Type & Swash

NEW SITE

2010-03-29T01:43:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE MOVED! PLEASE VISIT US ON OUR NEW SITE + NEW BLOG + NEW SHOP!! MAKE SURE YOU STOP BY SOON TO JOIN IN ON THE GIVEAWAY! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WWW.OLIVEHUE.COM

Blue Lace

2010-03-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

another peek to tickle your senses...

blue quartz on 14k gold fill round chain & cable chain necklace.

WORKING ON

2010-03-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Save the Dates...

Utterly Engaged

2010-03-11T03:11:00.000-08:00

Been slammed BUT to totally make everything worth it, issue 08 of Utterly Engaged just made my day, week, month, year! :) It's full of surprises, details, and lovely wedding tips for the 'Utterly Engaged' *wink*

Design Challenge Honorable Mention:
JL Designs, Joyful Weddings & Events, & Me!

I designed a modern stationery for this table (full post later!) and worked with the ladies my Design Team to set up and achieve the look we were going for! What do you think??

Also, worked on a project that So Happi Together pulled together seamlessly and effortlessly...featured in section entitled The Dream is in the Details :)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the stationery that I designed for this shoot! It was so fun to do! More details and a full post later! Also, make sure you check out the video that Stereo Waltz Films (link below) put together for the shoot!

Vendors participated:

Event Design & Styling: So Happi Together, Nancy Park

Photography: Connie M Chung Photography

Videography: Stereo Waltz Films

Florist: Cesar Haro Custom Floral Design

Baker: Kayla's Kakes

Wedding attire & accessories: Tomato Weddings, Vivian

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, OC

Beauty: Theresa Huang Makeup and Hair Design / Clara Kim Beauty

Chalk Artist: Monika Koyama

Models: Nicole Lemoine, Jama Rizzi, Yuyi Xie, Morris Blackman

I just want to say, I love my friend Nicole for helping us out with this project and am blessed to have her in my life! She's a gorgeous girl, models, and is an amazing artist! Check out her interview on Target.com! (Thanks Connie! I took this photo from you! )

photo credit: Connie M Chung Photography

drooling over

2010-03-07T22:34:00.000-08:00

how lovely is this?? see you at h&m on 3/18!!

Sneak Peek

2010-03-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Earrings with Rough White Moonstone teardrops, Smoky Quartz teardrops, and Light Blue Aquamarine on 14K Gold Fill

Inspired by...

2010-03-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

Current design inspiration for an upcoming project with Ever Ours and Lauryl Lane!

old world maps

modern yet antique flair on jewelry by Jessica Elliot

girly shoes with a kick ass shiny heel by Jean-Michel Cazabat

Loving now

2010-03-02T00:38:00.000-08:00

Art Deco inspiration

here

pinch, dash

2010-02-28T19:23:00.001-08:00

This etsy seller has the cutest little ceramic bowls for the kitchen-ista!

found H E R E

Jewelry

2010-02-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

I used to study Jewelry Design for about 2.5 years in college. I eventually graduated with a degree in drawing and painting BUT jewelry has always had a part of my heart.
Stay tuned for your jewelry finds and news in the upcoming weeks ahead...but for your viewing pleasure, a sneak peek:

WORKING ON

2010-02-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

new illustration that I've been working on for a client

PUPPY LOVE!!!

2010-02-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is completely unrelated to design, types or swashes...but SO deserves a post!
If you don't know, our doggies got it on and made puppies...cute ones at that! They're West Highland White Terriers aka Westies. I love these pups! As loud, crazy, and sometimes annoying as they are, they still make me want to cuddle with them all the time.
They were born January 11, 2010 (2 days after we moved into our new home!!)

a little rat-like i know...but it just get better!

they're pros when it comes to sleeping...

...and more sleeping

at around 2 weeks, they started to form black noses and black paws

from the bottom up:

miss piggy (you can guess why)

bruno (b/c he's juneau's son and will only have UNO ball like juneau)

miss john malkovich (hunky hunky said that her profile resembled john malkovich when she was newborn)

NOW! @ 4.5 weeks! they're huge!! fatsos and cutie pies all in one! I'll keep you posted with growth updates and shenanigans! :) enjoy the totally unrelated post!

This is why I love Anthropologie

2010-02-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

Window display: Anthropologie @ the Grove, used water bottles cut and sprayed for a springtime visual

Inspired by...

2010-02-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Ethereal & Whimsical

(Champignon)

(This is Glamorous)

(Seychelles Boy Short flats)

(Abigail Percy via Design Sponge)

(ffffound)

(Tous)

pinch me

2010-02-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

I think I've had a dose of good luck serum this week! 2 features in one week! Both with amazingly talented people! I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great group of ladies all the time! So let's start from the beginning:

For those of you who don't know or have been hiding in a closet for years, Style Me Pretty is a huge blog that attracts many brides, vendors, designers, wedding aficionados from all over. They always have eye candy and great inspirational weddings and events that are featured. So as I was dreaming away of possibly getting mentioned as Olive Hue Paper Goods on SMP, it happened!! I was asked to be part of a photoshoot with a super-star team of Jessica Claire (Photographer), JL Designs (floral + event styling), Jesi Haack (Wedding planner), My Sweet and Saucy (Baker). They told me what the design aesthetic was, florals, colors, location...I put together a cute little invitation with a cable knit sweater cozy + button, menus, and place cards.

(photo: Jessica Claire)

Check out the entire post for Winter Wedding I & II on Style Me Pretty!

******************

Next, since this Sunday is the ultimate and official day of wining and dining + romance, I was asked to be a part of another shoot led by my dear Nancy of So Happi Together (Wedding planner). She wanted to incorporate a specific design element and I worked with her on different ideas and pieces for the stationery, shot ideas back and forth and came up with THE CUTEST (i think!) design! We also worked with AMAZINGLY talented ladies! Connie M Chung (photographer), Floral Elements throughout the day to come up with a great shoot! Summer of Grey Likes Weddings (LOVE HER BLOG!) has a great eye for design, styling, and shoots so when she said she would feature this shoot, we were super happy!!

(photos: Connie M Chung Photography)

Make sure you hop on over to Grey Likes Weddings to see the entire feature AND make sure you read the reason why we picked the colors, design, and choice of food. If you're Korean, you'll be intrigued!!

Ink and Button

2010-02-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

I have short hair...really short, I-need-a-scarf-because-the-back-of-my-neck-is-cold short. But I love wearing different hair accessories. So I've resorted to headbands. I got my last one at the Colab craft fair and have also started a collection of fabric flower clips but I just saw these and just about drooled over them. They're super cute!!

aptly named: The Ella Headband (Concord Grape)

and this one is my fave:

The Beverly Fascinator (Sweet Pink)

Aren't they so cute! And the great thing is that you can wear them with so much stuff....well at least all my clothes! Plus, how cute would they be for your bridesmaids or favors at a bridal shower or baby shower! Love it! Anyway, stop by her etsy shop H E R E and support the handmade arts!

Colab 2009 @ Gallery Nucleus part II

2010-02-07T04:12:00.000-08:00

This past December I participated as a vendor with my friend, Helen of Helen Oh Jewelry, in the Colab craft / art show at Gallery Nucleus. Out of college, Gallery Nucleus was my first art job. If you know anything about me, I'm an art snob and went to school for a degree in Drawing & Painting. So when I interviewed for this job, I was so nervous! But I soon realized all of my co-workers were like me! :) quirky and LOVED art. I eventually moved onto another gallery soon after started my own business. So when they asked me to be a part of this show, I was thrilled!

