Besides having a knack for finding and creating the latest trends in personal, business, wedding and event stationery, The Bride Designer, Erin Nowak, is also an entrepreneur, wife and the mother of two stylish little girls. An author and illustrator to boot, when Erin’s not busy designing invitations or chasing after her kids, she can be found chasing after the latest styles in beauty, fashion, home interiors, music and more! It's this passion for culture that has recently landed Erin the role of Style Mama at mommyscompany.com.. Mommy's Company aims to nurture the specific needs of contemporary moms who own businesses by providing insight, advice, and articles relevant to business and motherhood, a cause that is near and dear to Erin's heart. Erin has been penning the monthly column for the site since September 2007, which offers style and fashion information specifically geared towards busy women who are both mothers and entrepreneurs. Visit mommyscompany.com., scroll down to "Style Mama," and see what Erin's new venture is all about!
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Bride Designer is also Style Mama???
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Paper Passion!
Earlier this month I had the great fortune to participate in a lovely paper dress swap hosted by Heather of Jeweled Elegance. I was fortunate once again, when Heather matched me with my partner Jen Seals, a talented fine artist who works in the fashion/home décor industry as a graphic designer. One visit to Jen's blogand I knew I was in for a real treat. Her package did not let me down!!
As you can see from the pictures our dresses are completely different! I experienced a real infusion of creative energy designing something expressly for another artist. And it was a joy to have another artist make something just for me! My dresses were created from many of the materials and fine papers I use for invitation making. I used a smoky blue and storm gray colored flocked paper from India for the dress on the left. I trimmed it with ribbon and lace and added a paper corsage pinned elegantly with a gray brad.
The swap required that at least one dress was designed around an autumn or halloween theme. I instantly thought of the gorgeous japanese paper I had lying around my studio. Depicting fiery Fall leaves amidst black branches and trimmed with shimmering gold, I knew this paper would provide the perfect inspiration for my themed dress. I love the maroon vellum bodice, cinched with a chocolate ribbon "belt" and autumn leaf "buckle."
Jen's dresses were incredible!!! Rather than use paper prints and patterns to texturize her dresses, Jen hand painted her dresses from scratch! As a watercolorist myself, I really loved her technique and in her lovely note to me she took the time to explain how she created each one of her gowns. Using velvet ribbon, superfine sparkles, metallic trim, Jen created two dresses fit for a princess! Indeed my own little two year old princess has already claimed them for herself. In fact, we recently took a trip to the art store to buy all the fixins' needed to frame Jen's dresses so that they can hang in my daughter's room. I think you've got a new fan Jen!
The highlight of Jen's artsitry are the handpainted rosettes that she then cut out and adorned the dresses with. I know I had so much fun during this swap that I kept going and even made a few extra frocks to send to the swap's hostess, Heather. I'll save those for my next entry. These may not be invitations, but participating in this sort of activity was a wonderful experience. It gave me lots of ideas for new techniques to use with my stationery products, I met other wonderful and creative women, and I got to read lots of informative blogs about their varied businesses and crafts. Here's to more swapping when I get the chance!
As you can see from the pictures our dresses are completely different! I experienced a real infusion of creative energy designing something expressly for another artist. And it was a joy to have another artist make something just for me! My dresses were created from many of the materials and fine papers I use for invitation making. I used a smoky blue and storm gray colored flocked paper from India for the dress on the left. I trimmed it with ribbon and lace and added a paper corsage pinned elegantly with a gray brad.
The swap required that at least one dress was designed around an autumn or halloween theme. I instantly thought of the gorgeous japanese paper I had lying around my studio. Depicting fiery Fall leaves amidst black branches and trimmed with shimmering gold, I knew this paper would provide the perfect inspiration for my themed dress. I love the maroon vellum bodice, cinched with a chocolate ribbon "belt" and autumn leaf "buckle."
Jen's dresses were incredible!!! Rather than use paper prints and patterns to texturize her dresses, Jen hand painted her dresses from scratch! As a watercolorist myself, I really loved her technique and in her lovely note to me she took the time to explain how she created each one of her gowns. Using velvet ribbon, superfine sparkles, metallic trim, Jen created two dresses fit for a princess! Indeed my own little two year old princess has already claimed them for herself. In fact, we recently took a trip to the art store to buy all the fixins' needed to frame Jen's dresses so that they can hang in my daughter's room. I think you've got a new fan Jen!
The highlight of Jen's artsitry are the handpainted rosettes that she then cut out and adorned the dresses with. I know I had so much fun during this swap that I kept going and even made a few extra frocks to send to the swap's hostess, Heather. I'll save those for my next entry. These may not be invitations, but participating in this sort of activity was a wonderful experience. It gave me lots of ideas for new techniques to use with my stationery products, I met other wonderful and creative women, and I got to read lots of informative blogs about their varied businesses and crafts. Here's to more swapping when I get the chance!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Christmas in the house!!!
Bride Design is happy to announce our new collaboration with http://heyprettycupcake.com!Hey Pretty Cupcake takes the work of indie artists and designers and creates fabulous and useful items for all to enjoy. From buttons and magnets, jewelry to ID holders, there is something for everybody at the Hey Pretty Cupcake Etsy Shop. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to be able to share more of my work with the art-appreciating public. As I submit illustrations, they will be added to HPC's offerings.
