Rifle Paper Co. Calendars

So remember when I used to post regularly? Those were the good ol' days. Now every minute of my waking hours are spent frantically crafting for ICP, working on ICP stuff, planning weddings, making party streamers, and eating cake. I have a million things I want to post about, but no time to do it. And a severe lack of motivation to edit all my recent photos. But I feel a little lonely not blogging, so I'm going to try to ease back into it, even if it's just something short and sweet.

Source: riflepaperco.com via Erin on Pinterest

These gorgeous new calendars by Rifle Paper Co. were just what I needed to get my blogging juju back. I mean, seriously, drool.  These are literally the calendars of my dreams, exactly what I have been waiting for my whole life. I'm definitely getting the botanical one, and maybe the poster style too. Maybe all three.

Two Over Zero: Sale!

Some of my favorite paper goods are on sale right now! Two Over Zero is having a huge "Christmas in July" sale ... all items in their shop are 50% off! I made sure to stock up on my favorite note pads and recipe cards, you should too. Don't dilly-dally, the sale ends July 31!

Free Printable Wedding Stationary

You know I love me some paper goods, and these free printables from The Wedding Chicks really hit the spot. They've partnered with fabulous designers to bring you fully customizable wedding stationary... for free! From save the dates to full invitation suites, menus to escort cards, they've got you covered. And the best part is, you can completely customize every aspect of the design, from type to graphics, to fit your exact color scheme! You just type in your info, select the colors for each aspect, and voila! Their system generates a high-resolution image with your details. Then you just right-click and save to your desktop, after which you can send the file to your printer. Seriously, this is a dream come true for brides on a budget. Take a peek at some of the designs!

And there's more fabulousness where that came from! Check out The Wedding Chick's download section for their full range. Many of the designs are available with coordinating save the dates to unify your wedding theme. Don't forget to drop by their DIY section, there's more great printables along with some fantastic projects. They've also got a lovely blog, so be sure to say hello and thank them for the free designs!

Of course, these printables aren't just for weddings. In fact, I've got my eye on the Sweet Love suite for a shower coming up!

Bunting Invitation Suite

Mason Jar Invitation Suite

Photo Booth Sign

Photo Thank You Card

Sweet Love Invitation Suite

Fancy Photo Save the Date

Heart & Arrow Monogram

Bicycle Wedding Invitation Suite

Papercutting by Elsita

The Heart Of Papercuts is "a blog entirely dedicated to the magic art of papercutting." Created by the amazing Elsa Mora, this blog features primarily her own stunning work. When I first saw her papercuts, I just stared at my computer screen, mouth agape. Her work is truly magical. I could re-post everything from her blog, but here's a few of my favorites...

Drool.

When I was a kid, I was really interested in paper art, and loved experimenting with scherenschnitte and quilling. My mother has some lovely scherenschnitte pieces from Switzerland, and I remember just staring at them, trying to figure out how they were cut so perfectly. But then I grew up, and I became interested in other things, mainly design and interiors. When I came across Elsita's blog, my interest was rekindled, and I've been doing some of research on modern papercutting. It's weird though... I love this type of work so much, I'm a little afraid to try it (unusual for me). If I was an artist, this is exactly what I'd want to do.

Cory got me a lovely print from Elsita's shop and a set of papercut patterns for beginners. She sent along the sweetest note, encouraging me to try it and enjoy it. I've been working my way through the patterns, and love the process, it's so peaceful. I'm excited to keep learning, and try my hand at my own designs eventually.

Elsa Mora isn't only a papercut artist, she does lots of cool things. Check out her other blogs:
- general blog
- miniature art books
- personal style
- handmade dolls

Valentines with Martha

As always, Martha Stewart is a never-ending fountain of good ideas when it comes to Valentine's Day. If you don't want to shell out for a purchased valentine card, or you prefer the handmade, here's some ideas for you to get crafty with.

From top, left to right:

Marbleized Valentines (marbleizing is so fun!)

Sentimental Valentine Wheel

Quilled Valentine Script (quilling is really easy and sooo pretty)

Quilled Valentine Hearts

Antique-style Valentine

Seed-starter Valentine

Valentine Cookies (or put a message on your cookies!)

Catnip Valentine (if you're not a knitter, apply the idea to these)

Pink + Red Valentine Roundup

Here's some gorgeous Valentines in the season's traditional colors.

Everything by Rifle Paper Co. wins my heart, and their Valentine selection is no exception.

