Spring Fever!

The first day of spring upon us at long last (tomorrow- YAY!) so now is the perfect time to take a peek some lovely stationery that reflects this beautiful time of year.

1. Butterfly Garden Personalized Stationery from Rock Scissor Paper exclusively for Goods for Goodness' Sake.

2. Peekaboo Sunshine Personalized Folded Note Cards from Tulaloo
3. Blossom Stationery from Feterie.

4. Owl Hand Block Printed Note Card from Artful Sentiments exclusively for Goods for Goodness Sake.

5. Floral Collection Boxed Note Cards from Specialty Cards 4U.

6. You Don't Bring Me Flowers Note Cards from Lasso'd Moon Designs / Jitterbug Stationery .

7. Mandala Series Letterpress Stationery from Shimmer Studio.
8. Spring Note Cards from Jilly Jack Designs.

I hope you're now as inspired as I am to celebrate the coming of spring with some delightful new stationery!

Photos courtesy of their respective owners.

- Molly, Artful Sentiments

Trend: The Art of Lettering by Hand

Hand-lettering is a fresh trend with roots firmly planted in the art of calligraphy. The current lettering trend extends beyond the classic scrollwork calligraphy we've admired over the ages, and leans toward a free-form interpretation of the alphabet. The result is a whimsical and often playful reminder of our youth. So it's no surprise that this trend is currently enjoying the spotlight in mainstream design as people look for ways to lighten the overall mood of "the times".

On trend for baby & children, the hand-lettered alphabet makes learning about letters so much fun!

(1) Alphabet by Linzie Hunter (2) Geoff McFetridge for animalphabet.org (3) Mike Perry for animalphabet.org

When used on an announcement or invitation, an artful font speaks about the personality of the couple. Perfect for informal events.

(1) Calligraphy by Love, Jenna (2) Hand-lettering by Sarah Gardner (3) Save-the-date by Float Paperie (4) Wedding Invitation by Linda & Harriett

The hand-lettered notecard is perfectly suited to the hand-written note, which (nowadays) is a gift in itself to receive.

(1) Hello Notecards by Susy Jack (2) Chill Notecard by Artful Sentiments (3) Initial Notecard by baron*cards (4) Letterpress Birthday Notecard by Paper Stories

~ Lianne Tokey, baron*cards

Paper Treats for a Book-Themed Baby Shower

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once said, "It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own." The family members that hosted a baby shower for me when I was pregnant with my first child couldn't have agreed with that sentiment more. As a result, they threw me a storybook celebration that I (nor my children) will ever forget. Each guest was asked to bring their favorite children's book unwrapped, as a gift for me and my new baby. In addition to the usual load of onesies and baby blankets, I also amassed a not-so-small library that my daughters still enjoy and benefit from today.


Of course, where there are books, there's usually paper! So here are a few designs that just might make an already unique book-themed baby shower, even more festive. Brightly colored bookplates, like these from Just Another Day Designs, are a great way for any reader to keep track of their beloved stories. The peel and stick plates are easy for guests to pop in their book and write a small message letting the family know why they chose it. When the book's new owner officially arrives, Mom can inscribe the child's name. Or she might choose to personalize the plate with the family's last name, since well-loved books are often passed on to new family members or generations over time.

Too many guests with the same favorites? Never fear. Multiple plates can be placed in one copy of the book, and duplicate copies can be donated to a school, children's hospital, or a community organization's library.


The perfect finish to your storybook baby fete? A cute favor that fits with the theme. Custom block-printed bookmarks and notepads like these from Artful Sentiments, will dress up your guests' books long after the party is over, and the pads are ideal for keeping that never-ending list of "must-reads."

~Erin, Bride Design

A "Good" way to shop!

With all the lovely stationery choices out there, it's sometimes difficult to make a decision what to purchase for yourself, or for that special little gift. Goods for Goodness' Sake can help you with that, by ensuring that you not only purchase beautiful products, but you also do a little good for someone else along the way. Goods for Goodness' Sake is a new online boutique that donates 100% of its profits to one of several charities that the shopper selects when they make a purchase. Now that's something we can all feel good about.

Owners Cathe of Feterie (and one of the stationery guides) and Lara of Tiny Tales have partnered with several stationery designers that they have come to know over their years running their own businesses to fill this new online boutique with delightful paper goods. The shop includes products from designers Artful Sentiments, Bride Design, Feterie, Hen & Barley Press, Loop, Marzipan, Paper Stories, PaperLuxe Studio, Rock Scissor Paper, Shimmer Studio, Three Wheels Design + Paper, and Tiny Tales, many of whom have created products exclusively for Goods for Goodness Sake.

Stop by the shop, won't you? It's a great place to buy some lovely stationery and do a little good at the same time.

