Get your Paper Here!!!

The second round of the Paper Carnival is on! A group of fabulous stationers have readied their etsy supply shops so that we can share our overstock of cards, papers, envelopes, embellishments and more, with you!! I've been stocking and re-stocking my shop, Bride Supplies all this week! Today is our turn so check it out. How about these Pink 5x7 Foldover Invitation or Program backings? Besides being just right for wedding use, they'd also be useful for baby announcements, shower invitations, or for a little girl's birthday party.

If you're a do-it-yourself bride, scrapbooker, cardmaking enthusiast, or just a paper lover you're going to want to check all the supply shops posting their paper goodness on the Paper Carnival facebook page. You can also keep an eye on the blog for more Paper Carnival related posts coming soon!


Next up, Feterie's SupplyMe Shop. My favorite listing? This gorgeous Japanese Yuzen Chiyogami Washi Paper. Bearing a traditional flying crane motif, this hand silkscreen-printed paper imported from Japan comes in two of this season's hottest wedding colors Purple and Lilac. Perfect for invitation making!

Do you love paper crafting?

Well then I've got the event for you! A Paper Carnival! Right now, a bunch of fabulous stationers are readying their etsy supply shops so that we can share our overstock of cards, papers, envelopes, embellishments and more, with you!! I've been stocking and re-stocking my shop, Bride Supplies all this week! Check it out.

If you're a scrapbooker, cardmaking enthusiast, or just a paper lover you're going to want to check all the supply shops posting their paper goodness on the Paper Carnival facebook page. You can also keep an eye on the blog for more Paper Carnival related posts coming soon!!

Step right up to the Paper Carnival!

One of the coolest things about Syracuse, New York, Bride Design's home town, is the great New York State Fair. The entertainment, carnival rides, and even the butter sculpture, change from year to year. But one thing always remains the same: I come home with more fun stuff than I know what to do with (and a bit less cash). And while you might not find prizes, stuffed toys, or a tummy-ache at this carnival, you will likely go home with something way better in my opinion...paper goodies!!

So grab a deep-fried twinkie and check out BrideSupplies, our etsy supply shop. Where, in an effort to keep our studio tidy and your DIY crafting needs met, Bride Design offers our high-quality extras to you at extremely affordable prices. We offer many of our items, like these 6.25 inch Square Cheery Orange Cards, in large quantites. Making these cards ideal to use for creating wedding or large event invitations.

My favorite item in our shop right now? This gorgeous and eco-friendly lokta paper from Nepal.


Next up, fellow New Yorkers Invitations and Beyond! If you liked our overstock of metallic champagne papers, you might just want to pair them with their elegant metallic champagne "champagnium" pocket folds! Love the repousse floral pattern.

If your using this gorgeous champagne color as part of your wedding, I could see using this package of 9 pocket folds to hold the invitation and itinerary for a pre-wedding girls' weekend in Chicago, wine country, or even at a resort or spa. They're that versatile.

Miss some of the previous Paper Carnival stops? Check us out on Facebook and Twitter…and happy shopping!

Back from Beyond...

Where have I been? Well...is there a place called "busy?" If there is, then that is definitely where I've been. Wedding season is in full swing and the studio has been bustling with activity. It's actually really exciting and invigorating!

I've also been busy with my other passion and blog Erin Illustrates! When I'm not creating invitations and wedding stationery, I'm painting and drawing these days. So please, visit me there. And as the year rolls on, I think you'll find that my passion for paper and illustration will meld further...resulting in some new ideas, products, and growth for me as designer and for the face of Bride Design. I can't wait to see where it leads!

Jewelry + Print Design = One Fantastic Giveaway

One of the many things I love about the stationery world, is the opportunity I've had to meet incredible fellow designers. Enter Cathe from Feterie, master of pattern and typography and all around cool girl. One thing I love about the broader indie design and handmade community are the collaborations I've seen grow and prosper between artists who work in different mediums. Enter the husband and wife design team over at Blend Creations who've partnered with Cathe to create a limited-edition, two-of-a-kind product featuring two designs from Feterie's fab gift wrap line.

