01/29/2013

NYIGF Winter 2013, Part 1

Okay! Today we’re jumping into coverage from the Winter 2013 New York International Gift Fair, and there’s a LOT to see from this show. I skipped the Summer 2012 show since I was at the very end of my pregnancy, so I had a lot of catching up to do at this show. I can’t wait to show you all of my favorites! First up, the absolutely packed Crow & Canary booth, which was representing several fantastic stationery lines like Dear Hancock, Sapling Press, and Smock. I was really impressed with one of the newest additions, Ashkahn, which had a bunch of sweet cards printed in fun bright colors and gold foil. So much to see!

Smock

Pie Bird Press (left) and Gold Teeth Brooklyn (right)

Dear Hancock

The Great Lakes

Ghost Academy (left) and Red Cap Cards (right)

Sapling Press

Ashkahn

Crow & Canary

Ebony from Snow & Graham always has the most amazing and creative displays. Just look at that fantastic map using Snow & Graham gift wrap sheets! I adore all of those beautiful floral patterns.

Snow & Graham

The team from Rifle Paper Co. has been very busy over the last few months, debuting a bunch of new items at this show â€“ from new cards and calendars to beautiful tin recipe boxes to iPhone cases! Anna even made sure to create a version of the iPhone case with an extra thick rubber border for those of us prone to dropping our phones.

Rifle Paper Co.

Check back soon for more from the show!

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper

01/28/2013

Katie + Matt’s Classic Southern Wedding Invitations

Happy Monday everyone! Today I’m hanging out at the New York International Gift Fair, and I can’t wait to share some of my favorite finds from the show later this week! But in the meantime, designer Kristen SmithÂ sent over these classic invitations that she designed for a Southern wedding. I’m loving all the vibrant pops of red â€“ such a great touch!

From Kristen:Â Katie is an art teacher and Matt is an industrial designer, and when it came to the invitations they wanted something elegant and classic with a few modern touches. We first set to work creating a custom monogram (since the bride and groom have last names that begin with the same initial), which could be used on everything from invitations to favor tags. The monogram was one of my favorite parts!

The RSVPs were done as postcards and pre-stamped so attendees could simply return them in the mail. On the front of the RSVP was a “Marriage Advice” madlib for guests to fill out and return as well. At the reception they were hung in a tree near the tent for everyone to see!

The invitations were letterpress printed while the other flat pieces were printed digitally. All three were then edge painted in a beautiful red to match the red liners chosen for the envelopes. The belly band that held everything together featured a gate on the front with wreaths containing their initials. On the wedding day, similar wreaths were hung with moss initials for both Katie and Matt.

The programs were done to match the invitations with the monogram and names prominently featured on the front. On the inside we used the same red from the liners and edging to make the pages stand out a little more. The inside featured information and historical tidbits about the venue as well as the history for all of the important items incorporated during the wedding ceremony. The programs were punched and tied with bakers twine as well.

Thanks Kristen!

Design:Â Kristen Smith

Printing:Â Sase Ink in Charleston, SC

Edge Painting:Â Moglea

Calligraphy:Â Diane Rember ofÂ CalligraphyÂ Expressions

Check out theÂ Designer RolodexÂ for more talÂentedÂ wedÂding inviÂtaÂtion designÂersÂ andÂ theÂ real inviÂtaÂtions galleryÂ for moreÂ wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Kristen Smith

01/25/2013

{happy weekend!}

I’m beginning to suspect that I’m coming down with a case of the winter blues, which definitely isn’t helped by the lack of progress in our house hunt. So I’m actually really excited to break up our routine this weekend â€“ we’re heading to New York City for a few days! My husband and Sophie are coming along, so I’ll be attending the New York International Gift Fair and serving as a judge for the Louie Awards during the day and then meeting back up with them later in the afternoon. We’re taking the train (my favorite way to travel from DC to NYC), so right now I’m trying to figure out how on earth I’m going to fit all of our clothes and baby gear into a reasonable amount of luggage. Next week I’ll report back with some of my favorites from NYIGF! But in the meantime…

You’re My Favorite card byÂ Tabletop Made

…a few links for your weekend!

A handmade Valentine’s Day card swap!
This paper scroll wall is ah-mazing
I’m loving these earrings
Pretty graphic tote bags
Are any of you going to the Martha Stewart Wedding Party this Sunday in NYC?

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

More awesome Valentine’s Day cards
Cute pink + gold foil wedding invitations (with a sweet heart-shaped rsvp card!)
A fun polka dot + watercolor DIY tutorial
Art Deco-inspired invitations for a 40th wedding anniversary party
Well Said Type: Trend Sans
Incorporate animal motifs into your wedding stationery
Quick pick: Ink Meets Paper
Don’t forget! Today is the last day to enter the calligraphy address stamp giveaway from Kathryn Murray Calligraphy!
Thank you to everyone who filled out the reader survey! It’s still open here if you have a moment!

That’s it for me this week! I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday! xoxo

01/25/2013

Pretty + Paper

Champagne flutes: Erin Hearts Court via 100 Layer Cake; Invitations by Sugar Paper

Sugar Paper is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can check out more of their fabulous work right here!

Photo Credits:Â Erin Hearts CourtÂ and Sugar Paper

01/24/2013

DIY Tutorial: Pink Polka Dot Watercolor Save the Date

With Valentine’s Day speedily approaching, we’ve got definitely got Â love on the brain. Today’s save the date DIY tutorial is a great example of pattern mixing in stationery â€“ and of course includes a ton of pink! This look is super easy to achieve, and the colorful design will help set the tone for a fun nuptial bash!Â Â â€“Â Bailey and Emma of Antiquaria

Step One: Lay a 5 1/2″ square notecard down on a firm, clean work surface. Ink your stamp (we used our Vintage Calligraphy Save the Date stamp) and center it over the square card. When ready, press the stamp down on the card, using moderate pressure (too much can give a muddy image). Lift stamp off and set aside to let the print dry. For more details on how to ink and print the stamp please visit hereÂ (see step 1).

Step Two: Once you’ve made all of your prints and they are dry, you will move on to the watercoloring. With a pastel pink watercolor, paint dots in vertical rows from left to right (if right handed or right to left if left handed). Be cautious not to use too much water as it may run or warp the paper.

Step Three: Using envelope liner templates, cut liners out of a fun pattern. Simply use stick glue or double sided tape to install the liners into the envelopes (adhere around the top triangle).

Step Four: Lastly, you’ll want to stamp your return address (we used our Calligraphy Ampersand Return Address stamp) on the back flap of the envelope. We’ve been loving the tonal look lately (gold on gold, pink on pink…etc.) so that what we’ve chosen here with this design. Now all you have to do is address them, add postage, and send them on their merry way!

Materials:

Vintage Calligraphy Save the Date Stamp

Calligraphy Ampersand Return Address Stamp

Stamp Pad

5 1/2″ square cards

Watercolors, paintbrush, and water jar

5 3/4″ square envelopes

Liner Paper – custom watercolor floral pattern from Antiquaria Design Studio

Liner Templates

AntiÂquaria is a memÂber of theÂ Designer RolodexÂ â€“ you can see more of their beauÂtiÂful workÂ right hereÂ or visit the real wedding invitations gallery for moreÂ wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Antiquaria