Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! Today I’m super excited to share something that has been in the works for the past few weeks! I’ve been an avid eBay user for years, and it’s still where I find most of my props. So I was beyond thrilled when they asked me to contribute a few expert guides and curate some shopping collections! I’ll be sharing a new guide and corresponding collection (or two) each week – and my first guide is all about late summer cocktails! You can check it out right here along with my collections of super cute cocktail picks straws and stir sticks and home bar essentials! But in the meantime…

La Happy Envelope and Vintage Stamps / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photo by la Happy via Instagram

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

Check back this afternoon for this week’s cocktail recipe! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’ll see you back here on Monday! xoxo

DIY Watercolor and Crepe Paper Poppy Escort Cards

I’m holding onto summer with a death grip, can you tell? Nothing beats bright colors, even if August is coming to a close! Today’s DIY is a colorful multitasker: pretty crepe paper poppies that can serve as escort cards, centerpiece, and wedding favor all in one. A dream come true? I’ll prove it! –Rachael

DIY Paper Poppy Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Paper Poppy Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Materials / Icelandic Poppies

Materials / Geometric Escort Cards

DIY Paper Poppy Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Step 1. Create the paper poppies in an array of colors. Make sure to create an amount that reflects the number of guests you’re expecting! Place the paper poppies in bottles and arrange in rows. I just love these apothecary bottles!

Step 2. Paint a 9″ x 12″ piece of watercolor paper with watercolor paint, one color on each side. I chose teal on one side and blush on the other!

Step 3. Lightly mark six 4″ squares on the sheet of watercolor paper using a ruler and pencil. Draw a diagonal line through each square. Using a ruler and an open pair of scissors (be careful!) or a bone folder lightly score straight up the middle of each square. Cut out each 4″ square, then cut along the diagonal line to create the triangle.

Step 4. Write your guests’ names in gold ink. Fold the corner of the escort card up along the previously scored line. Write the corresponding table number on the inside flap, to be revealed as your guest unfolds! Place the escort card under a glass bottle with a crepe paper poppy – and voila!

DIY Paper Poppy Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Paper Poppy Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Watercolor and Geometric Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Watercolor and Geometric Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Watercolor and Geometric Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

DIY Paper Poppy Escort Cards / Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photo Credits: Appetite Paper for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Calligraphy Inspiration: A Fabulous Fete

The art of calligraphy typically brings to mind pointed pen or broad edge styles, but it also extends to lettering by brush… which I realized I haven’t showcased as much of, surprisingly. There’s no better time to correct that than now! Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete came to mind instantly. Lauren has a way with watercolor and brushwork that transforms a single word into a fluid, dynamic stream of tone and beauty.  – Julie

Brush Calligraphy by Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Brush Calligraphy by Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Brush Calligraphy by Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Brush Calligraphy by Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Brush Calligraphy by Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Brush Calligraphy by Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete / Oh So Beautiful Paper

To keep up with the latest from Lauren and A Fabulous Fete, follow along on Instagram and Facebook, check out her blog, or peruse her shop which includes some fantastic calligraphy cocktail stirrers.

Photo credits: 1  Odalys Mendez Photography; 2-6 left Lauren Saylor; 6 right Rustic White Photography

Party Paper: Popsicle Pool Party

August is here and there’s still time to squeeze in one last summer bash! A popsicle pool party, perhaps? They’re the perfect poolside treat and they just so happen to look darn good on garlands and wrapping paper, too. Plus, check out those watercolor inspired pops! The perfect inspiration for a “pop-tail” eh? Have I convinced you yet? Happy pool partying!  — Kelly
Popsicle Pool Party Ideas / StudioDIY for Oh So Beautiful Paper

1. Watercolor Popsicles from Paper & Stitch

2. Popsicle Card from Leif Shop

3. Popsicle Garland Kit from Paper Source

4. Popsicle Tattoos from Tattly

5. Bomb Pop Gift Wrap from Smarty Pants Paper Co.

6. Summer Party Cups from Oh Happy Day Shop

Happy (Early) Weekend!

I know, I know – it’s only Thursday! But I’ve been solo parenting this week while my husband is out of town, so I’m heading out a bit early to spend the day with my girls. We’ll have a cocktail post for you tomorrow afternoon (it’s SO good!), but in the meantime…

Mon Voir Watercolor World Map / Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photo by Mon Voir Calligraphy via Instagram

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on OSBP:

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’ll see you back here on Monday! xoxo