04/04/2013

Quick Pick: Campbell Raw Press Letterpress Broadside

Lilacs are my absolute favorite flower, and I eagerly await their arrival each spring. I’m loving this new letterpress broadside print from Maggie of Campbell Raw Press, which features a Walt Whitman poem under a two-color illustration by Maggie. Beautiful!

From Maggie: Thanks to Dead Poets Society, I always think of Walt Whitman as “Uncle Walt.” This is one of many of my favorite Whitman poems, and a perfectly appropriate harbinger of spring…which seems to finally have begun! I drew the lilacs at the “bottom of winter”, as my friend Rick calls itâ€“sometime at the end of January/beginning of February. The drawing is printed in two tones of lilac: a pale purple under printing, and a bold, pink-purple overlay. The poem is printed in a simple Garamond typeface in dark gray ink.

Learn more about this broadside here.

Photo Credits: Campbell Raw Press

04/04/2013

Ari’s Modern Lion Birth Announcements

It’s been quite a baby-filled week so far, and I’m loving all of this beautiful baby-related stationery! Next up, these fun and modern baby boy birth announcements from Stephanie of Pink Orchid Press. Stephanie worked with Ari’s mama to come up with a lion theme to help give the new baby some additional strength to keep up with his older brother, pairing the lion motif with a modern sans serif font and pops of yellow.

From Stephanie: This announcement was designed for a sweet family just before their second son was born. They decided to wait until his birth to find out the gender, so we actually worked long and hard to create two very different â€“ but equally beautiful â€“ announcement designs. Mom Amanda knew that if her little one were to be a boy, he would need to be “strong and bold” to keep up with big brother Eli, and chose a simple lion motif.

The colors chosen were equally strong and bold: curry yellow for a pop of color and chocolate brown for a solid, masculine feel. A simple sans serif font perfectly compliments the minimalist design, and both are reflected on an equally-adorable stationery set. Add a chocolate envelope liner and a perfect print of the sleepy little one (with his fists up and ready, no less) and this has become on of our favorite birth announcement projects yet.

Thanks Stephanie!

Photo Credits: Andrea Sumner Photography

04/04/2013

Emily’s Whimsical Animal-Inspired Baby Shower Invitations

These whimsical baby shower invitations are beyond adorable â€“ but I’d expect nothing less from the ladies of Wiley Valentine! Rachelle designed the invitations for a shower in honor of her business partner, Emily. Rachelle incorporated Emily’s love of animals throughout the design while also mixing in vintage-inspired elements and soft pastel colors. So pretty!

From Rachelle:Â Emily is not only my business partner of 11 years, but also one of my dearest and closest friends.Â I really wanted to capture her love for animals, her subtle “vintagey” style, and the muted color palette that is just so her. I was inspired by hand drawn fonts, old children’s books, and a small touch of whimsy.

The color palette was soft pastels: subtle aqua tones mixed with neutrals and a tiny hint of blush. The invitations were letterpress printed by Czar Press on extra thick cotton paper, with pale blush painted edges.

I had fun with the wording too, starting off with “We are Wildly Excited”, and including “it’s a girl” on a flag at the bottom of the invitation. The invitations really set the tone for the shower, where the elements of animals and the tag line “We are Wildly Excited” appeared.

Thanks Rachelle â€“ and a big congrats to Emily!!

Design:Â Wiley Valentine

Letterpress Printing: Czar Press

Wiley Valentine is a member of theÂ Designer RolodexÂ â€“ check out more of their beautiful workÂ right here!

Photo Credits:Â Wiley Valentine

*Wiley Valentine is a sponsor of Oh So Beautiful Paper

04/03/2013

Well Said Type | 11

FONT: Guapa

04/03/2013

Wedding Stationery Inspiration: Reserved Signs

Whether you’re saving Grandma’s seat, or reserving your place at the sweetheart table, reserved signs will come in handy. There’s always a few people at a wedding that deserve a special seat, and there’s no reason not to use this excuse to bring in another beautiful piece of day-of stationery! Placed on the seat, tied on chairs or standing atop a table, a little great calligraphy or sweet illustration goes a long way! â€” Kelly