Little Ink

I was wandering around the internet, as I'm apt to do, and I stumbled across a website that led me to a blog, which guided my entrance to another blog that I perused around, and it had a posting that featured some really, really sweet products... housed by... Little Ink. The shop is based out of New Zealand and is run by a woman of wonderful, fun and quirky taste. Her name is Suzie.

This lovely web receptacle of goodness has all sorts of pretty little things to enhance your every day.  They carry items for baking, entertaining, packaging, etc.  Stuff like cute little glass jars, paper bakeware, cotton bags, chalkboard labels, pennant stickers {so cute}, and all sorts of straws including stainless steel straws!  I've never seen those before.  Love, love, love it all.

I clicked over to Suzie's blog and found that she had posted the most wonderful photos of the adorable "Doodle Party" she hosted for her daughter.

What a lovely and talented woman! And an extremely lucky little girl!

Egg Press

Paper, paper, paper, I've always had affection for paper. Construction paper, notebooks, paper dolls... And, I've always loved cards, giving them and getting them. I just came across these cards from Egg Press, they are graphic and charming. Have a look here, then go to their website and browse around and shop. Order some cards and send one to someone you love. Then send one to me!

Elum Designs

I spent some more time browsing around the Elum Designs site and found out some interesting things, first of all, like so many designers, she began her wedding stationary line when she was looking for an invitation suite for her own wedding. Unable to find the perfect design for her and her betrothed, they designed their own! Aren’t we all glad she did? Her designs are so beautiful.



Another thing I learned was that not only does Elum have their own design studio; they actually have their own warehouse, which accommodates their very own print and letterpress shop. Amazing! I wish I could go on a field trip!

Lastly, Elum is most impressive in their stride to leaving a minute or non-existent footprint on the earth. They use “tree-free, 100% post-industrial waste cotton rag papers and soy based inks for our every-day stationery and custom invitation lines.” They “encourage their customers to be intelligent about their purchasing decisions, to ask questions about sources and materials and to use the limited resources of the planet wisely.” They say that “printing is inherently a non earth-friendly process but we are doing our best to limit the amount of natural resources we consume and waste we leave behind. “ How fantastic and responsible! Read more about Elum.

So, not only are they beautiful on the outside, they’re beautiful on the inside.

Elum Designs :: Lucidity

I saw this invitation in Martha Stewart Weddings and just loved it. It's by Elum Designs, a masterful letterpress company located in San Diego, CA.



Love the pattern and the textures. Love, love.

The Truth Hurts :: Wedding Cards

You know how you can never find the perfect card? And even if you do, it just sugar coats what you're really thinking? These "Footnote Collection" cards by Old Tom Foolery might just say exactly what you have in mind.*





The next one contains profanity (the 'f' word) - sorry! I just thought is was so funny. And, so appropriate for some!


{I altered this card, it actually says the real word}

*while I find these cards amusing, I would never actually send one!**

**well... maybe!

Find cards for all occasions at Old Tom Foolery.

Lulu Paper

Leah Duncan, the owner of Lulu Paper emailed me and said, “I also love weddings!” Which, of course, makes us fast friends and kindred spirits. Then, I went to visit her shiny new website and I emailed her back and said, “I love Lulu Paper!” Warning... you will too!



Lulu Paper creates boxed and custom stationery for weddings and special occasions – as a matter of fact, they call themselves “a special occasion studio” {love}.


{katy + josh}

Lulu Paper is the creation of Leah, a graphic designer and art director who runs Lulu Paper with the help of her sister, Kristin Bolt, who is known by friends and family as an arts and crafts guru. At Lulu Paper, they create one-of-a-kind stationery for a perfect first impression.


{maggie + nathan}

Fun. Sophisticated. Whimsical. Unexpected. Vintage with unique hints of modern style and colour. That is what you can expect from Lulu. Lulu Paper is based in Austin, TX but works with design-savvy clients everywhere and also has boxed stationery available for sale online at www.lulupaper.com.


{stephanie + christopher}

Lulu Paper custom stationery has many options for the creative bride who wants something a bit more unique. They currently can provide letterpress, silk-screen, and offset printing as well as design, calligraphy, custom stamps, and assembly.

Wonderful Graffiti :: New Chocolate Collection

Wonderful Graffiti has released their newest collection to make every detail about your wedding easy and uniform. Their Wonderful Graffiti Wedding section, devoted to everything wedding, has expanded to include a lot of fabulous things.

Pictured here :: Cupcake Toppers, Just Married Car Graffiti, Votive and Match Pairs, Banner Stands, Pulpit Banner, Hanging Treat Baskets, Wedding Date Canvas, Dance Floor Graffiti, Party Crackers, Monogram, Monogrammed Bottle Wraps, Luminary Trios.

They also have :: Chocolate Suckers with your monogram, Coasters, Tabletop Signs, Hanging Luminaries, Hanging Place Cards, Easel Signs, Napkins, Street Signs, and more!