Valentines by Rifle Paper Co., $4 each

 This letterpress card set is sweet and simple, and comes with coordinating pencils.

xoxo set by we heart paper, $15 for set of 5

Sweet swallows are letterpressed in blushing pink, carrying your note of love.

Love Bird Card by Darling Press & Stationers, $3.20 each

A hand-punched heart is simple and classy, while a letterpressed saying has modern elegance.

Two Hearts Beat As One by warpeDesign, $7 each

Apple of My Eye by Smock Papers, $4 each

This cheeky card is still delicate and sweet.

From the Heart by farouche, $3.50 each

I just adore this linen love note. Have the muslin bag stamped with any message you choose, 

and infuse the heart with your favorite scent.

Custom Linen Love Note by ink-lore, $12 each

Black + White Valentine Roundup

This year I'm really feeling the minimalist vibe when it comes to valentines. Here's some black + white notes of love...

 Who says valentines have to be a note card?
Give your sweetheart this darling garland and their heart will sing for joy.

Love is Splendid Word Thread by Royal Buffet, $13

 Have your message of love inscribed in gorgeous calligraphy.
What a sweet keepsake!

Custom Calligraphy Valentines by Hello Handmade, $30 (sold out already!)

A tiny letter packs a big punch.  The World's Smallest Postal Service will write and send your message in minuscule form, complete with a magnifying glass and a tiny wax seal.

Tiny Valentine by The World's Smallest Postal Service, $9

 Have a lot of Valentines? This eight-card set will take care of all of them.

Love Cards by In Haus Press, $16

 

This simple DIY is so sweet... stamp or write your message onto a long ribbon, then wind on a spool and let your Valentine unravel the message from your heart.

DIY Spool Valentine by papernstitch

 This letterpress eye chart contains a message of love...
and could double as piece of art.

Eye Chart Love by HawkGerber Ink, $5

Calendar Deliberations

People, I need your help. I have been pouring over options for calendars the last 3 days and cannot make a decision. Yes, I know it's nearly the end of January already... I'm a little late to the calendar game.

Here are my top choices:

1. Wall Calendar by Snow and Graham, $30

2. Letterpress Calendar Card by Parrott Design Studio, $5

3. Printable Calendar by Lisa Samartino Atelier, $10

4. Screen-printed Calendar by Beau Ideal

5. Letterpress Wall Calendar by Parrott Design Studio, $22.50

6. Letterpress Wall Calendar by Sycamore Street Press, $35

7. Printable Nature Calendar by Blue Tricycle, $5

Aren't they all lovely options? Every time I think I've decided and I'm about to hit the purchase button, I change my mind. To be honest, none of them are 100% perfect... each one has that little something that I wish were different. And yes, I've considered making my own, but until Vintage Printable get's their website in a usable state, it's not going to happen.

So what you think? Or do you know of another lovely calendar I should consider?

Christmas Card

Merry Christmas from our little family to yours!

The old photo with the semi-creepy cat children is our tradition, see the past few years here and here.

Giveaway: Recipe Cards

I've got a special surprise for you, a set of 10 4x6 recipe cards from Two Over Zero! I love these cards and use them all the time, the size and attractive simplicity makes them perfect for jotting down a recipe or passing one along to a friend.

To Enter:

Leave a comment mentioning your favorite Christmas recipe, 

please include the email address you can be contacted at.

This giveaway will close on Friday, December 17 at 5:00 pm EST.

I'll ship these out right away, so you should get them in time for Christmas. They'd make a great gift, or you can keep them all for your self (I won't tell!). Check back tomorrow to see how I'm sharing them!

 A big thanks to Two Over Zero for sponsoring this giveaway! They're having a great 30% off sale, so if you don't win you can still pick up some goodies for yourself and get a sweet deal!

Christmas Cards by Rifle Paper Co.

I was just reminded of my love for Rifle Paper Co. They have some of the most gorgeous paper goods around, and their Christmas line is no exception.

via Going Home to Roost

Book Projects

After making the paper wreath, I've been on the lookout for more book projects. Here are some fun ones!

This table centerpiece from Style Me Pretty is stunning, simple, and inexpensive!

A hollow book safe is Nancy Drew chic. Make your own, or buy one like this from conduit press.

 This gorgeous installation (by Cath of California via simplesong) would be easy to recreate with some styrofoam balls and a circle punch.

 If you find your book collection is stacking up around you, turn those piles into a table or fort!

(I've lost the original sites of these last 2 images, if you know who they belong too, please leave a comment so I can give the proper credit.)