Molly, Artful Sentiments

Noted: Initials

There are so many reasons to send a hand written note, whether it's a simple hello, a heartfelt thank you, or an enclosure with a little gift, it's nice to have an assortment of beautiful note cards on hand.
Initial note cards are a classic choice, and today's stationers offer them in modern form, as well as the timeless standards. Whether you choose your first initial or last, a lovely box of initial note cards are the perfect solution for your correspondence.

Photo Credits: Evy Jacob (1), Just Another Day Designs (2), Invita Paper Studio (3), Artful Sentiments (4)


Molly, Artful Sentiments

Make your mark using eco-friendly inks

Most people think “eco-friendly stationery” has everything to do with the paper. Just as important (and often overlooked) is the ink used to create the images and impressions we see on paper.

However, not all inks are created equal! “Traditional” inks are considered toxic to the environment because they don't decompose in landfills, they emit air pollution in the form of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and are based on petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Unfortunately, these inks are commonly used in printing processes because they are readily available and considered to be cost-effective. Thankfully, there are alternatives. Here are some suggestions on how make a 'green' impression on paper:

Use vegetable-based inks (soy, flax, canola or safflower)

- emit low VOCs
- derived from renewable resources
- easily stripped from paper in the recycling process
- biodegradable
- available for commercial and personal printing equipment
- provide high-quality, vibrant prints

Remember that less is more

Source short-run printing using solid wax ink or by digital press using liquid ink. These processes can print small quantities with less setup and chemical clean-up required.

Lasso’d Moon Designs: eco-friendly printer, uses wax based solid ink.

Even better: print only what you need. Source stationers who print by hand using block print, silkscreen or letterpress.

(left) Feterie: Eco-Luxe Gift Wrap is hand silkscreen-printed with soy/veg-based ink | (right) Artful Sentiments: Each card is an original work of art, hand printed

Hire a calligrapher for your stationery package or envelope addressing (you can also do it yourself).

Betsy Dunlap: calligraphy by hand

Design considerations: choose designs that use less ink or none at all. Look for minimalist designs or letterpress that incorporates ‘embossing’, where the impression into the paper creates the design without ink.

Paper stories: embossed letterpress design

Go digital: where possible, eliminate the ink altogether. Use wedding websites for wedding day information (such as Accommodation or Direction details) and send “Save the Date” notifications via email.

Eco-saavy consumers on a quest for eco-friendly stationery should look beyond recycled paper. Work with stationers who resource low-VOC ink solutions with the capacity to run small quantities and you'll be doing your part to support sustainability!

- Lianne Tokey, baron*cards

Sweet Valentine, will you be mine?

I just adore Valentines day - hearts and flowers, wishes of love, red heart boxes filled with chocolates and pink m&m's, and heartfelt wishes in sweet little cards - what's not to adore?

Valentine's Day cards are a wonderful way to celebrate the special people in your life, whether it's your one true love, best friend, or a special child, there are loads of beautiful paper goods to help you express your love. Here are just a few of my favorites...


1. Love Typography card from Springcart Designs. Love, you just can't say it enough.
2. For the girl who likes a little sparkle - handmade Bling Heart pocket from Specialty Cards 4 U.
3. Send sweet Valentine wishes with the Peanut Butter and Jelly letterpress card from Sarah Marie .
4. And for the science geek in your life - I'm Attracted to You letterpress card from Paper Stories Letterpress.



1. This Bee Mine hand embellished card from Shades of Violet reminds me a bit of the delightful Valentines we grew up with, only better!
2. Love Birds Printable Valentines from Three Wheels Design are perfect for children's valentines, and great if you're a last minute shopper, you print them yourself!
3. Tree Valentine from Rock Scissor Paper. (Wood you be my valentine?)
4. And lastly, for a nature lover, or just to say Nuts About You - hand block printed Valentine from Artful Sentiments.

Hope you're inspired to find the perfect Valentine for that special someone!


Molly, Artful Sentiments

Photos courtesy of their respective owners.

Reader Question: Bridal Shower Thank You Notes

Got a stationery related question? We've got answers! After our reader Micah read Molly of Artful Sentiment's posts on thank you cards, she contacted Molly with some follow-up questions. We were thrilled that Molly was able to put Micah's mind at ease, and would love to help more readers. Check out their exchange below, and if you have your own stationery related questions, please write us .

Question:
I have a question, if you don't mind. I was just thrown a bridal shower with over 50 guests and 11 hostesses. Half of the hostesses I had never met, and half of the ones I had never met were not even at the shower. I have no idea how to word thank you cards for the hostesses, especially the ones I do not know that were not at the shower. Thank you for hosting? Thank you for wanting to be a part of the most special time in my life?

Also, How do I keep from copying the same thing for each hostess? What if they compare notes and the sentiments are too similar?

Thanks for any advice you can give, because I've been stressing myself out for the last week about this.

