Journals Away

I will freely admit to my crazy love of moleskine journals and I will repeat it regularly to anyone who will listen. I found etsy artists who print their designs onto moleskine covers — yay! Take a peek at some of my current favorites.

(Click on the pictures to go directly to the etsy listings)


photo credit: Laurie Nadeau * ouou design
How darling is this little illustration? And there's a monkey! Gocco printed onto little moleskine journals. By Laurie Nadeau * ouou design.


photo credit: Supastarr
The above journal is an original illustration by Supastarr and features hand silkscreened green sprouts.


photo credit: two guitars
This moleskine is also Gocco printed. Love the "do work." By two guitars.

dana {shimmer studio}

Celebrating Mom!

With Mother's Day just over a week away, it's the perfect time to take a peek at just a few of the fabulous cards that honor mom and celebrate her special day.
For your favorite Hot Mama, choose this delightful card from Rock Scissor Paper.
This hand embellished card from Marzipan, Inc. celebrates a very "sweet" mom.

Just Another Day's customizable Mother's day card allows you to send the perfect message for your mom.

Spark Stationery offers a line of letterpress cards featuring their dachshund Henry - don't you just love his tattoo honoring Mom?

- Molly, Artful Sentiments

Taking Notes

I really feel there is something magical about putting pen to paper and recording your thoughts and ideas in a special notebook or journal. I even enjoy making to do lists. I've selected a few notebooks that are on my to buy list!

photo credit: Cartolina Cards

The note books pictured above are by Cartolina Cards. They are 4 by 6, 64 pages, 100% recycled, and blank pages. They sell for $4 each or $12 for a bundle of 3 and are available at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters across the country.

photo credit: Rock Scissor Paper

Rock Scissor Paper has a ton of really great notebooks and I had difficulty picking a favorite but this elephant notebook is the one I want first. 4 1/2-inches by 6 1/4-inches with rounded corners, a sturdy white metal spiral binding, black elastic band wraps around note book and 75 blank pages, premium recycled white paper. Purchase here.

photo credit: Robin Beth Designs

More letterpress goodness from Robin Beth Designs. These notebooks are 4.25x 5.5 inch letterpress mini-journals. They come in a set of four, one of each design in a letterpress gift folio. They will debut in May and will be in stores shortly after that.

photo credit: Hen and Barley Press

If you need to write a quick note or a simple to do list then do it in style. This notepad can be personalized with your name and comes with three coordinating magnets so you can leave your note hanging in style. Added bonus: This notepad set is by Hen and Barley Press exclusively for Goods for Goodness' Sake so a portion of the sale goes directly to charity. 1 Notepad with 50 sheets, personalized with the name of your choice, plus 3 round, coordinating 1 inch magnets. Purchase here.

dana {shimmer studio}

Pattern Play

photo credit: shimmer studio

I love seeing pattern as the predominant design element so I thought I would do a post featuring stationery and some gift wraps that are all about pattern!

photo credit: fin + roe

The two notcards above are from fin + roe and are completely customizable! You can choose the colors and even the patterns! Lots of beautiful choices. The notecard on the left is the Monogram Notecard and can be customized and purchased here. The notecard on the right is the Rowan Notecard and can be completely customized including a name or a message and you can purchase that here.

photo credit: feterie

The two giftwrap designs above are by feterie and feature some fabulous patterns and are hand screenprinted. These will brighten up any gift and are perfect for spring or any occasion. The giftwrap on the left is called Lemon Vendome and can be purchased here. The giftwrap on the right is called Poppy Fleur and can be purchased here.

photo credit: Oslo Press

Above are two wedding suite designs by Oslo Press and they feature laser engraved wood invitations in combination with letterpress envelopes and reply cards. I love the combination of materials and techniques. The suite on the left is called Mod and was inspired by the bold graphics of the 1960's — learn more about Mod here. The suite on the right is called Scroll and you can learn more here.

– dana [shimmer studio]

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

A little luck of the Irish

It's that time of year again — St. Patrick's Day! Here is some lucky stationery to celebrate with!

Photo Credit: marzipan inc

The two handmade cards featured above are by marzipan inc and are blank on the inside and come with translucent vellum envelopes. Purchase the "best of luck!" card here and the "happy st. patrick's day!" here.

Photo Credit: Feterie

Send someone a little luck. The card above is by Feterie exclusively for Goods For Goodness' Sake and features a reusable magnet featuring the word "lucky" in a fun design. Purchase here.