Giveaway starts on 11/2/09 and ends 11/16/09. Be sure to enter HERE and while you're at it check out the many other ways to achieve additional entries. The designers will be selecting 4 winners total (each necklace has a retail value of $108) to win either the Grape Just Dots Round Necklace or the Lemon Vendome Round Necklace. Mmmm....gorgeous design and modern jewelry. My kind of contest.

It's in the bag!

I love my peeps over at Wishpot and just had to share their latest giveaway. The Wishpot team has joined forces with Avelle, the new Bag Borrow Steal, (think the Sex in the City movie) to give readers the chance at winning this fabulous fun red kate spade designer handbag! Just in time for my birthday. Holla! Retail value $429.

Here’s how to enter:

Tell, Show or Share what you want to carry in your Avelle Designer Bag!
(Your fave accessories, your pets, your dreams, the kitchen sink and more….)

Tell: for each response on the Wishpot Blog, on Avelle FB Fan Page, or on Twitter RT #Avelle, you'll get 1 entry.

Show: post a pic of what you want to carry on Avelle FB Fan Page, or on Twitter and get 2 entries

Share: sign up at Avelle, follow Avelle on Twitter or blog about this giveaway like I did, and get 3 entries. Woo-hoo!

Be sure to leave a comment on the Wishpot Blog with what you did. Giveaway lasts one week and a winner will be drawn by Wishpot on Monday Oct 5th. Good Luck and leave a comment here as well. I'm nosy like that. As for me, I'll be carrying my ipod touch, my phone, pictures of my kiddos, lots of pens, a journal and sketchbook, a load of bare escentuals and kiss my face products, and more in this bag when I win!

About the bag: kate spade ‘Quinn’ Knightsbridge Croco Tote
The clean lines and elegant croc-embossed patent leather of this kate spade tote transition effortlessly from daytime to evening. Designed to fit snugly under your arm, it’s finished with an open top, goldtone hardware, metal feet, three center compartments, signature lining and interior zip and cell pockets. Dimensions: 12"L x 3"W x 9"H. 7" handle drop.

Inspired by...

These days, I'm deeply inspired by my garden and all the delightful things I've managed (surprisingly!) to grow along with my co-gardeners. Those would be my preschool-aged daughters, who love to water (or over-water!) our crops and who get ridiculously excited about harvesting. You should have seen the excitement over the ceremonial picking of our first cucumber this morning at 7:30 AM. I've also been really inspired by the contents of our organically grown crop-share box that we get from a local farm each week. I've discovered veggies I never even knew about, like these heirloom "dragon tongue beans." Sautée with garlic and oil for an absolutely heavenly experience! And I've been forced to be more creative with my cooking. The creativity doesn't stop there though. In these veggies, I've found new color combos, shapes, and textures that I've been recording for artistic purposes. I can't wait to begin experimenting with them this fall and I've already been thinking of ways to incorporate some of these new ideas into my designs.

It might seem odd, wedding invitations inspired by summer's vegetable bounty, but it's these types of connections that I find spur the most interesting and fresh ideas for me. I love looking at bridal mags and trends, and while I never discourage a bride from doing the same, I strongly encourage couples to explore a wide range of resources. Why settle for a wedding invitation inspired by another wedding invitation, when you can have something truly unique and inspired by YOU, the connections you've made, the things you love? Look beyond the "typical" and allow yourself to be inspired by more than just "wedding ideas."

For those brides or planners out there, what decidedly non-wedding thing, place, or theme has inspired you? Fellow creatives, what randomness has been inspiring you these days? I'm dying to know! I on the other hand, need to get down to work, creating some dragon tongue-esque invites!!

Home is where the (artist's) heart is...

I've lived in a lot of places that are packed with creativity: Manhattan...Chicago...Providence, RI. Each one has a vibrant art and indie craft life of its own, brimming with coolness. When I first moved to Syracuse, NY I wondered if I'd find that same type of creative scene. At first, I thought hope was lost. And then? I found the most welcoming, interesting, and hungry art community I've come across yet.

