Uncommon Envelope

A "Serge" of Adrenaline...

2010-08-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

The merger of paper and fabric is about as hot a fantasy as I can muster.

Our friends at Sew, Mama, Sew just announced a giveaway of the AMAZING Husqvarna Viking s21 Serger. I'm not usually one to enter blog giveaways, but this one I can not resist. I NEED this serger! I have had so many ideas revolving around the marriage of my favorite fabrics and papers, but in order to make them come to life in an affordable-to-the-public fashion, I need a serger. The truth is seam finishing is just too complicated and time consuming to do on my little Singer sewing machine. This machine could inspire an entirely new revenue stream for me! Just think... letterpressed and sewn invitations, book covers, personal goods...

One letterpress project I completed recently for clients Angela and Brian of San Diego made use of the sewing machine. I was quite pleased with the outcome - so clean, semi-formal, yet maintaining that hand-crafted feel:

And then there were the baby shower invitations I put together for a good friend of mine:

And to think, this is only the BEGINNING! I think it is obvious how much farther one could take this concept with a dream serger like the HV s21. Keeping my fingers crossed, and DREAMING of all the fun serging in my future! Please, oh, please - this mama needs to sew!

Blog Feature!

2010-02-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

OK, so this one was solicited... no shame in a little self-promotion! But I couldn't help myself when I saw the call for baby announcements from Lyndsey over at The Stationery Place blog. The Paper Girl herself is pregnant with her first baby (congratulations!) and is running daily features on baby announcements. It was the perfect opportunity to share the announcement we designed for our little Naomi.

Hmmm... Speaking of babies, maybe now is a good time to announce that we are working on a little side-project of our own... Naomi is going to be a BIG SISTER! We're due with baby no.2 in September!

Unsolicited Blog Feature!

2010-02-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

This post is incredible. Seriously. Tara, you are going to make me cry... Thank you so much! Read the entire post at Pacific Bride Guide...

R.I.P. Fax Machine

2010-02-01T17:20:00.000-08:00

We're moving into the 21st century and we're taking our clients, colleagues, and vendors with us. We've officially killed our fax line so proofs, contracts, quotes, etc. will have to be delivered via email from now on. Sorry if this makes your life harder, but we're considering it tough love.

RIP fax machine, 198? - 2010

PAPYRUS

2010-01-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

OK, type-o-philes... enjoy this "Open Letter to James Cameron from Papyrus" posted on Pr*tty Sh*tty.

I think I just peed myself.

A New Twitter Name. Here's why.

2010-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Recently we were asked to relinquish our claim over our original Twitter name, Unvelope.

If you all recall, we held a little contest to name our Twitter account because the full name "UncommonEnvelope" was too long to fit the Twitter parameters of a maximum of 13 letters. After trying to think of anything that would work we settled on the handle "Unvelope" - a hybrid of the two full words in our studio name.

And here we were, gliding smoothly through building our following since July when, on December 11 (happy birthday to me) we received an email from a company on the east coast (whose name I will not mention, but you can probably figure out on your own) claiming that we were infringing on their trademark (the application for which was filed on December 10, the day before I was contacted).

This company...

Who seems to have no product and hasn't made a single sale to date...
Who seems to know nothing of trademark law (or else they would know that they are seeking a "servicemark" not a "trademark")...
Who has no website other than a splash page (but claims to be in beta, even though you need to have actual users testing your site to be in beta... I don't even think they are in alpha)...
Who has no advertising to back up their claim of having such materials (they sent links from GoDaddy.com where they registered their site as their claim to advertising! Laughable!)...
And who needs to hire an outside design firm to design a logo even though they, apparently, design e-cards....

...has been bullying me and threatening to pursue this claim legally.

After two irritatingly condescending letters from their big-shot New York law firm (who happens to have a RECENT history of being sued for Employment Discrimination and Religious Bias after the firm's managing partner apparently called one of their employees, an Orthodox Jew, "Jew Boy" - classy), we (my lawyer, my business partner, and I) all agreed that a twitter name is not worth any kind of legal hassle and costs this may bring...

Even though we are not competing in the same area of commerce...
Even though we are not offering the same product or service...
Even though we are not trying to use the name for anything other than our twitter handle...
Even though our legal counsel assured is if this went to court, our case would win, hands down.

And yes, Mr. NY Lawyer (or shall I call you "bigot"), to answer your question I DO have legal counsel but I don't need to pay them $250/hr to ask you for proof of trademark use. And it is not unethical for me to communicate with you without my lawyer until I CHOOSE to identify them. This small business girl knows a thing or two about corporate law.

So, to the oh-so technologically savvy e-card company who can not even think ahead enough to reserve a twitter name when you apparently started your business in February 09, you can have it. We know it didn't even occur to you to have a twitter account until you googled the term "unvelope" and the first dozen listings point back to our account. In fact, I don't even think you come up until page two...

Anyway, good luck. And when your not-so-original idea tanks because the market is already flooded (hallmark.com, evites.com, ecards.com, someecards.com, bluemountain.com, etc, etc, etc...) with your not-so-original idea, maybe I'll reclaim the not-so-clever name, just for the hell of it.

I wonder what Daba Designs, the creator of the actual product the UNvelope would have to say about it all. Or maybe I should order some UNvelopes and use them for some direct mail marketing. Now THAT would be something to tweet about.

