Trendspotting: Vellum Inspiration!

It’s still relatively early in 2017, but I already have a favorite trend for this year: Vellum! If you aren’t familiar with this gorgeous translucent material, vellum is a semi-transparent paper made from rag or plasticized cotton and is often used in applications where tracing is involved. But vellum is seriously beautiful in its own right, especially when combined with elegant calligraphy and wax seals. You can also run a vellum sheet through a regular home printer! Vellum comes in a variety of shades, from traditional translucent white to pale pink, lavender, aqua – even iridescent and opalescent! Vellum is one of my current favorite stationery trends, along with deckled edges and all things iridescent/hologram, but I realized I hadn’t featured a ton of vellum inspiration here. So I put out a call for stationers and calligraphers to share their images via email and the #osbpvellum hashtag, and I’m sharing a few of my favorites with you today!

Vellum Envelope Inspiration by Ebb & Flow Ink

Vellum envelope with white calligraphy by Ebb & Flow Ink / Handmade paper by Fabulous Fancy Pants / Photo by Gaby J Photography

Vellum Dinner Menu by Silbia Ro

Vellum dinner menu by Silbia Ro

Vellum Wedding Invitation Inspiration by Fourteen Forty

Marble printed vellum (!!) wrapped around a wedding invitation by Fourteen-Forty

Vellum Place Card by Amy May Paper

Vellum card with white ink calligraphy by Amy May Paper

Vellum Inspiration by Papel and Co.

A vellum overlay with a black floral illustration by Papel & Co.

Vellum Cactus Wedding Invitation by Robinson Paperie

This cactus wedding invitation suite features a hand painted cactus on vellum by Robinson Paperie

Vellum Wedding Invitation by Swell Press Paper

How fun is this vellum wedding invitation overlay by Swell Press Paper??

Vellum Envelopes with Brush Lettering by Willow Wynn Co.

Vellum envelopes with brush lettering by Willow Wynn Co.

Vellum Baby Shower Invitation by Charm & Fig

A baby shower invitation printed on vellum with iridescent glitter by Charm & Fig

Vellum in Ceremony Programs by Fleur de Letters

Floral printed vellum in ceremony programs by Fleur de Letters

Vellum Dinner Menu by Grace Niu Design

Vellum dinner menus by Grace Niu Design

Vellum Wedding Invitation Inspiration by Owl Post Calligraphy

A beautiful vellum overlay with gold calligraphy by Owl Post Calligraphy

Vellum and Gold Wax Seals by Paula Lee Calligraphy

Vellum looks amazing when paired with gold wax seals from Paula Lee Calligraphy

Vellum Menu by Willow Visuals

A simple vellum menu overlay by Willow Visuals / Photo by Petra Veikkola

Vellum Envelope with Floral Envelope Liner by The Aerialist Press

When you have a gorgeous envelope liner, show it off with a transparent vellum envelope like this beauty by the Aerialist Press

So, what do you think?? Are you all feeling the vellum trend along with me?  

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! My sister and her family are visiting this weekend, which also happens to coincide with peak bloom of the cherry blossoms (or at least what’s left of them after last week’s snow)! So I’m cutting out a bit early for a bit of family time and cherry blossom gazing. Yay for spring and family visits! But in the meantime…

Olivia Herrick Design / Banner by Matriarch Handmade

Image by Olivia Herrick Design via Instagram / Banner by Matriarch Handmade

…a few links for your weekend!

The taxpayer cost behind employer-provided healthcare. Been thinking about this article a lot lately, especially in light of current Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Totally obsessed with this planter (available in both brass and copper!)

Sending happy new baby vibes to my friend Kelly – she just adopted a baby boy over the weekend!

Loving this bell sleeve top in the brightest shade of pink

April is just around the corner – get ready to Write On!

I can’t wait to make this sheet pan chicken taco recipe

A modern, geometric wire chair in the prettiest blush pink

Tea-dyed Easter Eggs. So pretty!

Sending lots of love to our friend Kristina at Calliope Paperie â€“ everyone send her happy vibes while she waits for her store to be rebuilt after an accident earlier this week!

 

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

I’m loving everything about these minimalist black and white hand lettered wedding invitations

Some seriously cute new baby cards

Take a peek behind the stationery with Ink Meets Paper

Tropical turquoise and gold foil invitations for a destination wedding in Thailand!

Nine awesome design and DIY books

 

That’s it for us this week! Have a fantastic weekend and we’ll see you back here on Monday! xoxo

Stationery A-Z: New baby congratulations cards

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage! Piggybacking on our recent theme of engagement and wedding parties, it only seems appropriate to also feature new baby greeting cards (also, they are just so cute!). New moms and dads need all the support they can get; sending a thoughtful message of congratulations, encouragement, and love can really go a long way for a sleep-deprived new parent (throw a lasagna in there and they’ll be eternally grateful to you). From cats and cradles to hedgehogs and holographic foil, we’ve got a myriad of styles for any new parent on your list! –Shauna

New Baby Congratulations Cards

From top right:

1. Farewell Paperie has got the right idea: no parent ever tires of hearing how cute their baby is. Pair that with wood type and a modern color palate and you’ve got a sure winner.

