Favorite posts from 2010: No. 3

Here's a look back at another one of our faves...

The Evolution of an Invitation

Anything custom requires more time and attention than something mass-produced. In fashion-speak, it's the "haute couture" of stationery, while pre-made designs are equivalent to the ready-to-wear. Paper Moss has been custom since its first breath. There is something so satisfying about working with clients to make their vision a reality. The design process goes through many "renovations" to finally achieve the look that our brides and grooms are dreaming of.

When we first sat down with {bride to be} Mary Jo, she mentioned her love of Paris and the time she spent abroad. As the conversation evolved and we learned more about her and her honey, it only seemed natural to aim for a "Vintage Parisian" look for their invitation suite... without being cliche. Since we all needed a little inspiration, she sent these photos to inspire designs:

After identifying their color palette, discussing fonts, deciding on the type and weight of paper and getting a general idea of what they wanted, designs for Mary Jo and Paul began. In the first round, we included several options that the bride and groom evaluate and give feedback on. We pulled characteristics from one and add them to another, flip things around, make one design smaller or another less detailed... the list goes on! Here are some of their initial designs:

Sparing the details of the back and forth, the questions, the answers, the tweaking, the perfecting, the printing and yadda yadda, you get the point... their final product fit the bill! PUN intended! Our bride and groom both adored their invitation suite and we were gladly able to accommodate the budget they were working with.

And here is their final "Vintage Parisian" wedding invitation...

And that friends, is how a custom invitation evolves!

*Invite photos courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

Christmas Cake!

Leave it up to Williams Sonoma to have the perfect solution for a holiday treat. We think this cranberry upside-down cake would hit the spot with coffee for brunch or an afternoon snack. If you're feeling ambitious on this day of Christmas eve, try your hand at this little creation. This festive holiday cake is inspired by a recipe from Lindsey Shere, former longtime pastry chef at Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California. Fresh cranberries are abundant in winter, although frozen ones will also work fine.

Ingredients:

For the topping:

  • 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 lb. cranberries

For the cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, separated
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

For the whipped cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbs. confectioners’ sugar

For baking directions, check out this page on the site.

Happy holiday eating to all!!

*Photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Holiday Arrangements

Tis the season for dinner parties and get togethers! In light of Christmas being around the corner, we wanted to share {via Studio 539 Flowers} some festive floral arrangement ideas that are fitting for table centerpieces, decor or hostess gifts. We snapped a few iPhone photos {below} of some new arrangements, and you can see the cooler is packed full of red and greens... these folks are ready to take on the holiday madness! Arrangements begin as low as $40, and they can deliver to Providence and the surrounding areas. p.401.454.4400

We had the pleasure of getting together with Azure Photography to shoot some more of our favorites. Tell us yours! Christina suggests adding some SPARKLE for a chic, classy look or PINE CONES for a classic, rustic look.

If you're reading from afar, fear not, because these designs can still inspire you to create something beautiful! Be sure to check out their blog for more and follow them on facebook, too!

Thursday Purseday Special

Have you heard the recent buzz on Heather Hawkins? These stylish and affordable handbags have been popping up all over the press as celebrities tote them all around Hollywood. The best part about these purses? They are being sold in our studio! And the even better part about all of this? Our studio friends Dugan Custom Jewelers and Studio 539 Flowers are having a "friends & neighbors" 20% discount all day Friday! (That's tomorrow, people... and includes some of the fabulous purses & bracelets below, along with much, much more.) Jump start your holiday shopping at RockPaperFlowers. 174 Wickenden Street, Providence.

Mr. & Mrs. C {part 3}

If you haven't gotten your fill of Mr. and Mrs. C, today should be the icing on the cake. A while back we shared some of our favorite photos from this gorgeous August wedding, but nothing will do it justice... except maybe this video. Kudos {and beyond} to the lovey & talented Julie from Elysium Productions. You have no idea how obsessed we are with this! Just watch. You won't regret it.

Abby + Andrew: Highlights from Elysium Productions on Vimeo.

Don't miss Mrs. C {from Life in the Superburbs} and her detailed "Wedding Recap"!

Perfectly Preppy Monday

We hope you all had a magical weekend. Whatever you have coming up this week, we hope you feel rested, renewed and ready to OWN IT!

We stumbled across this photo awhile back and have just adored it ever since. So, we share this with you for no reason other than to admire beautiful people in love, give tribute to this perfectly preppy color combination and a shout out to the fabulous photographer for letting us love her work.