While I was roaming around taking a look at all the goodies, I came across this loverly shop...LovMely! All her hair accessories are divine! I chose one and made a vendor swap! Love it! I wear it all the time! Visit her etsy shop!

This stationery co. sells letterpress cards and they're oh-so-cute! I met the two owners of Fugu Fugu Press and they're oh-so-sweet!

and this is from my booth-mate, Helen! Here jewelry is amazing and easy to wear as well as dress up. Her pieces are unique and fresh. Check out her etsy shop H E R E.

(photos above courtesy of Simply Green Solutions flickr)

Here's me with my stuff!

with all my handmade flowers and display in their blooming glory...haha

For my second display, I had flowers all over it but I wanted to add something different too, so I took my exacto knife and eyeballed a butterfly wing pattern. I don't recommend doing this though...I should have printed a pattern first.

If you've ever been a vendor, this is the best of the best in craft show diets, tacos from Eat My Taco...We were spoiled with Helen's husband {Youkeun of Youkeun Oh Photography} bringing us goodies and taking the photos. Plus there was a farmer's market going on behind the building so we got red velvet cupcakes and HONEY STICKS! That plus my venti americano totally kept me wired throughout the day! I wasn't able to get any sleep the night before due to a traffic accident with my dog (he's TOTALLY fine now, he's super dog), but the energy at the show helped me also.

If you weren't able to make it to the show, stop by my etsy shop and take a gander at my small stash of stationery! I'm also starting to offer the paper flowers for clients...great for garlands, small or large ornaments, or just decorative pieces here and there! :) Pictures will be up soon!

***********

Look out for the next issue of Utterly Engaged! Photoshoot including my stationery will be featured! The current issue is definitely a "Tear Jerker"...If you haven't subscribed for the first online wedding e-zine, sign up now! You won't be disappointed!

Girls Day Out!

2010-01-30T00:37:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to say that I have such an amazing and beautiful friend dedicated to a foundation providing women with resources to empower themselves for a successful future. I've known this girl since our days with the Study Abroad program through our Cal State schools. We lived in Italy together, laughed, played, and got to know each other better throughout these years. She has always had a huge heart and this time around, she's organizing a benefit for the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters of LA presented by the LEAP foundation. This isn't her full time job, so putting on an event like this just shows how dedicated she is to this organization!
It's an afternoon of spa treatments and shopping! What more can a girl ask for? All in one place together!
Get your TICKETS now!

I'll also be there as a vendor! I'll be there with boxes of stationery for you! Letterpress and flat printed!

There will be spa treatments, food, and an array of shopping vendors! As an added bonus, 20% of all my sales, as well as the other vendors that day, will be donated to the Big Brothers Big Sister LA...so come out and relax while supporting a good cause! I'll be so happy to see you!! I might just do a happy dance for you! :)

**REMEMBER TO GET YOUR TICKETS!**

Sunday, February 21

12pm - 5pm

@ Randee St. Nicholas Studio

528 N. La Brea Ave.

LA, CA 90036

bad jane, bad!

2010-01-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been a horrible horrible blogger and haven't posted much! Being busy is such a blessing and I grateful for all the work that has come my way this early in 2010! But I think I need to manage my time better to blog regularly! eek!

After our photoshoot in early January, I was invited by Bonnie Tsang to join her, Adrienne Gunde, and Trini Randazzo for "Real Talk over Real Food". It's being started by Bonnie Tsang as one of her own personal goals this year to meet people in our industry and discuss issues and questions within our industry.

It was such an eye opening experience with these talented ladies! Check out the blog for the questions asked and our candid answers. An added bonus of Bonnie's wonderful photography during our meeting!

Utterly Engaged Party

2010-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Calling all brides, newly engaged, wedding enthusiasts....I know I mentioned this before but if you haven't gotten your ticket, whaddya waiting for? RSVP here!

(via utterlyengaged.com)

puppies and par-tay!

2010-01-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed and excited for all the things going on in my life! For one, we just moved into a gorgeous condo in LA! We are now living in the windsor village of hancock park area...there's a park right across the street, bank at the top of the street and all the great LA eateries right at our fingertips! I'm especially thankful for my hunky hunky who is working full time and yet, has the energy to put up with my shenanigans! I know it's a longer drive than before so I'm really glad that he loves our new place and enjoys it! We have so many things that we're going to do to make it our home so stay tuned!

NEXT: Our little Everest...

did this with Juneau (our other rascal):

(yes, that is hunky hunky being silly and posing with his butt against those two...they're stuck because they just did the dirty dirty)

And had these:

puppies!!! 4 to be exact, but one died so we're left with 3. They're the cutest rat looking puppies I've ever seen!! They're 3 days old today, so we're super excited when they can open their eyes and play with us!

Next up...remember this post? Well, after months of planning, it finally happened! We were SO happy of the outcome and all the little details! Here's to a great team! *muah* (imagine a "Dating Game" kinda kiss! lol!)
Nancy of So Happi Together pulled together an amazing shoot that lasted all day with TONS of great images! Unfortunately, we can't show them yet but they are being edited as we speak...er...write! Hopefully, these will be a feast for your eyes!! Can you tell that I can hardly wait?

Then to bring things to a close....the Utterly Engaged team is throwing a huge 2010 kick off party!! If you were unable to celebrate the New Year, just want to continue the celebration, getting married, engaged, or just a wedding enthusiast...this is DEFINITELY the party for you! There are 14 teams of planners, florists, stationers, bakers, etc...that are formed to design a tablescape. The team that I am going to collaborate with for the paper goods are Courtney of Joyful Weddings & Carissa of JL designs! SUPER talented ladies that I'm humbled and honored to be a part of!
This friendly competition is a fun way to find the best of the best tablescape that goes along with the theme of the party. If you want to see the theme or check out all the amazing tablescapes, make sure you register for a ticket and come!! Bring you're friends, husbands, wives, fiance's!! Also, if you're engaged and need to find vendors, this is the PERFECT party for you!
Hopefully, we see you all there and have a great time together!

xoxo,
jane

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!

2010-01-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
Below are the 3 winners from last week's giveaway. Congratulations to all 3 on winning this 2010 calendar! To all who commented, thank you greatly for your support and come back and look out for more contests on new stationery that I'll be debuting soon!

No. 33: Mich commented: "oops! i don't have a calendar yet! haha this is so pretty! ps - the security code thing i have to write right now is "butsaiva" - butt saver???" (puahahaha! I was laughing so hard when I read this comment!, thanks Mich!)

No. 42: Mandy commented: "Such a pretty calendar!" (Thank you! and enjoy your new calendar!)

No. 78: Julia commented: "Oh it is so pretty!" (You are all too sweet!)