There is a reason they call themselves wonderful!

Inside Design :: Teardrop Weddings

I love paper. My whole life I’ve loved paper. My first memory of this paper passion are the books of paper dolls my mom bought me when I was little; I’d race to my room with my treasured gift, punch them out of the book and dress them in their paper clothes. But that wasn’t quite enough; I’d have to make more clothes out of more paper. I remember the huge stacks of primary coloured construction paper from Kindergarten. Loved those. Now I love scrapbook paper, the choices the colours the themes. I love art papers and mulberry, vellum and letterpress and wrapping paper and even wallpaper.

Of course, the paper I love most now is wedding stationary. Save the dates, invitations, RSVPs, thank you cards, place cards, escort cards. I love it all. So when I received an email from Holly Hatam, Owner and Creative Director of TearDrop Weddings, to let me know that she’s launched her 2008 collection of whimsical, magical, and unique invitations, along with a lovely new website I was beside myself and completely thrilled.

A person with the talent that Holly has completely spins me. Her designs are so fresh and sweet and special and sassy. I can tell how much she loves her work. You know how I can tell? Because she told me so…

FIRST THE DETAILS
Blush :: Tell us about you
Holly :: Well, I live in Toronto with my boyfriend Stephen and our two cats Charlie and Julian. We are both graphic designers, that is how we met, in school.



NOW THE EVOLUTION
Blush :: What did you do before Teardrop?
Holly :: Before I started TearDrop I worked at two design firms. I didn't enjoy the job very much. I found that I wasn't able to be as creative as I wanted to be, and the atmosphere at a firm just wasn't for me. I first started designing greeting cards; that is how my little characters were born. However, I started doing them in watercolours and they eventually evolved into digital illustrations. One of my friends actually fell in love with one of the card illustrations and claimed that she wanted to use that as her wedding invitation (she wasn't even engaged yet!) About 5 months later she did get engaged and we did use that illustration for her invites! And that is how TearDrop was born!



Blush :: What were your main challenges?
Holly :: My main challenge of starting a business was trying to get my name out there and also, no one else in the business quite has anything like my designs. Brides and Grooms seem to believe that their invitations have to be traditional, embellished with ribbon and crystals, because that is all they have seen. I believe your invitation should make a statement about you individually and as a couple. This is the first glimpse your guests get of your big day, so you should have fun with your invitation. Many people keep the invitations as keepsakes, so I believe every design should be a little piece of art that you can keep forever.

Blush :: Why did you name the company Teardrop Weddings?
Holly :: I named the company TearDrop because whenever I received a greeting card or wedding invitation, I cry happy tears, and that is where the name came from. I want people to "spread the tears"



YOUR DESIGNS
Blush :: Your invitations vary from utmost whimsy to classically elegant, besides gleaning inspiration from the bride and groom, where do you find your inspirations?
Holly :: I find my inspiration from a lot of things. From an interesting colour, a quote, a song or just my own life in general.

Blush :: The couple you feature in the “Touch of Whimsy” collection is so sweet – are they a likeness of someone you know?
Holly :: Actually, the two characters that are done in gold, with the boy waving, that is based on us two. I drew the illustration of myself, and Stephen drew himself. As an anniversary card he had taken the illustration I had done of myself and combined it with the illo of him and made me sweetiest card. It sits on my desk so I can be inspired by it everyday!



Blush :: Do you have a favourite collection?
Holly :: My favourite collection is the Whimsical line. I love designs that are utterly and totally different. Designs that are funny and playful. Designs that represent the couple. If I received an invitation like that, I would be quite excited to attend the wedding!

Blush :: A favourite invitation?
Holly :: My favourite invitation is a harder choice! I would have to say the Holly and Stephen invitation because it is based on my boyfriend and I!



MORE?
Blush :: Do you have the intention to expand Teardrop to more than wedding stationary? To include personal stationary, baby announcements etc.?
Holly :: I actually did design baby announcements, personal stationery etc, but I just found that I wanted to focus all my energies on weddings. I love everything and anything about weddings! Being in this industry is a perfect excuse to go out and buy all the wedding magazines I can! I have to confess...I'm an addict!

AND JUST TO BE NOSY
When you aren’t designing what do you love to do? :: I love to paint and do anything artsy. I love being outdoors hiking, biking and I'm an avid Yogi! I love to read and to write, and I'm currently writing and illustrating my own children's book.
What is your greatest indulgence? :: hmmmm...I would have to say books! Amazon is one of my favourite websites! I am constantly on there adding a new book to my wishlist. The most exciting thing to me is checking my mail for the delivery of a new book!
Your favourite place to shop? :: Loomis and Toles, an art store! I could spend hours in there admiring the beautiful paper!
Your life in three words? :: Passion, Ambition and Love
Your favourite word? :: Frolic!
Your favourite gift? :: Was from my boyfriend for our 6 month anniversary. He had made me a tape of him singing and playing the guitar. It was the utmost sweetiest gift I have ever received. And now we've been together for 6 and half years :)



LASTLY
Blush :: What are you excited about right now?
Holly :: Right now I'm excited about going to New York to exhibit at the Wedding Salon Show in October, I'm quite giddy about it!


