{happy weekend!}

Happy Friday everyone!  If you follow me on Instagram, you probably already know that my husband and I found an adorable stray kitten in our neighborhood on Tuesday evening.  DC has a huge population of stray and feral cats and it’s pretty common for us to come across homeless cats in our neighborhood, but this poor little girl was crying out for some love and attention.  She’s probably about six months old and weighs only 5.5 lbs – and she’s the sweetest little thing.  We’ve been busy this week getting her checked out and trying to get her back to health, but we’re hoping to find a good forever home for her here in the DC/VA/MD area in the next few weeks.  But in the meantime…

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

As usual, 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

Photo by me via Instagram

Natalya + Ilya’s Nature-Inspired Linocut Wedding Invitations

These wedding invitations are a truly one of a kind design for a once in a lifetime occasion.  Russian designer Elena Bulay created these invitations for old school friends Natalya and Ilya, first illustrating a nature-inspired design, then hand-carving the design into a linoleum block, and finally hand printing each invitation on cotton paper.  She even sent over a few photos of the process in action!

Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (11)

From Elena: I made these invitations for the wedding of my best school friend, Natalya.  The invitation consists of three parts: a big card with the date and the names of the groom and the bride; a small card with the details; and a small tag in the shape of an apple with the name of the guest.  The invitations were bound together with green and natural raffia.

Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (5) Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (10)

I used special printmaking cotton paper Fabriano Rosaspina for the main invitation cards and apple tags, and designer paper Colorplan for the small cards.  I wanted to create an effect of naturalness and simplicity in my invitations, so I deckled the edge of the paper and chose natural colours for the design, including emerald green, beige, and brown.

Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (6)

Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (3)

Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (1)

Linocut Wedding Invitations by Elena Bulay via Oh So Beautiful Paper (2)

Thanks Elena!

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

Photo Credits: Elena Bulay

Calligraphy Inspiration: The Left Handed Calligrapher

Personal handwriting is such a unique thing; your hands, fingers, the way you hold a pen, it all contributes to the way ink flows to a page.  Nicole Black of The Left Handed Calligrapher, who is actually left handed, has created a name for herself and her rare ability.  (Studies suggest only 10-15% of the population is left handed!)  I think it adds a little charm to her writing style that draws me in.  And I’m certainly not the only one!  With work featured in Traditional Home Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, and on the Today Show, Nicole’s work is no stranger to the spotlight.  – Julie

Calligraphy by the Left Handed Calligrapher via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Calligraphy by the Left Handed Calligrapher via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Although some of her work is modern, a few projects show a truly elegant, traditional style.  Beautiful isn’t it?  Perhaps she’s so skilled having studied under one of the chief White House calligraphers.

Calligraphy by the Left Handed Calligrapher via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Calligraphy by the Left Handed Calligrapher via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Nicole’s writing style is so delicate and light.  At times, it’s almost as if the paper was kissed with a tiny thread of ink.

Calligraphy by the Left Handed Calligrapher via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Calligraphy by the Left Handed Calligrapher via Oh So Beautiful Paper

If you’d like to see more work by Nicole, make sure you check out her website and blog.  She has also kindly put together a guide to social mailing etiquette to help you navigate the dos and don’ts, as well as a guest list worksheet.

Photo credits: 1 Bespoke Press; 2 Bobbi and Mike; 3 Renee Sprink Photography; 4 The Left Handed Calligrapher; 5 (left) + 6 Greg Blomberg Photography, Thisbe Grace Photography (right)

Stationery A – Z: Sympathy Cards

We all like to celebrate the happy occasions in life, but every now and then our friends and loved ones need compassion and sympathy during troubled times.  Sometimes a beautiful image, tried-true quote, or hanging sloth can help comfort or bring a smile on dark days.  These sympathy cards are matched in their message with the quality of which they’re made.  If there is any time to send a thoughtful card, this would be it.  — Tashia

Printerette Press

 

Night Owl Paper Goods (left); and Dear Hancock (right)

Crane & Co.

With Deepest Sympathy Card by Rifle Paper Co. Sympathy Horizon Letterpress Card by Smock

Rifle Paper Co. (left); and Smock (right)

Egg Press Sympathy Card via Oh So Beautiful Paper Egg Press Sympathy Card via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Egg Press

Our Thoughts Are With You by Dutch Door Press

Dutch Door Press

 

Sugar Paper

Thinking of You by Honizukle Press

Honizukle

UGH also spells HUG by Richie Design Letterpress Lightning Bolt and Cloud Card by Letterpress Delicacies

Richie Design (left); and Letterpress Delicacies (right)

My Heart Breaks for You Greeting Card by Echo Letterpress

Echo Letterpress

{images via their respective sources}