PS. Now you can follow us by our new handle: UncommonStudio

Unsolicited Blog Feature!

2010-01-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

Our island friend, Tara, over at Pacific Bride Guide showed us some bloggy love yesterday featuring stationery from a wedding we did a few years ago with favorite island wedding planner Pacific Aisles.

Go check it out!

And here is another stationery shot from this wedding, for a better view... gorgeous antique botanical prints of native Hawaiian plants and hand calligraphy soulfully letterpress printed on 100% cotton paper. Dreamy...

Image by Chrissy Lambert Photography

Mahalo, sistas!

WAY too much fun...

2009-12-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

A printer friend of mine, kc potter de haan, gifted me with an amazing cookie cutter set from Williams-Sonoma. Being able to print your own message in a cookie? The holidays just got a WHOLE lot more fun for the adults! Needless to say I have been delivering my own brand of christmas cheer all around my neighborhood. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.

2009-12-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

ADULTS ONLY PLEASE (strong language)

Last night the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center featured a documentary on Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. called "Proceed and Be Bold" as part of it's African American Film Festival. The special part of this event? Kennedy was in the house!

Watch the trailer here.

Kennedy is an unapologetic, say it like it is, often offensive, always provocative, living the joy of his work "lowly negro printer," consciously eschewing the title of "artist." Often commenting on injustices he sees in his world as an African American man, the contradictory world of art, or absurdities he sees in politics, Kennedy is dedicated to keeping his art affordable and accessible, tangible and less-than-precious, and is content to live life happy - not confusing that with rich.

When I sat down with Kennedy for a short chat, he took one look at the posters I chose and said, "Ahhh... a girl with attitude." Best compliment ever. We talked briefly about Tacoma and I encouraged him to visit the fine printers we have down here. You can be sure the next time we are in Alabama visiting family we'll be making an overnight trip to York to visit his studio.

new additions to our home

Unsolicited Blog Feature!

2009-12-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

ADULTS ONLY PLEASE

The Trollop with a Laptop blog caught wind of our naughty XXXmas Cards and featured it in a piece she wrote about some Holiday gifts. I had a feeling that being a nice girl never gets you anywhere fast!

Thanks Alison, you're quite saucy yourself...

Our Official Stance: The Home "Letterpress" Machine

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

OK, folks, there are some things I just can't keep my mouth shut about. The Home Letterpress Machine is one of them. All I can say is shame on you, Paper Source.

THIS IS NOT LETTERPRESS. This maybe can create letterpress-looking, or letterpress-ish, or letterpress wanna-be things, but to call this Letterpress - without any note of "not really but you can pretend" is an insult to our trade.

I'm just wondering how long it will be until Etsy is filled with stuff printed on this thing by people with no real letterpress training, no idea how to set type or imprint properly, and call it letterpress in the description or tag words, selling cards for a buck a piece and killing sales for real letterpress artists trying to earn a livable wage. Not to mention, putting the consumer at a huge disadvantage as there would be no way for them to really sort out who is printing real letterpress and who is printing fake letterpress until the purchase is made and, inevitably, the proof is in the quality.

My bet is by tomorrow. Way to go.

Daily Paper: Display Chandelier

2009-10-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Have you opened up the Fall Pottery Barn catalog? If you have, and you read this blog, you may have fallen in LOVE with the same think I did... the Wakefield Chandelier. I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw it - you know, the way it does when you see your new crush coming down the hallway in between 4th and 5th period...swoon...

I am totally crushing on this, and how dreamy my dining room would look with all my favorite small prints illuminated like angels above me.

Pictorial Webster's

2009-10-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

This video was just posted at the Seattle Center for Book Arts blog, and I loved it so much I thought I would share it here. For those of you who don't know the history, or the heart and soul of letterpress, this is a much-watch!

Pictorial Webster's: Inspiration to Completion from John Carrera on Vimeo.

via Seattle Center for Book Arts

Daily means DAILY...

2009-09-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I know. Daily does not mean weekly or monthly... Daily means DAILY. But life is unpredictable with a baby in the house - especially now that our little Paper Doll (good nickname, huh?!) is cruising around, we have to have eyes on her at all times. She either has something in her hands about to go in her mouth, or is pulling herself up on another piece of furniture. This does not make for a steady work flow.

But Naomi does love paper. Envelopes, actually. Her favorite toys these days are the empty envelopes left as I open my mail. So, Naomi is today's Daily Paper.
Really, I just wanted to leave a note and let you all know that I will post the Daily Paper as often as I can, and keep calling it the Daily Paper in hopes that one day, in the soonish future, it will actually be daily again.

Daily Paper: New UE Notebooks!

2009-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Self-promotion here! Check out our new product: Letterpressed and handbound Dos-á-dos notebooks! Each side contains 24 pages - one side of blank pages for sketches and one side of graph paper for notes.

The cover is letterpressed in both sides, featuring the words "Sketches & Notes" in a variety of handset, vintage cuts and type! The cover was then scored and pamphlet stitched by me with linen bookbinder's thread.

These notebooks come in 3 different shades of blue and I have a limited number (30) available for sale. Get yours in our Etsy shop while you can!

Daily Paper: Woodnotes

2009-07-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

PAPER YARN, people. Seriously. Paper Yarn. Say it again, and this time believe it. Paper yarn. I think I just died and went to heaven.

Woodnotes, a standout Finnish company, in their own words, "...designs and manufactures products and concepts inspired by paper yarn for homes and public spaces."