I was thrilled when I landed, by complete chance, in the Strathmore section of the city. A neighborhood with it's own art show, Art on The Porches, designed to celebrate the area's historical homes, as well as the many local artists who live here. Check out this year's poster I created for the event, inspired by the great Government WPA posters of the 1930's.
Syracuse has indeed struggled with it's artistic identity over the years, but as a city resident I've been impressed by how many artists and non-artists alike, deeply value what Syracuse has to offer in the way of locally produced art and handmade goods.

Now, even my wildest expectations are being surpassed with the start of The Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market! More delightful indie goodness, right here on my home turf? It's almost too good to be true. My application is in and I hope to be part of what sounds like it will be an incredible display of local and regional NY talent. Thanks to the event organizers Briana and Vanessa for believing in Syracuse and beyond...

The Times They Are a Changin'

Soon the leaves will be turning autumn hues and school will be back in swing. Honestly, I can't wait! It's my favorite time of year. Lucky for me, I get to experience autumn early every year as I create fall invitations on these hot summer days. Here's a sneak peek of one I truly enjoyed creating for a very fun couple. These invitations featured a natural pressed maple leaves and as highlighted in the photo, an original illustration I created with watercolors. Almost every bride I've worked with this year has come back for programs, or place cards, or some other paper-related delight, so I'll keep you posted with pictures of the items I'm working on to match this lovely suite.

In the meantime, I've got something of my own in the works and am hoping it will be ready for September release—the all new, revamped Bride Design website! The new website will include an online shop, a fully redesigned and self-hosted blog, new additions to our couture portfolio and more. I'm really excited to expand Bride Design's offerings and make shopping our products and services easier for our clients. Perhaps I'll even have a sneak peek into the site's redesign soon!

More etsy treasury goodness!

One of the things I like about etsy is that having a shop has led me to see and find more cool art, jewelry, clothing, accessories, supplies (the list goes on...) than I could ever find roaming the internet on my own. Treasuries are a fun way to do just that. As a shop owner, I love treasuries for the exposure they provide the featured artisans and products. But as a shopper, it's the chance treasuries give to sneak a peak into the mind of my fellow creative consumers and crafts-people that thrills me.

I was thrilled to have my Modern Circles Wedding Invitation included in a very cool treasury entitled Grey Charcoal Red Pink. I think I faved about 4 items, and found a bunch of shops I probably wouldn't have found on my own. How delicious is that yarn? I totally want to renovate my bathroom with a parisian theme around that little toothbrush holder. And I wish I had $450 hanging around for that painting.

I also love that the patchwork sweater blanket included accents the grey and red colors, with an ochre-type yellow. Just like my invitation. Oh yeah, and it gets cold here in central New York...so I'll be needing that too! Thanks to Lesha's Workshop for creating this treasury and including me, and I promise not to send you the bill for all my subsequent etsy purchases {*wink*}.

Living, Loving, Laughing...Working!

Sorry I've been away so long, but the end of the school year, start of summer, and the wild activity of "wedding season" has had me up to my ears in a whole lot of all of the above. I'm really excited about the pochette invitations shown here (and the programs, donation cards, and possibly a few other reception elements that will go along with them!). I had a blast creating them for a lovely bride and groom, who also share tattoos that include the words used in the "logo" I designed for them.

The bride's vision included lots of bright white and the invitation reflects that, but I also enjoyed using her unique accent colors: coral and olive. They provided the perfect pop for the envelope lining and underscored key elements of the interior design. The inside also boasts swirl elements used to evoke the same aesthetic as her gorgeous wedding gown. I'm so thrilled that my friend Jen from She Takes The Cake is creating the wedding cake for this couple's event and I can't wait to see where she takes these ideas on what I know will be a sugar masterpiece!

Between this and my last post, I bet you are thinking what I'm thinking..."it's the year of the rings!" I've moved on to new looks, but I have certainly found wedding rings to be a big inspiration this year, especially in regards to typography. More to come, very soon. We're moving out of summer weddings and into fall and winter now, so I'll get some pictures up soon of more of our summer creations and give some sneak peaks of what you'll be seeing in September and October too!

Design is everywhere...even on fruit.

I have no need for a fruit cozy, and yet I want this one from Unravel Me Designs something fierce. I'm a green apple girl myself, and doesn't this crisp, juicy apple look so...well, cozy in its little sweater?! And don't get me started on the Cheshire Cat closure!

