Inspired By: Grid Patterns

All of a sudden, I feel like I’m seeing grid patterns everywhere! From large scale windowpane grid patterns to smaller scale grids reminiscent of old school graph paper, I’m seeing grids on bedding, kitchen textiles, removable wallpaper, and, of course, stationery. Grid patterns look fantastic mixed with solid colors – especially pastels and neutrals – and they definitely make a big graphic statement whether you’re using them in party décor or at home. Today I thought I’d share a quick grid pattern round up with some of my current favorites!

Trendspotting: Grid Pattern Round Up

  1. I have this wire wall grid in my own office as an inspiration board! I have the copper version, but it also comes in the classic black version pictured above and in white.
  2. Unison Home seriously has the best selection of grid pattern products, from trays to textiles. This grid platter would be so perfect for dinner parties
  3. A Master Plan grid notepad from Snow & Graham
  4. This ombré grid bedding from Hay is super cool! I also like the large scale windowpane pattern bedding from Brooklinen and these smaller scale grid pattern sheets from West Elm.
  5. The most beautiful navy windowpane linen napkins from The Everyday Co.
  6. Silver foil thanks over an illustrated grid pattern from Hartland Brooklyn
  7. This grid tablecloth from Unison Home makes a huge graphic statement for dinner party table décor. I also picked up this budget version (with a smaller scale pattern) during one of my latest trips to Ikea.
  8. A pretty ceramic ring dish with a hand painted grid pattern from A Sensible Habit
  9. Removable grid wallpaper in a black and white pattern – also available in dark gray/light gray and white on black here. 
  10. Super cute grid pattern paper plates from Bash Party Goods (they have lots of other grid pattern items in their party collections!)

Are any of you feeling the grid pattern vibe these days? Share your favorite grid finds in the comments!

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations

These unicorn and gemstone inspired birthday party invitations are perfect if you’re in the mood for something magical, festive, and just plain fun! This bright pink invitation suite, complete with the most adorable gemstone envelope liner, was designed by Briana of Flyover Design Co. I imagine that quite a bit of giggling ensued while guests played pin the horn on the unicorn!

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

From Briana: We designed this unicorn-themed invitation suite for a lucky four-year-old girl’s upcoming birthday party. The client’s main request when contacting us to help with the party was to incorporate hand-drawn unicorns, watercolor washes, and geometric elements while staying in the desired pink color palette.

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

Our process began with the illustration of the unicorn—we hand-drew a few variations of unicorns for the client to choose from. Once the unicorn design was selected, we started on the main 5×7 invitation. The final invitation includes all of the party details with design elements including: watercolor, hand-lettering, and gold-foil printing. After completing the main invitation, we moved on to the envelope liners to accompany the suite. The liners incorporated the same geometric gemstones from the 5×7 invitation while staying in the pink color palette. From there, we created party favors for the event.

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

The favors and details we created include laser cut wood unicorns that were wrapped around the invitations and the napkins at the party with gold and white twine. We added holes and ribbon to hang the poster. We also created stickers in six color variations as party favors for guests to take home from the party, along with a 10×20 Pin the Horn on the Unicorn Sign with a hand-drawn unicorn on a 10×20 poster board and cutout horns for the guests. Finally, we printed place cards with the gemstone motif for the number of guests specified, then hand-lettered each card with a black paint pen.

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

Once finished, the overall suite and favors create a cohesive look for the birthday party. By sticking within the same palette and including the two main elements—the unicorn and gemstones—throughout, it stays consistent and gives off the magical, girly feel that the client was looking for.

Unicorn and Gemstone Inspired Birthday Party Invitations by Flyover Design Co.

Thanks Briana!

Design: Flyover Design Co.

Invitation Printing: Cat Print

Laser Cutting: Ever Laser

Envelope Printing: Cards and Pockets

Sticker Printing: Moo

Photo Credits: Briana Wengert

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements

We’ve featured the work of designer Lauren Chism many times on Oh So Beautiful Paper – and I’m a huge fan of her classic, less-is-more aesthetic. So it’s an absolute honor to share the GORGEOUS classic blush and rose gold foil baby announcements that she made for her own daughter, Graycen Mae. Lauren really honed in on her true design style to create an incredibly elegant and understated announcement, printed in rose gold foil on absolutely dreamy pale pink paper. Just so, so pretty.

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements by Lauren Chism Fine Papers

From Lauren: In true ‘shoemaker’s child’ fashion, these birth announcements almost didn’t happen. Motherhood rocked my world and it took me a long time to be able to sit down and design again. But alas, I finished them, and I am so glad that I did. It makes me smile every time I look at them… and then I tear up a bit when I realize how much she has changed and grown!