Have a lovely start to your week!

*Photo courtesy of Meg Perotti

Vendor Profile: Calligrapher Extraordinaire

We hate to brag, but it's true that Paper Moss often receives compliments on the extraordinary calligraphers we work with. We'll just say, there's a reason we search far and wide for the best of the best vendors - they constantly "wow" us too!!! That being said, it shouldn't come as a surprise that one of our beloved calligraphers had the honor of working on Chelsea Clinton's wedding. {We're still jumping up and down over it!} Meet the lovely, Megan Chapin Calligraphy, and enjoy a few photos from 2 of our favorite invite suites that we had the pleasure of working on with her. (It was tough to pick our favorites!) Be sure and visit her website for more!

Name & Profession: Megan Chapin, Calligrapher

Years in profession: Forever...I made my mom teach me how to write my name in cursive when I was 5, but technically I've only been in business for 3 years.
Based out of: Little old Uxbridge, MA. I mostly work with brides in the New England area, but I have done weddings for people in many other states including the state of Washington.
What's your favorite part about doing calligraphy for an event? My favorite part is working with the bride (and groom). I get caught up in their excitement and joy and can't wait for them to come and see what I've done for them! The reaction that I get is absolutely priceless. I had a mom cry when she saw her daughters envelopes. It really doesn't get better than that.
Do you have a favorite style? In calligraphy we have the broad edge pen and the pointed pen - among others.  I learned lettering with the broad edge pen starting with the Italic hand and for years was very satisfied with it. But I had always admired the work of the pointed pen so when I got the chance to take classes in 2003 I went for it. I have never looked back. Using the pointed pen is like coming home to me... I feel like I belong with it!
How did you get into the business? I've always loved drawing, art in general and lettering. When I was in high school I never thought that I could possibly make a career out of loving letters, so I became a bookkeeper and had two children and just lived my life. However, I was constantly taking calligraphy classes and looking at any book I could about lettering. In 2002 I took a year long class with Reggie Ezell. He taught me more in that one year class than anything I had learned in total about lettering. When I finished that class I realized I could make a career out of doing what I love, and it took me a bit, but I got up the courage to make up business cards and started networking.
What do you do to unwind while working on a big project? Ha, I don't!  I'm very intense when working on a job and focus completely on it until it’s done. Though I do listen to the television while I work...  I guess that must calm me in some way.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? An artist.  Even though I did other things I never saw myself as anything else.
The most inspiring person you know? Maria Thomas. She is an artist and a calligrapher. Her work is AMAZING and she is so grateful for all that she has and for her talent that I often find myself saying "What would Maria do?" I guess that is how you know you admire someone.
In high school you ........ ? {fill in the blank}  This is kinda funny. I wanted to be a punk rocker! Actually I sort of still do.
Do you have any advice for brides? Hmmm...don't wait ‘til the last minute to hire me! Everything I do is done by yours truly and I need plenty of time to insure it’s up to my standards. Last minute jobs are difficult because of that. Another thing: if you have taken the time to get beautiful invitations and had them hand addressed, put some thought into the stamps as well. You're creating a wonderful presentation with the arrival of your package. Make sure that it’s saying what you want it to - using beautiful stamps just finishes that off perfectly. I always say...Invite your guests the way you would want to be invited!
*****

*Photos {Red & Blue Suite} courtesy of Laura Ashbrook Photography

*Photos {Grey & Sage Suite} courtesy of Public Image Photography

A sucker for seersucker

Once upon a time, a young woman moved into her very own apartment. Being that this was the first time sans roommates, she had free reign on the decor... and things had to be just right. For the sake of keeping said character anonymous, we'll call her Hannah. Anyway, Hannah searched high and low for the perfect shower curtain - it even became an obsession. She scoured all of the usual stores: Target, Macys, Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters... the list goes on... until one day a conversation with a certain stranger led her to India Rose. This adorable online boutique (with one physical location all the way in Cali) sells some of their goods at Anthropologie and other equally lovable stores. Well, it was love at first seersucker when Hannah's eyes met this fabulous, feminine and preppy curtain.... and it's been bliss ever since.

Well, Hannah's success story keeps us coming back to see what gorgeous goods India Rose has in store. Take for instance the recently introduced Anna Rose collection that we are totally crushing on. What a lovely color combination AND more seersucker?!?

Let's be honest. If we ended up with this duvet, we would really have to consider getting a new shower curtain too. After all, how perfect would this one be:

We can always appreciate when design, detail and quality come together.

