Favorite posts from 2010

2010 has been quite the year for Paper Moss! We are giddy about all that has happened and want to wrap this year up just right. In honor of the last week of the year, we thought it was only appropriate to do a throwback of our {personal} favorite posts.

Throwback #1: Monograms Galore

Needless to say, life wouldn't be nearly as pretty without monograms. That being said, take a peek at some that were designed for Paper Moss clients for their invite suite and beyond!

Here are a few favorites... some have stories behind them, and others are just pretty stinkin' cool looking if we do say so.

Enjoy!

Louisa and Frank are nature lovers who got married on a farm in lush Georgia. The bird on the left is meant to represent her and the trout on the right (both are avid fly fishers) for him.

The inspiration for this monogram came from the engagement ring. Adam had a custom band designed to have the Texas star on the side since his bride, Stacy, was originally from Waco...!

Rachel and Adam got married in beautiful San Diego, CA. The little 'beach shack' seen in this monogram is an actual representation of a famous one on the beaches in San Diego. The groom loved to surf so we had to squeeze a surf board in there...

A Bahama Beach monogram is not complete without a palm tree and the bride's favorite shells!

How can you not fall in love with this little bird? Holly and Greg's style was perfect to incorporate a bird and swirls.

Paisley. Classic. Unique. Formal. Kristen and Brian's monogram was a detailed version of a paisley pattern that the bride loved.

You simply can't go wrong with a custom monogram... and best, you don't have to wait for a wedding to create one! Perhaps a special anniversary or a big birthday calls for some monogrammed stationery, towels, totes or dishes. The possibilities are endless!

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

Sun-shine

This Yellow Tory Tote from Neiman Marcus is set apart by the adorable floral trim. We can't help but feel that it's the perfect size, the perfect pop of color and the perfect gift. Who doesn't love a burst of stylish sunshine?! Did we mention it's on sale?! Yes please. Not a fan of canary? There's one in blue just for you.

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!

DVF

Ok friends... how cute are these DIANE von FURSTENBERG "Nouveau Loveknot" Ballet Flats - I can't tell you how tempted we are to order some up right now. As if the color wasn't enough to convince you, they are on sale at Bloomingdale's! Don't forget to treat your suede & leather goods before the winter! {You'll be happy you did.} Tip: some at-home treatments are made for both leather & suede, but not all can be used on both. We suggest taking them to your local cobbler or dry cleaner and having them do it for you.

That's a Wrap!

If giving gifts is one of the greatest parts about this season, then wrapping gifts may be the second! It’s no secret that we’ve loved ribbons, bows and pretty paper since we were young, but only recently was it brought to our attention that we can be a little O.C.D about holiday wrapping. In our defense, we aren’t the only one’s who choose a color palate each year for giftwrap. Martha does it too.

Here are a few fun ideas to make the outside of your holiday gifts a little more special. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, but the outside should not be forgotten!

Add some mini ornaments or other funky, personalized goodies to enhance the bow.

{via Baraini Diva}

Add some texture with non-traditional ribbon such as yarn, raffia, fabric... the possibilities are endless!

{via Bugs and Fishes}

Or, spice things up by skipping a bow and creating a pattern and adding texture by weaving ribbon.

{via Martha Stewart}

Keeping with the concept of skipping a bow all together, how cute are these letter pressed buckles?!

{via d.Sharpe}

Lastly, check out some cute patterned containers or wrap a strip of ribbon or paper around a plain metal jar & treat it like a box! Don't you just love the toppers on this one?!

{via BHG}

Happy wrapping!!

Gotta Love Lulu's

If you have yet to discover Lulus.com, make sure you're sitting down. (Chances are if you're staring at a computer screen you already are.) This affordable clothing site has little gems like our find for todays Thursday Purseday. There is nothing better than an accessory that has 2 looks - and this purse takes it to a whole new level. Um, did we mention it's only $33!!! Order yours today - these items go quick, and be sure to browse the rest of the site!

