Oh So Beautiful Paper

Archive for June, 2010

Nothing epitomizes summer quite like seersucker – once June rolls around it’s seersucker suits, skirts and dresses galore here in DC as Capitol Hill and government staffers try to escape the perennial DC heat and humidity.  So when Kathryn posted a link to these amazing seersucker invitations photographed by Brookelyn Photography, I was instantly smitten with the beautiful seersucker fabric invitation pockets:

Of course, once I looked past the seersucker I also fell in love with the handwritten text and illustrated line details.  Turns out this couple DIY’d the entire invitation suite – learning how to use a letterpress so they could print their own invitations!  The result is absolutely stunning.  I can’t wait to see Brooke’s photos from their wedding!

{image credits: brookelyn photography}

I’ve been seeing so many amazing business cards lately – each one just as beautiful as the one before!

{kate murphy photography – with gorgeous logo by jessica hische – via black*eiffel}

{jordan ferney – love the hand-painted watercolor details}

{jessica hische}

{fabien barral}

{dingbat press}

I really think this might be my favorite group of business cards ever.  Which one is your favorite?  I don’t know if I could choose just one!

{images from their respective sources}

*dingbat press is one of my fantastic sponsors; for more on my editorial policy please click here.

A couple of weeks ago I received a reader request for inspiration for kids party invitations, so I put out a request on twitter and asked around, and I thought I’d share a round-up of what I found!

Lori from Paper and Thread Studio created these two invitations for a first and second birthday party, incorporating fabric and stitching as playful details:

These invitations were created for a girl’s second birthday party.  Elmo is cut out of fabric and applied to the top of the invitation, along with the stitching.

I absolutely adore these kids party invitations photographed by Nicole Hill Gerulat for One Charming Party:

I absolutely love the art party invitations in the third photo – so creative!

Cassandre from Fete Festa Fiesta created these pop-up invitations for her daughter’s 9th birthday party, using paper from Envelopments:

Naushin from Love, Paper & Ink created these invitations for a robots and monkeys-themed first birthday party:

Nyle is the son of one of my best friends.  The invitation was designed according to the theme of his party – Robots and Monkeys – and as a digitally-printed postcard for easy mailing.  I also designed coordinating “Oo-oo! Beep beep!” stickers for the loot bags handed out at the end of the day.

For her daughter’s first birthday party, photographer Kallie Buckmaster went with an owl theme for the invitation design:

Check out more photos from the party here! Found via The Sweetest Occasion via Party Perfect.

And one more for this round-up, lovely letterpress invitations from Cartoules Letterpress for a first birthday pool party!

Do you have fun and creative kids party invitations that you’d like to share?  I’d love to see photos – just shoot me an e-mail right here!

{image credits: 1-2 paper thread studio, 3-5 nicole hill gerulat, 6 fete festa fiesta, 7 paper, love & ink, 8 kallie buckmaster, 9 cartoules letterpress}

These scalloped table number signs from Maida Vale are so simple and lovely:

I’m partial to the kraft paper table numbers, but the white table numbers would be wonderful for a more traditional or evening wedding.  Check out the full selection right here.

{image credits: maida vale}

I love invitations that tell a story, either figuratively through graphics and images or literally through text – check out more evidence here and here.  Jen from Two Paperdolls designed these save the dates for her sister’s upcoming wedding, incorporating the bride and groom’s history into a playful design with vintage-inspired graphic elements:

The bride and groom were high school sweethearts who reunited after college – such a sweet story!

Jen’s main design influences were Texas-inspired shabby chic and the groom’s love of vintage music posters – and I love the result!  Check out more over at Louella Court.

{image credits: louella press}