Siblings share the news!

When there is news to be told, my daughter loves to be the one to tell it. So when I gave birth to her sister (yikes, almost 2 years ago!), I figured she should do the announcing. While I love birth announcements of all types, my favorite ones to design these days are the ones from the big brother or sister. I'm not the only one who loves letting the siblings spread the news. Check out these darling (and funny) announcements from Petite Alma for Tiny Prints. So sweet.

The announcement pictured here was a great excuse to take lots of pictures of my little girls and go hog-wild with the pinkest papers I could find. The sash slides off to reveal all the important baby stats. Now that they're 3 and 21 months, I have no want for pink in my life. It's Daughter #1's favorite color (of course) and the first color Daughter #2 learned. Of course the second color she learned was purple. Looks like Daughter #1 is quite the little art instructor.

Must-See Mondays: Helvetica

I'm sure by now all my fellow design nerds have seen the feature length, 2007 documentary "Helvetica." Besides the awesome interviews with "celebrity designers" (OK maybe they're only celebrities in the graphic design world) and theorists, I promise that even the most jaded designer will be stunned by the fact that Helvetica is literally used EVERYWHERE. Yes, EVERYWHERE. Did I know this? Pretty much. I knew it was used by Massimo Vignelli when designing the identity and signage for the New York City Subway System and the like, but geez...the opening segment alone will remind you that Helvetica is no longer just "classic" or "standard." It's ubiquitous, pervasive (almost viral), and well, like I said...EVERYWHERE. It's so all over the place that I almost forget I'm looking at Helvetica sometimes. Which is actually why some designers think it's so great.

Of course, for those who know the aesthetic of the various designers included in the documentary, you'll probably react as expected to each of the interviews shown (based on your already formed opinions of said aesthetics). For me it went kind of like this...I wished I worked for Michael Bierut, would love to listen to records with Stefan Sagmeister and hear his thoughts on music and design, realized I dislike David Carson a little less than I thought, and wanted to give Tobias Frere-Jones a big kiss (total font crush!). The most interesting part of the film for me was definitely the historical information about the creation of font—the details and the human interest side of the story. Listening to Hermann Zapf...totally awesome. Seeing Matthew Carter work and talk about the alphabet was also pretty exciting (wow, I AM a nerd!) and very impressive. Eric Spiekermann gave me a chuckle. And it was cool to learn more about firms like Experimental Jetset and Norm, which I hate to admit I hadn't heard of (see I do have a life outside design!).

To sum up...if you like typography, I think you'll enjoy this one, no matter what your thoughts on Helvetica itself. Honestly, I rarely use the font. When I'm going san-serif, I'm more of a Futura, Century Gothic, Frutiger or Univers gal (depending on the occasion). I always shied away from Helvetica on principal, thinking it was just so familiar or overused, but this movie had me considering Helvetica and it's strength and weaknesses more deeply. Perhaps it is the near-perfect, universal font with unprecedented legibility and without excess thematic baggage, that many think it to be. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, but maybe someday I'll find the right moment or job and give Helvetica another chance. Thanks for the encouragement design celebrities! I think...

An Artist's Hotel Bar Tour In NYC: Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle

You probably know Ludwig Bemelmans as the creator of Madeline, a plucky children's book heroine from Paris. What you may not have known is that the Carlyle Hotel, at Madison and 76th, is home to a bar named after the famed illustrator and author. According to the Carlyle, the hotel was New York's luxury residence du-jour when Bemelmans was commissioned to paint large scale murals in the hotel bar in 1947. In a turn of total brilliance (if you ask me), Bemelmans bartered his mural work for a year and a half of accommodations for himself and his family. Simply awesome.

