06/09/2016

Magic Theme Birthday Party Invitations

I’ve had the pleasure of featuring every single birthday party invitation for Lisa from Good on Paper‘s eldest son, Lucas â€“ and today Lisa is sharing Lucas’s SIXTH birthday party invitation. (Side note: whaaaaaat????) You can also see theÂ invitations from previous birthdays: 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. I love the way Lisa makes each invitation feel fresh and special without being overly cutesy. One year Lisa went with a hide and seek theme, and last year was a wild animal theme! This year, Lucas chose a magic theme for his birthday party, and for his magic theme birthday party invitations Lisa created a vintage-inspired designÂ with an old school magic feel. Lisa incorporated custom photo envelope liners, which have become a bit of a tradition for her boys’ birthday party invitations, and a custom rubber stamp that was used on the invitations and day-of party stationery!

From Lisa:Â Lucas decided on a magic theme for his 6th birthday party this year. I designed the invitations with a clean but slightly vintage feel, complete with custom photo envelope liners and a custom rubber stamp that was used on favor bags, dessert packaging for mochi ice cream, thank you cards, and our traditional donut hole cones. I stuck to a color scheme of black/white/red which reminded me of old school magic.The double thick invitations were mailed in kraft envelopes and sealed with wrap-around address labels.

Thanks so much Lisa! And happy birthday Lucas!

Good on Paper is a member of theÂ Designer RolodexÂ â€“ you can see more of Lisaâ€™s amazing workÂ right here!

Photo Credits:Â Good on Paper

06/23/2015

Lucas + Judah’s Wild Kratts Birthday Party Invitations

I really don’t know how Lisa fromÂ Good on Paper does it. Every year she comes up with the best themes for her two boys’ birthday parties and then completely knocks it out of the park with the invitations! For her older son’s 5th birthday (BTW â€“ how is Lucas FIVE already??? You can also check out birthday invitations 1, 2, 3, and 4), Lucas requested a Wild Kratt’s theme for a shared party with his friend Judah. The resulting invitations and party paper are all so much fun!

FromÂ Lisa:Â For Lucas’ 5th birthday party he asked for a “Wild Kratts” party. If you haven’t seen this show, it’s an educational animated series on PBS, created by and starring brothers Chris and Martin Kratt. The show is full of fun facts about animals, ranging from polar bears to geckos, and each episode features a particular critter’s unique “creature power.” Lucas gets really excited learning about animal powers and defenses, and I love when he enlightens me with new animal facts! This year we decided to throw a modern animal-themed birthday party together with Judah, Lucas’ good friend from school, who turned five the day before.

Starting with the invitation design, I painted abstract animal patterns using simple black watercolor paint, and hand wrote “Go Wild” which would later become a logo for the party. I took a cute photo of Lucas and Judah and used it as a custom envelope liner. The envelopes were finished with matching wrap-around address labels.

We originally scheduled the party for Saturday, and had all the invitations printed up. We later changed it to Sunday due to Little League conflicts. I didn’t want to waste the old invitations, so I cut off the old RSVP information, and used the top half to make “creature power” trading cards that accompanied each t-shirt. Each trading card had fun facts about different animals. Cute AND educational! The bottom of the invitations were used to create name tags and were handwritten with each kid’s name.

If you’ve seen our other birthday parties, you know that donut holes are a Jackson family tradition. This year’s donut cones were made with the animal printed recycled paper.

One of my favorite ideas for the party was to make “polar bear ice,” aka popsicles. There’s a Wild Kratts episode called “Polar Bears Don’t Dance,” and I wanted the “polar bear ice” to tie into that.Â The team at Whole Foods Market Gilman made custom paletas in three fruity flavors (blueberry cream, apple/pineapple and fresh strawberry). All were a huge hit on the warm day.

I designed some packaging for the pops using wax food bags, snipped at the bottom andÂ sealed on top with a hand lettered label. The package kept the pops from sticking together in the cooler, and also doubled as a place for the melty drips to fall. They wereÂ devoured in seconds!

Yay! ThanksÂ Lisa! And happy 5th birthday to Lucas!

Photo Credits: Good on Paper

09/29/2014

Modern Takes on Classic Kid’s Party Themes

Whether you like it or not, there’s a good chance a kiddo of yours might want to have a birthday themed around one of those classic, party-store themes. Sports, circus, ballerina, you know the drill. Luckily, I’ve rounded up a few ideas today to help you pull off a modern twist on those party concepts so you aren’t just stuck with what’s available in Aisle 4. â€”Kelly

Photo via 6th Street Design School

A Lullaby Party: Chances are if you’re throwing a party for a very little one, most of the guests will be adults. Up the ante on a lullaby or nursery rhyme party with more sophisticated color palettes mixed with a few details the kids will love (balloons, wands or crowns!).

Tutorial and Photo via You Are My Fave for Julep

A Circus Party: Think outside of the animal cracker box by printing off giant photos of animals and making a big ol’ circus parade on the wall! Party hats and crowns optional, but they sure do look like some wild party animals with ’em!

Photo by Kristen Curette Photography via 100 Layer Cake

A Dinosaur Party: Hop on the spray painted animal bandwagon and turn plastic dinosaurs into modern ones with a little spray paint. Use them as planters for decor that can last long after the party ends!

Photo via Kjerstis Lykke

A Soccer Party: Try playing up the black and white palette for a soccer party, instead of the soccer motif itself. A soccer cake and plates look much more modern when paired with black and white straws and balloons!

Photo by We Call This Love via 100 Layer Cakelet

A Ballerina Party: If your little lady love tutus, change up the ballerina theme with a Swan Lake party! Make feather tiaras and end the bash with a very special performance.

Photo + Tutorial via Studio DIY

An Outer Space Party: Top off an outer space party with a giant moon piÃ±ata! Hang it amongst gold star cut outs and disco balls stepping in as “planets.”

09/26/2014

Hello!Lucky: San Francisco Guide

It can be tricky planning a trip to a city chock full of restaurants, shops, and coffee stops. If youâ€™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.

Loloâ€™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

Sip

Stable CafÃ©– Lovely 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 cafÃ© 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

Thereâ€™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 thatâ€™s not your thing, get techy and download one of the many rideshare apps- we recommend Lift, Sidecar, and Uber.

Enjoy your visit!

09/05/2014

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! It’s my birthday today â€“ I’m 33! â€“ and while I’m excited to celebrate another birthday, I’m truthfully more excited to enjoy these final few weeks as a family of three. We had a bit of an early labor scare over the Labor Day weekend, which thankfully turned out to just be a false alarm (at just under 36 weeks), but it made us realize this baby could decide to appear very soon! So now we’re focused on making our final preparations and tying up any loose ends â€“ all while giving Sophie some pre-baby love and attention. But in the meantime…

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