Behind the Stationery: Hello Tenfold

The talented Ellie of well-respected stationery brand, Hello Tenfold, is here sharing how she turned the key of an unfortunate situation and opened the door into a full-time custom wedding invitation business. Full of behind the scenes client inspiration boards, Ellie shares how having a toddler has affected her workday and where she goes to get inspired (clue: shopping is involved!). –Megan
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I’m Ellie Snow, and I’m thrilled to be on this beautiful blog today! I started my stationery company Hello Tenfold in 2009, around the time that I got married and designed my first set of wedding invitations – my own! – alongside my then-boyfriend. We got some encouraging feedback on our work and my business was born. Although it didn’t feel lucky at the time, soon after our wedding and the launch of Hello Tenfold, my husband and I were laid off from our graphic design jobs and self employment became a reality. It had always been a goal of mine to be self employed, and life went ahead and gave me the shove I needed! Since then, I’ve been lucky to have my work featured in magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Living, Brides Magazine, and HOW Magazine, among others. More importantly, I get to spend my days doing something I absolutely adore.

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After working from home for a few years, I began to rent a studio space, which was an enormous help for productivity (not to mention mental health and, um, cleanliness). Today my studio is located in a part of Durham, North Carolina dubbed the “DIY District.” The studio is next door to a boutique selling handmade NC goods, and a stone’s throw from a favorite coffee shop, a brewery, a music venue, a ballpark, and too much good food to mention. As a bonus, the studio’s store front windows make for excellent sunset watching. My coworkers are my husband, who started his own design business last Fall, Harbor, our studio-mate, photographer Jessie Gladdek, and the various local business owners who make my job possible — printers, shippers, baristas.

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Over the years Hello Tenfold’s collection of invitations has grown to be over 25 different suites, and most of the jobs I take involve customizing those suites to fit the weddings of the couples I work with. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing a color scheme, and other times we use the invitation design as a basic starting place and create something totally different by changing the layout, fonts, envelope liner pattern, printing method, and so on. Occasionally a client’s request for a design will get my wheels spinning and turns into a new design for the shop — Florentine, for example, started as a custom invitation for a couple in Chapel Hill, and last week a bride asked me for a vegetable-and-animal themed suite (hmm… stay tuned!).

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One of the things I love about designing wedding invitations in particular is the opportunity to have so many different paper items, each with a unique look but cohesiveness throughout the suite. I love mixing patterns, and many of my designs start with inspiration from some bygone era. In the summer, I love spending Saturday mornings at antique stores, and my phone is full of photos of details in wood furniture or interesting patterns found in rugs, fabric swatches, or book covers.
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A typical week at Hello Tenfold starts mid-morning. I was never an early riser, but my one-and-a-half year old is working on it. We spend the morning getting the three of us fed, bathed, dressed, and packing various bags that we each need for the day ahead. My daughter goes to her nanny’s house and my husband and I head to our studio. At work, my day starts with emails. I send out quotes for potential new clients, answer questions, and then start in on design work. This means making edits to proofs, sending clients new designs and variations, and sometimes it means an impromptu photo shoot. Like, showing a bride the subtle difference between Bright White and Soft White paper and how each of those look in gold foil, alongside 8 different neutral paper options for the corresponding envelope liner.

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Since most of my clients are not local, photos and phone calls can be key! I save projects like shop updates, social media, packaging and shipping orders, assembling envelope liners and invitation bands, checking on printer’s proofs, and assembling sample packs for the afternoons. If needed, I call in back-up… I’ve got a few trusty ladies with tape gun talent. Just before 5pm there’s a mad dash to pick up our daughter from daycare on time. We play outside or run errands, cook dinner, and do the bedtime routine. A few nights a week, my husband and I work after our daughter is in bed, unless the couch calls our names and we snuggle in with some TV or good books.

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I love sharing the projects I’m working on (and a few cute baby pictures for good measure)! You can follow along on instagram, pinterest, facebook, twitter, or my blog Mint. Thanks for having me!

Photos by Lissa Gotwals and Ellie Snow, styling by Michelle Smith and Ellie Snow, calligraphy by Layers of Loveliness.

Interested in participating in the Behind the Stationery column? Reach out to Megan at [email protected].

