02/04/2015

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Brown Paper Bags

I’ve always had a soft spot for all things kraft paper and any lookalikes. Who knew there were so many ways you could incorporate it into your wedding beyond the expected favor bag?! Besides it being the perfect addition to almost any wedding style from shabby chic to modern, it’s easy on the wallet. Score. So, I did a little researchÂ to find out just how many ways brides and grooms are getting creative out there. Here are a few of my favorites. â€“Â Lauren

Bag up the bread in printed kraft bags. Image: Sacramento Street | Use as a menu. Image: by Sarah KathleenÂ via Wedding Chicks

Make a garland. Image: 10 Paper Lane

Â Bag up your snacks. Left image: Weddingful | right image: byÂ Â jose villaÂ viaÂ Design Sponge

Decorate your entryway. Image: Party Ideas by a Pro

Bag up the utensils. Image: Elizabeth Anne Designs | Make a hangover kit for guests. Image: Be Collective

This etsy shop recycled the bags to make confetti that is plantable seed paper. Image: KaBloomz

This shop turned bags into fans. Image: Anna Lou Avenue

How would you incorporate kraft paper into your wedding day?

02/04/2015

Valentine’s Day Dinner Party Invitations

I’m not a huge fan of the traditional chocolate and roses approach to Valentine’s Day (a pretty card is more than enough for me, please and thank you) â€“ but a Valentine’s Day dinner party with friends? I can totally get behind that idea! Luckily for us, Lana from Lana’s Shop sent over some beautiful hand lettered and illustrated paper goods that she created to help inspire a Valentine’s Day soirÃ©e!

From Lana: Valentineâ€™s Day is typically a holiday reserved for two. But who says that it has to be? Instead of celebrating just with your special someone, why not invite invite other couples and make it a party?

To set the whimsical and intimate tone of the celebration, IÂ hand-lettered each invitation. The wording formed the shape of a heart and was painted directly onto luxe 130lb arches watercolor paper. I paired the invitations with a playful illustrated arrow envelope liner. Each envelope was then sealed with coordinating custom address labels.

Each guestÂ was given a mini â€˜I Love you cardâ€™ to share with someone special. Other paper items included hand lettered and illustrated menus, straw flags and a love quote chalk board sign.Â We loved this one of a kind, personal soirÃ©e!

Thanks Lana!

Paper goods and hand lettering: Lana’s Shop

Florals:Â Violet Floral Design

Styling:Â A Vintage Affair Events and Rentals

Lana’s Shop is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can see more of her beautiful work right here!

Photo Credits:Â Laura Murray Photography

02/03/2015

Party Paper: Valentine’s Day Baking Party

Gather the gals for a Valentine’s Day baking party! Whip up some treats (Cookies? Donuts? Macarons?) and then package them up to send home with guests or to hand out to family, friends or co-workers. Nothing like a party with something extra sweet to take home, eh!? â€”Kelly

1. DIY Lip Patterned Gift Wrap from Sugar & Cloth

2. Red Stripe Cups from Meri Meri at Urbanic

3. Valentine Breakable Heart Favors from Oh Happy Day

4. Pink Heart Doilies from Shop Sweet Lulu

5. XOXO Favor Bags from Shop Sweet Lulu

6. You’re Sweet Tags from Print Smitten

02/03/2015

DIY Tutorial: Custom Hand Lettered Plate Chargers

There are so many people to thank on your wedding day, it can be hard to catch them all and tell them how you feel. So how about a quick DIY that adds a bit of decor to your dinner table, becomes a keepsake, and takes care of your thank yous all in one? Here is a simple and easily customizable project that will get all of those things done for you! â€“Â Lauren

Supplies

– Plain chargers in any color (you can also use large doilies for a more budget friendly version!). I used these.

– Clear glass dinner plates

– Permanent pen or glass markerÂ in a contrasting color to your charger

Step 1. Start with your border. I drew the names of the guests first in “mock” calligraphy with my permanent pen and added in some design elements over that. Get colorful here to tie in your color palette if you’d like. This is also a great place to ask an expert or friend with writing and illustration skills to help you out. Then get them back for Step 2!

Step 2. Fill in the center of the charger with a nice note for each of your guests

Step 3. Finalize the setting with the clear glass plate to protect the note and complete your table!

You could do this for every guest â€“ or if that seems impossible with a large wedding, how about just your bridal party and family?

Photo Credits: A Fabulous Fete for Oh So Beautiful Paper

02/03/2015

Bella Figura 2015 Wedding Invitation Collection

Have you all seen the new 2015 wedding invitation collection from Bella Figura? Erica from Bella Figura was kind enough to send over a few photos from the newest collection â€“ which introduced digital printing (perfect for ombre backgrounds and floral patterns), foil stamped envelope liners, and a brand new cotton paper!

TheÂ 2015 collection from Bella Figura includes 64 new invitation designs from some of my favorite designers,Â includingÂ Courtney Jentzen ofÂ Swiss Cottage DesignsÂ andÂ Ellie Snow of Hello Tenfold, along with calligraphers like Elizabeth Hardin ofÂ Hardink CalligraphyÂ andÂ theÂ Left Handed CalligrapherÂ Nicole Black. With digital printing on the new smooth cotton paper, Bella Figura has incorporated watercolor and illustrated artwork â€“ and even photos â€“ into the collection. And of course every single design is completely customizable from font to ink and foil colors and more.

If you’d like to check out the new designs in person, Bella Figura is offering OSBP readers a coupon for three (3) free samples! Just enter the code Â loveOSBP at checkout throughÂ February 15, 2015!

Photo Credits:Â Kate IgnatowskiÂ for Bella Figura