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements by Lauren Chism Fine Papers

When I found out I was having a girl, my friend and fellow-stationer, Kimberly FitzSimons, texted me ‘bring on the Arturo pink!’. Yes, yes, yes! Turns out, that was the easy part. With my Arturo Rosa paper and envelopes ordered, I hit a roadblock and really struggled with where to go from there. These had to be my best birth announcements ever, right?! There is nothing like self-inflicted pressure! After putting things off for so long, I forced myself to remember my true design style. Not the most creative, out of box design, but a beautiful, classic, ‘less is more’ aesthetic… and from there, it finally came together.

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements by Lauren Chism Fine Papers

I love photo birth announcements, but I also love a classic non-photo design too, so I met in the middle and created a two-sided announcement, with the photo on one side and the announcement on the other. The announcement was foil printed on the palest pink card stock in beautiful rose gold, which turned out to be the sweetest, most feminine color combo. It was duplexed with my favorite newborn photo, which was printed on double thick card stock. This created a TRIPLE thick announcement, which was so luxurious, and maybe a little over the top, but who cares, it’s my job!

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements by Lauren Chism Fine Papers

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements by Lauren Chism Fine Papers

The final look was simple and classic… just. my. style. I could not love them more. I can’t believe that I am not too far away from designing her first birthday invitations and that also makes me shed a tear or two. Life is happening so much faster now, so I love that I have this keepsake to remember this precious time.

Classic Blush and Rose Gold Foil Baby Announcements by Lauren Chism Fine Papers

Thanks Lauren!

Design: Lauren Chism Fine Papers

Foil Printing: Elefant Press

Paper: Arturo Rosa

Newborn Photography: Caroline Jurgensen Photography

Photo Credits: Lauren Chism

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations

These romantic shipwreck-inspired wedding invitations bring to mind a transatlantic voyage to find true love! Lily, the creative force behind the newly rebranded Poste and Co., worked with Caroline Arendall of Belle of the Ball to design these soft and elegant invitations. The shipwreck theme is reinforced throughout the entire suite, from the raw edges of the handmade paper to the delicate wax seals to the beautifully frayed ribbon.

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

From Lily: Shipwreck chic pretty much sums it up! When the wedding planner, Caroline Arendall of Belle of the Ball in Houston, Texas, came to me with the idea of a romantic shipwreck inspired invitation suite I was so excited! I had been dreaming about using Stephanie Hare‘s handmade indigo paper for months. This was the perfect project!

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

The sheets of paper are 8.5 x 11, so not your typical invitation size. The color is so rich and has a slight glittery sheen to it that made it absolutely perfect for this suite, I knew I had to find a way to make it work. The reply card and interior pages of the program were printed on a soft blue paper stock, also made by Stephanie. The contrast between the rich indigo of the invitation paper created a dramatic effect.

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

The invitation folded three times like a treasure map and was sealed with an antique wax seal I found in Italy that featured a crescent moon. The entire suite was printed in a matte gold foil. I used a romantic quote from E.E. Cummings on the reverse side of the invitation. When the invitation was folded and stamped with the wax, it slipped into the envelope and the quote was first thing guests saw when they opened the invitation suite.

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

The program cover also featured another quote and the wedding date in roman numerals to tie in the old world theme. The constellations on the envelopes were hand illustrated along with the custom crest of sea kelp and a single shell. The hand frayed edge of the paper paired beautifully with Frou Frou Chic ribbon for the programs and the guest names were hand calligraphed by Signora e Mare on gilded sea glass to be used as place cards. This is truly a special suite and I am excited to share it with you!

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

Romantic Shipwreck-Inspired Wedding Invitations by Poste Co.

Thanks Lily!

Creative Direction & Design: Poste and Co.

Calligraphy: Signora e Mare

Paper: Share Studios

Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic

Printing: Littleford Letterpress

Poste and Co. is a member of the Designer Rolodex – you can check out more of Lily’s beautiful work right here or visit the real invi­ta­tions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Kelli Durham Photography

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! And happy first week of Autumn! Are things starting to cool off where you are? It still feels like summer here in DC during the day, with wonderful cool evenings and the most gorgeous sunsets. I’m looking forward to diving into some Fall and Halloween projects over the next few weeks! But in the meantime…

Knot and Bow Confetti Balloons via Instagram

Photo by Knot & Bow via Instagram

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

That’s it for us this week! Check back this afternoon for a brand new Sangria cocktail recipe! Have a fantastic weekend, and we’ll see you back here next week! xoxo