This classic New York haunt, Bemelmans Bar, was the second stop on our Day-After-Christmas Hotel Art Bar Tour (I posted about the St. Regis' Old King Cole Bar Lounge on Tuesday). From the authentic prohibition era cocktail menu (I recommend the Gin-Gin Mule...gin, homemade ginger beer, fresh mint, and lime juice) to the leather banquettes, the cozy atmosphere evokes a feeling of nostalgia... almost as if you're in old Manhattan. From the walls to the lampshades, almost every surface in the place are kissed with Bemelmans' signature style. The murals depict Central Park, but Bemelmans-style. Rabbits out for a picnic, a balloon vendor, artists painting al fresco (and of course a special stateside appearance of Madeline)...the bustle of the park is perfectly captured, but with a whimsy and charm that only Bemelmans brush could imagine. Bemelmans is pretty upscale and that is reflected in the pricing, but again...for a special occasion it's a great place to visit and definitely worth the stop.

Like Parrish's Old King Cole, The Bemelmans Bar murals were also given a touch up in 2002. I look forward to returning to this swank grown-up scene, and as luck might have it I could return sooner than planned. This time with my own little girls in tow! Every weekend The Carlyle hosts Madeline's Tea Party at Bemelmans Bar. With treats like Petite Banana Splits Fontainebleau, a storyteller spinning our favorites (Madeline's Rescue and Madeline and The Gypsies, come to mind), as well as songs sung from the Madeline songbook...it shouldn't take much to get them on board! Besides...who doesn't love a day out in NYC. On my list for Future Art Bar Hotel Tours The Monkey Bar at the Hotel Elysée (complete with a 72 year old mural of simian monkeys (of course!), and a visit to Everett Shinn's murals at The Plaza's Oak Bar. So much art, so little time!

Wedding Wednesdays: Unique Guest Book Alternatives

As much as I love the hand-bound guest books I've created over the years (including my own), the tide seems to have changed. A traditional guest book is perfect for some couples, but many brides want more than just something that will sit on a coffee table. Or sit on a coffee table and eventually get moved to drawer.

You might be surprised at the variety of non-traditional guest book options available. And I'm even talking about going beyond the signature photo mat, an idea that I'd say came about in the last 10-15 years but which has become pretty standard and traditional in that time. How about a keepsake guestbook tray that guests sign with an engraving pen? This can also be done with unglazed ceramics, that you can later glaze and fire. These Wish Trees I found over at Here Comes the Guide are stunning! Of course you could always put a new twist on the old guest book tradition and go with a book that combines guests signatures and photos. More and more wedding photographers are offering this as part of their engagement and wedding services these days.

After creating an invitation suite for one of my favorite brides Lucia, she shared with me her plans to create a "Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish" bowls for her reception. I loved her idea so much I fashioned my own version for my sister Devon's wedding last year. The premise is pretty simple. Two jars (bowls, or vases work well too), one for guests to write wishes or bits of advice for the happy couple (Make-a-Wish) and another bowl filled with well-wishes from the bride and groom for their guests to take home (Take-a-Wish). Most of the wishes my sister chose to include were Irish blessings, delightful proverbs from around the world, and even a few affirming mantras. We also included a framed poem, along with instructions on how to use the jars, on the table. Everything was done to match the colors and scheme of the event and guests enjoyed the interactive aspect of this keepsake. Cards can be stored in a variety of ways, in a photo book interspersed with pictures or a lovely box are fun choices. Extra special notes might also be framed and placed in the newlyweds' home.

I truly enjoyed making these and would love to make more custom "Make-a-Wish, Take-a-Wish" bowls in the future. But, this is also a pretty easy project to DIY and put your own spin on. Have fun and if you do make your own send pictures! I'd love to see them and share them!

An Artist's Hotel Bar Tour In NYC: King Cole Bar Lounge at the St. Regis

As a freshman in art school I became enamored with Maxfield Parrish. A highly innovative and creative painter, Parrish also had an illustrious illustration career. You know when you've had a color named after you ("Parrish Blue" in this case), that you've pretty much made it in the art world. Not long after discovering Maxfield, I determined I needed to see his work in person. Did I head to the National Museum of American Illustration in Newport, Rhode Island (a state I used to live in no less!)? No. How about the Philadelphia Museum of Art? Nope. Instead, I waited 10 years and dragged my family on a hotel bar tour around New York City. And one freezing cold late December day, I got to warm up with a cocktail and some bar snacks, while sitting in front of Parrish's 1906 mural depicting Old King Cole. Forget summer vacation at the beach, I'll hold out for a brisk wintertime walk down 5th!