The Peak Bloom

Among all the attractions Washington, DC offers, one of the briefest but most glorious are the annual spring cherry blossoms. A gift from Japan at the turn of the last century, the product of decades of lobbying by writer and geographer Eliza Scidmore, DC is crawling with cherry blossom trees. For a vanishingly short time each spring, they bloom and then quickly loose their petals in clouds of pink flower confetti that fall with every breeze. Did I say it was glorious? (If you do visit for the cherry blossoms, skip the crowded Tidal Basin and visit some of the quieter groves, like the one in Capitol Hill’s Congressional Cemetery or Georgetown’s Dumbarton Oaks.) Nole asked for a cocktail this week to celebrate the flowers, so here’s a light and air (and pink) gin sour that tries to capture some of their spirit. – Andrew

The Peak Bloom Cocktail Recipe with Cherry Blossom Syrup and Str

The Peak Bloom Cherry Blossom Cocktail Recipe Card by Shauna Lynn Illustration for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Illustration by Shauna Lynn for Oh So Beautiful Paper

The Peak Bloom

2 oz American Gin
1 oz Lemon
1 oz Cherry Blossom Honey Syrup
1 tbsp Strawberry Preserves
Splash of Soda Water (Optional)

Combine the gin, lemon, syrup, and preserves in a cocktail shaker and add three or four big square ice cubes. Shake well and fine strain (pouring through a tea strainer or using a strainer spoon with a tightly coil) into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Peak Bloom Cocktail Recipe with Cherry Blossom Syrup and Str

We talked about American gins, in contrast to drier English-style gins, last week when we wrote about our updated Gin Rickey. Emphasizing other botanicals alongside juniper, a new American-style gin lends this drink a softer profile. We used Heritage Distillery’s Soft Gin for our Peak Bloom.

The Peak Bloom Cocktail Recipe with Cherry Blossom Syrup and Str

The cherry blossom syrup – made in Japan from honey and cherry blossom extract, which we included in another cherry blossom themed drink a couple years ago – lends this drink a subtle floral flavor. And those preserves do a couple of nice things: they add a bit of earthy sweetness that leaves this drink on the sweeter side, and the pectin in the preserves helps thicken this drink up a bit in the same way that a little egg white might, too.

The Peak Bloom Cocktail Recipe with Cherry Blossom Syrup and Str

The Peak Bloom doesn’t need a splash of soda water, but a few effervescent bubbles can be a nice addition here. But the drink will go flat fast – just like the cherry blossoms lose their petals – so you might find yourself drinking it down quickly.

(Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, where we’ve been posting our experiments before they make their way onto this column!)

Glassware by Liquorary

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! Today little Alice turns one month old! With Sophie, the newborn stage felt like an eternity – but we wondered if things would be different the second time around since we (now) know how fleeting these early days really are. I’m still not the biggest fan of the newborn stage (I’m much happier when babies start smiling – usually around 8 weeks), but it does feel like these first (hard) few weeks have just flown by! We’ll be celebrating Alice’s first month birthday with take out and doughnuts tonight – but in the meantime…

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Photo (and printable invitation!) via A Fabulous Fete

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

Check back soon for a very special cocktail post! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week! xoxo

Hello!Lucky: San Francisco Guide

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It can be tricky planning a trip to a city chock full of restaurants, shops, and coffee stops. If you’re anything like us then you love a day spent perusing the places the locals love. San Francisco is a vibrant city with some of the most contrasting enclaves, and this is what makes it so special. We are excited to share our go-to spots nestled in a few of our favorite nooks. â€“ Eunice and Sabrina of Hello!Lucky

THE MISSION

Eat

Foreign Cinema– Amazing food and even better ambience. This is our go-to for group dinners.

Lolo’s– Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Jalisco spices with California vibes.

Lolinda– Argentinian cuisine. For dinner- or head upstairs for rooftop brunch.

Trick Dog– The best bar food you have ever had, drinks to match.

Flour + Water – Delicious with a cool ambience and the Dough Room, their private dining room, it’s a fantastic venue for special occasions

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Stable Caf̩РLovely outdoor patio with WIFI

Four Barrel– You will find a line outside almost any time of the day, and yes, it’s that good!

Shop

Voyager – Women and men’s fashion & accessories from local craftsmen.

Bell Jar– Great for gifts! Women’s fashion and home decor.

Taylor Stitch– Lovely and locally made men’s fashion.

Paxton Gate – A quirky cabinet of curiosities full of fascinating finds such as a taxidermy unicorn, a wall of pinned insects, and drawers full of nifty rocks and minerals.

See/Do

Mission Bowling Club – Family friendly until 7!

Urban Putt – SF-themed miniature golf with cocktails, burgers and pizza. Family friendly until 8!

Dolores Park/ Mission Dolores- A jungle gym with a view. Something you and the kids will enjoy.

 

HAYES VALLEY

Eat

Rich Table – A block away from the hustle & bustle of Hayes- wonderful space & food.

Smitten Ice Cream– Tasty and trendy- surrounded by boutiques, beer gardens, and juiceries.

Bar Jules – a cozy little café that serves delicious plates created from local and seasonal produce.

Sip

Blue Bottle Coffee– Down an alley, in a garage kiosk, you will find one of the best fresh cups of coffee.

Ritual– Another great coffee shop!

Biergarten– Great spot for lunch! They serve German brews & cider, sausages & pretzels.