Winter Inspirations

A few weeks ago we contributed to the Fall Inspiration series on She Said Yes. Well, it was so  much fun that we were thrilled when Jacin asked us to put together a little something for the paper portion of her Winter Inspiration series. So grab your hot bevie and take a peek at our suggestions for how to "winterize" an invitation suite - just click on the teaser photo below for more! Oh, and let us know what you think. ;)

Be sure to check back throughout the week as others in the industry guest post more winter inspiration!

DIY: Vintage Stamp Ornament Tags

Vintage things are fun, mysterious and loaded with personality. Vintage Stamps, postcards and all things paper are our favorite, of course, but being able to repurpose those things makes us borderline euphoric, really. Well, apparently we will be hitting up our vintage stamp vendors for more than just invitations... feast your eyes on these pretty little hand made ornament gift tags, designed by the creative minds behind the D. Sharp Journal.

How great are these colorful tags? You can find the template here and follow their easy directions. Also, here are some of our favorite places to find the other supplies you'll need.

Vintage Stamps, Champion Stamp or ebay

Bakers twine, Crate and Barrel, $7.95

Have fun crafting!!

*Top photo courtesy of D. Sharp Journal

Baby it's Cold Outside

New England is pretty chilly these days and the weather couldn't be more perfect for a cozy festive beverage. We were so excited to stumble upon this divine recipe from celebrity chef, Kathy Casey. Hot Buttered Eggnog... even the name makes us melt... mmmm...

BUTTERED EGGNOG MIX

1/2 pound salted butter (2 sticks), softened

1 Tbsp. finely minced orange zest

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

1 pint very high-quality vanilla ice cream

1 cup high-quality eggnog

1 Tbsp. real vanilla extract

1 Tbsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon rum extract {if desired}

1 – 1 1/2 oz rum {if desired}

4 – 5 oz boiling water

Directions:

Be sure butter is softened

With an electric mixer; cream butter, orange zest and sugars together in a mixing bowl until totally smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 1 month. Place Buttered Eggnog Mix {and rum} in coffee glass or mug. Stir in boiling water until batter is dissolved. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top. Garnish with orange zest.

*Photo Courtesy of Lara Ferroni

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.

A Holiday Nest

As if the holidays aren't magical enough, some of our fabulous clients are heading into their first Christmas with their new spouse. We fell in love with these custom ornaments from Austin based Paloma's Nest - a company who succeeds in every way at their goal to be "dedicated to creating Handcrafted Modern Heirlooms - pieces for the home and for the heart."

Here are just a few that would be a thoughtful gift for any of the newly weds that you might know... or even for yourself and your hubby! What a lovely way to celebrate an extra special holiday season!

Or perhaps you're looking for something to spice up the presentation of a gift? Of course, they've still got you covered! We can't get enough of these guys!!

Thanks Paloma's Nest, for making such beautiful and sentimental things!

*Photos courtesy of Paloma's Nest

Well Made from Madewell

Winter is coming and this is one staple item you don't want to miss out on. Simple & sleek Italian leather that goes with just about anything. Order yours on Madewell.com. {Did you know that J. Crew is responsible for this fabulous line of clothing & shoes? No? Well, there's your fun fact for the day.} Happy Tuesday Shoesday everyone. It's a good day.

Real Weddings: Selene and Rich

You asked for more Real Weddings, so the following is from us, to you! Selene and Rich married each other on October 9th of this year. They are a prime example of a gorgeous, seasonally appropriate {but not cliche autumn} invitation suite.

With a nautical influence laced throughout their big day, this precious couple tied the knot at a fitting location: Latitude 41 at the Mystic Seaport, a nautical museum in Connecticut. The day could not have been more perfect... from the weather to the wedding & reception details, it was a magical day!

Enjoy the photos, courtesy of Zenobia Studios... and be sure to check out the other fabulous vendors listed below, one of which is our beloved florist, Christina of Studio 539 Flowers!

Stationery: Paper Moss

Flowers: Studio 539 Flowers

Photography:  Zenobia Studios

Favors: Shop Alli Online

Venue: Latitude 41 at Mystic Seaport

Calligrapher: Hillary Cannon, Featherletter

{ Invitation photos by Laura Ashbrook Photography }

For the Rhody's

For all you Rhode Islanders, be sure and pick up the December issue of Rhode Island Monthly for a list of fabulous holiday cards {featuring yours truly} and pages of gorgeous winter coastal scenes. Big thanks to the editors for their support of local designers! Order your holiday cards from Paper Moss & receive 10% off when mentioning our feature in RI Monthly!

