2015 Gift Guide: For Designers, Calligraphers, and Artists

I’m back with another gift guide, this time with gift ideas for designers, calligraphers, and artists! I started doing this guide a couple of years ago, after a very sweet husband sent an email asking for gift ideas for his wife. This year I turned to a few friends for input, including Katie from The Good Twin, Jenna from Mon Voir, Bailey from Antiquaria Design, Rose from The Great Lakes Goods, and Katie from Idlewild Co. I absolutely love their gift suggestions!

2015 Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Artists, Calligraphers, and Designers / Oh So Beautiful Paper

1. Colorful baskets to organize the studio. The pom pom baskets from Eliza Gran are my all-time favorites!

2. A pretty sketchbook or a cute notebook is always an excellent gift idea for artists and calligraphers.

3. Calligraphy Starter Kits. There are so many great kits on the market right now – and you can find a full list of the available options here! This starter kit from Maybelle Imasa also comes with a beautiful botanical tote bag, and this booklet from Mon Voir is a great overall introduction to calligraphy.

4 + 5. Calligraphy tools and supplies. This FineTec gold palette is a wonderful gift for established calligraphers, or even serious amateur calligraphers – and it includes rose gold! This Slider Writer is the perfect tool for creating even lines on dark surfaces, and a light box is a must for writing on light surfaces. Or consider gifting a set of Copperplate practice pads, along with this nib sampler set.

6. Beautiful porcelain palette bowls for mixing paint and ink colors.

7. A powerful lightweight light box perfect for illustrators. Also, it’s definitely pricey, but a Wacom Cintiq would be an amazing gift for any illustrator.

8. A Windsor & Newton Cotman watercolor set for painters and illustrators.

9 + 10. Pens and Pencils! Artists never have enough pens and pencils. Both the functional variety – like graphite drawing pencils, Micron pens, and colorful thin line gel pens – and the cute variety. I love the new Rifle Paper Co. pencil sets and these pencils from Betsywhite Stationery for some inspiration around the office, and this pencil set includes fun design puns and inside jokes for the design community. These water brush pens can be used with watercolor and gouache paints (so handy!), and Katie from The Good Twin recommended this Tombow dual brush pen set as a must have for any artist.

11. A lightweight tabletop easel for sketching and painting on the go.

12. The Interaction of Color by Josef Albers. A classic must-read for any artist.

13 + 14. Brass desk accessories to help corral paperwork and display favorite projects or keepsakes, including brass clips from HAY via Nannie Inez and Yield Design Co.’s geo brass stand set.

15. The custom calligraphy pens from Ashley Bush and Yoke Pen Co. are GORGEOUS and would make the most wonderful gift! Bailey from Antiquaria Design also recommended this leather desk blotter.

A couple additional ideas:

Consider gifting workshops and classes, like the Modern Calligraphy Summit, Melissa Esplin’s online calligraphy class, Molly Jacques Workshop, Mon Voir’s online watercolor class, or any other calligraphy, printing, or other artist classes and workshops in your local area.

Magazine subscriptions make wonderful gifts! I love to gift artist and entrepreneur friends with subscriptions to trade magazines in their area of interest – like Stationery Trends, which is an absolute must for anyone in the stationery industry. Rose from The Great Lakes Goods recommended a few magazines for general inspiration, including Gather Journal, The Plant, and The Desert Oracle.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

Happy Monday everyone! Today I’m SUPER excited to share something completely brand new for OSBP: limited edition art prints! I’ve been wanting to do this for so long (like years and years), but finally had a spark of inspiration after the Paper Party that I hosted back in May. Our first print is a recreation of the gorgeous floral and calligraphy art print that Jenna of Mon Voir made for the gallery wall at the Paper Party. I loved (and still love) that print so much that I wanted to make it available to all of you, too.

