Calligraphy Inspiration: Papermade Design

It’s really quite wonderful to see how a project comes together when the design, illustration, and calligraphy are executed by the same person. In this case, Elaine Chou of Papermade Design is that person. Incorporating hand-drawn illustrations and hand-written calligraphy, Papermade’s wedding and event stationery has such a handmade and rustic charm. (Elaine chose the name Papermade as a derivative of “handmade” for that very reason.) As elements are completely customized, Papermade can tailor-make correspondence to suit your personal style! – Julie

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Looking through her body of work, I’m amazed at how each project has its own distinct personality. Printed on luxe cotton paper, clients can choose from modern flat printing or traditional letterpress.

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Never one to overlook the details, Elaine takes every opportunity to make each event special with hand-lettered matchboxes and paper fans. Be sure to check out Elaine’s matchbox tutorial here for a little DIY fun!

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Elaine’s hand-drawn illustrations are in perfect harmony with her calligraphy, adding an air of homespun elegance to her designs.

Papermade Design via Oh So Beautiful Paper

To stay up to date with sneak peeks at new projects, be sure to follow Papermade‘s blog, Twitter, and Facebook page.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 5 Erin J Saldana Photography;  3, 4, 6, 7 Christine Hahn

Noemi + BJ’s Hand Lettered Kraft Paper Wedding Invitations

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a relaxing holiday and fun New Year’s Eve! It was great to unplug and hang out with family for a few days, but I’m excited to be back and ready to tackle 2013 – starting with these fun hand lettered wedding invitations from J at Grey Snail Press! Created for a wedding in Colorado, J incorporated illustrations of mountains and pine trees along with her unique hand lettering.

Hand Lettered Kraft Paper Wedding Invitations by Grey Snail Press via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3)

From J Grey: After getting engaged in Yellowstone National Park, this delightful couple wanted an original, rustic invitation suite to go with their Colorado nuptials. Noemi and B.J. chose to exchange vows in a refurbished 1920s barn at Crooked Willow Farms, complete with a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. We decided on an invitation suite with elements of mountains and pine trees, reminiscent of their Colorado venue and home, and a playful mix of script and print hand-lettering.

Hand Lettered Kraft Paper Wedding Invitations by Grey Snail Press via Oh So Beautiful Paper (5)

The couples’ color palette of cream, tobacco brown, and midnight blue was incorporated into the invitations. After original illustration and hand-lettering for each piece was complete, invitation suites were printed digitally in a dark brown ink. The actual invitation was printed on textured Kraft card stock, while the RSVP card was printed on a coordinating speckled cream card stock, and neatly tucked into a 4-bar navy envelope.

Hand Lettered Kraft Paper Wedding Invitations by Grey Snail Press via Oh So Beautiful Paper (4)

They planned to have an old-fashioned crescent moon for the backdrop of their photo booth at the reception, so we included a white crescent moon, individually drawn by hand, on the back flap of each tobacco brown outer envelope.  The crescent moon was also incorporated into the actual invitation, in the primitive ink landscape of the pines and Rocky Mountains.

Hand Lettered Kraft Paper Wedding Invitations by Grey Snail Press via Oh So Beautiful Paper (2)

Thanks J Grey!

Grey Snail Press 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: Grey Snail Press

Best of 2012: Metallic Wedding Invitations

The metallic trend has been going strong for a couple of years now, and if anything it was an even bigger trend in 2012! Metallics from silver to copper were everywhere at the 2012 National Stationery Show, where designers incorporated metallic foil in everything from greeting cards to wedding invitations. I’m particularly fond of gold foil, so today I thought I’d round up a few of my favorite gold wedding invitations from 2012!

Kate + Deni’s Navy and Gold Calligraphy Wedding Invitations

Amy + Kenn’s Ombre and Gold Foil Nautical Wedding Invitations

Megan + Mike’s Whimsical Pink and Gold Confetti Wedding Invitations

Anjali + Suchit’s Purple and Gold Foil Hindu Wedding Invitations

p.s. Lots of ideas for incorporating silver and gold into your wedding stationery right here!

Photo Credits (from top to bottom): Plurabelle Calligraphy, Carina Skrobecki Design, Coral Pheasant, Rashi Birla

Best of 2012: Beth + Michael’s Chevron Stripe Save the Dates

These gorgeous save the dates were one of my earliest features in 2012 (January 4 to be exact!), but they’ve been a favorite all year long. Created by Sarah at August Blume and featuring beautiful lettering from Feast Calligraphy, I love the mix of the modern chevron stripe with the playful fold-out layout and Mississippi-shaped peek-a-boo window. Too cute!

Calligraphy + Chevron Stripe Save the Dates by August Blume via Oh So Beautiful Paper (2)

Calligraphy + Chevron Stripe Save the Dates by August Blume via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1)

Check out the full post on Beth + Michael’s save the dates right here!

heck out the Designer Rolodex for more tal­ented wed­ding invi­ta­tion design­ers and the save the date gallery for more beau­ti­ful cus­tom save the dates!

Photo Credits: August Blume

Best of 2012: Silhouette + Bow Tie Birthday Party Invitations

I’m already looking forward to Sophie’s first birthday party, if for no other reason than the opportunity for seriously cute party invitations! When designer Emily Ley celebrated her son’s first birthday she turned to her friend Amber from Pitbulls and Posies to create these incredibly adorable silhouette and bow tie invitations. Isn’t that just the best combination for a little boy?

Birthday Party Invitations by Emily Ley via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Baby Boy First Birthday Party Invitations by Emily Ley and Pitbulls and Posies via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Check out the full post right here!

Photo Credits: Emily Ley