Gorgeous and sophisticated, and BIODEGRADABLE? You bet. I have been telling you guys how amazing and diverse paper can be. Their products range from carpets to window dressings, furniture to accessories. Woodnotes does it all, with amazing style.

I would be honored to include Woodnotes products in my home, but I'm thinking they wouldn't last too long with the 6 month old we have scooting around now. This will have to wait until our nest is empty. Bookmarked for 20 years from now...

Above, left to right: Bed Concept, Fisherman Scarf

We're back... and tweeting, too!

2009-07-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say a quick thanks for being patient while we enjoyed a little staycation. Over the last two weeks we have had family in town and had fun playing tourist at home!

Now that we are back, I wanted to let you all know that we have officially launched our Twitter account. I am still mending my tattered ego from the lack of response to our little "Name our Twitter Account" contest (don't feel bad. really. we'll keep posting even if it feels like no one is reading). SO, we have decided on UNVELOPE . Follow us. We'll be tweeting you soon!

**UPDATE: Our Twitter name has since been changed to UncommonStudio. Why, you ask? Read here.

Kiva Loan - Najibeh

2009-07-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

It's time to make a new Kiva loan! Our latest loan is to Najibeh in Lebanon. Her lender page is sparse on details, but we know she is in the paper biz so she gets our support.
Good luck, Najibeh!

Here is the info from Kiva:

Name: Najibeh
Location: Location Undisclosed, Lebanon
Primary Activity: Crafts
Loan Amount: $1,200
Repayment Term: 14 months
Loan Use: Buy a paper-packaging machine

"Najibeh is a 50-year-old married woman and mother of four children. She has been working as a home-based bag producer to help her husband satisfy the household demands. Today, Najibeh is requesting to borrow $1,200 to buy a paper-packaging machine to develop her work in order to increase her income."

Please join our Kiva Lending Team.

Daily Paper: DIY!

2009-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be appropriate to put a post up about how you can make paper, the object of my obsession, at home. I thought about how I could do a demo, photograph it, etc... but then I thought that I need not go through all that when someone like B_Zedan has done this already in such a marvelous way on Flickr! You must check out this tutorial photostream, including all the helpful instructions in the captions.

I'll be in my lair petting my own piles paper. GO MAKE YOUR OWN!

Daily Paper: Etsuko Ichikawa

2009-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, Etsuko, your work lights my fire.

Before meeting Etsuko Ichikawa (yes, this internationally acclaimed artist resides in Seattle and learned the art of letterpress where I print) I had never heard of the word PYROGRAPH:

The word, the way it sounds, its definition, and all the creative ideas that come spilling in when considering this "medium" intrigue me to no end. And then you see Etsuko's work, DEAI, and it all goes out the window because she just can not be outdone. Etsuko's pyrographs, created with hot glass and rolls of paper, are flowing, free form, illicit contradictory thoughts of water, not fire.

Check Etsuko's website for exhibition listing updates and when you see her work is coming to your town, light a fire under your butt to go see. It is not to miss.

Name our twitter account and we'll send you a tweet treat

2009-07-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

It's time, folks, to start a dedicated twitter account for Uncommon Envelope. The trouble is that we have not been clever enough to come up with a memorable name within the twitter parameters. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Make a Twitter username suggestion for Uncommon Envelope in the comments below that fit in the following guidelines and we'll send you a substantial freebie in appreciation!

The username must be:

available
15 characters or less
cool enough for us to like it and choose to use it!

Thanks for your help! We are looking forward to hearing all your clever suggestions.

Daily Paper: Vintage Stamps

2009-07-03T07:21:00.001-07:00

What better time to talk about the art of the US mint than 4th of July weekend?! It may be cliche at this point but I still love the look of a handful of vintage stamps plastering an envelope or postcard in lieu of a shiny new stamp (the new Love stamp might be the except to this sentiment).

Clockwise from top left: 1974 Continental Congress, 1958 Statue of Liberty, 1960 Credo, 1952 Service Women
(all currently available and courtesy of SeaJay Stamp & Coin)

You may ask, "can you actually use vintage stamps?" The answer is YES, as long as they are not already canceled. The value is the same as what is printed on the stamp.

Be prepared to spend a little more on postage. Vintage comes with a price, and that price is called "Catalog Value." Just remember that your stamp selection becomes a major component to your design. If you love the look of vintage stamps, just think of the extra expense as design-related, not mailing related.
This may seem obvious, but the value of the stamp as you are putting it through the USPS system is the same as the value printed on the stamp. They don't care that you may have paid more than face value.
Be prepared to remain flexible. You'll need to mix and match stamps and your selections will all depend on what is available at any given moment. It is quite possible to put together a collection of stamps that fit a color theme and/or topic theme. The fun is finding the best mix!

Here are places you can find vintage stamps:

Ebay. Of course. My favorite stamp shop on Ebay is SeaJay Stamp & Coin
Check the schedule of Stamp Shows in your area

If you become a serious stamper, you'll want to order the latest Postal Service Guide to US Stamps so you can see full size images of the stamps and reference their catalog numbers when working with stamp dealers.

Happy hunting! I feel a new (admittedly dorky) obsession coming on!

Oh, and have a beautiful and safe 4th of July weekend...

