{happy weekend!}

So I have big news: we finally bought a house! You may remember that we’ve been hunting since early December, and after a few unsuccessful offers we’re finally under contract on a cute little rowhouse – we move in just a couple of weeks! We’re just a wee bit stressed out trying to make arrangements for the move and some minor house repairs that need to be done after we close, and of course pack up our entire apartment (ugh), so if things seem kind of erratic for the next few weeks I hope you’ll bear with me! But even with the stress of a move, I can’t wait to start making our new house our own, starting with a fresh coat of paint in every single room. Yay! But in the meantime…

Southern Cottage from Southern Living via Oh So Beautiful Paper

This is NOT our house (I wish!). Photo via Southern Living

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

We have a fun cocktail coming up for you this afternoon, so check back a bit later for the recipe!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!  xoxo

Lucy + John’s Romantic Floral Wedding Invitations

After Mother Nature dumped a few buckets of rain and snow down on us yesterday, I’m definitely craving signs of spring – and that means anything floral! These wedding invitations by Kate of Blue & Theory were inspired by one of spring’s most delicate flowers: Lily of the Valley. Kate created a floral border for the invitations and the rsvp card, with a muted Earth tone color palette for the entire invitation suite.

Romantic Floral Wedding Invitations by Blue & Theory via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1)

From Kate: These invitations were inspired by a feeling of vintage romance combined with delicate Lily of the Valley. During the creation of this set, I found it very important to strike a strong balance between whimsical and traditional. I wanted to create floral illustrations that that represented the romantic and intimate feel of the upcoming wedding, while anchoring the invite with traditional and structured type.

Romantic Floral Wedding Invitations by Blue & Theory via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3)

Romantic Floral Wedding Invitations by Blue & Theory via Oh So Beautiful Paper (7)

For the color palette, Lucy and John wanted to stay on theme with Lily of the Valley with muted earth tones. It was important for the illustrations to be very pronounced without the use of bright, bold colors. For the envelopes, rather than have the addresses printed, I had a custom stamp made of the floral illustrations, as well as the return address, to enhance the personal feel and look of the invitations. Inspired by old love letters and packages sent in a time before email, I chose kraft colored envelopes as well as baker string to enhance that old-fashioned-love-letter feel.

Romantic Floral Wedding Invitations by Blue & Theory via Oh So Beautiful Paper (6)

Romantic Floral Wedding Invitations by Blue & Theory via Oh So Beautiful Paper (2)

Thanks Kate!

Check out the Designer Rolodex for more tal­ented wed­ding invi­ta­tion design­ers and the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Blue & Theory

Stationery A – Z: Apology Cards

Let’s face it, we all make mistakes. Hopefully one of these well-designed cards (along with a heartfelt apology written on the inside) will make it a bit easier to smooth any ruffled feathers and make amends.  — Tashia

Apology Card Round Up via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1)

Richie Design

Apology Card Round Up via Oh So Beautiful Paper (2)

Wild Ink Press

Apology Cards via Oh So Beautiful Paper (5) Apology Cards via Oh So Beautiful Paper (6)

Cleanwash (left); Blackbird Letterpress (right)

Apology Card Round Up via Oh So Beautiful Paper (4)

Ink Meets Paper

Apology Card Round Up via Oh So Beautiful Paper (5)

Farewell Paperie

Apology Cards via Oh So Beautiful Paper (7) Apology Cards via Oh So Beautiful Paper (8)

Sycamore Street Press

i'm sorry. letterpress definition card by Sapling Press

Sapling Press

Apology Card Round Up via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3)

Kristen Henderson Calligraphy

I'm Sorry greeting card by Smock Press SORRY by Two Trick Pony

Smock (left); and Two Trick Pony (right)

Apology Card - Butt by Wit and Whistle

Wit and Whistle

Apology Cards via Oh So Beautiful Paper (4)

Echo Letterpress

{images via their respective sources}

p.s. Lots more apology cards (along with sympathy and encouragement cards) right here!