Much to my delight, I was recently "tagged" by jewelry designer, Lisa of L. Stone Designs! Now that I'm "it," along with 6 other lucky bloggers, it's my job to share 7 random and/or weird things about myself. Not the easiest task, but here's your opportunity to get to know me, Erin the Bride Designer, just a bit better.
1. Everyone knows I love stationery, but I am also a HUGE perfume freak. I can't get enough of the stuff. One of my goals is to train my nose to distinguish fragrance notes, so that I can gain a better understanding of and deeper appreciation for perfume.
2. I have been collecting postcards since I was a child. I have tons from around the country and the world and they never fail to inspire me. From the stamps and postmarks, to the pictures on the front to the hand scrawled messages on the back, I should have known I'd end up doing something with my career that had to do with mail!
3. I had a minor in Women's Studies in college, and took many English and writing classes. If I were not a designer, I would probably want to do something in the magazine or book publishing. I loved working in those industries as a designer and art director, but I think it would be fun to try out the writing and editing side as well.
4. Working off #3. I have written and illustrated a children's book but for a variety of reasons I haven't really worked to get it out there or published. My ultimate dream is to illustrate children's books.
5. I love music! My husband and I have over 1300 CDs which are now happily living in our attic while also living on in our itunes catalog. The lion's share belongs to him, but I promise I didn't just marry him for his music collection!
6. I danced ballet until I was 16, and started doing modern dance in college. I would love to start taking dance classes again and getting back on point shoes at some point. Until then, there is always a dance party going on in my living room with my two toddler daughters!
7. I once painted two dinosaur-themed chairs that were autographed by famed paleontologist Paul Sereno, and featured in Chicago's annual Celebrity Chair Auction.
So that's me. Want to learn more about a few of my favorite bloggers? Hopefully they won't mind sharing!
For the tagged, The rules are as follows:
Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I linked to :
http://shetakesthecake.blogspot.com
http://aplanet4creation.blogspot.com/
http://textilefetish.blogspot.com/
http://penpaintpaper.blogspot.com/
http://designing-diva.blogspot.com/
http://elementsbydawn.blogspot.com/
http://deborahthecraft.livejournal.com/
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Tag! I'm it.
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Bride Designer is also Style Mama???

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!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Paper Passion!
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?
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!)
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!
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...
—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!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Coming soon to a computer near you!
I loved Crystal's take on this modern and distinctive invitation I did for Elizabeth and Jessup, a bride and groom from Wisconsin. From the urban colors and graphic details to the sharp-looking brad fasteners and vertical shape, this invite truly reflected the fashion-forward tastes of this unique couple. Just as I work hard to express the singular style of each couple, family, individual or business that Bride Design works with, Crystal's shots similarly capture the authentic design approach I bring to each and every invitation, stationery suite, and event accessory I create.
The new website should launch right around the same time that I'm due to welcome another new and eagerly anticipated creation into the world, my second child! I am looking forward to the arrival of both the new site and the new baby and the adventures that await my business and family in the year to come.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Edible InvitationsTM
Starting at $10 per invitation, hostesses can send their guest a unique custom made cookie printed with the time, date, and location of the event. Pictures and art work can also be printed on the cookie. Shrink-wrapped, tied lovingly with tissue paper and ribbon, and enclosed in a high-quality A7 mailing box with a decorative sash, these invitations hold up well in the mail. And as the Women TIES article noted "...they are just as good as they look."
Just in case a guest can't wait to consume Jen's delicious sugar cookie/shortbread combination recipe, a printed paper invitation is also included along with the cookie. Tailored to the individual needs of an event, edible invitations are perfect for bridal showers, bridesmaid luncheons and teas, birthdays and anniversaries, as well as weddings, corporate events, or any celebration that you'd like to announce with a deliciously different twist !
She Takes The Cake and Bride Design are the only source offering this new and (literally!) tasteful approach to invitations. Inquire today regarding this unique product by emailing admin@bridedesign.com. Bride Design and She Takes The Cake have also joined forces to provide additional exclusive wedding services for the discerning bride. More on that in a blog to come. Happy planning!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Catch your cards in our new custom created cake boxes!
Available in one, two and three-tiered designs, cake card boxes are perfect for weddings, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, and more. They can even be created to match or compliment your actual wedding cake! For more information or questions about this one-of-a-kind way to collect your cards and monetary gifts, email Erin at admin@bridedesign.com. Happy Planning!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Our Menu
While we've always offered Save the Date cards, we've recently launched a line of Save the Date magnets. They're a stylish and functional way to keep your guests updated on the big day! Call or email for information or a quote today.
In addition to our bridal offerings, Bride Design Baby carries handmade announcements, baby stationery and thank you notes. Each design is as unique as the little person who inspires it! Recently Bride Design has also made a splash with corporate and charity event invitations.
Bride Design is booking up fast for 2006, so please email admin@bridedesign.com for a free consultation today. We've also begun scheduling for 2007 dates, so it's never to early to get on our calendar and begin thinking about the perfect invitation for your event! Thanks for all of your business in 2005! I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Holidays!
Winter is close at hand, which brought to mind a lovely invitation I was honored to create for a wedding last December. Pictured here, it used embossed holly berry paper and a shimmering soft white envelope. The stylish ribbon resembled a bow on a Christmas gift and the envelope reminded me of newly fallen snow. In addition to wedding invitations, Bride Design gets into the spirit of the season by creating custom greeting cards and holiday party invites. Whatever your needs, we try to help make your stationery dreams happen. We might not be able to ensure that your letter to Santa makes it to the North Pole, but we can certainly help you put on the prettiest paper possible! Email us at admin@bridedesign.com if you'd like to find out more about holiday offerings or Bride Design in general. Happy holiday shopping everyone!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Want to make your own amazing invitations?
Erin Nowak, owner and principal of Bride Design, runs each workshop herself, sharing with you years of professional design experience and a few artistic tricks of her trade. Workshops are best with 4-8 people and will get you started designing and assembling your own invitations, announcements or stationery. Using a variety of unique papers, ribbons, brads and other specialty items, each participant will make 1-3 sample invitations. At the end of the session you will leave understanding several techniques that you can take home and use to create an invitation or announcement unique to your event or purpose.
Custom workshops can take place at your home, or location of choice. Fee for workshops is $35 per person and includes materials. You provide the hospitality and I'll bring the supplies and instruction to help you create and invitation or announcement with you own personal touch! To schedule a Bride Design Workshop today please email admin@bridedesign.com.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Fall is around the corner...
Looking ahead to Fall, there is a lot going on. Please stop by and visit us from 1-4 pm on September 25th at Syracuse's Perfect Bridal Show at The Holiday Inn. My entire portfolio with be available for you to view at this event, so be sure to check out some of the items I offer in addition to invitations. I will have thank you notes, shower invitations, and save the date designs with me.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology and the flexibility of Bride Design, please keep in mind that I can work with brides and grooms in almost any situation. I have worked with couples all over the country, most recently with brides in California, Ohio, Florida and Wisconsin.
Now is also the perfect time to start thinking about invites for winter 2005-2006 and spring 2006 weddings. It's also never to early to get a jump on finding the perfect invitation for your event. Please email admin@bridedesign.com for a free consultation today!