NY Times Article

2009-07-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this with you all:

The New York times ran this lovely article yesterday and I so related to many of the thoughts brought forth by other paper lovers. I, too, have a massive stationery "wardrobe" and when writing a note to a friend, client, or vendor I think long and hard about exactly which piece of stationery most suits their style and the sentiments I am trying to relay. I also do everything short of keeping a journal to take care to not send the same paper and envelope to the same person twice, and if I have it was a mistake...

Some would call this outdated, obsessive, or formal. I call it the reason I do what I do for a living. I not only love stationery, but I believe in hand-written correspondence as the ultimate way to show someone exactly how you feel about them, whether you are sending a thank you, an invitation, or just a postcard. And when I think of how often I receive half-hearted emails instead of a written note when appropriate, I am sad. A stamp costs 44¢ (for now) and you can find that hiding in your couch.

The article also touched on some technical aspects of what goes into fine, hand-crafted stationery. You wonder why custom stationery feels so special, or why it might be "expensive?" It is because in reality it is not REALLY stationery. Each piece is an individual work of art, hand crafted with love and attention to every little detail so it best represents who my clients are. I sincerely love what I do and I put hours of hand work into my orders. When you look at it that way, is it really expensive?

I encourage you to read the article to learn more...

Daily Paper: Colleen Baran

2009-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

A girl can only hope to find one of these rings waiting inside a pretty little box for her anniversary or Valentine's Day or Birthday... (hint, hint). CUSTOMIZABLE love notes hidden within jewelry. OH, yum. These designs by Colleen Baran are unforgettable. If there are any men at all out there reading this blog, please keep these in mind for the ladies in your life. She'll know you're a keeper if you surprise her with one of these.

Daily Paper: Noriko Yamaguchi

2009-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

When I find an amazing artist I have never come across before, I get butterflies. This is what happened when I found Noriko Yamaguchi. PAPER. BASED. INSTALLATIONS. I am really interested in the shadow play that happens when you light the pieces.
And if you love the work so much you wish you could wear it, you can. I just haven't figured out where to get the brooches. When I do, I will update this link. In the meantime, dream up the outfits they could adorn.

Daily Paper: Cardboard Designs

2009-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pop into your local modern museum shop and you are sure to find a Cardboard Design Liquid Cardboard Vase. Now, once you eye it, go pick it up and play with it. I guarantee you will buy one on the spot and never use this thing for what it was intended (the holding of flowers or some such things). This, my friends, is the slinky for today's design nut. It's going on my Christmas wish list...

Liquid No.2

Facebook 100 exclusive sale!

2009-06-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

We have hit 100 Uncommon Envelope Facebook fans! As promised, we will be holding an exclusive 3-day sale for our fans only. Starting today, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, you can grab our Hello. Collection cards (singles or sets!) for a whopping 50% OFF!

Hello. Collection four card set

Just visit our Etsy shop, drop what you want into your cart and check out and pay via Paypal. The 50% discount will be refunded to you via Paypal, so don't be alarmed when you are asked to pay for the full amount at first. You will be refunded after your order has been placed.

Blank inside, these make great cards to keep handy for any occasion, or grab a set and keep it on-hand as a last minute birthday or hostess gift. We can also put together custom sets if you are looking for multiples of one design or sets larger than 4. Just email me or convo me via Etsy.

If you are not yet a Uncommon Envelope Facebook fan and you would like to take advantage of the sale, we will also honor the discount for anyone who fans us in the next 3 days... we will be holding similar special events for future milestones as well. Don't miss out!

Clockwise, from top Left: Hello Lover, Hello Stranger, Hello Friend, Hello Freak

Happy shopping, and THANK YOU to all our fans for your super support!

Daily Paper: Andrea Dezsö

2009-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Andrea Dezsö is a true artistic genius of our time. If you are not already following her career, you should be. Dezsö works in many different mediums, but as this is a paper-based feature, let's focus on her cut paper and shadow book, The Day We Changed Our Lives Forever. Using the tunnel book form, hand cut and sewn and includng interactive LEDs (!), Dezsö creates an alternate universe that is truly a story created by you as you interact with the pieces in person. Just inspiring.
I am sure we'll be seeing a lot more of Andrea Dezsö on this blog in the future. Her work alone can keep me busy writing for months...

PS. Thank you, Janet, for introducing the work of this great artist to me!

Kiva Loan - Juan

2009-06-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

So Juan, aka "La Gorda Bella," dreams of growing some primo coffee. Unfortunately, he also has to work a day job to pay the bills until his operation gets big enough. We kind of know what that's like here at UE. The UE business brain spends his evenings in an aircraft manufacturing plant repairing industrial electronic equipment. It's not the cleanest job and it's not very fun, but it comes with health insurance and a 401k among other things. Also, it is way better than driving a taxi.
Good Luck, Big Beauty!

