your first initial or your last initial, but it is most common to use your last initial.

If you are a bride and plan to change your last name, use your maiden name before the wedding.

If you will have your initials be all one size: first name, maiden or middle name, last name.

If you will have a larger center initial: first name, last name, maiden or middle name.

If it's for the bride and the groom, use a larger center initial: bride's first name, last name, groom's first name.

Thank you notes are a must do. But beautiful monogrammed writing paper and a cup of tea should help make the chore a little bit easier!

{evy jacob}

Taking Notes

2009-04-16T09:42:00.005-04:00

I really feel there is something magical about putting pen to paper and recording your thoughts and ideas in a special notebook or journal. I even enjoy making to do lists. I've selected a few notebooks that are on my to buy list!

photo credit: Cartolina Cards

The note books pictured above are by Cartolina Cards. They are 4 by 6, 64 pages, 100% recycled, and blank pages. They sell for $4 each or $12 for a bundle of 3 and are available at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters across the country.

photo credit: Rock Scissor Paper

Rock Scissor Paper has a ton of really great notebooks and I had difficulty picking a favorite but this elephant notebook is the one I want first. 4 1/2-inches by 6 1/4-inches with rounded corners, a sturdy white metal spiral binding, black elastic band wraps around note book and 75 blank pages, premium recycled white paper. Purchase here.

photo credit: Robin Beth Designs

More letterpress goodness from Robin Beth Designs. These notebooks are 4.25x 5.5 inch letterpress mini-journals. They come in a set of four, one of each design in a letterpress gift folio. They will debut in May and will be in stores shortly after that.

photo credit: Hen and Barley Press

If you need to write a quick note or a simple to do list then do it in style. This notepad can be personalized with your name and comes with three coordinating magnets so you can leave your note hanging in style. Added bonus: This notepad set is by Hen and Barley Press exclusively for Goods for Goodness' Sake so a portion of the sale goes directly to charity. 1 Notepad with 50 sheets, personalized with the name of your choice, plus 3 round, coordinating 1 inch magnets. Purchase here.

dana {shimmer studio}

Falling Leaves: Fresh Wedding Invitations Featuring a Seasonal Favorite

2009-04-15T10:00:00.016-04:00

Since I started designing invitations I've watched fall weddings increase in popularity. In fact, when I planned my own November nuptials almost six years ago, I had one wedding vendor tell me "October is the new June!" and I think he was on to something there. While the rest of North America is just starting spring, autumn 2009 brides are already thinking about crisp breezes, warm and rich colors, and of course...falling leaves. Below is a feast for the eyes featuring a variety of interpretations on the seasonal autumn leaf theme beloved by many brides.

A pair of gold skeleton leaves combine with wine-colored hues and a modern horizontal layout in this Wedding Invitation from Bride Design.

This Autumn leaf stationery (at left) from Lasso'd Moon Designs seamlessly coordinates with a gorgeous pocket fold invitation suite (at right) also from Lasso'd Moon. These note cards would make perfect thank you notes for sending after your fall event.

The unexpected pairing of orange and blue adds a punch of color to this invitation suite from Evenstar Paperie, which also features a three-dimensional fall leaf in a subtle bronze.

Often under-used in an autumn wedding color palette, I think green is making a big comeback this year. I love Good Girl Gifts' take on fall leaves which highlights the company's signature stitched look. For me, the graceful stitch pattern evokes a vine at harvest time, or a gust of wind blowing the leaves this way and that.

Speaking of harvest time, I think the inclusion of autumn fruit and the catchy wording on these invitations from Just Another Day, offer another unique twist on the traditional fall leaf theme. They are offered in a variety of colors including this lovely green.

When it comes to themes, I think it's important to carry whatever motif you choose through the entire event. These gorgeous programs from Tulaloo, would perfectly infuse any wedding with a distinct autumn flair.

~Erin, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique

Trend: On Location - Cityscapes and Skylines

2009-04-14T11:27:00.005-04:00

People with a spirit of adventure will enjoy the current cityscape and skyline stationery trend. When used as part of an invitation suite, the signature silhouette of a city skyline can be used to suggest the location of the event. For wedding invitations, the couple may choose to feature a city that is near and dear to their hearts, such as the location where they met or were engaged, or perhaps a city where they vacationed. It's also a great way for long-distance lovers to bring their lives together by showcasing their hometowns.

Cityscapes can be playful and fun when illustrated with lively colors, or they can suggest simple sophistication when presented as a silhouette. Here are a few examples:

"City Lights" from the New York Series, Ceci New York

Toronto and NYC Skylines (featuring airport city codes) from baron*cards

Custom Skyline Invitation by Bella Figura

San Francisco Save the Date by Hello!Lucky

Wedding Invitation by paperzest

Another way to incorporate the cityscape into stationery is by sourcing postcards. Great for 'at home' cards, this could be a unique way to let people know you've moved! Engaged couples who plan to have a destination wedding can send out Save the Date postcards featuring the wedding location. If you can't find what you're looking for in new collections, try your local thrift store for vintage postcards like these:

State Postcards from Postcard Booth

Happy trails!
~ Lianne Tokey, baron*cards

The Envelopes, Please...