Located in the posh St. Regis Hotel (55th Street B'twn 5th and Madison), the intimate and inviting King Cole Bar Lounge is tucked away from the vaulted ceilings and gilded interior of the hotel's expansive lobby. Dark wood and dim lighting in the seating area make for cozy conversation. They serve their function and then fade into the background letting the true star in the room shine, Parrish's mural. I've heard the bar can be packed to the gills with a ritzy after work crowd, but during our visit it was quiet and subdued. Most patrons seemed to be shoppers dashing in from the cold for a quick drink or regulars chatting with the bartender. Drinks are pricey, but the family agreed this was a special occasion and the atmosphere is worth the price of admission alone.

Since I took the picture above, Old King Cole has been restored. After being taken down in January 2007, everyone's favorite merry, old, soul, was given a cleaning and returned in late Spring 2007. I can't wait to make a trip and check out his new glow. A lot has changed on my end too...the family has grown with marriages, pregnancies, new houses and moves. As a result we haven't taken another tour, but I'm already compiling my list of hotels (and lining up a sitter!). I was shocked at how my entire family, creatives and non-creatives alike, truly enjoyed this jaunt. I get lots of "when are we going to do that again!?" Hmmm...just as soon as that crisp city weather rolls in and I can line up that sitter.

Thursday, stop in for the second stop on our tour...where I had drinks in the park with one of my all time favorite authors!

Must-See Mondays: Sigur Rós - Heima

Break out my Fair Isle sweater. I'm moving to Iceland. A year ago the band Sigur Rós did a brilliant and beautiful thing. A series of 15 free, unannounced concerts in their homeland over two weeks. What's even more brilliant is that they filmed it all (the film's title 'Heima' is Icelandic for "at home"). The Husband knows I'm a fan of this band and as a result, did me a total solid by unexpectedly DVRing 'Heima' when it aired on IFC Friday night. Sort of romantic, huh? I kinda thought so.

'Heima' is part intimate concert film, part documentary. I can't describe it better than this one quote from the band's website "'Heima' also serves as an alternative primer for Iceland the country, which is revealed as less stag destination-du-jour and more desolate, magical place where human beings have little right to trespass." Words like magic and desolate only scratch the surface in describing the incredible images that pack this movie from start to finish. I mean, just have a look at the trailer...


A bright yellow dress reflected in slick midnight blue sands, a visual symphony of circles lining a decomposing factory wall, a stack of school room chairs piled high to create a geometric backdrop for a heartfelt song. Design and music have always been deeply fused for me. But 'Heima' takes that combination to a new level, and wraps it up in the quiet, simplicity, and the majestic strength that is Iceland and it's people. If you'd like to see more, do yourself a favor and check out this excerpt from the film, a song entitled "Agaetis Byrjun."

What truly amazed me most about this film, besides it's look and aesthetic, was that these concerts attracted whole villages. I mean EVERYONE, from 80+ year old grandparents to babies. And it worked. Actually, it was so touching it made me cry. That sort of coming together is rare in the United States (and many other countries as well). Rare, and very, very beautiful.

Beautiful Budget Wedding and Event Design Ideas

I love helping hosts, especially brides, make their wedding vision come to life. It's even better when I can help them work within their budget. I refuse to sacrifice style and quality of workmanship, so often times my money-saving solutions come in the form of "killing two birds with one stone." Such is the case with the table number towers I've created.

These lovelies serve as table numbers (or names) on two sides of the square. They can also include fun trivia about the bride and groom, a message of thanks, a note about a charitable donation in lieu of favors, or as in the case of these towers, a menu, on the other two sides. These pearl and ivory towers photographed by Laura Brazak, were a big hit with the couple and guests alike.