Here are the details from Kiva:

Name: Juan
Location: Chanchamayo, Peru
Primary Activity: Taxi
Loan Amount: $1,000
Repayment Term: 12 months
Loan Use: Pay to process his driver's license and buy fertilizers

"Juan just turned 35. He has lived with the beloved mother of his two children for 15 years. They are the motivation for his efforts. They currently live in their own house.
Since he was little he helped his parents in the agricultural work. From then on he was learning farming techniques. When he formed his own family he started planting citrus and coffee. He does this with his wife’s valuable help.
Also, six months ago he started driving a taxi from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They pay him 20 PEN a day. On the week ends he works until 11 at night plowing in order to get greater income to support his family.
During the coffee harvesting months he leaves aside his work as a driver and works on gathering his harvest to avoid loosing the coffee beans, which are so valuable for his family.
Juan feels very pleased with his farming, and while he is driving in his car he thinks about his crops. One time he was robbed because he was not there. Because of that his wife tries to go to the fields constantly to take care that they bear fruit. When the crop is sold, he gets very good earnings. His goal is to increase his coffee crop.
This is his fifth consecutive loan working with MFP. He makes all of his payments on time. Juan has an amusing nickname, which is always the cause for laughter with his colleagues in his community bank. They call him the “the big beauty”.
The money he is asking for is to process his driver’s license in the local town hall. With the rest of the money he will buy chemical fertilizers to fertilize his coffee fields." Translated from Spanish by Ginny Kalish, Kiva Volunteer

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Etsy Treasury!

2009-06-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Our very special "Eat, Drink, & Be Merry" coasters have been included in an Etsy treasury, which is an awesome traffic magnet for our shop! Thanks so much to Jenny, otherwise know on Etsy as CowlickCutie, for thinking of us. Go check out Jenny's Treasury, It's 5 o'clock somewhere and see our coasters in all their glory!
By the way, Jenny makes great hair accessories for kids. They actually stay put (just ask for the no-slip grips)! Naomi owns these.

Daily Paper: Lisa Perrin

2009-06-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

I never gave much thought to paper dolls before, until I came across the work of Lisa Perrin in her Etsy shop, LeLapinTriste. Lisa specializes in such macabre subjects as Marie Antoinette (complete with detachable head), Lizzie Borden (ax in hand) and Sweeny Todd/Mrs. Lovett (a la blood stained cloths), among others... Fantastic illustrations, Lisa! I am feeling the need to start a collection.

Also, just so you know, if you have always wanted to be a paper doll yourself, just ask. Lisa can create custom orders!

Above: The Raven Doll Play Set

Unsolicited Blog Feature!

2009-06-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Related to our feature on Card Observer, Paper Shop ink just posted their discovery of the awesome CO site and called out some favorite cards that have made the feature... guess who was on that list...

Thank you 9SpotMonk!

Daily Paper: Notta Pixie Press

2009-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle book artist, letterpress guru, librarian and, I am proud to say, FRIEND Jenny Craig is the brain, and usually braid (if you know Jenny, you'll know what this means!), behind Notta Pixie Press. Jenny is continually inspiring me with her lovely books and overwhelming kindness. Visit her on Etsy and you'll see why.

One of my favorite pieces by Jenny is her double accordion book called "Tail" - tail referring to her hair, one strand of which is sewn through the book. Simple, beautiful, worthwhile art.
Notta Pixie? I beg to differ...

Daily Paper: Celina29

2009-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew more about Celina29 but her Etsy shop is pretty new and her profile is lacking more detailed information. Celina, if you read this, tell us more about yourself in the comments! We want to see more work because if you lamps are any indication of the aesthetic you bring to the rest of your work, you can count on us to be your biggest fans!
Also, can I be so bold as to make a suggestion? Create a "Make Your Own Origami Lamp" kit, complete with the papers, CFL light kit, and instructions and sell it in your shop. I would totally be down for spending an afternoon crafting a few of these to hang in a cluster!

Daily Paper: Javier Mariscal

2009-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Is it a toy? A 3-D coloring book? Furniture? A sculpture? A little of all of the above? Who really cares about defining it. What really matters is that it is PAPER. That's right. This awesome play house that is almost too cool to let your kids play in (No matter how tempting it is, DON'T COLOR ON THE WALLS!), is constructed of cardboard. Simply awesome.

Hey Javier, does the Villa Julia come in my size??

Daily Paper: El Jefe Design

2009-06-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

I should actually be asking Jim to write this post since he is the one that is so intrigued by El Jefe Design. I am, too, don't get me wrong, but Jim was moved to buy not one but TWO silkscreen posters yesterday from El Jefe's Etsy shop. This is kind of out of character for the normally cash-conservative man I married. So when he splurged (And, really, at $20 each why not) I knew that El Jefe was worth a post! This is what he bought:

The LUCHA LIBRAry will be hung in Naomi's room so she can learn her alphabet properly. The Twin Peaks inspired A Damn Good Cup of Joe... And Hot! will, of course, hang in the kitchen.

UPDATE: These posters are WAY cooler in person - the color is awesome and the prints are near perfect. AND Jeff shipped FedEx... we feel so taken care of.

Daily Paper: Essimar

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Print. Collage. Cut. How can you pass up that combo?! Check out Essimar's Etsy shop and pick up a gently handmade, delicate piece of art or greeting card at an affordable price. Heck, buy two!

Above: Lady

Daily Paper: Vantiani

2009-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Coming to us all the way from Jakarta, Indonesia are collages by Vantiani! I came across Vantiani on Etsy, of course. Her balloon series collages focus on using trash and scraps as the main material, which is a big reason why I love collage - such a great way to repurpose scraps and pretty packaging! Vantiani is a pro at this, and the original collages are afforable enough for everyone to own them.

Left to right: Peta Part Two and Oh She Just Loves Big Words

Daily Paper: Pattern Tales

2009-06-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Not afraid of busy wallpaper? Want something that is uncommonly beautiful and limited edition? Check out Pattern Tales. The Topo pattern (colorway AZUL shown below) was designed by Spanish artist Ana Montiel. This wallpaper is eco-friendly, too, printed on non-woven paper directly from sustainable sources in Finland. Can it get any more perfect?