*Photos courtesy of India Rose

Let it rain

Fall wouldn't be Fall without rain. It's a necessary evil that is sure to kill any potential for a good hair day, not to mention soak your hot new heels while running for cover. In all the madness of a downpour this week, we foolishly left our 6 year old umbrella in a cab {blonde moment} as we were bolting to shelter. Well, one lucky Bostonian scored a vintage umbrella that day... it was BEYOND time for a new one anyway. We popped into a local boutique and it was instant umbrella heaven when we saw the happy and colorful assortment. Stripes, polka-dots and bold florals - all designed by the Finnish company, Merimekko. What a wonderful way to add a burst of color on a rainy, grey day. We were actually excited to use it! Is that weird?

So the moral of the story is to never leave your umbrella in a cab... unless you need a legit excuse to buy another one. Sport one of these with some boots and bring on the rain!

*Photos courtesy of Marimekko {if you're like us and love reading about the design process, here is some insight on Marrimekkos designers}

Head gear

What comes first: the dress or the accessories? We would have laughed at the question... prior to setting our eyes on this femme & chic trend of wedding day hair decor. What a fun way to add some pizazz if you decide to forgo a vail or even to spice things up post ceremony! A few months ago, Untamed Petals was gracious enough to let us {well, a model actually} play dress up for our Style Me Pretty inspiration - to - reality shoot. Here are some more of their precious pieces:

*Photos courtesy of Untamed Petals

Meet Jennifer

Being that jewelry and paper are two of our favorite things, we figured it was only fitting to dress up some of our Paper Moss creations with sparkly jewels and pearls. The creation and namesake of this very blog was motivation for the photo shoot done by photographer, Jennifer Doumato Lamy of Zenobia Photography Studios. While taking this opportunity to share some of the gorgeous pics, we figured this would be the perfect time to introduce our first "Vendor Profile". Be sure and check out her website and her blog to see that she is a phenomenal photographer of weddings, events, portraits... and now, paper.

Name: Jennifer Doumato Lamy
Profession: Photographer,  Zenobia Photography
Years in profession: 9
Based out of: East Greenwich
Area you serve: The world... we've shot destination weddings and editorial work nationally and internationally
  • What's your favorite part about photographing a wedding? Seeing everything and everyone come together for the bride and groom. They've spent so much time and thought planning the perfect day!
  • Your top 3 venues to shoot at and why: Mt. Hope Farm - I love the rustic farm look; Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA - love shooting in the gallery, the ultra modern lobby & in general the town of Salem; The State Room - the view!
  • Where's your late night stop for food after a long wedding/shoot? Haven Brothers!
  • Craziest nightmare you've ever had before/after a wedding? Mediating a fight between the moms, the bride, and bridesmaids right before leaving for the ceremony!
  • When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A mom 
  • The most inspiring person you know? My mom
  • In high school you... Partied! {Ohhhh, didn't we all??}

Here are some more photos from the Pearls for Paper shoot... enjoy!!

*Jewelry provided by Dugan Custom Jewelers

East Greenwich Wedding Walk

To all the future brides, friends of brides and mothers of brides, this one's for you! Paper Moss, along with other businesses are joining forces for the 2nd annual East Greenwich Wedding Walk. Come on out to Main Street in East Greenwich, RI {the fun starts at 174 Main Street, the old Dugan Jewelers} and indulge in all - things - wedding. Spend the day collecting ideas, tasting yummy cake {we'll likely be loitering around the cake samples}, enjoy complementary jewelry cleaning and take home some swag in reusable canvas totes. It's supposed to be a gorgeous day, so slather on that sun screen and enjoy the fun!

Behind the Scenes

Wanted to share with you all this fabulous video by Artistic Wedding Video Group that captures some behind the scenes footage at a "Miss American Pie" themed photo shoot. It took place at the beautiful Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, overlooking the beloved Newport bridge. We were accompanied by a group of talented wedding and event professionals on a sizzling summer day.  Some of our favorite details for this shoot consisted of a seating chart written on an old mirror, chandeliers galore, and a whiskey bar accompanied by cigars with custom labels! {designed by yours truly} Enjoy the sneak peak until the real deal is released, and be sure to check out our new friendors below!

Miss American Pie Inspiration Shoot from F. Mike Henriques on Vimeo.