In case you still want a calendar, please feel free to visit my shop! If you want more than one, convo me and I'll send you a reserve item! :)
I hope everyone has a wonderful 2010 and may many many wishes come true this year!

xoxo,
Jane

sneak peek

2010-01-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

Hello!! We moved! Finally! Officially! Keys in hand, furniture here! We're in love with this place and I did a happy dance and made hunky hunky follow me down the hall! :) So although I hate moving, this is my life lately. But exciting things coming up soon! very soon...muahaha! {twisting of the fake mustache with two fingers kkk}
So with that out of my system, I've been commissioned by our fabulous team of vendors for our photoshoot upcoming Tuesday to make something out of paper. Here's the little thing in progress:

If you remember from one of my past posts, I went bananas with these paper flowers! I now am more versed and definitely figured out some tricks! So exciting to see the whole thing coming together! Until then, I will be crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

BTW: THANK YOU ALL FOR THE BLOG LOVE! I'LL BE SURE TO POST THE 3 WINNERS ON MONDAY AFTERNOON! GOOD LUCK!!

SPECIAL THANKS FOR MENTIONS: EVA - RED VELVET OCCASIONS, LYDIA - EVER-OURS, DANNI - OH HELLO FRIEND, NANCY - SO HAPPI TOGETHER, BRIDAL REHAB, DANA - BROKE ASS BRIDE

my love for tools

2010-01-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

A lot of people may not know this about me but I love my tools! I was super excited when I bought my first Dewalt drill. I even get nervous when hunky hunky uses it! LOL! It might be because I used to do yard work and help my dad fix things around the house when we were little (he has 5 daughters, so one of us had to be the 'son') or it might be because I majored in sculpture while I was in college. Regardless, I love tools. So it was perfect when I got a call last night to design some stationery for a client who wanted masculine looking notecards.
Here are the inspirations I had today...

A men's watch, needle nose pliers, and regular pliers. (It's easy to find these things at our place b/c, did I mention, I love tools! Home Depot! ::swoon::)
Here's what I came up with:

2010 GIVEAWAY!!

2010-01-04T23:35:00.000-08:00

It's now officially been 4 days since 2010 started. If you haven't gotten with it and don't have a 2010 calendar, don't fret! I'm going to choose 3 people at random (via random.org) to receive a free 2010 calendar! All you have to do is leave a comment! (sorry! facebook comments not applicable)
I'll be choosing the random winner next week, Monday, January 11. Comment away people!

Anthro + Italy!

2010-01-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

I was going through my usual routine (working while going through the anthro catalog...yes, I can only multitask when it involves anthro) and came across this beautiful new January ad campaign. It's brings a breath of fresh air and so simple!

(photos via anthropologie catalog)

Better Together...you and I

2010-01-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our 1st year anniversary! It flew by! I feel so blessed and grateful for hunky hunky. He's been my rock all throughout but 2009 was definitely one for the books. I lost my job and was pretty depressed for awhile (but replaced it with a wonderful one!), my uncle got cancer and is undergoing treatment, my grandma got very sick and my mom and I had to take turns every other day going to see her to take care of her for about 1.5 mo....but through all this, hunky hunky has been there for me to give me a shoulder to lean on when I was too tired and stressed out. He's supported me through this crazy endeavor of starting up the stationery business too! Don't get me wrong, we're not perfect (AT ALL, lol!) and we have those moments, but overall, I'm lucky!
So for our 1st year, I wanted to give him the traditional wedding gifts, which for year no. 1 is paper! HOW APPROPRIATE! I just wish every year was paper....with the exception of the diamond one! :) LOL!
I designed a poster, which I call: Better Together...You and I. I love type so I incorporated a lot of different typefaces (Spencerian, Helvetica, one I don't remember the name to, and another one I just designed all by myself!) So without further ado:

the middle section where it says "1st meet" & "1st date" are brief descriptions of those times. It's still funny because I can still remember when i saw him walking towards me at the Puente Hills Mall wearing khaki's and a sweater. It was summer so I was wearing a jean mini skirt and a pink tank. Now that I think about it, we were so opposite! LOL!

We finished off our celebration with oysters, mussels, shrimp, and Avatar. I love you hunky hunky!

Get back to my roots

2009-12-31T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not calling this a resolution because I don't think I need to resolve anything. I want to continue doing what I do and live by: "Do what you love, Love what you do" idea. That's why, it's more of a to-do list:

In 2010, I will DO:

- draw something everyday. Even if it's small, dumb, or nonsense, I will draw...gotta get back to my roots.
- file EVERYTHING. I can't stand paperwork that's sitting around for no reason but strangely, I have paperwork sitting around not being filed.
- finish my website!! this one is a big one. If I'm going to gain more clients, I need to have some sort of visual portfolio, right?

AND....biggest of all
- be more family oriented. Hopefully hunky hunky and I will have some news to share soon?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! BEST WISHES IN 2010!!

2009 comes to an end

2009-12-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

I'm so thankful for 2009. We started off the year with our wedding, got a second puppy (now the first one is prego!!), moving to a new home, and starting to think about our own little family! It's been a whirlwind but I've had so many great clients too! I look forward to 2010 with new and exciting jobs, meetings, crazy wedding season flurry, family, friends, and puppies!! :)

Although, I've been really bad with posting this holiday season (who am I kidding, in general I'm not very good at consistently posting). But one of my plans for 2010 is to post more often.

With that said, for me a post is always more fun with photos...so here's a close to 2009 and ring in 2010!! *jump* yay! (think of the old toyota commercial jumps!)

Balloons....were a huge hit this year with brides! I saw them everywhere and loved all the different images.

(via ffffound)

(via A Cup of Jo)

(via Style Me Pretty for Tiara Mia)

2009 was also the year to rock themes for weddings: Rustic Vintage (think mason jars & homemade pies), Carnivals (colors and lollipops), Confetti (a fun way to add tons of color and texture) and overall fun fun fun! Brides are getting more and more creative and it's amazing to look at images of different weddings!

(via ffffound)

(via Green Wedding Shoes)

(inspiration board by Snippet & Ink)

(via dolci odille)

I always LOVE Indian / Pakistan weddings....so vibrant, colorful, and energetic.

(photos above by Connie M Chung Photography)

And who can forget PAPER!!! I love paper and what better way to end the last post of the year with paper!

(above photos via Martha Stewart)

(via Elizabeth Anne designs)

And last but not least....my all time favorite wedding photo!!

(via intimate weddings)

Field of colors

2009-12-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Coming from a fine art background, I'm always drawn to conceptual and theoretical pieces. Not many people (not even hunky hunky) understand why I love to love this, but I do. :)
One of my all time favorite artist is Jessica Stockholder. She is amazing with her color references and structures. Her site specific installations create a space to space relationship that completely overwhelms with color and shapes. She calls them "paintings in space" (sited), which is a perfect description for her pieces.

(here)

I was reminded of Jessica Stockholder when I came across this post from Oh Joy!...Helga Steppan

(photos: via Helga Steppan)

papier de toilette

2009-12-23T20:47:00.000-08:00

I'm going to admit something that is part embarrassing, part joyful, part crafty...I'm a bit of a pack rat. Not like those "Clean House" & "Oprah" episodes where people are living wall to wall, floor to ceiling with things from the 1800's. No. I like to "collect" things that I think I will be able to use for later projects or stuff. For example, I collect buttons. I don't know if it's due to my grandmother having a huge wicker basket full of ALL kinds of amazing buttons when we were growing up, but I love how they're such a practical thing for clothes, linens, etc...and yet so complex in all the different designs. I don't purchase them. I find them or I'll take those extra's that come with clothing in case one falls off of your clothes. (I won't steal them from the unsold clothing at the store either! Only my purchased clothing...for ME...or hunky hunky) I have no idea what I'll do with them. I just like to know that they are there in case I do need them. Another friend of mine, Helen of Helen Oh Jewelry mentioned on her blog that she collects toilet paper rolls because she thinks that she could use them in multiple crafty projects later on. Which FINALLY brings me to this gorgeous display of toilet paper rolls or more elegantly put: papier de toilette...er...rolls

UH-MAY-ZING, no??? Statement from the artist:

Toilet rolls sprouting spreading branches are hung to create a “forest” hanging on the wall or hanging down from the ceiling. There is a moment when the hanging cut-out-parts start holding their branches and leaves on their own strength. It is as if I’m helping the paper awakens its ability to be an individual tree.

