09/26/2017

Behind the Stationery: Tiny Bones Press

Our next designer on Behind the Stationery is a new-to-me stationer that I discovered at NSS 2017. Megan’s delicate and minimalistic work at Tiny Bones Press caught my eye amongst the other booths with brighter hues and bold art. With a background in post and print production for fashion designers and photographers, Megan shares about her journey into the letterpress and stationery world as a solopreneur. â€”Megan Soh

From Megan: I’ve always worked within the printing world in NYC and slowly started exploring practices on my own. I learned to letterpress about five years ago and really fell in love with the process. I love writing letters and notes and started to make stationery that I wanted to use myself.

My husband and I bought a house on the north shore of Long Island. We were in Brooklyn for a decade and loved it but needed a bit more space and I really wanted to be by the water! We truly lucked out and now I have a lovely little studio that really has provided me the creative haven I was dreaming of.

In house, I offer design services and letterpress and foil stamp printing. I frequently collaborate with trusted digital printers to add that process to my designs as well. People who are drawn to my work are people who love minimal design and also who love truly love paper and print. Having a minimal aesthetic â€” the feel of the paper, the tones, the delicate foiling and letterpress all add up to make the pieces special and unique. All Tiny Bones Press stationery is printed in my studio, by me, one by one, on vintage presses.

Right now, I am a one woman team! I typically start the day with a coffee and make my daily list. Usually I get to work on emails (I try to do this outside if I can) and then spend the afternoon in the studio printing. I’m trying to get better at balancing all aspects of the business – it can be hard to juggle everything solo.

My design process is all about exploring – I’m very interested in the world around me and try to find inspiration by exposing myself to a number of different images throughout industries: from architecture to art to books and science, etc. I always make lists and keep a notebook handy and do feel that it’s important to explore things that you as a person are naturally drawn to – for me that is geometric linework and symbols. My sketches then turn into digital drawings, which then turn into plates, and then finished printed pieces – the evolution of a piece is really the most fun aspect (next to sending them off for others to enjoy).

All photos by Tiny Bones Press.

Want to be featured in the Behind the Stationery column? Reach out to Megan at megan [at] ohsobeautifulpaper [dot] com for more details.

09/26/2017

Bohemian Hot Pink Watercolor Wedding Invitations

Yes way, rosÃ©! These bohemian hot pink watercolor wedding invitations by Kacey Munson of Hoopla Love feature funky hand lettering, hot pink watercolor washes, and an abstract floral painting. So fun!

From Kacey: When Nia contacted me about creating a bold and colorful suite for her “Rustic Bohemian” October wedding, I was thrilled. It’s not every day that a bride requests hot pink watercolor washes and messy hand painted lettering for her invitations, but it’s just the kind of style that I love to work with. I started with a watercolor floral painting that I digitally edited to create an edgy abstract look and we used that as the border for her save the date.

The focal point of the floral art was shades of pinks from blush to hot pink, with some pops of more rustic tones, like ivory, grays, greens and wine tones to contrast. Paired with black painted freehand lettering and a kraft envelope, it really captured the rustic boho look.

When someone asks me to create a whole coordinating suite including a save the date, I typically start with one central design or artistic element and try to carry the look throughout the rest of the suite â€“ without being too repetitive or matchy- matchy. These invitations were designed around the abstract floral of the save the dates, and the pattern was incorporated in the RSVP postcard and wedding details card.

The pink ombrÃ© watercolor wash in the invitation card looks so crisp and striking when paired with black painted lettering â€“ it might be my favorite element of the suite. The RSVP postcard really ties the entire suite together, combining both the abstract floral design and watercolor wash in subtle, different ways on each side of the card.

I always say that invitations are so important because it gives guests an idea of the look and vibe of the celebration. Nia and Adam’s fun, colorful, edgy and unique invitations almost had me asking if I could come to the wedding, too!

Thanks Kacey!

Design: Hoopla Love

Printing: Printech

Hoopla Love is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can see more of their beautiful work right here or visit the real inviÂtaÂtions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Hoopla Love

09/21/2017

Quick Pick: Belle & Union

I’ve been going through all my summer photos and trying to decide which ones to print; my parents and in-laws are always asking for more photos of my girls, and it’s fun to display some of our favorite memories around the house. I’m loving these new vintage-inspired photo card frames from Meg at Belle & Union! After traveling abroad this past spring, Meg wanted a way to share her memories outside of her phone screen, so she created these beautiful letterpress printed die cut photo cards to share her favorite memories!

The die cut photo cards reveal a hidden message underneath the photo, which stays in place through pre-cut slits (no tape or adhesive is needed). Just slide your photo in and mail the card to its recipient! Reminiscent of vintage matted photography, these cards are meant to be kept and treasured â€“ perfect for sharing memories with family!