2. Printed with veggie ink, this Yellow Owl Workshop design features toys, rainbows, and even a hot air balloon.

3. New to me designer Behind Green Doors teepee design is perfect for your outdoorsy friend who can’t wait to take their infant camping.

4. This illustrated kitten from Canadian Triangle Trees comes in either orange or teal but always comes in adorable, sweet and thoughtful.

 5. It’s baby time! It’s definitely a party with chartreuse paper and silver holographic foil from The Social Type. Sleepless nights be damned!

6. You can always count on Snow & Graham for their sweet illustrations and clever design – this mobile inspired greeting card is no exception.

7. Dying from the cuteness of this adorable baby and mama (or dada) hedgehog from Los Angeles-based Clap Clap Design.

8. Not surprisingly, Moglea chooses to express congratulations with an abstract palate and a hand-lettered sentiment.

9. This Noah’s Ark themed design from Rifle Paper Co. is the perfect sprinkling of spirituality without being overtly religious.

10. Loving this family of retro illustrated fish by Nicholas John Frith for Wrap Magazine.

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! As I write this, snow and sleet are falling outside my office window after three straight days of 60-70 degree temperatures. What is UP with this crazy weather?? I’m just hoping the next few days of winter weather don’t hurt the cherry blossoms! I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks working on something new and exciting that I can’t wait to share with all of you here! Soon, I hope! But in the meantime… 

International Women's Day by Dinara Mirtalipova

International Women’s Day illustration by Dinara Mirtalipova

…a few links for your weekend!

The prettiest dessert plates

Two printable designs from Hello!Lucky to celebrate Women’s History Month

Matcha Tiramisu for two

How cute is this rainbow blanket??

These honeycomb cake hats are totally genius.

Hey Congressman Chaffetz, stop interfering in local DC politics. We didn’t elect you, and we’re tired of your meddling. Also, you’re generally just the worst. 

Desperately in love with this green velvet and brass chair (also, this couch)

 

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

Romantic copper foil wedding invitations with one of the most beautiful envelope details I’ve EVER SEEN.

We went behind the stationery with 9th Letter Press

It can be tough to admit you did something wrong. Say you’re sorry with one of these cards!

Loving this elegant script font

The sweetest modern gold foil baby announcements

Beautiful calligraphy from Miranda Writes

Modern Gold Foil Birth Announcements

We always adore when Designer Rolodex members send over the stationery they created for their own special occasions – it feels like a family affair! Sarah from Banter & Charm recently welcomed her second child, a darling baby boy named Alexander, and we’re thrilled to share his adorable birth announcements here today! Sarah kept things clean and modern, pairing his birth details with modern illustrations printed in gold foil. So sweet!

Modern Gold Foil Birth Announcements by Banter and Charm

From Sarah: As a designer, creating something for yourself can be one of the hardest things to do. I am my own worst client. I wait until the last minute, change my mind constantly, have a terrible time making a final decision, and usually give up. That is exactly what happened with my first child. When Abby was born, I had aspirations of designing an amazing announcement just for her. However, the first few months of her life flew by in a blur, and while I created several designs, none of them were exactly what I wanted. So, in the end, I gave up on a custom announcement for my daughter.

Modern Gold Foil Birth Announcements by Banter and Charm

When I found out I was expecting my second child, I promised I wouldn’t let that happen again! I went back to the announcements I originally created for my daughter, and as soon as I saw this design, I knew it would be perfect for Alexander. The illustrations were simple and sweet, and paired with a modern type they made the perfect accompaniment to Alex’s photo.

Modern Gold Foil Birth Announcements by Banter and Charm

I went back and forth on colors, but eventually decided to go with my favorite neutrals: gray and gold. With this birth announcement, I had the chance to use a printing combination I had wanted to try for a long time: flat printing paired with foil printing. Alex’s photo and all his statistics were printed first, then the tiny icons and frame were added in gold foil. The little gold clock is my favorite!

Modern Gold Foil Birth Announcements by Banter and Charm

Of course, I couldn’t pick just one photo to share, so I added a collage of photos to the back of the announcement.

Modern Gold Foil Birth Announcements by Banter and Charm

I am so glad I was able to give this sweet design a purpose as Alex’s birth announcement. I can’t imagine anything more fitting for a second child’s birth announcement than a hand-me-down from his older sibling.

Thanks so much Sarah – and congrats!

Design: Banter & Charm

Newborn photography: Simply Gorgeous Photography

Banter & Charm is a member of the Designer Rolodex – you can see more of their beautiful work right here or visit the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Banter & Charm