originals :: paper art & design

Are you as crazy over paper as I am? If so, get a look at these new swatch books that arrived yesterday from Envelopments! It’s like Christmas in April here at the Originals Paper Art studio. I can hardly wait to make samples with the new colors and prints.

A great new addition to their line of paper is a selection of LETTERPRESS papers. They’re beautiful, heavy weight and have fabulous texture.  If you’re in the market for custom letterpress invitations, announcements or stationery… we need to talk!

But wait, that’s not all… they added a bunch of new patterns and color combos to their already incredible paper selection.  Not only do these papers come in card stock, they have complimentary light weight papers, envelopes, envelope liners and their infamous pockets!  Be sure to visit their website to see all they have to offer.

Once you’re done surfing the net for ideas, contact me to discuss how we can make your dream stationery come to life! You’ll be happy you did.

This is sweet little baby Garrett Allen Fischer… isn’t he just darling!  He’s the second Fischer boy and Allen’s namesake.  We haven’t met him yet — summer can’t get here soon enough.

I used the same design elements for his brother Cole two years ago.  I absolutely adore the circles, round font, and new to this announcement… the excited, wide-eyed fish!  It’s a terrific combination and so fitting for our friends.  This announcement would be so sweet mounted and framed in a shadow box.

Details. Details. Details.  They make the difference between a large photo website template and an Originals custom announcement.  If you’re expecting or know somebody who is, this is a great way to announce the arrival of your loved one.  Purchasing baby announcements as a bridal shower gift is unique, unexpected and well received.  Contact me today to discuss how to get started.

Cheers to another happy bride! Beth called me yesterday, in lieu of an email (she said), to tell me in person how much she loved her invitations. She continued to say they were all that she wanted and more. As you can imagine… I love receiving this kind of phone call. Rewind four months: Beth contacted me with her wedding theme, colors and concept right from the beginning. We had a nice long conversation over the phone and from that day forward we worked through various situations one email at a time. So for those interested in my work, but not in my neighborhood, not to worry… we can make it work.

Beth and I both researched pine cones and agreed on this one. It complimented the script font I chose for their names that was already in place and well-liked!

I used her favorite color, eggplant purple, as the anchor card and kept it classy with a black layer, black satin ribbon wrap, ecru invitation and a splash of metallic silver in the pine cone. It’s very striking in person and oh, SO tactile.  Love it!

The black satin ribbon wraps around the invitation and holds her information cards in place.  I like this option because once the information cards have been removed, the ribbon doesn’t lose it’s purpose… it simply becomes one with the invitation itself.  Follow me on that?

Beth needed three additional cards:  (1) an Information card that included hotel information, travel suggestions and a schedule of events for the entire weekend; (2) an RSVP card with Return Envelope; and (3) a Dinner Reception card detailing the celebration that followed the ceremony. All three cards included the same design specs and pine cone graphic.

The above snapshot showcases her Friday night Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Confections invitation, mailing envelope and RSVP postcard. And the final piece I designed for Beth and Tyler was a Thank You note to match. Whew! How’s that for a stationery suite. Nice.

Here’s a nice message I received from Claudia (mother of the bride) as well. Toot! Toot!

Dear Brooke,

The invitations arrived today and we (Beth, her Dad and me) were so pleased with them…..thank you for doing such a wonderful job and also your input that helped Beth put her ideas into them.

Many thanks,
Claudia

This invitation ranks up there with some of my favorites! Diamonds and Denim… it’s a Christmas Party! The theme lets the guest know they can dress up and down… whatever they’re comfortable wearing! LOVE it! I had lots of fun with fonts on this invitation… the chosen fonts make the specific word so graphic and visually appealing.

I adhered mini crystal stickers to dot the “i” in Diamonds. It adds sparkle, dimension and flair to the overall invitation. I chose Stardream paper for the blue backer and opal envelope. This metallic paper line lends itself to the Diamonds and the grunge background printed on the invite highlights the Denim. Again… I had lots of fun blending the two… Diamonds and Denim!

Thanks for stopping by… hey, while you’re here, why don’t you drop me a line and tell me what you think of this invitation!

Yes! I design them too! Anything that relates to weddings, is created with paper, and you need assistance designing… consider calling me!

The parents of the groom came to me with the Save the Date and Invitation so I knew the “look” of the existing wedding communications. This was my design concept based on the aforementioned and they loved it. I printed them on my color laser, cut everything, adhered the two layers, hand addressed the envelopes, stuffed the envelopes, added postage and mailed them! Now that’s one-stop-shopping!

Another happy Originals Paper Art client!  YAY!  Have a great day…

When you do something extraordinary, you deserve an extraordinary party, which means one thing, extraordinary invitations! Invitations (and announcements) are the voice of the party!  Make your invitation a keepsake — not a throw away!

These original graduation announcements were created using Envelopments. If you’re unfamiliar with this product line, be sure to click on the link and visit their website. I’m an Envelopments Dealer which means I have access to their entire product line and as a graphic designer I have the vision to create a finished product you’re sure to love!

Loren needed multiple items wrapped up in one: graduation announcement, separate diploma ceremony, cocktail party information and dinner invitation… whew! I incorporated it all into one booklet. The graduation announcement is the first thing these recipients will see when they open the Envelofold — and when they open the announcement I’m certain they’ll “feel” the celebration that awaits them!

It’s probably too late for most of you to order 2009 graduation announcements… but if you know somebody that may be interested for 2010, be sure to pass along my web address! Thank you.

This custom birthday party invitation was for my nephew and it’s probably five years old… but it’s been hanging on my wall all this time.  I call that a good invitation… something that is kept for a period of time (maybe even framed) after it’s been received. It was hand delivered to the guests as a scroll. A tube would work for mailing if necessary.

I know my sister-in-law framed hers… what mom wouldn’t? Speaking of sister-in-law… she took the picture of Ethan wearing his grandpas boots (I think) and his great grandpas belt buckle. Very sweet. She’s a talented photographer located in the great northwest, Milestones Photography… check out her blog… tell her I sent you.

This was a group effort! Elaine took the photo, I designed the WANTED Poster, and Allen burned the edges! It was a fun invitation and made for a great turnout! As you know… an invitation is the first thing your guest sees that instantly sets the energy and tone of your event – no matter what the event is – birthday, baby shower, wedding even a corporate event!  Next time you need invitations, consider custom and contact me to make them an original and worth saving!

Hope this post makes you smile! Have a happy hump day!