Other budget friendly stationery design techniques that I like to use are a postcard response, for more casual weddings (fun and they save on materials and postage), and menu or favor cards tucked inside an envelope that can serve as your place cards. These envelopes look charming addressed and lined up on a table at an event. They're also stunning pinned to a fabric covered board placed inside an open frame. My favorite part of these envelope/place card combos is that the various table names or numbers are printed in the menu or favor card that goes inside the envelope. Only the guests names appear on the outside envelope. Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, that means the event hosts or planners can make last minute table additions and switches with ease and without stress (and without having to call the calligrapher when time is running out!).

Bride Design offers table number towers like the ones featured here starting at $15 each. They're shippable nationwide, made with the finest papers and embellishments, and can be created to match the color scheme of any wedding or event. For more info on these, our invitation suites, or other reception items, head to our website or contact admin at bridedesign dot com. Happy planning...and never ever give up beauty for budget! Hopefully these ideas prove you don't have to!

Looking Closer

Yesterday I met with a corporate communications director. My corporate graphic design portfolio which deals mostly with print publishing (book and magazine) identity and corporate communications, was a bit dusty. It's been a while since I talked about the annual reports and direct mail pieces that used to be my bread and butter. Now that I am a mom I mostly talk about bread and peanut butter. Since I've evolved to be as much entrepreneur as designer, I think about business and strategy almost as much as I think about aesthetic. Since most of my work is now stationery and couture invitations, my life revolves around hosts, guests and events, rather than editors, buyers and drop dates. Showing this portfolio was fine, I really enjoyed the discussion as well, but I was reminded that I love what I do now too. I also remembered that the graphic design student in me is very much alive. All artists constantly grow and change, but the one thing that never seems to change for me is my desire to learn more about design.

When I graduated with my BFA in 1995 I attended the International Design Conference at Aspen. It was a dream for me to attend. While there I picked up a copy of Looking Closer: Critical Writings on Graphic Design. I have read and re-read many of the articles housed in these pages over the years. "Why Designers Can't Think" by Michael Bierut has got to be one of my all time favorite essays on design education. Having been schooled at a university where visual problem solving was valued first and a slick portfolio came second, this article reminds me of my duty to make everything I touch attractive, legible and appropriately communicative. Famed children's book illustrator and graphic designer Leo Leonni's article on "The Urge to Make Things" is another favorite that captures the designer as artist. And as a designer in book publishing I found William Drenttel's essay on the written word, to be a valuable resource on a daily basis.

I could write FOREVER about the great modern and post-modern, and post-post-modern graphic designers of our time (do I feel a new blog feature coming on? Would you guys even want to read about Massimo Vignelli or David Carson?) and how they influence what I do today (make wedding invitations...wha?). I know it sounds crazy, but as I design stationery you'd be surprised at how often some of these pioneers come to mind. I mean, how awesome was Bradbury Thompson?! The guy tried to revolutionize the alphabet, by using only one symbol for each of the 26 letters. Alright, this design nerd sees that you are glazing over and clicking onto another blog (I know that look and I am not offended, I used to teach design to liberal arts undergrads after all). I'll wrap it up by saying that as a designer what I design may change and the passion with which I design it may ebb and flow, but for those who truly love what they do, the initial spark in some way, shape, or form will always be there. Sometimes I've had to dig deep to access it, but when I do even that smallest spark has lit my way.

Break me off a piece of that ART!: Feterie

I love words. Just look at the length of some of my posts and that should be pretty obvious! I also love, love, love me some good design. Good, old school, graphic design. Design from the mind of someone who knows their way around a trap, a kern, and some color separations. When I recently attended the National Stationery Show, I found all of that and more at Feterie. One look at the work of Feterie designer Cathe Huynh-Sison (who is also, I'm proud to say, a visitor to this blog), and it's easy to see why the company's tag line is "modern stationery and bespoken lovelies." Wow...four of my favorite words strung together with an "and." For a lover of design and writing like myself, it doesn't get better than that!