Daily Paper: DIY!

2009-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since my nesting phase when I was pregnant, I have been obsessed with decor ideas for kids rooms. Normally I would not use this blog as an outlet for this obsession, but JUST LOOK AT THESE HORSES! Forget the kids room, I want to create a stampede for MY room! They are made of cardboard, so YES, they count for the Daily Paper!

This DIY project has been brought to us by Design*Sponge & Ann Wood. Go here for details and directions.

Daily Paper: Casey Curran

2009-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am posting video here. Paper-based art that requires video? Yes. Which is why I am featuring this artist. Casey Curran is a Seattle-based artist and recent Cornish College of the Arts BFA grad. I happened upon Casey's work at a recent First Thursday. It was total chance, and I don't even remember the name of the gallery I was in, but I remember scheming to figure out how I could possibly purchase one of Casey's pieces (still scheming, still dreaming). Then last Thursday I took a trip to the Bellevue Art Museum to catch my last shot at viewing "The Book Borrowers" - a book arts show - and there was Casey again. So much buzz surrounding such a young artist. Casey is living the dream...

Kiva Loan - Jeremy

2009-06-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

Kiva has just expanded to provide microloans in the United States now. We're excited to make our first loan to a borrower in the US! Our first loan is to Jeremy, an entrepreneur looking to expand his BBQ business. Mmmmmm, BBQ! They specialize in a delicious looking tri-tip and anybody that grew up near Santa Maria, CA has to love that. Good luck Jeremy and Emergency BBQ!

Here are the details from Kiva:
Name: Jeremy
Location: San Carlos, CA, United States
Primary Activity: Catering
Loan Amount: $10,000
Repayment Term: 38 months
Loan Use: Furnishings and cooking equipment for retail store

"Jeremy is a former ambulance driver and a high-energy entrepreneur. He runs Emergency BBQ, a mobile catering company that serves up barbecue favorites in a style Jeremy calls California Beer B-Que. Jeremy is ready to take his business to the next level.
With this loan, Jeremy will expand his business beyond on-the-go catering trucks and open up a retail store in San Carlos. He will be able to cater a greater number of lunch and dinner events from his shop, as well as serve lunch to local workers in San Mateo. He will also be able to create full-time employment for his three seasonal employees.
Visit http://www.emergencybbq.com
Watch a video of Jeremy at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6g4dz3r_yo&feature=channel_page"

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Daily Paper: Faceout Books

2009-06-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Faceout Books is a blog we all ought to be following. Similar to the aforementioned Card Observer, but for books. How perfect! Jason Gabbert and Charles Brock, both of The Designworks Group (of course, book specialists!), take time out of their busy schedule to feature the art of the book jacket.

I sincerely believe it is the book jacket that can save the publishing industry. Design the jacket, and they will buy...

A couple they recently featured that, I agree, are spectacular:

The Perforated Heart, Peter Carey Backlist

Daily Paper: Seattle Center for Book Arts

2009-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

I admit this is a plug, but I only plug the things I love. At the top of the list is Seattle Center for Book Arts! I have been a board member with SCBA for a year and a half now. This year we started a new Special Edition Print program. It is a fundraising effort that we hope will not only give print collectors a way to support us and get something in return, but also a way for us to support local book artists and market their names a little.

The 2009 SE print was created by Carl Montford of Montford Press in Seattle. Carl is a favorite in the local book arts scene. A nicer man you have never met! And an amazing artist to boot.... all of his work is ironpress printed from hand-engraved wood blocks. The detail is just stunning.

SO, here is your chance to own an original Carl Monford print and support a non-profit that is making a big impact within the community. Buy yours here, and if you do attach a comment to this post. Once I confirm your purchase through SCBA, I'll send you a little thank you gift from Uncommon Envelope, too!

Special Edition Print No.1, 2009 Edition, "Unbound"

Daily Paper: Shira Shechter

2009-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Collage is one of those mediums that makes art accessible to anyone. Grab a stack of newspapers and magazines, cut, reassemble. Mix your media, do it by hand or by computer. Collage just gives you permission to play and have fun in a freestyle fashion without worrying about making a perfect composition. I really believe this can be the gateway to art for those who feel they don't have talent!

On the other hand, there are some collage artists out there that just seem to have a knack for mixing the unexpected and creating perfection. Shira Shechter one of these artists. Identity guru by day, mixed media artist by night, Shira breathes life into the Tel Aviv art scene.

Afternoon Cafe

Daily Paper: a. favorite design

2009-06-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

I once received a letterpress postcard from a friend in Vermont. The front of the postcard had about a dozen little typewriter images acommpanied by the words, "If typewriters were men, I'd be a whore." That was my introduction to a. favorite design. You gotta love it.

Their etsy shop is full of awesome. My current fave:

Letterpress Ligature Connection

Mmmm.... ligatures.... you get it, right? Please tell me you get why I love this shop.

Daily Paper: Crafterall

2009-06-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

I am a shameless fan of paper cuts. On top of that, I have an unnatural affinity for great color usage. So my featuring of Crafterall should really be of no surprise. Marnie creates amazing Topo-inspires papercuts in such inspiring colorways. Intricate and quiet all at once! Love, love, love.....