RI-Monthly-Dec.jpg
rimonthly.jpg

*Order your monthly subscription at rimonthly.com.

Holiday Entertaining Etiquette

With Thanksgiving behind us, our minds are fully set on holiday parties, more family dinners and all the fun Hanukkah & Christmas festivities. To make sure they run as smoothly as possible, here is a mini guide to help you prevent some common holiday faux pas. While they are just suggestions, these are nuggets of insight from etiquette expert, Peggy Post - this sister knows what she's talking about. Read on to insure a classy holiday season.

***

1. If you're creating a holiday "newsletter" to send with cards, keep your readers in mind. Newsletters should be short (a page or less) and sweet. Keep them upbeat — most people don't want to hear about your dental surgery. On the other hand, avoid turning your letter into a brag sheet. Saying, "Sam and I were lucky enough to visit Europe — at long last!" is low-key and friendly. But "Sam and I spent a week at a deluxe French spa and were utterly pampered" screams "Don't you wish you were us?" Personalize each copy with a handwritten salutation and always sign your name. Also, be sure you're sending the newsletter only to people who are genuinely interested in your family news.

2. When you receive a holiday card from someone you didn't send one to, reciprocation is optional. Send if you wish. But beware of turning the exchange of holiday cards into a table tennis match. Say a card arrives from your cousin Myron on the seventh day of Hanukkah, and oops, you'd accidentally forgotten him. Instead of thwacking a card back across the Web — which may seem perfunctory rather than sincere — wait a few weeks and write him a letter. Or, call Myron to thank him for such a thoughtful note.

3. When Aunt Irma, feeling inventive, brings her cucumber-banana gelatin mold to Christmas dinner, accept graciously (no eye rolling, please). A good host responds to an unexpected — and perhaps unwelcome — contribution with aplomb. Thank your aunt and serve her creation with your spread. You might think cucumber and banana is a disgusting combination — but now's not the time to tell her so, and you'd hurt her feelings if you failed to offer it to your guests.

4. If gift giving with your relatives is getting too expensive, it's okay to scale back — as long as you discuss it with them well in advance. Ending gift escalation is not as hard as you think, if you're willing to be frank. Months before the holidays, bring up the idea of alternative giving schemes. Some options: drawing names, limiting presents to a specific dollar amount, giving gifts only to kids and not to adults. Others will probably be grateful that you were brave enough to start the discussion.

5. When you receive horrible, wrong-size or duplicate gifts, smile, say something polite, extend a thank-you...and then run for the returns line. A collector's plate featuring Yosemite Falls? Really, what was your mother-in-law thinking? Still, you can probably come up with something appreciative to say: "This is so thoughtful! You know how much I love the outdoors." But being gracious about a gift doesn't mean you always have to keep it. Yes, if the item is one of a kind or homemade — like a painting or a knitted scarf — you're stuck with it. Otherwise, you can take the item back to the store and exchange it for something else. And when your friend asks how you like your new hand blender? Don't lie. Say, "I love those so much, I already owned one — so I didn't think you'd mind if I exchanged it for a food mill. Thanks for making my life in the kitchen so much easier!"

6. Regift rarely...if ever. You have a surplus of "stuff," and it seems like the best way to downsize is to pass things on to other people. Makes sense. Problem is, if the truth emerges, two loved ones will feel hurt — the original giver (because you obviously didn't value her choice) and the recipient (who thought you'd take the time to find something special just for her). The basic guidelines for regifting: First, you must be positive that the gift is something the recipient would love. Second, the item must be brand new and in its original package. And third, it shouldn't be something the original giver took great care to select just for you. An example: Regifting a nice bottle of Pinot Noir to a wine lover is okay. Regifting a crystal vase your mother brought you from Bermuda is not.

For the complete holiday etiquette guide, click here!