Photo Credit: Just Another Day Designs

The wedding invitations above by Just Another Day Designs feature four leaf clovers in the design! They look great in the chartreuse green and the pool blue pictured above but you can customize the colors to coordinate with your wedding. For more information click here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (which is March 17th in case you forgot)!

dana [shimmer studio]

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

Trends: Woodland

From Squirrels to trees and on to whimsical little mushrooms, this woodland themed trend cannot be passed up! The trend ranges from beautiful whimsy on wedding invitations to quirky fun on note cards. And to top it off, when you are done writing letters or addressing invitations to friends and family adorn the envelope with this personalized mushroom and gnome stamp!

1. artful sentiments
2. paisley dog press
3. fleur creations
4. feterie
5. sweet paperie


Courtney: Just Another Day Designs

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

Stationery Trend: Grey

Super chic and completely current, grey could very well be the new black. In the past, we've associated this color with Fall and Winter palettes but lately it has been featured in Spring and Summer soirees.

It seems that any shade will do, too. From pewter to silver, grey is a fresh alternative to black or brown. Lighten it up for summery, breezy events and keep it dark for evening and fall/winter affairs.

Here are some of the hottest combos you'll see in many stationery line-ups this year:

1. InVita Paper Studio 2. baron*cards 3. Abby Jean Press 4. Brown Sugar Design 5. Just Another Day Designs

For a modern twist on a retro idea, try Soft Pink hues paired with Slate and Stone greys. For a classic look, match Sky Blue with Pewter. Remember that Black and Silver are a foolproof combo for any formal event.

6. Wiley Valentine 7. Blush Paperie 8. Abby Jean Press 9. Bride Design 10. Good Girl Gifts

~ Lianne Tokey, baron*cards

clever alternative to baby announcements & favors

if handing out cigars or beef sticks after the birth of your baby isn't exactly your thing, try something clever like magnets featuring an image of your baby and all of his/her birth information. (also available for many other occasions such as save-the-date, graduation, birthday announcements, and wedding favors.)



another clever option are custom m&m's. now you can put your own words and photos on those little round chocolates! there are a multitude of colors to choose from, and while they're quite pricey, they certainly are cute! available in bulk or in several favor-sized options!



*magnet image courtesy of fin+roe
*m&m image snagged from m&m website

invitation alternatives :: fill-ins & imprintables

let's face it. while having custom made invitations and announcements made for special occasions like weddings or the birth of a baby is great, sometimes that sort of thing isn't in the budget for certain events like a cocktail party, family barbeque, or bridal shower. this is where two great alternatives come into play.

the first are fill-in invitations. this is the type of invitation (or announcement) that has the pre-printed "who:, what:, where:, when:, why:" information ready for you to plug in your information, stamp, and send on it's way. super simple solution and typically super affordable.

for those of you who are more confident with typing up the wording for your invitation in word processing software, an imprintable gives you more flexible options in that you can write whatever you want, wherever you want! some companies even offer the option to do the custom printing for you. (for a fee of course) so while it's not a custom design, it is customized to your special event.



1. fondu fill-in invitation. in-vita paper studio :: available soon.
2. new puppy fill-in announcements. marzipan inc. (available at shades of violet) :: $6.00/box of 10 (sale price)
3. sophisticated sun party custom printed invitations. rock scissor paper :: $24/box of 10
4. shower invites. available as fill-in or imprintable marzipan inc. (available at shades of violet):: $7.50/box of 10 (sale price)

Keen Calendars

Here is a selection of cool calendars for 2009 (and one birthday calendar that you can use for several years). I know it's already February but there's no time like the present to start getting organized. Besides where did January go so fast?

Photo Credit: Satsuma Press

Here is a beautiful letterpress calendar by Satsuma Press. The calendar is titled "Pattern + Texture" and was inspired by the artist's love of Japanese textiles. Purchase this lovely here.

Photo Credit: Benjamin Paul

Oh, I think I've inadvertently started a theme. This calendar caught my eye because I love letterpress and I love Koi. Each month features a different hand drawn illustration of koi. Purchase this calendar here.

Photo Credit: Rock Scissor Paper

I love this woodgrain birthday calendar from Rock Scissor Paper. What a fantastic idea to keep all those special days organized and in one place. Click here to purchase this one.

-dana [shimmer studio]

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.

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