Visit the Crafterall Etsy shop to peruse Marnie's work. Or, if you have a custom order in mind of your favorite location, just ask!

Wall Topo in Aqua No.13

Daily Paper: Uncommon Envelope

2009-06-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

That's right - doing a little self-promotion here! Consider our Rad Dad Father's Day card this year to let your old man know how much you appreciate him. This card is a flat card, letterpressed to perfection and backed with a steely metallic blue paper hits a slick aesthetic balance.

We only have THREE left in stock! Order yours today at our Etsy shop.

Daily Paper: Steppie

2009-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling Giddy today. And when I feel giddy, I like to look at work by Steppie! Without missing a beat, Steppie is consistently churning out simple yet amusing hand-stamped designs. May I suggest a journal or art print to brighten your day?

See all of Steppie wares in the Etsy shop, and follow the Steppie blog, too!

Daily Paper: Beautiful Angle

2009-06-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Angle is in love with Tacoma, and so am I. Lucky enough to live in this town, I get giddy every time the boys have hit the streets on a wheat paste run and plastered T-town in new, always poignant art. The first time you spot a new Beautiful Angle poster is always unforgettable.

The final posters that come of the press are always a collaborative process, most feature the words of Tom Llewellyn and the artwork of Lance Kagey. There are so many favorites in the collection it is hard to choose which to highlight here. Start your own collection and buy your prints right off their website.

(Clockwise from top left: Golden Ticket, Hole, Steamroller, MLK Way)

Blog Feature!

2009-05-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to hapahale.com ( h|h ) to check out the latest press about Uncommon Envelope. A HUGE mahalo to Leigh for liking our work enough to feature on her ultra cool island style blog. Her site is the place to stop if you're looking for the hottest island shopping finds. We're smitten with your work, too, Leigh!

Daily Paper: Secondhand Rose

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper is paper. Thinking about it in those terms makes me wonder why I have been so anti-wallpaper all these years. Maybe it is scarring from the exposure to ugly wallpaper in the wallpaper-crazy '80s. This wallpaper, though, via Secondhand Rose, has me rethinking things in a serious way. If it weren't so spendy, it would already be hanging in my office. I might think to for-go a vacation so I can look at this all day every day...

(image on left via C&R Blog)

Daily Paper: Lisa Hasegawa

2009-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is where I get to brag a little bit. This artist is not only my friend, but the woman who taught me the way of the letterpress. Ilfant Press' Lisa Hasegawa's Awkward book has always been a favorite of mine. She is not afraid to admit that she is not polished and sometimes lacks confidence - something most of us can relate to but try ever so hard to hide. Come on, don't deny it.

Did I mention Lisa has an Etsy shop?

Daily Paper: The Bungaloo

2009-05-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Silkscreen is one of my favorite printing techniques so when I come across a silkscreen artist that I believe is ultra talented, I need to share... I stumbled upon The Bungaloo shop on Etsy. Gotta love Etsy. Although I just realized I have been sitting at my desk for half an hour just sifting through this shop and ignoring my body's need for coffee. Now that's good art.
UPDATE: I am now the proud owner of House No.20 (the print on the right). Thanks for the lovely gift, John!

Daily Paper: Andrew Jeffery Wright

2009-05-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Prints that make me laugh AND push the boundaries of it's materials and process are ones I can't pass up on. "Lab with Abs" is a new fave by artist Andrew Jeffery Wright is available here.

Daily Paper: Craftsman Art

2009-05-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Memorial Day, a print by Craftsman Arts. This poster is a hand drawn rendition of vintage war bond art. Available here.

Daily Paper: Anagram Press & Springtide Press

2009-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, neighbors! I am big fans of two local artists - Chandler O'Leary of Anagram Press and Jessica Spring of Springtide Press. Hailing from my beloved hometown of Tacoma, I am please to be within arm's reach of such talent. Both are forever inspiring, and I hope to one day make them friends... perhaps some of that talent will rub off on me...

This is their latest collaboration, and one that I particularly relate to - a broadside depicting a quote by feminist Thea Foss, also a one-time Tacoma resident. We breed our women with a certain kind of independence and strength here.

Buy your broadside here, or become a subscriber to the Feminist Broadsides for a discount, and read all about the process on Chandler's blog - really inspiring!

Baby Announcements

2009-05-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

OK, I promised pictures of these a LONG time ago! Sorry for the delay. It's been busy around here. These are the announcements I designed in honor of our little girl, Naomi, born January 1st. I adore designing baby announcements - it is such a delightful occasion! Keep your eyes peeled in the future for a signature line of announcements. They're coming soon!

Daily Paper: Yulia Brodskaya

2009-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Paper Quilling is kind of a lost art... probably because it is one that most people, in our instant gratification oriented world, would not have patience for. So when we find a quiller as talented as Yulia Brodskaya, we need to let her know we appreciate it. Immensly.

Daily Paper: Nava Lubelski

2009-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I really don't think it is necessary to talk up the genius we see here from Nava Lubelski. All I can say is that life will not be complete until I see these paper sculptures in person.

Daily Paper: Happy Tape

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

New Rule: Awesome tape counts as paper. Example #1: The selection at Happy Tape. Check it out and I dare you to argue the point. Owning this 20 pack would make me so ridiculously happy... It is no wonder my parents called me "The Mad Tapist" growing up.