I don't work in an office anymore and so my apple-toting is limited these days, but this just might be the ticket to more fruit eating for me. A little cozy sure would protect my apple from getting banged up in a diaper bag and I think my little girls would love an entire family of apples all dressed in different colors and stashed happily in a ceramic bowl. I can see it now a pile of discarded Barbies and clothing, abandoned in the name of dressing up fruit. I like it.

Be sure to check out Unravel Me Designs. I don't ever think I've been more inspired to write a blog post about an etsy find, as when I saw this picture. Keep up the decidedly creative design work UnravelMe!!

Sunshine (on this rainy, rainy day...)

If you're not reading (or should I say, reading and commenting on) The Bright Side Project blog, well...then you're missing out. Bloggers Miss K and Miss B "deliver sunshine daily" by offering up giveaways for readers that at the same time support emerging and established artists and designers. That's a cause I can certainly get behind!

Not only are the offerings from these artists, gorgeous and unique, but the questions The Bright Side Project asks contest entrants to answer are thought-provoking. I did a workshop for some fellow entrepreneurs, on Unleashing Your Creativity a few weeks ago, and in talking with a few of the women in attendance I mentioned how much visiting and commenting on The Bright Side Project encourages my own creative thinking. Not only do I gain inspiration by getting a peak at what other members of the artistic community are working on, but through answering questions I would normally never think to ask, I'm led to explore new creative territory and discover new inspiration inside myself. Pretty cool, eh? You've gotta try it!

If you do, you just might find yourself a winner. I did, and from quite and unexpected answer I might add! I didn't have to think long when answering "What scent reminds you of your childhood, and why?"
Here's what I said:
As a result, I was lucky enough to win an incredibly awesome hand-poured soy candle from Linnea's Lights! Choosing from their delicious list of scents was difficult. They ALL sound captivating. But in the end I went with Sweet Grass, in honor of my 4 year old's own springtime "kid-sweat" scent. Honestly, I am so loving this candle that I'm going to save my rave reviews of Linnea's Lights for another post...

I'll admit, winning is very fun, but as they say...it is not everything. Trust me when I say, The Bright Side Project has a lot to offer. Now get yourself over there right now and start answering some questions! Enjoy...

Sending Smiles...one card (or several!) at a time

If you haven't heard of Spirit Jump...check it out. As it says on the website "Spirit Jump is a program that directly connects the gift giver with a person battling cancer. It was founded in November, 2008 by two young women who have both battled cancer." Handmade gifts are especially encouraged, and I've been so fortunate to have found this organization so that I can share my craft and (hopefully!) boost some spirits in the process.

Today I sent out the two cards above, which are designs I created for Sweet Talk Boutique. I hope it lightens the load a bit for the two people who receive them, or at least helps them crack a smile. I for one, always underestimate the joy I feel when sending a little gift, or encouragement and good wishes to someone who needs it. I never fail to be moved and blessed by the experience. Thanks to The Sprit Jump ladies Meaghan and Stacy, for all the effort they put into Spirit Jump. They are true inspirations. And I love being a "Jumper!"

DIY Delight!: Bride Supplies

At Bride Design we're forever creating new stationery designs for weddings, events, and life's most meaningful milestones. But that often leaves us with an overstock of cards, paper, ribbon, embellishments, art supplies and more. In an effort to keep our studio tidy and your DIY crafting needs met, we thought we'd offer our high-quality extras to you at extremely affordable prices through Bride Supplies! If you're planning on making your own invites or are thinking about another stationery project, check out what we've got. The shop contents will be updated whenever possible. Please let us know if you've got any questions and don't hesitate to visit our studio's official shop as well!

Weddings: Logo Love

Earlier this week, I delivered an order of custom blush pink and ivory invites to a lovely couple. My favorite part of their design? The very simple monogram I created using the lowercase version of their first initials "p" and "d." The second I started playing around with the letters I knew what font I wanted to use for this part of the design: Century Gothic. Besides the "m_______________" on the response card, the monogram is the only part of the design that uses this face and I chose it for it's pure geometry and consistent stroke. It's "o" character is a perfect circle and the "p" and "d" match perfectly. Creating couture invitations that capture a couple's unique qualities is always a thrill for me. And when I can work with typography? That's even better. The best part of all, the bride and groom love their "logo" and we'll be using it on some additional ceremony and reception items for their upcoming July wedding as well. I can't wait!

