New cards!

A few weeks ago I won a giveaway over on Oh hello friend for a set of letterpress business cards from Metal Doily Press and they have already arrived! I haven't had updated cards in pretty much forever so I was super excited to open up the box and take a peek. Monique wrapped them up with a sweet little bow and they came out quite nicely if I do say so myself. I showed them to the husband and the first thing he said was "they are so pink and girly, they are so you and your blog". I'd say we nailed it then. I can't wait to start handing them out, they feel super plush with nice and thick card stock and Monique is pretty fab herself with stellar customer service. For those living in Southern California she does participate in the craft show circuit so do check her and her lovelies out. For the rest of us, stop by her site for all things letterpress and show a bit of love.

images by our designed life

Letterpress

I've been trying to get more and more art up on the walls and this simple CMYKABC letterpress type print has so much going on I can't stop staring. Made using vintage 9" wood type blocks it has a very interesting look and feel. Available from the Western New York Book Arts Center, it might be a good candidate to pair with our newest and slightly deadly art purchase. The husband and I ventured out to Alameda last weekend and scored a few pieces of iron that have been rusted, painted and shredded, but in a good way. Can't wait to get it up, just have to make sure every thing is nice and secure before hanging 20 pounds of jagged metal on the wall!

image via felt and wire shop, by wnybac

2012 calendar love

I've been noticing more and more calendars around these days and I think I might just have to jump on the bandwagon and pick up one or two for a colorful touch. My kitchen is stark white so a small bit of color would do wonders! There are so many options for our pocket books, from digital files to water colored beauties and delightful letterpress, you can find the right style of calendar for you at the right price point. These downloadable animal calendars are a whopping $6! So much fun.

Calendars via loopzart, linda & harriette, paisley tree press, studio morran and deka- animals

Pearl & Marmalade

A week or so ago, Erin from Bows and Sparrows announced she was gladly accepting snail mail, and with an exchange of addresses (again) I have been wading through image after image of lovely letterpress.  I was so excited it lead me to Pearl & Marmalade, a shop filled with eye catching designs.  With great attention to detail, each card is wonderfully designed with great color combinations with a little wit thrown in for good measure.  This fig one is my favorite, its so clever and sophisticated.  If you want to bring a smile to someones face, stop by this shop, there are so many wonderful designs!

photos via pearl & marmalade

Lovely letterpress

Remember when handwritten cards were the best way to say hi to all your loved ones?  I barely do, and when I came across letters and cards from when I was 8, it got me thinking...  No more emails or texts to say hi or happy birthday, I'm stocking up on cards and stamps!  And thats where Blue eye brown eye comes in.  I simply love designer Lauren's clean and fresh letterpress designs.  Modern, yet classy.  My personal favorite, these vintage bird plantable cards and that adorable squirrel birthday card.

photos via blue eye brown eye

Satsuma Press & We love Liam

Now that I have stationery on the brain thanks to Unique LA, how fantastic are these letterpress cards and prints from Satsuma Press.  Owner and designer Lynn Russell has a wonderful eye for detail yet her work still has a very minimal and modern feel.  All printed by Lynn in a studio in Oregon, each design is created to bring a smile and happiness to each recipient of her goodies.

all photos via satsuma press

And while you are at Satsuma Press, be sure to stop by We love Liam, a blog dedicated to her son who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  Lynn is currently holding a fundraiser on his blog to help pay for a custom bathroom remodel for her little Liam.  And if you need yet another reason to stop by, as part of the fundraiser, each donation gets you chances to win in a major 51 vendor giveaway.

photo via we love liam

Talented sisters

Because a girl can never have to many necklaces, I am loving all these nature inspired charms from  Lulu Bug Jewelry.  Sue has a great eye for detail, with just a touch of fun and color.

Loved the charms?  Sue's sister Colette is also a great artist who has fun playing with words.  Loving her handmade designs over at Raw Art Letterpress.  Might just need to snatch up this herbivore print!

all photos via lulu bug & raw art letterpress