LOVE IT!

(photos: via Yuken Teruya)

Hermes

2009-12-23T20:06:00.001-08:00

LOVE these patterns in their ad campaign

(photo: via Black Eiffel)

No. 1

2009-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

year anniversary! coming up very very soon! I don't know what we're going to do yet. But I've been planning a little themed project based on the traditional gifts for year 1...my favorite i think of the list...PAPER! What better way to celebrate our first year, well at least for me! So many projects and ideas floating around. Very soon, I'll post the goods. peace.

J

2009-12-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

Daily Drop Cap is one of my all time favorite sites to visit...How gorgeous is that J? *sigh* I only posted this because my name starts with a J and so does my married last name. But ALL of Jessica Hische's initial cap is gorgeous! This one in particular reminds me of a luxurious Parisian woman in a bustier sipping on caffe and nibbling on some macaroons! mad love for Jessica!
(J from Daily Drop Cap of Jessica Hische)

beautiful and new!

2009-12-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

Paloma's Nest

Colab 2009 @ Gallery Nucleus

2009-12-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

I participated as a vendor in a craft / art show this past Sunday at Gallery Nucleus. There were so many great vendors that I met and so much eye candy! I had been eyeing some artwork on the walls...paper cutout pieces of course, but the one I loved was sold! Which might have been a good thing!

While I was there, I couldn't resist and started to look around. I picked up a trade from LovMely...a cute headband that I rocked immediately! I can't wait to wear it again! :) I also picked up great earrings from Helen Oh Jewelry (my fantastic booth mate!). We've decided we're booth mates for life! I saw my old friends from Eon Creative, the oh-so-sweet & funny Ryan from Simply Green Solutions, and staff at Gallery Nucleus. Good times!

Our little booth...Helen's to the right, I'm to the left with all my diy display! you can see me hiding behind the display to the left :)

Me and Helen before the show opened. We're holding an anthro-inspired project I started and decided not to decorate my booth with...i had to edit.

me with my new 2010 calendars! get it HERE!!

Thank you to all my wonderful friends coming out to support! Nancy, Eddie, Kenny, Erika, Ji, Bo Young, Nava, Elise, Desi & Family, Emily, Joel...thank you!!!!

(all photos taken by Youkeun Oh via Helen Oh...yes they're husband and wife...one creative couple!)

Craft Good Cheer V.2

2009-12-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

Last week I blogged about the Craft Good Cheer event last Thursday night hosted by Paige of Bash Eco Events and Kelly of Yes, Please. I woke up this morning to tweets {yes, i caved and joined twitter...i'm now a twitterer...it's like a whole new world!} from Paige with pictures from the amazing Raya! I was so excited to see the recap of the night, i jumped out of my warm bed and ran to my computer!

Check out the rest of the photos H E R E! I'm excited for the next holiday party...in 2010!

(photos by Raya Carlisle via Bash Eco Events)

Etsy shop....

2009-12-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

NOW OPEN!! There are only two different items, but I'm still loading them as the days progress! ch ch check it out! :)

I'll be back with new of Colab, flowers, stationery, meet and greets, and my crazy life. In the meantime, I was browsing through my photos and swooned! I wanna someone to take a photo of me like this:

Although I highly doubt, I'll look as leggy and thin as this Dior model. Big and chunky maybe?...for you know who! ;)

Craft Good Cheer | updates and news...

2009-12-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

On Thursday evening, I was delighted to join Nancy {So Happi Together} and Connie {Connie M. Chung Photography} for a girly time! First, we met at a fitting for our models {Nicole ...I have gorgeous friends!} that will be part of our photoshoot coming up in January...so excited! All the dresses were so amazingly beautiful...I wanted to pull out my wedding dress and just pose with them!
After we finished up with the fittings, we headed over to the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica...a little gem of a place with all things crafts! Paige of Bash Eco Events and Kelly of Yes, Please!, Succulent Love, & Cuppie Love hosted an amazing night of crafting, great company, music, yummy food (more mash potatoes please!), desserts, and even a photobooth from Photobooth Love! Throughout the night, I ran into many people from the blogger world...it was like a celebrity siting! :)
So happy to also meet Sandra Pan {check out her photos of the night here}...There were so many people that we met (check out Nancy's full rundown of the meet and greet that night!}. I feel super excited and recharged as a wedding vendor to meet others in the industry so creative and sweet!

******
All during this fun and girl time (which I desparately needed!), I have also been prepping for the Colab Craft / Art show at Gallery Nucleus upcoming tomorrow. You've probably heard me talking about it everytime I open my mouth, blog, facebook, text, etc....Just spreading the word, you know? :) Well, it's finally here, actually tomorrow and I'm pumped because I have all new goodies to show! I produced a small letterpress calendar, gift tags, and notecards & flat printed holiday cards, greeting cards, and 'ready-made' DIY holiday cards. Here's what I've been working on (still working!! eek!)

This is the tear-away wall calendar...only $10!! If you get a second one, it'll be $8...what a deal, no?

detail shot

I'll also be selling the calendars without the calendar part, so you can use it as a photo card and send it to your friends and family!

A set of the letterpress gift tags

detail of the gift tag...love that ocean blue!

And this is my pride and joy...my diy displays and signage! Forgive me for the lame background...this spot has the best lighting in this place though! I love type, so I made the signs with as many different fonts as possible! Looks like someone couldn't make up her mind! :)

Hopefully the rain doesn't stop people from coming! Stop by and say hi! I'll be upstairs in booth 27! see you soon!

i think i'm addicted

2009-12-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

to styrofoam...
I can't stop making displays and things for the craft show. Styrofoam is so easy to shape and to smooths out with a little sandpaper. This time, I made a little business card holder...

Inspiration

2009-12-07T01:56:00.000-08:00

I've been getting ready for the CoLab Craft / Art Show coming up...ahem...on December 13th @ Gallery Nucleus, Booth 27...I realized that I didn't have a good display set up for my stationery. Since my whole world involves paper, I decided to make use of it and go nuts...paper flowers! My inspiration came from a few posts ago, which I've been drooling over. It is seriously a gorgeous display of paper flowers! I'm definitely not a Carol Gearing, but I think it's okay for what I have. I just started tonight and have been sitting here since 8pm cutting, shaping, folding, gluing all these parts and layers to make one. I've made 11 so far and they don't seem too bad, I hope! The photo below is when I had just started, a little sneak peak if you will!

I made the display out of styrofoam and stacked them into steps with a little lip made with a piece of wooden dowels I bought from Joann's. This idea for the actual display was from here. I followed simple directions and tweaked it a little to fit my needs. After, I wrapped it with kraft paper and added dowels going up the back edges so that I could put a little sign that goes across later.