-Micah

Answer:
Micah, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It sounds like you have a lot of lovely family and friends wanting to make your whole experience special. I have a few thoughts on your hostess thank you notes. You can thank them for being generous with their time and talents in hosting such a lovely event. If you know of any of their specific contributions, you should hightlight them. For example, if they worked on invitations or decorations, let them know how special those were. That will help you to send different notes to each hostess. For those that didn't attend, and that you don't know, express how you are looking forward to meeting them (at the wedding, perhaps?). Another tip I use whenever I'm writing... I use the thesaurus endlessly. There are some words I just adore, so I use them often, but the thesaurus really helps when I want to say something a little different...

Oh, and one more thing. Breathe... this shouldn't be stressful!

-Stationery Guide Molly of Artful Sentiments

Response:
You have made it all seem wonderfully easy- thank you! And here I was, not utilizing thesaurus.com that is blatantly poised in my search toolbar!

-Micah

A Thank You Cards post-holiday round up!

Well now that we all know how to write a proper thank you note here are some lovely cards for the task! Cartolina Cards (1) offers this gorgeous lotus flower thank you note. I love this cute paper airplane note card (2) from Pink Loves Brown which is blank on the inside and waiting for your thoughts. Rock Scissor Paper (3) offers this lovely card as a boxed set if you have a few thank you notes to send out. This letterpress card from Shimmer Studio (4) features a cherry blossom illustration. Paper Stories (5) has another perfect letterpress option! And (6) Artful Sentiments has this lovely zinnia hand block printed card. So go on and write some thank you notes — I know I will be!

(note: to purchase any of the featured stationery please follow the links on the company names above.)
Photo credits; (1) Cartolina Cards, (2) Pink Loves Brown, (3) Rock Scissor Paper, (4) Shimmer Studio, (5) Paper Stories, and (6) Artful Sentiment.

Thank You Very Much!

With the holidays just passed, it's the perfect time to send those little hand-written thank you notes for lovely gifts received and parties and visits hosted during the season. Writing thank you notes may seem a bit daunting, but it really is easier than you may remember - as with so many things, just starting is the hardest part.

First, choose your stationery. A beautiful folded note card or personalized flat notes would be the perfect backdrop for your note. Full sized stationery may be a bit large, as your note will likely be brief, but if you're up for filling a page, then you can certainly make that your choice. There are loads of wonderful options out there, both specifically for thank you notes or just lovely stationery, many suitable for children as well as adults. Make your stationery choice speak to your personality!

Now, for the note.

1. Start with a personalized greeting.

Dear Auntie Mary,

2. Express your gratitude, specifically. “Thank you for the gift” doesn’t cut it.

Thank you so much for the beautiful hand-knitted scarf and gloves. You are so talented!

(Easy, right? Just a couple more guidelines. For a monetary gift, do not mention the specific amount, but thank the gift-giver for their generosity. If the note is for a host or hostess, thank them for their hospitality.)

3. Describe how you will use the gift or provide more specifics.

We are off to a cold and snowy start to the winter, and I'm certain they'll get much use over the coming months. The raspberry color is gorgeous, and will brighten the gray winter days ahead.

(For a monetary gift or gift card, you may also mention how you plan to use it, for example "I have been saving for new golf clubs, and now look forward to having them before golf season begins". For a host or hostess, give some specifics about your visit that were particularly memorable, for example "Dinner was fabulous, as always, and you invite such an interesting group of friends, making the conversations unforgettable".)

4. Personalize a bit more, mentioning something in the past and / or future.

I have always wanted to learn to knit, and am hoping you'll come for a visit and perhaps give me a little lesson. I'll give you a call in the next week or so to see if we can arrange a date.

(You're almost done.... this isn't so hard, is it?)

5. Give your thanks again, and close.

Thanks again!
Love,
Molly

And there you have it! Here are examples of a few completed notes….

Dear Auntie Mary,

Thank you so much for the beautiful hand knitted scarf and gloves. You are so talented!

We are off to a cold and snowy start to the winter, and I'm certain they'll get much use over the coming months. The raspberry color is gorgeous, and will brighten the gray winter days ahead.

I have always wanted to learn to knit, and am hoping you'll come for a visit and perhaps give me a little lesson. I'll give you a call in the next week or so to see if we can arrange a date.

Thanks again!
Love,
Molly


Dear Larry and Michelle,

Thank you so much for your hospitality. Dinner was fabulous, as always, and you invite such an interesting group of friends, making the conversations unforgettable.

I am planning to get some friends together next month for dinner at my house, and will call to check dates with you!

Thanks again!
Fondly,
Molly



Dear Uncle Pete,

Thank you for your generosity. I have been saving for new golf clubs, and now look forward to having them before golf season begins.

I can’t wait for the first day of golfing (after the snow melts, of course). I’ll give you a call so we can make a day of it!

Thanks again!
Love,
Molly


See how easy that was! And if you check back later today, you’ll find a post with a lovely selection of thank you cards. Surely there will be at least one to inspire you to write your notes!

Molly, Artful Sentiments

photo courtesy of Artful Sentiments