I'm always looking for something special to write on. Something cool. And for the wordy girl I am, Feterie's WordPlay Greeting Cards are perfect! I love the colors, the typographic style, and of course the sassy nod to "internetese" and how it has impacted our culture. OMG!! I can't wait 2 write some snail mail on these fab cards, LOL! See what I mean? The irony is awesome. This is also a serendipitous time for me to write about Feterie's wares as their online shop will be launching soon. I know I'm going to be first in line (or should that be ONline) to stock up on some of their original WordPlay cards, as well as their stunning Eco-Luxe gift wrap. Keep an eye on Feterie, I think there's probably lots more sassy, colorful and beautifully modern bespoken lovelies to come!

Win with Weddiquette!

The Weddiquette Blog is hosting its first give away and Sweet Talk Boutique has the honor of being featured! Comment on Weddiquette's give away blog post and let them know which listed items you would most like to have either for yourself or perhaps a bridesmaid or new bride. What's in it for you? A $30 value, that's what! That's TWO cookie greetings or Invitastions for you! Or for you and a friend. Or for two friends who you can convince to share their cookies with you...(I'm sneaky eh?). Jen and I can't wait to see who the winner is, so I can get designin' and Jen can get cookin'. And "Voila!" your cookies are on their way.

While you're there, take a look around Weddiquette's site. From wedding etiquette, to style, and planning, Weddiquette offfers a ton of wedding related dos, dont's, links and tips. I sure could've used this site when I was getting married. So if you're getting married, know someone who is, or heck...if you just want to try and score yourself some free cookies...get on over to Weddiquette and comment baby!

Make mine a Minima 3-column bartender!

Alright, so I hacked me a lovely little 3-column blog layout. I know this is probably simple stuff. But for me it was not easy as I am an HTML novice. Needless to say, I feel proud. Still, you might need to deal with the blog looking a little wonky for a day or two dear readers until I figure out the ideal place for all of my links and crap. Is there designing I could be doing? Posts I could be writing? Contracts I could be drawing up? Emails I could be answering. Oh yes. But do they offer the same nail-biting suspense that messing around with your blog layout template does? Of course not! You know the feeling...Will that column show up when I hit "preview" or will it look like some HTML gremlins got hold of my site and decided to have their way with it? The internet is such a time-suck! Last call...I'm done for the night.

Drizzle Day

Super Springy Flower Power Square Stationery, originally uploaded by Bride Design.

It's been a gray day here and of course I've got actual work to do. Not fun work, like making invitations or working on designs. But quickbooks work, paper work, the day-to-day office/contracts/email sort of work we all love. To perk myself up, I thought I'd post one of my more recent cheery designs. These were truly inspired by the orange and pink color scheme, my love for stardream quartz paper, the need to justify purchasing envelope liner templates, and my never-ending desire to use my crop-a-dile (hello eyelets!). The flowers are cute too.

Now I just need to find an outlet to sell these puppies. I toyed with the idea of an Etsy shop, but I don't think that's for me. I'd love an online shop of my own, but the programming, expense, and decision making that goes into that seems overwhelming at the moment. Obviously, I'm leaning towards the latter and exploring the many other delicious, but frightening options available for selling my work. I'm sort of stalled at the moment, but looking at this vibrant shot makes me think I need to take a leap of some sort. A leap that radiates the same amount of energy, juiciness, and shine as these cards. But until then...it's back to paying bills.

Kick the CROP out of those other Hole Punchers!!!

Everyone piped up when I wrote about my love for the Scotch ATG, I figured it was time to give props to the other love of my (art, design, and crafting) life— The Crop-A-Dile!™ from We R Memory Keepers. Honestly, I was living in hole-punching misery before this baby walked into my life! My hands hurt, I was using terrible foul language whenever I had to punch holes, and every once in a while I'd end up punching 1/8 of an inch off from where I was aiming. Grrrr. One of the designers who recommended this tool to me (and I must say that MANY designers recommended this tool) said "it cuts through eight pieces of card stock like butta'!" That's no joke.