I had such a blast creating a cupcake themed Christmas tree illustration for this year's HPC's ornaments. Please support me and the many other talented artists featured on Hey Pretty Cupcake with a purchase this holiday season. HPC is even offering a fabulous deal 1 ornament for $6.00, or 3 ornaments for $15.00 (Save $3.00), or 6 ornaments for $25.00 (Save a whopping$11.00!!!). It doesn’t have to be the same ornament or even the same artist! Which I really like since variety is the spice of life. The Etsy shop link above will take you right to my ornament's page. I think my yummy cupcake tree will surely catch the eyes of your friends and family, so add some awesome art to your Christmas tree this year! I know this independent designer will love you for it.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Babies need Stationery?
That question was my husband's response a few years ago when I started getting lots of requests for personalized baby and children's stationery. Do kids NEED stationery? Well maybe not quite like they need naps, or recess, or milk! But does kid's stationery come in handy? It sure does. I love giving baby stationery to new Moms complete with the name of their new arrival and a little icon/illustration reflecting the baby's budding personality or the theme of the child's nursery. In my own experience I've found these cards are perfect for the many thank you notes I had to write for welcome home and baptism gifts, as well as for 1st birthday presents! Older kids who are just starting to write love to chose the color of their note cards, as well as an icon that suits them. Animals, princess crowns, fairy wands, trains, soccer balls, baby rattles, and flowers are just a few popular choices. Children truly enjoy sending off their note or card to grandparents and far away friends. As far as I'm concerned, it's never to early to start cultivating a love for the art of letter writing!
Bride Design also offers correspondence cards for grown-ups too! For business owners I can customize the cards to include your logo. They're perfect for tucking a note into an order or to network with industry colleagues. Sets can be ordered in a variety of colors and quantities, for more information email Erin at admin@bridedesign.com today!
Bride Design also offers correspondence cards for grown-ups too! For business owners I can customize the cards to include your logo. They're perfect for tucking a note into an order or to network with industry colleagues. Sets can be ordered in a variety of colors and quantities, for more information email Erin at admin@bridedesign.com today!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Bride Design Featured on Envision!
I'm happy to report that Bride Design was recently featured on Envision, a design blog dedicated to appreciating design in products, clothing, art, home wares and more. It was a delight to get noticed by a blogger all the way from Australia! And as the owner/designer at SixOneSix, this blogger definitely knows something about style. SixOneSix is a boutique specializing in unique clothing and beautiful handmade accessories. I must say...their little cocktail dresses are so adorable, they have me hoping I'll get invited to a destination wedding in Sydney sometime in the future. I wouldn't even need to pack...I could just buy a dress there! It was also an honor to be featured alongside dozens of other artistic products and fabulously creative businesses. Check out the review here!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Get a jump on your Holiday Cards (with a special bonus!)
It may be nearly 90° outside, but I'm staying cool inside developing new card designs for the 2007 Holiday Season! This year we're inviting new and exisiting clients to light up the mailboxes of family and friends, business clients and contacts with a set of our custom designed cards created just for you!
Cards for personal use can feature family photos (adorable babies and cute pets are always popular choices), custom illustration (sketches of a new home or holiday themed watercolors work well), and of course a special message or quote created just for you! Corporate cards can also be created using photos or illustrations and can utilize your company logo or tagline. These greetings are the perfect way to show cleints, vendors and contacts how much you appreciate their business throughout the year.
I have a great deal of experence designing cards for non-profit agencies, schools and universities, and small businesses. Besides creating my own personal holiday greetings for more than 10 years, I've also had the joy of helping many other individuals and families reach out to their loved ones at this special time of year.
Here at Bride Design, I love the Holidays almost as much as I love a wedding so to celebrate I am offering a FREE matching electronic card with every custom holiday card order of 50 cards or more. This electronic version is suitable for emailing and can help you save on postage or at least ensure that all the techies in your life get your greeting.
If you have ideas or a question regarding holiday cards, please email me at admin@bridedesign.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Cards for personal use can feature family photos (adorable babies and cute pets are always popular choices), custom illustration (sketches of a new home or holiday themed watercolors work well), and of course a special message or quote created just for you! Corporate cards can also be created using photos or illustrations and can utilize your company logo or tagline. These greetings are the perfect way to show cleints, vendors and contacts how much you appreciate their business throughout the year.
I have a great deal of experence designing cards for non-profit agencies, schools and universities, and small businesses. Besides creating my own personal holiday greetings for more than 10 years, I've also had the joy of helping many other individuals and families reach out to their loved ones at this special time of year.
Here at Bride Design, I love the Holidays almost as much as I love a wedding so to celebrate I am offering a FREE matching electronic card with every custom holiday card order of 50 cards or more. This electronic version is suitable for emailing and can help you save on postage or at least ensure that all the techies in your life get your greeting.
If you have ideas or a question regarding holiday cards, please email me at admin@bridedesign.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Invitastions blossom at NYC's Wedding Salon event!