2009-04-08T15:15:00.013-04:00

For any special event, the envelope that your invitations or save-the-dates are mailed in is the first indication your friends and family will see of your event. From traditional white to colored envelopes and colored ink — there are a plethora of options to work with. What's also important to keep in mind is the technical aspect of the envelope as well, since it is a working item that must also work within the confines of the United States Postal Service's requirements. After all, you do want to have each and every envelope arrive safely to their destinations.

Take into consideration some of these tips when choosing colored inks and/or colored envelopes. If you are not located in the U.S., make sure to check with your local post office on your country's postal requirements.

1) Make sure that there is enough contrast between the ink of the addresses and the envelope color.

2) Our trusty USPS would much prefers that black ink is used, however they do allow for some flexibility in using these inks colors: Brown, Gold, Crimson, Blue, Grey and Purple.

3) If your envelopes are dark in color, consider a white or light-colored calligraphy.

4) Remember that hand-canceling is an option if your envelope contains invitations with delicate details. It's important to check with your local post office if they are willing to do this for your invitations.

The following are samples of colored envelopes and inks that works with the USPS' addressing requirements.

--Cathe (Feterie)

{Image courtesy of Lassod Moon Designs}

{Image courtesy of Feterie}

{Image courtesy of Tulaloo}

Fiesta!

2009-04-07T13:43:00.004-04:00

With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner you might want to start thinking about throwing a Mexican inspired party for family and friends! Here are some great options for paper goods to make your fiesta complete, so celebrate in style by picking up a few of these items for your very own fiesta!

1. DE COLORES -M- Papel Picado (Mexican cut-paper banners) by aymujer

2. Custom Fiesta Invitations by Just Another Day Designs

3. Gift Tags by werewolf

4. Festive Coasters by Artful Sentiments

5. Mexican Fiesta Party Picks by Kfranzknight

6. Invitations by Earmark

Not blue, not brown.

2009-04-07T08:00:00.008-04:00

I have some new Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation designs in the works for later on this year and have been really thinking about different color combinations for the boys. I was thinking back to all the Bar Mitzvah invitations I have done recently and with a few exceptions, they all seem to have navy or brown in them, including my own son's invitation. So I can't help thinking, what can we do to spice that up a little and get more creative. Here are a few that I have done that do not have navy or brown.

Red, black and gold

Gray and silver

Black and gold

Here are a few more color combinations I am working on for the new designs. Do you think they work for a boy?

This one is teal and gray.

This one is dark red and orange.

How else would you think outside the box for colors for a boy?

Bridal Showers: Invitation for Brunch

2009-04-01T13:36:00.003-04:00

My mom hosted my bridal shower at a really cute small restaurant in Greenwich Village. It was the perfect choice for us because we had guests coming in from Westchester, New York city and New Jersey. She chose a Sunday brunch because everyone loves brunch! Most people will be available mid day on a Sunday and the food is light and delicious and fun, especially if you serve mimosas too.

A party at a restaurant is super easy to host. Arrange in advance to have pretty flowers or something else decorative on the tables. Talk to the owner or manager about the menu for the party and also decide on a fun dessert or arrange to have them serve a cake that you bring in yourself.

The invitation should include all the details:

who the party is for

that this is for a Bridal Shower

when it will be

where it will be

who is hosting

how to reply and by when - this can be by phone or email

optional: where the bride is registered and a theme for the party

Send the invitations out 3 to 4 weeks in advance and have guests reply by 1 week before the party so you can finalize your arrangements.

Studio Tour: Robin Beth

2009-03-29T09:34:00.011-04:00

Let me introduce you to my studio. Where all the letterpress fun gets done. It is a pretty decent sized space considering it is a home studio.

Here is my press. It is a 42 year old Vandercook SP-15. Lot of muscles have gotten quite toned up working at this press.

Here is a close up of the open closet storage. Stacks of card stocks and messy inks.

Ribbons galore. It is so much fun to play with all of these samples when creating a custom design.

My inspiration board. Actually, it is a French bulletin board that I made myself and it mostly has all the personal cards and other things that I have made for family and friends.

My main work table. The largest Ikea table top I could find with adjustable legs.

A miscellaneous area with a table, lamp and several displays that were used in my booth at last year's National Stationery Show. I wish my whole studio could be decorated as nicely as my booths have been, but I find it very difficult to keep it uncluttered for very long. It seems like I am constantly bringing more boxes of supplies and paper in this room and can never believe how I make it all fit. It was a challenge taking photographs that did show too much of the clutter. I hope you enjoyed this little tour.