The Crop-A-Dile!™ is very quiet. It wasn't like I was waking my kids from their nap with previous punchers, but at least now I can hear Lil' Mama's questionable critiques (I mean can't we do better than "Next time ya'll need to GO HARD!" after every single performance?!) when I am watching my latest obsession America's Best Dance Crew and happily punching paper at the same time. No need to mock my TV taste (my husband has that covered), but I danced all my life and through college so that's my excuse for being ridiculously into this show.

And if easing the horror of hole-punching was not enough (you can choose between 1/8 and 3/16 inch diameters), it also sets snaps and eyelets of both sizes! What more could a paper-loving girl ask for? OK, well maybe an Accucut, but that's super expensive so I'll just have to be satisfied with the thrill I get from my $25 Crop-A-Dile!™. Even more thrilling? "It's PINK! FOR GIRLS!" as my 3 and half year old would say, much to her delight. Warning: the Crop-A-Dile!™ is pretty heavy, so don't leave it around the kids or on the edge of a table where it could fall onto scantily sock-covered toes (can you tell I speak from experience?).

I think the only thing the Crop-A-Dile!™ can't do is plant an eyelet or a hole smack in the middle of a large piece of paper. I've needed to do that in the past, but not often and you can always get a universal eyelet setter for under $10 for that task. My favorite Crop-A-Dile!™ feature? Far and away, the depth gauge! Punching two holes in the same places every time on 300+ invites? Priceless. Oh yeah, and did I mention We R Memory Keepers touts the Crop-A-Dile!™ as cutting through wood, poly, metal, leather, fabric (ever tried to hole punch fabric? More Grrrr...), chipboard and more? I love my Crop-A-Dile!™ and I need to keep her in fighting form for my paper projects, so I haven't tried her on other media. But if someone else has a "My Crop-A-Dile!™ cut through this!" story...do tell. Thanks We R Memory Keepers for taking the pain out of punching!

Feeling a little aristocratic? Get your own peculiar title!

I thought this was fun...now if only I could figure out where Helions Bumpstead is...

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Her Royal Highness Erin the Incontrovertible of Helions Bumpstead Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

How do I love thee Scotch ATG 700? Let me count the ways!

There are a few pieces of equipment in my paper crafting arsenal that I truly love, and the Scotch ATG (Adhesive Tape Gun) is one of them. Over the years I've created thousands of custom invitations, and believe me...in the beginning I did many things the hard way (and the not-so-economical way as well). I've tried many adhesives and adhering methods since I started the business and the tape gun is nothing short of a God-send for certain jobs. I get a lot of invitations out of one roll of tape, the adhesive is powerful sticky, and it's a time saver. I can work pretty fast with this sucker. Unlike other methods I've tried, there is very little adhesive residue left on or near the edges of paper, so that's another plus. Currently I'm working on a really big job and this tool has been a huge help (as has my well-loved studio desk). I'm not finished yet, so it's back to the grind but trust me I'll be whistling while I work with my ATG.

Break me off a piece of that ART!: GIGART

I'm headed off to Brooklyn this week to get a much needed date night with the husband and to see one of our all time favorite bands, Swervedriver. For those not familiar with The Shoegazer scene, these guys took that swirly shoegaze sound and merged it with more traditional rock aesthetic (driving guitars, songs about cars etc.). The husband and I met in college in the early 90's and even though we didn't get married until about 10 years after that (I'll save that for another blog post) this band's music became a big part of the soundtrack to our romance.

Being that my husband used to buy cds like they were nickel fireball candies at the local Woolworth's (aaahhh to have a bachelor's budget!), there are a lot of bands that were part of that soundtrack. With toddlers in the house we're often stuck listening to Dan Zanes or Ralph's World. We're working on introducing them to kid-friendly pop from our own collection like The Beatles and They Might Be Giants...but it's not like I can just go around listening to Joy Division or Rage Against The Machine when the mood strikes me anymore. As a result, we've started investing in some amazing concert posters to decorate the walls of our home. One of my favorite's is this 2003 Jets to Brazil poster from artist Gregg Gordon of GIGART.