Visit Holly's website at Teardrop Weddings or her new blog.

Thanks Holly, so much.

Inkbox Design Studio

Love the name. Love the work. Inkbox Design Boutique creates intimate, custom, detailed invitations perfectly suited for the occasion. They also have some sinfully cute t-shirts for the bride and her bridal party.

Chandelier Details :: The Paper

Imagine requesting your best girlfriends be in your bridal party with pretty cards like these: you could go formal like the one on the left, customized with her name. Or you could go just plain fun with the "How's it Hangin?" card. You could keep it casual and write "Wanna be my maid?" inside.



Etsy shop Paper Nosh on the left; Etsy shop 3 Bags Full on the right.


One could utilize any of the following stationary suites to invite guests to any function; the wedding, the rehearsal, the showers, the engagement party...



From left to right: Wedding Writes; DIY invitations from Uniquity Invitations; and Wedding Paper Divas.


These tags could be used on gifts or favours, or as place cards or escort cards...



Pink oval "Luster Tags" by Etsy shop Natural Historie; Die Cut, 2"x 2", paper (I love these!) chandeliers from Etsy shop Luvmypets; and manila glam handstamped tags from Etsy shop Amy Elise Designs.


And, of course, the notecards...



All three are Etsy Shops: Petite Pear Paperie; The Bella Bella Co.; and Alice's Looking Glass

MiMa Designs

I bought the most adorable mini calendar yesterday and just had to investigate the website of the design company that produced it.

Toronto based MiMa Designs is responsible for this new found spot of sunshine on my desk (pictured first). I was delightfully surprised to find colourful, graphic and unique everyday stationary, and wedding invitations as well!

kenzieKate Invitations

Yesterday, I had the great fortune to chat with the charming Mackenzie Sala of Something Old, Something New. I’m a daily admirer of her blog and I’m so very grateful that she took some time out of her day for me.

Being a fan of her blog, I’m also a fan of her invitations so I popped on over; have you taken a look at kenzieKate Invitations lately? She has some new suites in her collection. Gorgeous.

I love that she finds inspiration from, and names her works, after beautiful cities, both domestic and international. Her designs are intricate, beautiful, thoughtful, and versatile; the bride and groom can customize both the wording and the colour palette to match their event.

Welcome to Aberdeen, Havana, and Charlotte:



Then, just for fun, I created mini inspiration boards to match these three...

Seville


Aspen


Cozumel


Thanks again Mackenzie!

Photo Credits: I have been collecting photos for a very long time, for the most part it was for inspiration for my own wedding, never with this in mind. So, unfortunately, I don't have all the sources for these photos. I wil list those I do have. If you recognize a photo as yours or can identify the source please contact me.

Cozumel: outdoor reception by Beth Helmstetter Events; Shell 'ringbox' and shell 'wreaths' by Colin Cowie.

Pink Sugar Dots

The fantastically talented Delina Breeding, owner and designer of the Paper Sugar Dots line of stationary, emailed me to let me know about her beautiful, and uniquely stylized cards. Her designs are “edgy, chic and loaded with elements of fashion.” I think you’re going to love these as much as I do…

From the bridal line (LOVE the redhead):


From the gigi collection (LOVE gigi loving shoes):


Invitations (LOVE the first one!):


For your holiday cheer (LOVE them all!):


She also has calling cards and cards for “hot mamas”, and fashionista, retro, and brown sugar collections. They are all equally fabulous.

And, she’s offering 15% off all online orders – so order soon!

Saima Says Design

Saima Khan is the brilliant designer behind Saima Says Design . Her invitation suites can only be described as exquisite. Saima consults with each bride and groom to create a wedding invitation unique to the couple and custom designs the stationary with their story and wedding in mind.

Absolutely luxurious...

Wiley Valentine Stationary

This post is a continuation of my favourite things from the Fall 2007 InStyle Weddings magazine. We're talking stationary this time. I love, love, love paper. I don't know why, can't explain it. Just do. Always have.

This is the spread by Wiley Valentine by E & R Design Group that was featured in the magazine :::



And, after pouring over their website I had to share these :::



Love, love, love.

Paper TearDrop

I just tripped over this stationary company based out of Toronto, TearDrop Weddings by Holly Hatam. Her custom work is imaginative and unique – adorably fantastic. I’m really impressed by her new and whimsical expressions of love on the invitations,... “we give each other butterflies”, “nuts for each other”, and my personal favourite, “we’re hot for each other”. So if you believe your wedding should have a side of sweet and contemporary, you may want to trip on over.

http://www.teardropweddings.com/