It's a nifty little display and I'm quite proud of my construction! With two displays made it only cost me around $25....very proud of that! I'll use it as my shrine to stationery in my home after the show until I show again somewhere else! Here's the mess I made and some detail shots of the flowers. Enjoy!

Project: So Happi Together

2009-12-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

A friend / fellow blogger / wedding event planner I know just wrote about this so I wanted to share and let you all know about a project that I and a few other vendors have been collaborating on. Just recently, we have been inundated with blog posts and different vendors putting together photoshoots. It just so happens that we have been doing the same thing! We started planning about a few months ago and since it was wedding season, the shoot has been scheduled for January....so very excited! All the vendors are extremely talented and creative. Can't wait to show you all the real deal but until then here's a couple sneak peaks courtesy of So Happi Together Event Design & Coordination

worker bee

2009-12-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was quite a day. I wasn't feeling so hot and ended up getting sick that night. I've been melting into my sofa with a blanket, cough syrup, and nyquil since then. I got myself together finally and realized that if I don't start packaging and finishing up my stationery goods for the CoLab craft show, I'd be screwed! So what have I done?

Limited edition of 100 5x7 letterpress 2010 calendars...only be available at CoLab @ Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA.

I'll also have some new letterpress stationery and gift tags I'll be showcasing! So exciting! The night before the craft show, the gallery will be opening a new show, Power In Numbers...all the artwork will be priced at $100 for 5x7 pieces and a portion of the nights sales will be dontated to American Red Cross. What a great way to spend your weekend! A night at a gallery show followed by a day of shopping indie goods! :)

I'll be sharing a booth with Helen Oh Jewelry ...I want these:

Rutilated Quartz Earrings...yummy!

So stop by the gallery and come upstairs to booth 27 where you'll find me and Helen passing our goods around! :)

love for paper

2009-12-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

My love for paper has spiraled me into a business of stationery galore! But this love for paper is simply gorgeous!

Carol Gearing...the genius behind the paper madness has created florals, trees, botanicals, butterflies, and other loverlies through scissors, knives, scalpel, and other tools in her magic bag.

This particular beauty is a bespoke piece in a perspex wall box...How lovely would that be to walk into someone's home and see this hanging on the wall!! I'm definitely eyeing this!

I always say that nothing can come between a woman and her shoes...this combines a woman's favorite pastime and paper! dreamy!

SAVE THE DATE!

2009-11-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra.
I'll be there selling new letterpress stationery...NEW! If you're a bride, swing by and flip through our wedding stationery look-book! Take some collateral home and see some amazing artwork and great indie vendors! List of all exhibiting vendors HERE.

See you all there!

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

2009-11-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

gorgeous!!

Rune Guneriussen

wow!

2009-11-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

ultimate color!

(photo by lizette bell via oh joy)

this is how much I love paper

2009-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

With paper, you can do so many things and be just as creative without even drawing on it! I posted this awhile back. Yulia Brodskaya is a graphic designer / illustrator / awesome artist. Even her home page is to drool over! Marian Bantjes is another designer who just kills it everytime! She's known mainly for her beautiful typography and how she incorporates so much more than just a type to make the forms. But all her work from the type to the illustrations are truly amazing! When I came across this on Love Ardently, I fell in love all over again! sigh!

(all photos from Yulia Brodskaya)

Letterpress by L

2009-11-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know how I feel about this. Although, it's an ingenious idea of bringing the years old art form of letterpress home, as a stationer, I feel a little betrayed. The other part of me wants the machine and wants to try it out!
Here's what I'm talking about...

It's the new letterpress kit by Lifestyle. Paper Source jumped on it and is now selling it. At 150$ it's definitely been released as a $$ maker for the holiday season! I'm curious to see what the feedback and reviews will be. What do you think about this little new discovery? Does it break the years old tradition of movable type?

workspace

2009-11-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love looking through other people's workspaces. Not like a nosey thing but as a way to get inspiration for my own future workspace! :)
So I was completely drooling over this when I saw it on Truly Smitten. It's the studio / workspaces for Studio on Fire, a letterpress company in the midwest.

I love this wall of glory! I want this!!

Look at the awesome-ness of the combo of letterpress and laser cut detail!

So inspirational!

Check out the rest of the images from the tour on Truly Smitten!

(photos credit: all photos from Truly Smitten)

IDENTITY

2009-11-14T00:46:00.000-08:00

I've been working late hours lately and this is what i've been up to...

Hopefully, I'll have my website up and running very very soon!! =)

float!

2009-11-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

(photo: via Lovely Sprinkles taken from commercial for Miss Dior Cherie by Sofia Coppola)

Baby Shower: Bo Young & Ji's Invite & Wedding: Andy & Tracy

2009-11-13T01:46:00.000-08:00

Just recently I had the honor of co-hosting a baby shower for my sister and brother-in-law. They're expecting their first! We invited friends and family and had a blast eating and playing cheesy baby games. :)

I designed and produced the invitations for the shower and wanted to make them whimsical and cute. Something Bo Young and Ji could hold onto and look at as a reminder for their baby Jabez before he was born. The colors were muted blues, greens, and aquas and we tried to stick to that as much as possible, mostly in part to my obsessive nature of wanting things to look coordinated. :) But that's not a bad thing, right?

Here are the invitations:

Here is the happy and very prego couple!

All the little details were due in part to my two other sisters-in-law who kicked ass in prepping!
Hunky-Hunky's younger sis (just fyi...my nickname for my husband, which he hates, but i love it, so i win!) made this diaper cake...super cute!

We had a dessert & candy bar for favors and to eat during the little shin-dig. I loved it! You may not be able to see it in the photo, but I thought it would be cute to add little tags to each jar so people would know what kind of candy it was. It's not an original idea, but definitely worth the little detail.

And I know these are waaaay played out, but we had to!! :)

FOOD!
menu consisted of:
Cucumber salad
Cheese & crackers
Pita & Hummus
Seafood Stuffed mushrooms
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts in French brioche
Mini spicy steak sandwiches with carmelized onions & peppers
Portobello fries with lemon aioli
comment below with your email if you want the recipes!

Whats a party without cheese!

Baked Brie (cheated on this one...Costco!)

This is really my own recipe...Mini spicy steak sandwiches. I kind of "Sandra Lee" this, but it was still a hit!

I wanted to make this ever since I ate it at Bottega Louie in downtown. Seriously, so good!

Red Velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting & sprinkles

Thanks to my sister-in-law Susan for hosting AND helping make food at her home & to sister-in-law Cindy for being so shik-shik-hae (awesome!) and leaving her son at home just to come and help!

********************

WOW...onto the next.
I met this couple, Andy and Tracy, this past summer. They contacted me and asked me about invitation suites. So when I met them, I thought it would be the usual bride comes with ideas and the groom inputs a little here and there. But this couple was awesome! The groom had been an event planner / marketer for clubs in the past, so he knew what he was doing! This was HIS element. :) Tracy and Andy let me know what they wanted and we went right to work...They wanted to go with a lovebird theme so I obliged and designed a cute little invite with all the fixin's. Their wedding is this weekend so I had to finish up programs and escort cards.
250 programs waiting to be packaged up!

All done and ready to go!

more often says Nancy

2009-11-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

This was a request from my friend, Nancy. So thanks to her, I am doing my next post today...the day after the last post...which usually never happens! :)

So to mend this problem I have with inconsistent blogging, I share with you one of my things on my wishlist for 2009 and beyond...
This gorgeous plate from Bailey Doesn't Bark. I think that they're so pretty that I wouldn't want to use them! Just look! But since they are functional items, I would use it for one of those "don't touch unless it's a special occasion" china/plate. no? I love the organic look or the dots yet very modern.

