Today I’m thrilled to share a very, very special project – Sophie’s baby announcements! I knew I wanted something unique and non-traditional to help announce our baby’s arrival into the world, and I’ve been an admirer of Morgan and Arley-Rose of Ladyfingers Letterpress ever since I saw their wedding invitations. I knew they’d come up with something amazing! I gave the direction of a celestial theme and the ladies came up with the idea of a working starfinder (aka planisphere) – we couldn’t love the resulting announcements more!
From Morgan and Arley-Rose:Â It was such an incredible honor to design and print little Sophie’s baby announcements. We were thrilled to hear that Nole had a celestial theme in mind, and we immediately went to work, exploring how we could make something interactive, beautiful and meaningful. We’ve always been fascinated by planispheres and the way they mark a point in time by displaying what you would see in the night sky at that moment and thought it would be relevant as a baby announcement.
At first, we thought it would be a good idea to rotate the planisphere to the date and time that Sophie was born, and in the window her name would be revealed, but after some design consideration (and feedback from Nole) it was agreed that her name and details would be visible at all times.
As a result, a working planisphere is featured on the front, and all you need to do is align the inner disc with the date and time and direction you’re facing to see what to expect in the sky that night (if you happen to be at a similar latitude as Washington DC). On the back, a photo of Sophie sits inside a glassine envelope, surrounded by baby versions of astrological signs.
 
We designed a custom die for the project, and hand-lettered the designs and illustrations to work around the shape. The designs were then letterpress printed onto 220lb paper (the inner disc) and 110lb (the outer “cage”) 100% cotton Crane’s Lettra paper and then die-cut and assembled.
Photo Credit:Â Natalja Kent
Photo Credit:Â Natalja Kent
It was definitely one of the most complex pieces we’ve ever done, but are really excited with the way it turned out! As a special gift to Nole, we made a print of the night sky with Sophie’s name below.
Photo Credit: Natalja Kent
 
Morgan and Arley-Rose even printed constellation envelope liners to match the announcements! I found the perfect vintage postage stamps (via ebay) to complement the celestial theme of Sophie’s announcements, and my dear friend Michele from Meant to Be Calligraphy was kind enough to address the envelopes in her beautiful Durham style!
I hope you love Sophie’s announcements as much as I do!
Design and Letterpress Printing: Ladyfingers Letterpress
Calligraphy: Meant to Be Calligraphy
Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper, except where noted by Natalja Kent
This invitation is impressive. The concept, design and even the production of the die cuts and letterpress are gorgeous. Thanks for the share!
This was quite possibly the most exquisite thing I’ve ever received in the mail. It is so beautiful, clever, and well executed. I can only imagine the pressure you and Ladyfingers were under… how could you of all people not have the most stunning birth announcement? Exceeded my expectations. Definitely a keeper! And little Sophie, she is quite the star! A perfect way to announce her special arrival. xoxo
Totally IN LOVE with this!! Wow you guys! One amazing birth announcement for one special little lady!
Very unique birth announcement, the stars and the chalkboard look is outstanding. I also love the font used on the envelope.
So, so dreamy. Absolutely gorgeous!
These are stunning, Nole! I love the color palette and details. A keepsake for sure!
Nole, little Sophie’s announcements are gorgeous!! I love everything about them! Amazing job to you, Morgan, and Arley-Rose! 🙂
Wow, that’s truly gorgeous, from concept to type!
This has to be one of the most beautiful birth announcements (really, the most beautiful pieces of stationery) that I’ve ever seen! So creative, and so meaningful!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Am completely in awe of the design and construction. Lovely and amazing…
Best baby announcements ever! Hands down. No contest. Unbelievably beautiful! Congrats again!
I am blown away. Beautiful, wonderful!
WOWZA! amazing job!
holy cow! gorgeous. you’ve set quite a precedent for your next one! ( :
Totally jealous of the people who were lucky enough to receive these! Gorgeous!!!
These are stunning! Great job ‘Ladies’ and Congrats Nole!
These ladies create work over and over again that is so uniquely conceived, so beautifully designed and impeccably crafted. Everything they do makes me want to have a wedding, throw a party or even (eek!) have a baby.
i die. bravo ladies on creating something so phenomenal. you knocked this one out of the park!
Incredible! What a beautiful vision and a fantastic execution!
beyond LOVE these are siiiiickk, so so gorgeous, beautiful, smart. Best things I’ve seen in a LONG time. wow.
These are INCREDIBLE!
Literally one of the most stunning, creative pieces I’ve ever seen. Love the celestial theme!! So honored to have one on my fridge. And I love the night sky print — can Ladyfingers Letterpress consider selling one for everyone?! Love to you and little Sophie! xx
This is absolutely wonderful!
This birth announcement blows my mind! It is most definitely the most unique piece I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m sure pictures can’t do it justice. WOW!
these go beyond “birth announcement” for me. the word that comes to mind is exquisite. the most stunning piece of stationery i think i’ve ever seen. the type is gorgeous and the concept is so unique. what a showstopper. congrats!
They’re just amazing & so, so special! Lucky little girl!
Hands down, the most beautiful birth announcements I’ve ever seen! Gorgeous.
Stunning announcement! These are so special!
SO gorgeous!! I would expect nothing less from either of you!