The Earth Laughs in Flowers Calligraphy Art Print / Mon Voir Co. + Oh So Beautiful Paper

So our very first art print: The Earth Laughs in Flowers! It features the most amazingly vibrant pink and red watercolor florals and deep green leaves. The watercolor floral elements were all hand painted by Jenna, then digitally printed in beautiful saturated color on archival smooth cotton paper with a calligraphed Ralph Waldo Emerson quote printed in matte gold foil. I’m completely obsessed with matte gold foil – it’s just the perfect amount of shine!

The Earth Laughs in Flowers Calligraphy Art Print / Mon Voir Co. + Oh So Beautiful Paper

The Earth Laughs in Flowers Calligraphy Art Print / Mon Voir Co. + Oh So Beautiful Paper

The print measures 11″ x 14″ – which is my favorite size for art prints. It’s big enough to look substantial and make a huge visual impact on your wall without costing an arm and a leg to frame. I’m kind of addicted to gorgeous art prints and can never have enough beautiful art to fill my home, so I can’t wait to do more of these limited edition collaborations with some of my favorite talented artists, calligraphers, and illustrators in the future!

The Earth Laughs in Flowers Calligraphy Art Print / Mon Voir Co. + Oh So Beautiful Paper

The Earth Laughs in Flowers Calligraphy Art Print / Mon Voir Co. + Oh So Beautiful Paper

The Earth Laughs in Flowers Calligraphy Art Print / Mon Voir Co. + Oh So Beautiful Paper

We printed a limited edition run of 100 hand numbered prints – and once they’re gone, they’re gone! You can grab the limited edition print right here!

Oakland City Guide

Thank you for letting me be apart of your week this week! I absolutely loved being here. Before I leave you, I wanted to take some time to introduce you the town that I call home – the sunny side of the Bay: Oakland, California. Oakland always seems to get a bad rap in the news, but it is also home to a ton of incredible, often overlooked treasures that make it a truly beautiful city. These are a few of my favorite places around the city to eat, drink, and play. –Kim from Bright Room Studio

Oakland City Guide by Bright Room Studio / Oh So Beautiful Paper

And while these are a few favorite spots that I like to visit, there are hundreds (thousands?) I left off the list! 

EAT: 

Oakland is  a hot spot for amazing food.
1. Cholita Linda: I love tacos, especially fish tacos, and these are my favorite. The tacos are served in an awesome casual space with bright colors and cool, Mexican antiques.
2. Toast: A great place to grab a glass of wine (see below!) but I really love their food too. They make a fantastic white bean spread, amazing meatballs and a flourless chocolate cake that is to die for.
3. Geta Sushi: A total hole in the wall of a space, but the sushi is awesome and super reasonable.
4. Boot and Shoe Service: One of many great places for some gourmet pizza. The others are all good too 🙂
5. Mua: A huge warehouse space with bumping music and crazy art…and awesome food. The cheese-less Mac and Cheese is insane. 

DRINK:

1. Toast: Like I mentioned, the food is great, but is also a fantastic place to have a glass of rosé on a warm afternoon or pinot on a cool evening. They have a dog-friendly patio with umbrellas for warm days and heaters and blankets for cooler ones.
2. Bica Coffee: My personal favorite coffee shop. Perfectly hipster and the lattes are divine.
3. Blue Bottle Coffee: Their production facility is in Oakland, which is cool to see, plus their coffee is delish. I’m looking forward to doing a tasting or tour here sometime soon.
4. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon: Also known as “Jack London’s Rendezvous,” this place is full of history. Right on the water with a beautiful view of the boats of Jack London Square, this use to be the first and last place to get a drink before going to dry Alameda. The inside is amazing, with a crazy slanted floor thanks for the 1906 earthquake and gas lighting. Check it out for the history, have a beer and enjoy the view.

PLAY:

1. College and Piedmont Avenue Shopping: There are tons of adorable shops on these two streets where you’ll find perfect gifts, decor, and things you didn’t know you needed. I love Nathan and Co., Maison d’Etra, Bella Vita, Atomic Garden and Neighbor, among others.
2. Lake Merritt: An icon of Oakland and a great place to walk your dog, people watch, or even take a gondola ride!
3. Jack London Square: One of my favorite place to go on a nice day. There are tons of food and drink options, almost all of which are dog friendly. They also have tons of great craft fairs and famers markets throughout the year.
4. Knowland Park: A new discovery, this park has incredible views of Oakland and all the way out to San Francisco. Another great place for a hike with the pup.