Besides it's unique design and incredible colors, this poster has a story that I love. Before I was a fan of the band Jets to Brazil, I was an even bigger fan of the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Band takes their name from a Brazilian tourism poster that hangs in the background of Holly Golightly's perfect New York apartment (perfect to me at least!). This sweet silkscreen is created to look just like that poster and the added addition of the concert info, from one of my favorite Chicago haunts, makes it even cooler to me. I have it framed and hanging in my home office and I love that I get to "live" with this piece everyday. From Blur to Interpol, Jenny Lewis to Cypress Hill, many beloved artists are represented in the GIGART portfolio. I love that each design is as unique as the music and band it's created for, yet still stays true to that GIGART style.

If your interests go beyond concert posters, GIGART has done a ton of packaging design, album art, editorial illustrations, logo design, and more. GIGART also has a sweet line of apparel called Tough Chick. My 20 month old most certainly fits that description, so I think I need to grab a toddler shirt for her real soon.

Good Design with Kids in Mind

Because who doesn't want to be their own superhero or the girl with the fluffiest (reversible!) tutu in the neighborhood? ellie bellie kids truly does deliver just what their tagline says: "Classic Play For The Modern Child." I love the clean but playful look of their site, the highly targeted nature of their product offerings, and the fact that these are toys free from licensed cartoon characters. Isn't that what imaginative play is all about?! Finding your own inner prima ballerina, or branding yourself as the next "lightning man" or "super happy heart girl?" Now if only this mocha/gold tutu came in grown-up size....

National Stationery Show Review, The Pen Pavilion

At first blush, I figured "The Pen Pavilion" would be sort of boring, and there was definitely a different vibe for the most part in the writing instrument aisles (lots more men, business suits and important looking meetings going on). But a girl who truly loves paper of course loves pens and pencils too, so I had to check it out. I am attached to my ultra-fine point sharpies (perfect for writing on stardream by the way). And I have always loved drawing with roller ball pens...I'm looking at you sad collection of almost empty Pilot Precise V5 pens in extra fine point black. You have served me well.

My husband, an engineer, also enjoys a nice pen and recently introduced me to Uni-ball's Signo Micro 207. It's spring-loaded which is not a real plus for my needs, but I'll give it a chance. My three year old did some preliminary quality testing today while doodling with "Daddy's Pen" and managed to bust the spring, but it was easily fixed...so points for that Uni-ball. I'll definitely put it into my rotation and perhaps I'll sleep easier at night knowing I can now prevent check washing and make cute illustrations with a single writing instrument.

But back to the Pen Pavillion. I put aside the above preferences and found two items of interest. One was the Yoropen, a uniquely designed pen that reduces writing strain and was a NSS Best New Product Winner in 2007. I didn't get to try one at the show, but plan to try one soon. I'm wondering if it might take some getting used writing with this very different design? I'll keep you posted, and if anyone has tested one out, feel free to comment with your thoughts on it. Offered in several lines (Standard, Superior, and Executive) and styles (ballpoint, pencil, and even crayon)...there seems to be a price point to fit almost every budget. I'm thinking one of these would be a perfect stocking stuffer for my husband since the design is advertised as beneficial to left-handers for a variety of reasons.

My favorite writing instrument booth of all was Batle Studios. These graphite sculptures you can write with stopped me in my tracks they were so beautiful. The Olive Branch, Twisting Leaf, Wing and Thatcher Shell from their current collection are my favorites, along with the Calla pictured here. Stunningly crafted, these beauties won't rub off on your hand. Now if only I had an awesomely clean and organized workspace fit to place one on.

Got a pen or pencil you adore? Comment and let me know. I love writing of course, but I'm even more curious to know what other illustrators and designers like drawing with. As for the Pen Pavillion, I'm glad I strolled through. Not quite the rush I got (am I geeky or what!?) as toured the actual stationery aisles, but fun nonetheless.

Mad Nibblin'!