Re Jin Lee is the worker bee behind BDB and has expanded her line to jewelry, home accessories, and.....drumroll....STATIONERY!
This one above is a holiday set of cards in her collection...

(photos all from Bailey Doesn't Bark)

happi, pretty, and love

2009-11-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Awhile back I blogged about a logo I designed for a good friend and a fellow wedding vendor, Nancy of So Happi Together. She started her event design & coordination biz after her own wedding because she's in love with all things wedding! who isn't??? hehe

So it was only a matter of time that her amazing wedding and gorgeous details were featured on Style Me Pretty! Her photos were shot by amazing Amelia Lyon and the coordinators of the day were Events of Love and Splendor.

Go to the actual post on smp to view the photos....part I & part II

CONGRATULATIONS NANCY!!

(photo credit: connie m chung photography)

look out for some surprises in the upcoming months!

CoLab 2009

2009-11-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

I'll be at CoLab Art and Craft Market...Sunday December 13, 2009 from 1pm - 8pm. Swing by and say hi! Updates of new stationery goodies coming soon!

Impactist

2009-10-25T21:24:00.001-07:00

I visited this site awhile back when I posted about textures and patterns. I had originally found them through Oh Joy!...I thought they were so fabulous, I checked their site again and found an interesting bunch of patterns in photography.

The photos have such a recognizable element but when you stare at each one for a bit, they become an abstract shape...all formed by your own vision.

I go to this site to browse around and see the different films, music, and photography that this team has produced. Kelly Meador and Daniel Elwing form a duo team with tons of experience in the fine arts within their respective fields. Even though I've seen their images before, I am always inspired to look around me and see what creates an illusive and interesting pattern that I can incorporate for my designs and wedding invites.

Visit Impactist and be inspired!

(photos: taken from Impactist site)

Love Actually

2009-10-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw this movie, its been on the top of my movie list. It's one of my favorite holiday love story. I especially love the wedding between Kiera Knightly and her man...mostly because of the surprise his best man sets up for his friend...er...Kiera Knightly...ok, so that part of the movie is a little wierd b/c she's a married woman and he's in love with her, but whatever, it makes the story.

But my favorite....most favorite from this film is the music. I love it so much, I used the Glasgow love theme as my entrance for the bridesmaids and me during the walk down the aisle. I love the song so much, I'm playing it as I'm writing this post!

H E R E is the link to the youtube montage + music.

This song is so romantic and perfect for the walk down the aisle, if you don't like the more traditional stuff.

Mr. Bean's in the movie too!!

probability of shower?

2009-10-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

100%

this is what I've been putting together for my dear SIL's upcoming baby shower. I can't show you all of it, but details will do for now! All the colors are muted blues, greens, and aquas....for a boy. Enjoy!

handstitched these babies closed...strathmore paper, wax paper, needles, and ice blue dmc; contents inside: reminder stickers for the guests calendars

isn't the closeup of the grosgrain on the baby rattle so beautiful?? These are either going to be used for markers of the different desserts and food that will be served or just decoration...I love ribbons!

umbrella ella ella...

2009-10-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

For those rainy days...

Oh my Connie!

2009-10-12T01:36:00.000-07:00

My dear friend just got engaged a couple weeks ago! Connie and I have been friends since our parents shipped us out to Korea for a month long excursion to find out about our roots...that was at age 11. We met at the airport and immediately took a liking to each other. After returning from Korea, I felt like I found my other half. We giggled and talked on the phone almost everyday racking up our parents phone bills to 400$ or more...then ultimately forced to be pen pals because of the ban on the phone calls from our parents!

Through all those years, Connie joined the air force, I was in LA, Connie moved everywhere, I was in LA...haha, get the picture? Although we couldn't see each other as often as we wanted, whenever we did see each other, it was as if we saw each other everyday. She was always the steadfast friend, never ever turning away from me and always reaching out, as a great friend should.

So, when she told me she was engaged, I WAS ESTATIC! I loved my wedding and wished I could do everything all over again! Instead, I get to help with Connie's wedding and be honored to be her bridesmaid!

There's nothing I wouldn't do for this girl and LOVE her to death! I cherish all my girlfriends!

Connie, me, and lisa enduring the 101 degree heat in line for the Conan O'Brien show

so happi so happi!

2009-10-12T00:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've been working with a wonderfully creative and talented event planner, designer, and coordinator, Nancy Park. She's a fresh new vendor and has so much energy when it comes to creating a beautiful event! Her wedding was UH-MAZING! I've known Nancy for many years now and know that she is a true perfectionist with almost everything!

She asked me for some help with her logo design so I was happy to sit with her and discuss her needs. So Happi Together started off as a wedding blog for her own wedding, but blossomed into an event planning business, so she wanted to have something that reflected her and the "blossoming" effect. We started off with the type and then planned around it. Because it was going to be elegant yet soft and sweet, I played around with different layouts and here's what I got:

I think we achieved "the look"...don't you?

Paris Winter Wonderland!

2009-09-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

breathtaking!

(photo: via intimate weddings blog)

weddings, programs, notecards, tags and more!

2009-09-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

wedding have been kicking my ass lately! This summer alone, we attended 4 weddings. In the past two weekends, we've been to 2 weddings, and today is another wedding(we're not attending). It's not attending that's keeping me busy, it's the last part of orders...programs, escort cards, table numbers...etc. Brides don't know what the ceremony program will consist of usually until after they speak to their officiant, or discuss how they want their ceremony to be, which in most cases become the last week before their wedding...this means, I have to kick it into high gear and design, produce, and package everything to be done by the wedding rehearsal. It's both exhilirating and exhausting...I get to see the entire suite together at the end but getting there means, many sleepness nights to make sure I finish everything. Thank goodness, my husband stays up with me and helps! =) I love what I do and actually don't mind staying up...there's no one to bother me, it's quiet, I can watch my shows while I work...=)

Here are the several jobs that I have finished up and have been working on for clients:

Youmee + Scott: programs, table numbers, and escort cards

Initially, we decided on a very simple program, but after seeing the info and to go with her design, I created a cute little booklet program:

The cover

inside booklet, 2 pages, both front / back printed

favorite photo...I love little details together like this. This reminds me of a back of a corset or something sexy. =)

Grace Lee: personalized notecards

My sister has been friends with Grace for quite sometime and I also knew her when she was a little ankle biter. But now she's getting married! Since she's not having many people at the wedding or bridesmaids, my sister and a couple of her friends surprised her with a little impromtu bridal shower before she gets hitched! They asked me to make some personalized notecards for her and I gladly obliged. She loves vintage. Here's my interpretation of what was eventually given to her:

Detail of the little vintage-y flowers I drew for her

Grace also has a cute little blog that she writes about her wedding prep, Together in the City, because she lives in NYC with her honey!

Cindy Ekk: Mommy's Great American Bake Sale

YUMMM...wish I was able to taste all the goodies! Cindy is my sister-in-law and she makes awesome baked goods and yummy korean food. She asked me to help her out with some tags that she needed. I thought that making them cute and little would be perfect. I made tags to hang on the baked goods as well as little stickers so that she can stick on the wrapped ones. She told me the colors were blue, green, and yellow, they needed to be simple, small, and the text that needed to be on them. I think I fulfilled all those requirements, right?? See for yourself!

