{happy weekend!}

Well, it was bound to happen… we caught our first family cold this week. Sophie and I were first to come down with it on Monday, followed quickly by my husband on Tuesday, and I’m hoping we’re now at the tail end of it. Boo colds! We’re all feeling pretty run down, so this weekend we’ll be trying to rest up (and recover) as much as possible. But in the meantime…

Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC by Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photo by me (via Instagram) of last year’s cherry blossoms

…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

Sneak Peek: Martha Stewart Spring 2013 Issue!

As you could probably tell from yesterday’s cherry blossom post, I’m kind of anxious for spring to arrive. And now I have another reason to look forward to spring – the new issue of Martha Stewart Weddings is about to hit! It just so happens that the spring issue is my favorite of the year: the Color Issue!

Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2013 Sneak Peek via Oh So Beautiful Paper (6)

The Spring issue has tons of color combinations, ideas, and stories to get you thinking about what kind of wedding to plan. And of course there is tons of stationery inspiration throughout the magazine. You’ll definitely want to check out the full issue (also available to download on your iPad) to see the beautiful suites below for yourself!

Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2013 Sneak Peek via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1) Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2013 Sneak Peek via Oh So Beautiful Paper (2)

Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2013 Sneak Peek via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3) Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2013 Sneak Peek via Oh So Beautiful Paper (5)

The issue includes everything from a delicately engraved invitation by Smythson to a simple suite from Minted, stationery that perfectly combines the elegant calligraphy of Bernard Maisner and the custom heraldry of Happy Menocal, a vibrant watercolored set by Julie Song Ink, calligraphed escort cards by Nancy Hopkins, a pastel pink letterpress suite by Two Paper Dolls, and a punchy suite from Cheree Berry. Plus plenty of downloadable clip art so you can put your own spin on things.

Keep an eye out for the new issue soon!

Cover Photo Credit: Patricia Heal/Martha Stewart Weddings, Spring 2013.

DIY Tutorial: Fig & Gold Calligraphy Save the Date

A few years ago, we participated in a gorgeous vintage plum & gold inspiration shoot. Besides contributing our Gold Leaf Collection place settings to the shoot, we were also asked to provide a calligraphy menu and all of the place cards for the table. To this day, we still inquiries for save the dates or invitations that reference the menu from that shoot because the combination of the fig paper with gold calligraphy is so incredibly striking. – Bailey and Emma of Antiquaria

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

By embossing these stamps with gold powder it really creates a high end, custom looking save the date!

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Step One: Place your A2 card on a stable and firm surface. Ink your save the date stamp (we used our Calligraphy Save the Date, No.2 stamp) and center the stamp over your card. When ready, press the stamp down with moderate pressure to make the print. Lift the stamp off and quickly move on to step number two. For more information about inking your stamp or making prints, please watch this video that shows the process in more detail.

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Step Two: Once you’ve made your print, immediately cover it with embossing powder by sprinkling it across the paper. Shift the powder around until you have covered the entire image. Now, you will pour the excess powder off of the card onto a scrap piece of paper so that you can reuse it for future prints. Heat set the print, using an Embossing Heat Tool. You will be able to see the powder melt into a smooth and shiny gold when it’s done.

Note: One key thing about embossing is that it is wise to try to closely match your ink color with your powder color. By doing this, you will get much more crisp and opaque results. Since we are wanting a lovely and shiny gold print, we used both a gold stamp pad and gold embossing powder.

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Step Three: You will now just repeat this inking and embossing process for your remaining pieces (we used our Floral Calligraphy Return Address stamp and our Floral Calligraphy Accommodations stamp) that will coordinate with your save the date. For the accommodations card, you will use a standard business sized card.

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Step Four: To add a little extra personality to the suite, we added an envelope liner made from some awesome kraft and gold polka dot gift wrapping paper. It really helps tie the whole thing together! Trace the template onto your paper and cut it out with scissors. To install, simply use stick glue or double sided tape to adhere them into your envelope.

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Tutorial: Fig + Gold Calligraphy Save the Dates by Antiquaria via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Finally, address the invitations, add postage, and send them off to delight your guests! You can also accent the suite with sparkly gold washi tape if you like!

Materials:

Calligraphy Save the Date Stamp, No.2

Floral Calligraphy Return Address Stamp

Floral Calligraphy Accommodations Card

Stamp Pad

Embossing Powder

Heat Gun

A2 Cards in Fig

A2 Envelopes in Antique Gold

Business Cards for the Accommodations piece, in Antique Gold

Gift Wrap to be used as an envelope liner, ours was purchased locally from Urbanic

Envelope liner templates

Pencil

Scissors

Glitter Washi Tape

Photo Credits: Antiquaria

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

I am constantly amazed by how many talented calligraphers I come across. Especially when it comes to more traditional, intricate lettering. Take the work of Moya Minns of MM Ink for example. She studied under Chief White House Calligrapher and Master Penman, Pat Blair (Ooh!); as well as with the legendary Sheila Waters. (Ahh!) Moya is also a member of IAMPETH, and has had her work featured in Martha Stewart Weddings and Southern Weddings Magazine. I am now aspiring to write just one word as beautifully as Moya does one day. – Julie

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

Romantic and lively, wouldn’t you agree? Moya’s calligraphy is class all the way; the perfect finishing touch to your invitation suite.

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

MM Ink wedding invitation calligraphy

After looking through Moya’s work, you’ll no doubt have to pick your jaw off the floor. Who needs additional ornamentation with calligraphy this stunning?

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

You’ll be happy to hear that MM Ink provides many calligraphy styles to choose from. With so many options, I’m sure you can find something that will perfectly compliment your event. Don’t forget to keep up with Moya on her blog! It’s filled with some lovely sneak peeks at her work.

Photo credits: 1, 3 left: Tanja Lippert Photography, right: Sanderson Images; 2, 4-5 Claudia Lopez Photography; 6 left: Amelia Johnson Photography, right: A Bryan Photo