This spring the tastiest trend in event stationery, Invitastions, took Manhattan by storm! Invitastions' innovative and unique product line had brides, grooms. event planners and the press eager for a bite! After launching the Invitastions website in April, invitastions.com, baker Jennifer Comfort took the show on the road and intoduced Invitastions to the world at the exclusive Wedding Salon bridal show at New York City's Gotham Hall. Stationery designer, Erin Nowak from Bride Design was also on hand to share her excitement about Invitastions' fabulous menu of products including cookie place cards, favors, thank you notes and more....
Wedding Salon guests drooled over the custom designed cookie Invitastions. Invitastions in a coordinating decorative box with embellishments are around $12.00 per invite and can be shipped to you for distribution or can be drop shipped to your guests from Jen's studio. Shipping is not included in this price. As always, one of Erin's paper invites accompany the finished cookie so that once the freshly baked Invitastion has been gobbled up, your guests won't miss a single detail about the time, date, and location of your event.
Invitastions' cake truffles, cookie favors, personal stationery and thank you notes were also a smash! All can be packaged in variety of styles to accommodate your needs. At this time all of our products are made to your specifications, but be on the lookout for a full product catalog and online shopping cart for some items in the future.
Invitastions were featured on the April 21st edition of "Weekend Today in New York." Our edible invites also received a mention in the New York Post. Jen was interviewed about our products for a delightful piece for forbes.com's video blog and Jen and Erin are working hard to bring you the newest, tastiest ways to introduce your guests to your fab events. Contact us today for more information and check invitastions.com often for new additions to the gallery.
Wedding Salon guests drooled over the custom designed cookie Invitastions. Invitastions in a coordinating decorative box with embellishments are around $12.00 per invite and can be shipped to you for distribution or can be drop shipped to your guests from Jen's studio. Shipping is not included in this price. As always, one of Erin's paper invites accompany the finished cookie so that once the freshly baked Invitastion has been gobbled up, your guests won't miss a single detail about the time, date, and location of your event.
Invitastions' cake truffles, cookie favors, personal stationery and thank you notes were also a smash! All can be packaged in variety of styles to accommodate your needs. At this time all of our products are made to your specifications, but be on the lookout for a full product catalog and online shopping cart for some items in the future.
Invitastions were featured on the April 21st edition of "Weekend Today in New York." Our edible invites also received a mention in the New York Post. Jen was interviewed about our products for a delightful piece for forbes.com's video blog and Jen and Erin are working hard to bring you the newest, tastiest ways to introduce your guests to your fab events. Contact us today for more information and check invitastions.com often for new additions to the gallery.
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Details...
“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
—Charles Eames
This quote from an iconic American designer and architect perfectly captures Bride Design's creative mission. In an attempt to create truly unique and original wedding and event stationery, I often take what seems like a small detail and use it as the launchpad for an entire design. For this reason, I truly enjoy meeting with clients and/or discussing their needs with them over the phone. Getting to know the people I serve enables me to showcase their own style and personalities in the design I create for them.
The invitation shown at right is one of my favorite examples of a detail making the design. My client Susan was in love with the idea of using peacock feathers on her invite. As a young bride, her mother had carried peacock feathers in her wedding bouquet and Susan wanted to continue the tradition while adding her own twist. With its opulence and deep colors, the peacock feather inspired me to create an invitation that was bold, elegant and regal (much like the bride herself!). And while the individual feather hand-tied to each invitation may seem like just an embellishment or detail, it really was the foundation for Susan's entire stationery trousseau. Both her rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch invitations also included original peacock illustrations. And recently I was asked to create a baby shower invitation complete with Mother and Father peacock standing over their soon-to-be hatching egg!
For a free consultation or to find out what sort of details might help make your event stationery truly stand out from the crowd, please email admin@bridedesign.com. It's never to early to get on our calendar and begin thinking about the perfect invitation!
—Charles Eames
This quote from an iconic American designer and architect perfectly captures Bride Design's creative mission. In an attempt to create truly unique and original wedding and event stationery, I often take what seems like a small detail and use it as the launchpad for an entire design. For this reason, I truly enjoy meeting with clients and/or discussing their needs with them over the phone. Getting to know the people I serve enables me to showcase their own style and personalities in the design I create for them.
The invitation shown at right is one of my favorite examples of a detail making the design. My client Susan was in love with the idea of using peacock feathers on her invite. As a young bride, her mother had carried peacock feathers in her wedding bouquet and Susan wanted to continue the tradition while adding her own twist. With its opulence and deep colors, the peacock feather inspired me to create an invitation that was bold, elegant and regal (much like the bride herself!). And while the individual feather hand-tied to each invitation may seem like just an embellishment or detail, it really was the foundation for Susan's entire stationery trousseau. Both her rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch invitations also included original peacock illustrations. And recently I was asked to create a baby shower invitation complete with Mother and Father peacock standing over their soon-to-be hatching egg!
For a free consultation or to find out what sort of details might help make your event stationery truly stand out from the crowd, please email admin@bridedesign.com. It's never to early to get on our calendar and begin thinking about the perfect invitation!
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