This was my favorite part...designing all these cute little baked stuff! It made me want brownies so I made some. =)

Roseann + Mike: programs, escort cards, table numbers

I've been working with this couple for a few months now and today is the wedding day!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! They're the cutest couple! I saw them last night to drop off the programs and being there with all their very young bridal party and friends, I realized how old I was. I was saying things like "They're so cute!" the way my parents would say about little kids... I don't know what to say about this. But regardless, they're so freaking cute together!

For their programs, I got the idea from a friend, Nancy. She got married in June and the programs were nicely compact and clean. (Nancy just started an event coordination business, so holla if you need any assistance!!) So with that idea, I pulled together Roseann and Mike's programs.

full suite

inside, accordian fold style

All in all, these past couple months have been busy but loving every moment of it! More updates will be coming soon...hawaii wedding and a philly couple to post about!

Natural Curiosities

2009-08-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

I love the encyclopedic collections "Cabinets of Curiosities"....All these creatures from sea, land, air, flora, etc...were cataloged and now it's an illustrated book form too. However, during the Renaissance time, it was a room filled with all these goodies...Anyhow, going through my emails, I discovered this:

A box set of illustrations based on and inspired by the cabinets...how lovely would it be to have these wonderful illustrations hanging in my home. 14 illustrations for 59$....originally 168$. There's other sets available too...but I love the sealife series. One Kings Lane is the best site for high end home furnishings at sale prices....sometimes up to 70% off retail. It's like Gilt Groupe and HauteLook for the home...The bargain shopper in me is revealed.

(photo: via One Kings Lane site)

Roseann & Mike: invitation

2009-08-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've briefly knew Roseann & Mike as my younger sister's friends when we were younger (circa 10 - 12 years ago!!). It wasn't until recently that I found out they were dating, and then soon after that, they were engaged!! It was even more exciting when Roseann contacted me and wanted to book me as their stationer! I was working with Roseann and found out what style she wanted, romantic and elegant. So I thought letterpress would perfectly suit her needs. I immediately started on the design and she loved it. I kept going with it and made different patterns, different little details for their names, different type/font, and again, she loved it! So here are the details below and the photos:

Colors: pinks, purples

Theme: Elegant & Romatic

Printing: Letterpress & Flat

Paper: Italian Fabriano Blush paper & Paper Source Luxe Blush envelopes

Ink: Pantone 269, plum color

Size: Invite A6, Reply 4bar, Ceremony insert A2, Reception insert 4bar

Full suite includes:

Letterpress Invite + Letterpress return address on envelope flap

Letterpress Reply + Letterpress address on envelope

Letterpress Belly Band

Flat printed Ceremony & Reception inserts

Flat printed Programs (not pictured)

Flat printed Escort cards (not pictured)

Calligraphy on all envelopes + escort cards + table numbers

Corner Rounded

Full suite assembled & detail of belly band

details of calligraphy

Matryoshka Icons

2009-08-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I've been busy working on my new website and branding and pretty much all that fun stuff! In the meantime, here's a little snippet of the next order that I've been working on....

***********

These are so cute! I downloaded these babies and now they sit on my desktop and make me smile when I open my computer!

these bad boys...er...girls...are also available for iphone wallpapers or prints through etsy)

(photo: above, studio benben)

Robot friend

2009-07-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

I've been loving robots and motorized things since forever.

Therefore, If I had a robot friend, this is how he would look:

Youmee & Scott

2009-07-23T23:21:00.001-07:00

I've known Youmee for about 15 years!! Crazy how time flies. When I sat down with her and her fiance, Scott, we discussed different ideas. I had suggested going with a school theme because Youmee and Scott are both teachers. But this idea was a no-go because they thought that it would become too childlike. (I'm still looking for a couple who are teachers that want to go with a sophisticated and fun school house theme!) So I designed a suite that would reflect the both of them and their wedding day. Youmee is feminine and soft. Scott, on the outside seems rough, but is very nice and gentile also. I thought that it would be nice to bring the summertime, mountainy, greenery, flowery design together and make it elegant. This whole suite was really fun for me to design. It was by far the LARGEST order that I've had to date. This girl is having close to 600 people at her wedding and 2 separate receptions on the same day!! That's a Korean wedding for you! Making 400 invitations was definitely a sight to see! I should've taken pictures of the behemoth of invitations sitting in my house.

Enjoy!

Colors: Amber, Olive green

Theme: Gardens & Flowers

Style: Elegant

Full suite all pulled together

Invitation

Extra inserts (maps to ceremony & reception + rsvp)

Belly band

Close up of calligraphy on envelope

this weekend...

2009-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

for all you brides to be....monique lhuillier sample sale ya'll

What: Find ready-t0-wear and dreamy bridal samples and overstock frocks at 40-90 percent off.
Why: Get that vow factor.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: 1201 S. Grand Ave., at W. 12th St., 2nd flr., Downtown.

(text via Daily Candy Weekend Guide & Monique)

Roseann & Mike: teaser

2009-07-14T17:00:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to finish this one!!

Renegade

2009-07-13T23:13:00.001-07:00

I visited the Renegade craft fair for a very brief hour and half this past sunday...I fell in love with this:

found here

and this:

although I want this one in gold, not much of a silver jewelry person...found here

I wasn't prepared for all the goodies that I loved and lacked the abundance in my wallet so since they're on etsy, I will definitely keep them on my wishlist!

ziller + spencer

2009-07-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Got them!!

I searched high and low for local shops that would sell these and found a reliable store in....North Carolina. Waited patiently for 3 weeks and finally got the entire package! inks + books!! right now, I'm the happiest girl in the world!

Ziller inks were recommended from a calligrapher that I happened to meet through facebook. He's my friend's dad and he's an amazing illustrator and calligrapher. I took his recommendation up about the inks and I absolutely LOVE them! The black is carbon based so it's intense and oh so loverly to calligraphy with!

I was also so excited to get this book too! It gives the main instructional material from a book that is no longer available. Goal: master Spencerian script. It's gorgeous to look at and so smooth and elegant! Got another book that's letterpressed and to die for.

I feel geeky with this post, but I'm very HAPPY right now.

UP

2009-07-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I used to work for an art gallery in Alhambra. At that time, we had a show featuring 4 Pixar artists. They had put a book together called, "Ancient book of Myth and War"... Since then I've been following their blogs, Lou Romano, Nate Wragg, Don Shank, Scott Morse...all incredibly talented, uber creative guys! Just wanted to share how talented they are...Lou Romano's always sell out at the gallery show!

(photo: Lou Romano / All artwork property of Pixar/Disney)

bargains for the head

2009-07-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

Lately, I just cut my hair super short, like above my chin short...but I've been obsessed with hair accessories and hats! Don't know why! I guess it's my girly side exposing her true colors!

I think these are worth a gander...they're so cute!

all from.....drum roll please.....TARGET! and they're all $7.99....so worth it!

all these are from Anthropologie...They're definitely not Target prices, but so darn cute too! I love each one of these. I imagine myself in different scenarios wearing the different hats. teehee...

Youmee & Scott: teaser

2009-06-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything about invites lately...that's cuz they've been in the works. But here's one that I'm currently working on and almost finished. I can't show the entire thing until my client has them and because she is a childhood friend, so we have mutual friends that might see! I'm MOST excited about my table number & escort card idea!!! update with that later!