Thom Felicia Style: Design Meets Generosity

Last week I had the fortune to attend a book-signing event featuring interior design powerhouse Thom Filicia. You might remember him from TV's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Held at the lovely Fingerlakes winery Anyela's Vineyeard, this event benefited local charity Positively Pink Packages—a great organization that provides vital resources to breast cancer patients. The amazingly designed cake for the event was created by my friend, sugar artist Jennifer Comfort of She Takes The Cake. It was stunning, complete with 3-tiers and a full-size, hand-painted cookie replica of Thom's book "Thom Filicia Style!"

Since meeting Thom (so fun!) and getting my book signed, I've had some time to flip through the pages and it's great. As a designer myself, but not one of the home decor ilk, I've found Thom's approach to interiors strangely similar to the way I design for print. Design maxims like "less is more" or "lose the matchy-matchiness" are things I subscribe to when working with paper, but often fail to apply to my own home. Thom's philosophy includes incorporating texture, unique surprise elements, and balance into the rooms he creates. Again, those are techniques I use when creating invitations, logos, and stationery, but they somehow manage to slip my mind when I'm trying to redecorate my living room. Well, no longer. I'm ready to unleash my personal design sense on my home (which is probably why I started ripping down wall-paper in my foyer), and do it with style, smarts, and OK...a little help from Thom Filicia's book (*wink*).

Design Fun : Lying Eyes

If you, like me, fancy yourself a color theory or design buff, I think you'll enjoy this quick little puzzle over at Wired Magazine. Can your "lying eyes" find the two shades of gray that are the same? Thanks to @willfrancis for sharing this over on twitter.

While you are over at Wired, you might want to check out this fun design tidbit on ambigrams (a phrase written so that you can read it right side up and upside down). Very cool. I can't wait to share the one that reads "Reverse Engineering," with my engineer husband. Hope everyone has a beautiful and design-filled day!

Sometimes it's OK to play with your food...

Especially when it's part of a valiant effort to make mealtime more appealing, or fun for some preschoolers. Spring has officially sprung here and I've been sure (even when it's pouring outside) to serve up a little sunshine on my daughters' plates as a reflection of the season. I'm definitely no Hippo Mum, but I do give it my best shot making healthy and pretty meals for my little girls. And with increasingly picky taste-buds, a little design aesthetic applied to their foodstuffs seems to make everything go down a little smoother, and lunchtime a lot less tiring on this Mommy. How do you spice up your kids meals? With new and interesting tastes? Sneaking in some stealthy and healthy staples? Or do you just fall back on making pretty pictures like me?! Whatever works, right?

The Earth Laughs in Chocolate: John&Kira's

Ever since my sister attended her sister-in-law's chocolate- and wine-tasting bridal shower, I've been meaning to tell you about John&Kira's gourmet, artisan, chocolates. I was especially delighted when said sister gave a box of chocolates to my husband for Christmas and I got to try their delicious, melt-in-your-mouth flavor combos. As if producing incredible tasting, and gorgeous looking chocolate wasn't enough, I also appreciate this Philidelphia business' community involvement and earth-friendly stance. They use local and family farms for their fresh ingredients, and support an urban school garden program in West Philadelphia where the mint for their Garden Mint chocolates is grown. I never thought I'd say this but mmmm....Earth Day.

With other flavors like Lingering Lemongrass, Popohaku Farm Ginger, and Lavender Honey...you know you're in for a unique, and often organic experience when trying these chocolates. Carefully embellished squares of chocolate and beautifully packaged product speak to John&Kira's design sense as well and make their sweets even more of a joy to eat. I was delighted to discover they also offer wedding favor versions of their fine product. I think the lovebugs pictured above would be perfect, and a welcome treat for guests, such an event. So happy earth day (a day late) and why not celebrate with some chocolate!?