These spots aren’t technically in Oakland, but thanks to Oakland’s central location in the Bay Area, we get to take advantage of the beautiful surrounding areas too.
1. Point Isabel Dog Park: Actually in Richmond, but a spectacular dog park with miles of off leash space, an adorable cafe, and sweeping city views.
2. Alameda Antique Faire: Fantastic and HUGE antique faire that takes place the first Sunday of each month. You’re guaranteed to find something awesome.
3. Pippa and Co.: The cutest party supply shop you ever did see. Oh, and (shameless plug!) I teach watercolor classes there.

Fresh Cut Paper Flowers: Feathers!

Hustling this November? I feel you, friend. It seems I blinked and mashed potatoes, turkey, and gravy are already threatening my near future. So instead of creating our usual paper flowers this month, I’m sharing a fun DIY tutorial for a crepe paper feather Thanksgiving centerpiece using fresh fall colors and breezy blues. Enjoy!  –Rachael

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Materials

Bright White Crepe Paper

16 G Floral Wire

Watercolor Paint + Paint Brush

Hot Glue Gun + Glue Sticks

Scissors

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

To Create the Crepe Paper Feathers

Step 1. Cut a piece of Bright White Crepe Paper 10″ high by 12″ wide. Make sure the paper grain is running vertically. Stretch the crepe paper grain like an accordion, making the surface a little bit smoother to begin painting!

Step 2. Get messy and watercolor the entire surface of your white crepe paper. Let dry.

Step 3. Cut strips from your dry crepe paper approximately 5″ wide. The paper grain should be running vertically. Fold the 5″ strips in half vertically. Add a small amount of hot glue on the inside center of the paper, place your floral wire, and press shut.

Step 4. Using scissors, taper the top and bottom of your paper strip to create a feather shape. Add finishing touches by fringing the paper feather at a downward diagonal. The wire will act as your guide to keep things nice and center. For an extra fancy glimmer of metallic, use liquid gold leaf.

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Thanksgiving Crepe Paper Feather Centerpiece / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

 

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details

Fall weddings are my favorite. I love the rich color palettes and warm details inspired by the cool and crisp weather. Here are some simple ways to incorporate the season into your wedding. – Annie

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Create a drink station with hot apple cider, fall florals, and bold signage. | Photography: Aster & Olive Photography via The Knot

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Use apples with paper leaves as escort cards. | Photography: Cassi Claire Photography via The Knot

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Use birch wood to create unique place settings. | Source: HGTV

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Bottle homemade apple cider and add personalized tags for favors. | Photography: This Sweet Love Photography via Weddings In Winnipeg

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Create napkin ties by wrapping tree trimmings and cinnamon sticks with twine. | Source: Vintage House

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Add floral bundles and watercolor place cards to each plate. | Photography: Brittany Wood, Florals: Moon Canyon via designlovefest

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Add a copper wax seal to escort cards for a timeless touch. | Photography: Sylvie Gil, Invitation Suite: Little Miss Press via Style Me Pretty

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Display menus and other signs in metallic hoops adorned with florals. | Photography: Elisa Bricker, Paper Suite: Southall Eden via 100 Layer Cake

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Use deep, rich colors for the florals while keeping the paper goods more neutral (but still beautiful). | Photography: Danielle Poff Photography, Paper Goods: Little Miss Press via Green Wedding Shoes

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Fall Wedding Details / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Add pomegranates, greenery, and black food label cards with gold calligraphy to the dessert table. | Photography: Taylor Lord, Design, Florals, & Stationery: The Nouveau Romantics, Calligraphy: Crown and Clover via Green Wedding Shoes

What time of year is your favorite for weddings?