{Photo} Adeline and Grace {Paper} Paper Moss {Plan} Details with Love {Floral} Studio 539 Flowers {Decor} Ryan Designs {Linens} Rentals Unlimited {Dress} Wedding Belle NYC {Tux} Viking Tuxedo

You're Invited!

This past year has been an exciting one for Paper Moss. We would like to say a big THANK YOU to our faithful friends, family and fellow stationery nerds for continued support and encouragement. Per usual, there is never a dull moment with us which is why we are {jumping up and down} ecstatic to share with you the latest.... drummmmmm rolllll......

After 2 wonderful years of sharing the studio space of Studio 539 Flowers with {delectable} Sweet Sophistications we’ve decided to bring in the {stunning} Dugan Custom Jewelers to join forces with us and form an Event Co-op. In the weeks to come, we’ll be able to share more specifics, but in the mean time, save the date for our  "Sweet & Savory" launch party! Join us to celebrate the start of this adventure, mingle with other {very cool} people and try some sweet & savory bites.

Whoa Baby!

It's baby time!! Seriously, 4 of our dear friends recently had babies {within weeks of each other} and though the shower marathon happened months ago, we have babies on the mind more than ever. We've never been so inclined to purchase anything and everything 'baby' {isn't that what Aunties do??} and the influx of text messages, emails and facebook status updates showing these new little lives makes us embarrassingly emotional but oh-so-happy! Congratulations to all the new mommys... and to those who are expecting!

You may recognize this logo from our posting on rubber stamps from a couple months ago, but we couldn't resist putting together an inspiration board to complement the adorable letter pressed invite. If planning a baby shower is in your near future, we hope this inspires you to put a fun, funky twist!

Stationery & treat bag and stamp by Paper Moss

Felt garland by Alma Sister on Etsy

Candy buffet by Amy Atlas Events

Foam date decor from Hostess with the Mostess

Most Wanted

During a quick trip to New York last week to meet with clients, we had the chance to pop into the Elliot Lucca showroom, where a dear friend of ours is living the dream as a graphic designer/ photographer. Now don’t get us wrong, Paper Moss is our own precious dream come true and we couldn’t love it be more, but SERIOUSLY, jealousy tugs on our heartstrings at the sight {and sweet smell} of this showroom. What do you know… handbags happen to be one of our favorite vices! Our friend was kind enough to send over pictures of a few of their handbags on our “Most Wanted” list. Though we’re sad to have summer fade away, these gorgeous fall handbags are making us so excited for crisp days, being bundled in warm clothes and donning one of these saucy new purses!!

Also follow Elliott Lucca on Facebook and Twitter... because we said so :)

* Photos courtesy of Victoria Masters

Pearls of Wisdom: Wedding planning made simple

She woke up with a hazy feeling clouding her memory. The dream was so sweet: her special day {always looming in the back of her mind} was effortlessly pulled together by this gorgeous, glittering goddess... this master mind of all things events. Wedding planning became simple! From the dress to cosmetics, the bridesmaids dresses to groomsmen’s suits, bridal party gifts to the wedding night lingerie… it came together in one fell swoop. As the haze dissipated, she realized: WAIT- this isn’t a dream! The August Nordstrom catalogue just introduced the service of wedding coordination. You already know and love them for their world-renowned customer service, now let them be your one stop-shopping destination for all things bridal. Your wedding stylist will coordinate it all for you {yes, even things like tailoring and getting your skin on a pre-wedding beauty regimen}! 

To connect with a Nordstrom wedding stylist, call 1.888.300.1295 or click here. Let them think of everything so you can relax and savor the time leading up to becoming a Mrs.!

 

These “Pearls” were gifted by, Lynn De Koekkoek. Lynn has worked in the fashion industry for nearly 10 years, but was a fashionista right from the womb. She has gained expertise through working for Nordstrom Corporate and Cole Haan as well as obsessing over trend forecasting and worshiping Anna Wintour {Chief editor of Vogue} in her spare time.

Seaworthy

Lovers of all-things-vintage & lovers of nautical style will equally adore this Portland, Oregon based company that caught our eye and lured us in! Imagine finding an old treasure chest filled with romantic antique charms, lace and jewels- pieces that are characterized by history. Seaworthy actually scouts out “discarded” items that the ordinary eye might overlook, and transforms them into beautiful works of art that would add intrigue to any ensemble. The mysterious previous life of each piece is our favorite part. They sum it up best by saying:  “What’s old is new again and it’s story is carried on…”

What a fun idea for bridesmaids, birthdays, hostess gifts… or a little treat for yourself!