Anyway, Youmee & Scott...here's your teaser! Can't wait for your wedding!

Nancy & Eddie: wedding

2009-06-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we attended a wedding of my high school friends. We all had so many fond memories sitting on stoops talking about Simpson's episodes, walking to each others houses before parents got home, staying out as long as we could before getting in trouble, and pretty much playing our junior and senior year. Two of those friends got married to each other and it was a beautiful wedding!

Bel Air Presbyterian is a gorgeous church...Here are the two announced as husband and wife!

First Dance

This is pre-dip...look at that dress! It was gorgeous!

Our little trio...we didn't have sadie hawkins dates one year so we just wore matching outfits and took pics together...this reminded me of that photo.

Below is the calli/illustration that I personalized on their envelope for them:

curious collection

2009-06-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

paper being used in all sorts of creative ways....absolutely loved waking up to this!

arjowiggins is an international paper company that decided to celebrate the launch of it's new paper range, "curious collection", with the help of trend forecaster li edelkoort and photographer gregoire alexandre. gregoire created a seriously fantastic photoshoot that was designed to portray the creativity behind the papers.

(text and photos: via design*sponge)

YUMMMMEEE!

2009-06-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

been working on some new invites...will post soon, promise!

in the meantime, doesn't this look good? don't know what it is exactly (bark of something...)but just looks tasty!

(photo: Jenifer Altman)

moving?

2009-06-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

This is a creative way to let people know that you're moving. Thought I'd share.

(photo: fpo)

typophiles...

2009-06-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

this is necessary for every typophile...show some love in the potty!

(photo: fredflare.com)

Gorgeous!

2009-06-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

This chest of drawers are gorgeous...for all you letterpress / typeface fanatics. Saw this today and had to post...

(photo: Kent and London via Swiss Miss)

YuYu Art

2009-05-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

How cute are these? Little Korean Hanbok couple

(photo: Something Old, Something New via YuYu Art)

texture & pattern

2009-05-14T12:49:00.001-07:00

I love paper arts and when I came across this image, I immediately started drooling with envy!

(photo: OhJoy! via Impactist)

Coaster fever

2009-05-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

For our wedding we had coasters for the guests as the favors.

But then I saw these...so cute!

aren't the cross-stitch patterns so adorable?

(photos: 12Fifteen via Supermarket)

Amy + Dan

2009-05-11T11:31:00.001-07:00

pretty & lace

origami & letterpress

2009-05-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

all in practical homewares...love it!

(photo: etsy via urban soule)

cabrera the robot

2009-05-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love robots...

(photo: etsy via the junk bucket)

SALE!

2009-05-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

(click on the photo for the details)

Save 20% on your letterpress needs! In my life, letterpress is so beautiful and gorgeous that it is a necessity! Yeah, I said it! :p

I'll be giving a 20% discount to anyone who orders letterpress from May 15 thru June 15...a whole month! And it can be custom orders too, so don't be shy! Letterpress is the way to go...here are the different things you can use it for:

1. Wedding invitations (set the mood & give guests a first impression of how your wedding will be)

2. Birthday party invitations / Birthday cards (create a custom look for your own party or create your own personalized set)

3. "I'm Moving to a Great New Place" cards (tell your close friends where your moving to so they can update their address book)

4. Bespoke Stationery (pretty self explanatory)

5. Gift tags (add a little personal touch)

6. Coasters (These are really awesome)

7. Party Favors (either as the party favors, see #6, or part of the party favors, see #7...hahaha!)

8. Challenge me!

Pretty much, I want to have people who don't know about letterpress not be so afraid of the costs and the process...They turn out beautifully! Anyway, I hope my "different things you can use it for" helped letterpress-phobia people to change their minds and order some...even if not from me, go seek it out! This is an art form...ahhhhh!

another love

2009-05-08T01:04:00.000-07:00

patterns...Love to have this on my bed, sofa, chair,...etc...you get the picture!

(photo: Wonder Thunder etsy shop)

Stilettos and more

2009-05-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

For anyone who knows me, you know I love type and another thing I love even more....shoes, or stilettos to be exact! What an awesome combination!

(photo: ffffound! via SevenEight)

I want this:

(photo: found here via Swiss Miss)

I used to work at an art gallery and part of my job was to coordinate monthly events. One such event was to organize a book signing for Peggy Dark of the Kitchen. She has a catering business in Pasadena, CA and her food is amazing and amazingly beautiful. The Kitchen collaborated with Mark's Garden, a celebrity florist, on a book called "Fabulous Parties". The images in the book and images from their launch party was amazing! ahhhh...if I did my wedding all over again, this would definitely be my inspiration!

(photo: The Kitchen for Exploring Foods)

Gorgeous

2009-05-01T09:18:00.001-07:00

How gorgeous is this dress by Miguelina? I want to go somewhere warm and sunny in this dress! ahhhh!

Alina Silk Chinoiserie Dress

(photo via Gilt Groupe)

Invitation suite: Tomoko & Steve

2009-04-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Colors: White, Grey, Tiffany Blue

Theme: Destination wedding to Hawaii, Palm Leaf

Calligraphy: Classic

Enjoy!

The full suite sans programs & escort cards (to be finished closer to the wedding date)

at it's best...

2009-04-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I was going through my daily blog reads and came across this gorgeous type through oh joy!

This is definitely type & swash...and who knew it was for a UK soccer company! umbro

2am practices

2009-04-24T02:11:00.000-07:00

This is keeping me up tonight...

I love calligraphy...pretty much all type has it's own linework that creates a individual beauty. Therefore, I am up practicing the linework for a client...er...perfecting the linework! ;p

clouds & dreams....

2009-04-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

I love this inspiration board from Snippet & Ink...so dreamy!

Teaser

2009-04-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sneak peek at what I've been working on...

Full photos coming very soon....

Little pieces of fun...

2009-04-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

one of my top fave products....ahem...i hope i'll get a cake next year and get to use them...ahem...

get it online at fredflare.com
I haven't been able to find something not fun and not interesting at fredflare.com like these for instance:

who wouldn't want these? little pac mans to patch you up!

I am personally drooling over this. we got a fisheye lomo for a wedding gift and it was great...but I want the regular lens one to take pictures of us ALL THE TIME =)

oh i wish fred flare was in LA...the perfect spot would be on melrose...too bad their brick and mortar is in NYC...boo hoo

but how cute is the store!

all photos courtesy of fredflare.com

I love you or....

2009-01-31T15:26:00.000-08:00

I

you!

(above: beautiful paper art by Yulia Brodskaya)

Of all time - 1

2008-10-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking out for eye candy...here are some of my all time favorites

(photo credit: flicker)

Marian Bantjes, a uber-cool typographer that I love. Her images, illustrations, typography are simply amazing and beautiful. I get goose bumps whenever I look at her pieces.

(photo credit: gallery nucleus)

This artist is a husband and wife team of the book called Grafuck. The amount of time spent to detail, shape, and form brings the artwork alive. Peter and Fiel are super talented and super nice! Absolutely love the artwork. Some of their collaborative work are available at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra.

Since I love letterpress, design, and type this next item all incorporates those three elements into a functional piece. Feast your eyes on this one:

(photo credit: crate & barrel)

I will most certainly post more hopefully everyday! (crossing fingers now!)