Also, how gorgeous is this hand-carved, maple hardwood letter opener?? It has the phrase “any way you slice it” engraved on it, which makes opening bills a little bit better and opening happy mail even happier!

In addition to the photo cards and letter opener, Belle & Union just released a brand new ceramic Windmill vase. So classic!

Lots more over at Belle & Union!

09/18/2017

Romantic Burgundy and Gold Foil Wedding Invitations

These invitations totally had me at that gorgeous floral envelope liner! These romantic burgundy and gold foil wedding invitations were designed by Lauren of Charm & Fig for a destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico. I love the way Lauren incorporated subtle nods to traditional Mexican design while maintaining the couple’s unique vibe. Those deep burgundy envelopes are absolute perfection paired with the crisp gold foil and tones of green and yellow!

From Lauren: Brooke and Don were hosting their wedding weekend in Tulum, Mexico and wanted their invitations to be sophisticated, romantic, and bohemian, with hints of traditional Mexican design. I’ve found that couples often struggle with how to make their destination wedding invitations not overly contrived or thematic, so we avoided “festival colors” and found inspiration in nature for our lush color scheme.

For the invitation, we created a full gold foil printed suite on Crane’s Lettra double-thick 100% cotton paper, using minimalist typography and romantic scripts to set a loose, but luxe tone. To add an organic touch, I hand-illustrated a mini floral wreath to frame their monogram and used it throughout the design of the suite.

For a dramatic first impression, we selected deep burgundy envelopes that were hand addressed in gold ink by artist Jaymie Eaton. I still canâ€™t get over how precise her brush lettering is for the guest addresses! The return address and floral illustration was foil printed in gold on the back, and our vintage stamps showcased beautifully in high-contrast against the dark envelope.

The laser printed postcard and envelope liner was a great opportunity to inject color and lush tropical botanicals into the suite. We found a John James Audubon print with rich tones that served as a color source for the yellow Welcome Party Card and tropical green Details card. On each of these pieces, we incorporated graphic details inspired by Mexican folk embroidery with delicate lines of diamond â€œstitchingâ€ and tiny decorative designs to highlight important text.

The entire suite was wrapped up with a thin, olive green belly band that was laser-printed in charcoal with our hand-illustrated florals. The end result was full of color but true to the sophisticated palette that was inspired by the lush tropics of Central America.

Thanks Lauren!

Design: Charm & Fig
Gold Foil Printing: Gold Leaf Embossing
Laser-Printing: Crest Printing Company
Address Lettering: Jaymie Eaton Lettering

Charm & Fig is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can see more of their beautiful work right here or visit the real inviÂtaÂtions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Charm & Fig

09/14/2017

Calligraphy Inspiration: Nikki Ornopia

Hello everyone! September feels even more like a happy beginning and a new rhythm now that I’m a mama to school-age kiddos. So I thought I’d start here with this pretty print by a favorite calligrapher who’s new to the scene â€” and full of fresh inspiration. Here’s a peek into the work of Los Angeles-based calligrapher Nikki Ornopia. – Jen

Nikki is a self-taught calligrapher and she’s also ambidextrous! So all the work she’s shared here was done with her right hand, yet she’s a true lefty. How amazing is that! Nikki said, “I found in the beginning how difficult it was to letter with my left hand. I wanted to control the brush. I then thought, hey Iâ€™ve written with my right hand before letâ€™s try that! The rest was history. Using my right hand for lettering allowed me the freedom of being more relaxed when I letter, and I noticed the letters were coming out SO much better.”

I love how Nikki incorporates watercolor into her calligraphy! Those watercolor garlands above are so sweet and these place cards have such a dreamy vibe to them. Nikki shares that her lettering style mixes simple and modern bouncy cursive and handwritten letters.

Look at how adorable these baby milestone cards are that Nikki created! So fun and unique.

Here’s a peek at Nikki’s favorite project that she’s worked on so far â€” a first day of school sign! This canvas piece was done for a kiddo who had just begun kindergarten. Nikki shares, “It took about 3 hours to finish with waiting for the watercolor to dry in between, but it was just an overall amazing project.” What a sweet keepsake!

Nikki works on traditional wedding calligraphy projects, too. (Of course!) I’m always a fan of the white lettering on brown paper look.

What are her favorite calligraphy tools? Nikki shares: “My main tools that I use are fine tip brushes. I also love using fine tip brushes for painting leaves. I love the precision details I can create with those types of brushes.”

Many thanks to Nikki for sharing her work with us! I hope your September is off to a happy start!

Photo Credits: Nikki Ornopia