Shop

Welcome Stranger– Cool camp themed boutique for men.

Rand & Statler– For the fancier things in life.

Reliquary– Every time you enter it’s like Indiana Jones’ greatest adventure!

Lavish– Lovely paper goods and gifts shop.

 

NOPA/ WESTERN ADDITION

Eat

Nopa– Make a reservation for dinner or hop on their family table. Try the burger and a blue bottle martini!

State Bird – This spot has gotten a ton of attention since its opening so grabbing a table isn’t easy. Not exactly a last minute restaurant, but well worth planning ahead!

La Urbana – Delicious modern Mexican cuisine.

Mojo – A great place to grab lunch & has a patio.

Little Star Pizza– Not your average pizzeria! Their deep dish is a game changer.

Sip

The Mill – You will question the $4 toast until you try it. The is the type of coffee shop you could hang in all day – but bring a book or a friend, it’s a wifi free zone.

Madrone Art Bar – It’s a fun place for a cocktail, and they have themed nights like Motown Monday.

Shop

The Perish Trust– Old treasures and new, The Perish Trust is a place to feast your eyes! Right next door to The Mill.

Rare Device– Great finds by local artists! Cards, prints and home decor.

 

HAIGHT/ASHBURY

Eat

Off the Grid– It’s a seasonal gathering of food trucks at a cul de sac off Haight. Offerings stretch from dinner to dessert. There’s live music to get things moving!

Alembic – This menu is not your average, with options like bone marrow and pickled quail eggs, your adventurous side will thank you.

Magnolia Gastropub – A great microbrewery and restaurant – great atmosphere and food!

Second Act – This market is located in the old theatre, it’s a compilation of vendors selling an array of food & drink.

Haight Street Market – They have a deli that makes great sandwiches & a place to rest your feet.

Sip

Club Deluxe – Pizza, drinks, & jazz.

Shop

The Booksmith– Lovely bookstore where you can also get your paper fix!

Tantrum – A quick walk from Haight will land you at this circus themed kids boutique in Cole Valley. It can’t be missed!

Crossroads – One of the many consignment stores on Haight. If you feel like hunting there are always treasures to be found!

Mystery Mister – Great mix of carefully curated vintage clothes and curiosities.

La Rosa Vintage – Another fantastic spot for well curated vintage clothes.

See

The Conservatory of Flowers Very Alice in Wonderland.

The DeYoung Museum– For fine art & they have wonderful exhibits.

The Academy of Sciences– A great science museum with a planetarium, aquarium, and rainforest.

Stow Lake– A boathouse with rowboat rentals.

 

Where to Stay & How to Get Around

Stay

There’s is no better way to be immersed than to stay at an Airbnb. You will get to experience the real spirit & charm through an authentic San Francisco home.

Get Around

We are one of the best cities for public transportation! Muni & Bart make commuting a breeze, take Bart in from the airport and use Muni around town. If that’s not your thing, get techy and download one of the many rideshare apps- we recommend Lift, Sidecar, and Uber.

 

Enjoy your visit!

Our Baby Shower!

Today we’re taking a quick trip back in time… to our baby shower! The ladies at On To Baby were kind enough to feature our shower yesterday, and I thought I’d share a few of my favorites here. My dear friends Janice and Maggie hosted the most beautiful shower for us, inspired by my love of all things constellation! Funny story: because I ended up having to be induced with Sophie 3 weeks early, our baby shower took place the DAY before we went into the hospital for the induction. Those last few days were a complete blur of anxiety and nerves, so it was really nice to have a day to spend with our friends and family before Sophie’s arrival!

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Sugar Paper did an amazing job with the invitations, incorporating gold and white foil on die cut kraft paper, calligraphy from Lisa Holtzman, and a custom constellation envelope liner. Janice worked with Verde Studio to select astronomy-themed vintage postage as the finishing touch.

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We’re not the most traditional of people, so we wanted an informal co-ed shower that gave us an opportunity to spend time with our friends and family. Janice asked her sister (a private chef) to put together a buffet of our favorite brunch food, and Andy came up with a trio of brunch cocktail recipes. There was also a coffee bar and dessert bar featuring cupcakes and macarons from our local favorite The Sweet Lobby.

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This is Maggie and Trevor’s pup, Eleanor, when she was just a tiny wee thing! I think it should be mandatory to have at least one puppy at every party.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you Maggie and Janice! Check out the full details over on On To Baby!

Event Planning: Bellwether Events and Maggie Adams

Invitation Design: Sugar Paper

Invitation Calligraphy: Lisa Holtzman Calligraphy

Day-of Calligraphy: Meant to Be Calligraphy

Postage: Verde Studio

Catering: Leslie Raybuck

Desserts: The Sweet Lobby

Photo Credits: The Observatory