Jen, Sweet Talk Boutique's Butter and Sugar, recently debuted our new MadNibbles cookie on her blog. Honestly, I can't say it any better than Jen. After all, these word wacky cookies were her crazy idea and I've got boatload of work to do. If you're not a regular reader of Jen's blog...take a look around while you're there. If you're a wedding fanatic like me, you'll love her bubble-bursting post on wedding cake myths entitled: Attention Please...Not All Fondant Tastes Like Crap.... It's that sort of stuff that makes me happy that I get to work with Jen on a regular (not quite everyday, but almost) basis. But anyway...Here's her MadNibbles post word for word (Oh yes, and I asked permission first!):

Didn't you just ______those cool ______ fill in the blank note _______ that you could _____ with all your ______? LOL We loved 'em. We loved 'em so much we could just eat 'em...now you can too. We've designed our own text to suit any fill in the blank craziness you can come up with and put it on our yummy cookies to ship out fresh to you or your pal.

Just like all our Invitastions, you get to pick the box color and ribbon color, but this time the matching card that comes with the cookie is a pre-printed post card all ready to be addressed and mailed from the recipient to you or anyone else they want to share the fun with. We also send an edible marker to fill in those blanks! Hey, we'll even try to match or compliment the marker color to the ribbon color when possible.

$20 each and available now at Sweet Talk Boutique! In addition to the new fresh look on the home page and the introduction of MadNibbles, we've got some other goodies in the works. Check back often this summer to see some cute gift ideas we're bringing to our boutique just for you!

National Stationery Show Review, Part 1

I'm going to guess I need a couple posts to share all of the wonderful, new, and interesting sights I came across during my first experience walking the National Stationery Show in New York this past week. I'm still in the process of looking through all the tons of materials I brought home with me, and I'm also mulling over the direction I'd like to take my own business in over the next year. Attending the show is extremely beneficial to aspiring stationery designers, those stationers hoping to exhibit sometime down the road, or for artists wondering where to focus their creative energies. But watch out kids, you might walk out wishing you were a retailer. For those who truly love the art of letter writing, you will certainly feel the urge to shop!!!

Perhaps the most exciting part of the show for me was meeting fellow stationery designers whose work I admire and am familiar with. In many situations it was great to finally put a face to the name and/or marvelous work. First up is Jill, from Jilly Jack Designs, who was kind enough to share a photo of her hip and stylish booth for this post. Jilly Jack's designs are fresh, eco-friendly, and manage to be bold and capture a certain softness at the same time. I'm loving the line's sweet felt folio packaging, which holds and coordinates with the enclosed note cards and envelopes. Just perfect for stashing in your desk drawer.

I'm a printmaker at heart, and while etching has long been my favorite media, I'm completely enamored with the woodblock designs from Artful Sentiments. Artful Sentiments designer Molly offers a huge selection of cards offering a wide variety of images charmingly printed in bright and catchy colors. My personal choice, her lovely desk calendars which are sure to spice up any home or workspace.

Letterpress was at the forefront of the show this year. There was lots of it! I was delighted to see a few familiar faces as I walked the rows, including fellow upstate New York locals Debbie Urbanski and Harold Kyle of Smock. Debbie and Harold are committed to printing sustainably, using fine bamboo paper and all while reducing the carbon footprint of their business and giving back to environmental causes. My favorite designs from their social collection are "horsey", "ellie" and "giraffe." Too sweet. Having had some of my own work printed with Smock's parent company Boxcar Press, I have seen first-hand this shop's love for the historic art of letterpress. With their beautiful colors and deep impressions...if there is such a thing as being gorgeously green, Smock has it down. Just scroll through the images on their home page and I'm sure you'll agree.

Whimsical preppy is how I'd describe the many deliciously colored offerings from The Paper Menu. Carried by a whole bunch of authorized online and brick and mortar retailers, you should have no problem tracking down the greetings, invitations, calling cards, and much more, that designer Marie has become known for. My favorite pick from The Paper Menu? Their gift wrap that can be personalized with a message, monogram or image. I'm definitely going to be hunting that down sometime before the holidays hit!

This is just the beginning. I promise there is more to come in a future post!