Daily Paper: Kari Herer

2009-05-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

These images have been making their way through the blogosphere, and rightfully so. Recipe: Take a) beautiful illustration, and add b) fresh flowers. What do you get? Kari Herer's soft, feminine photographs. You can buy her stuff here.... just another reason to heart Etsy. Or, if you are in the Milwaukee area and have kids, her children's photography is just charming. Makes me want to get a group of families together and sponsor a trip for her out to Seattle so I can get some KH photographs of Naomi!

Kiva Loan - Issa Kamara's Group

2009-05-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Come on, who wouldn't be interested supporting a group that teaches orphans?

Details from Kiva:

Group Name: Issa Kamara's Group
Group Members: Issa Kamara, Isatu Turay, Alimany Conteh, Osman Kamara, Fatmata Y. Sesay, Mohamed C. Conteh, Fatmata S. Kargbo, Elsie Kamara, Edwin J. Mansaray, Ballie Sesay, Alpha Bangura, Alie Sankoh, Fuad U. Kargbo, Alpha M. Tarawalie, Sulaiman . Kamara, Frank L. Kamara, John R. Tholley, Joseph Conteh, Mohamed D. Sesay,
Location: Makeni, Sierra Leone
Primary Activity: School Fees
Loan Amount: $4,100
Repayment Term: 12 months
Loan Use: To pay school fees for his children.

"The photo shows teachers of one of Makeni’s primary schools, built in 1991 by missionaries to help educate orphans in and around the city. The school has a total of 18 staff and 255 pupils.

Issa Kamara (first row right), 48, is the headmaster of the facility. Born in Makeni city, in northern Sierra Leone, he is the married father of six children – four in secondary schools and two in primary schools. Mr. Kamara has been a teacher for over 20 years now. He is requesting a loan to pay school fees for his children.

Teachers are amongst the lowest paid groups in Sierra Leone. Consequently, many find additional means of earning a living, some engaging in businesses, agriculture, or organized extra classes for the pupils (the latter of which the government is trying to abolish). Teachers therefore seek loans to embark on meaningful projects and then gradually repay the loans out of their monthly salaries."

Please join Kiva and our Kiva Lending Team

Daily Paper: Simplesong Designs

2009-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

A beautiful congratulations or birthday card by Simplesong. The perfect name for this designer - their cards reflect the clarity and quiet I so admire and strive for. Bravo.

Daily Paper: Lizzie Thomas

2009-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, gorgeous... Check out this book by Lizzie Thomas. Anyone who know me knows about my affinity for the book arts. The UK is lucky to have this artist on that side of the pond. Sure would like to see this one in person.

Daily Paper: Royal Buffet

2009-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am feeling whimsical today! Wishing this lovely garland by Royal Buffet was hanging in Naomi's nursery.

Daily Paper: Jaq Belcher

2009-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Talk about pushing material to it's limit! This paper cut by Jac Belcher is just a sampling of his capabilities... so simple and gorgeous.

Daily Paper: Spawn Studio

2009-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the card my 4 month old daughter (with the help of her father) got me for my first mother's day as today's daily paper. It was adorable, and perfect since we are always joking that we are going to eat her because of how delicious she is.

Spawn Studio stuff is available on Etsy. Especially funny is the story behind this card. You can read that here.

Blog Feature!

2009-05-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

One of our most recent projects - a business card for Cheryl Griffin, freelance television producer - was picked up as a feature on a favorite blog of ours, Card Observer. We turn to Card Observer for inspiration frequently so we are proud to be part of the mix there!

Daily Paper: Made by Julene

2009-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

More paper cuts, this time Made by Julene... are you sensing a trend here?

Bring That Beat Back, 2009

Daily Paper: Yeehaw Industries

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

A giant of the letterpress industry, Yeehaw has been a longtime favorite. This poster is particularly interesting to me as it channels the Dada movement of the 1910-1920's.

Societe Anonyme Museum Exhibition Print

Daily Paper: Nikki McClure

2009-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

A fellow Washington artist, hailing from Olympia. Nikki McClure has made quite a name for herself in the local scene with her wholesome paper cuts. I feel like my life relates to her work so much... Or at least what I would like my life to be like.

Daily Paper: Hammerpress

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

Hammerpress seems to churn our genius at every turn, and with this poster maybe we can all learn a little something.

Civility Art Print

PROcess: Letterpress

2009-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Letterpress has gone through such an incredible rebirth over the past decade. What is they say? Everything old is new again.

Letterpress is by far the most requested printing method for our invitations, and it is the default for most of our lifestyle stationery. Because of it's popularity, I thought I would share a little something about what Letterpress is. But I don't want to reinvent the wheel, either. There is a short documentary below - about 6 minutes - that is worth the watch.

Now, granted, I don't go into as much detail as Firefly press - there is no casting my own type. I admit to being more of a modern letterpress girl, meaning that when working on a client job, I use a program like Adobe Illustrator to create my layout and set my type, then send it off to have a custom cut made. This is what makes letterpress affordable, otherwise I'd be charging hours and hours to make ready for a single job, and imagery would be a lot more limited, too!

For art prints, I tend to set type the old fashioned way. You can see my handiwork in the technique here and here, with more art prints soon to come.

I am a studio renter at Pratt in Seattle so this is where all my magic happens. More specifically, I usually work on Franklin. Say hello! Franklin is a Chandler & Price Platen Job Press. No motor on this guy so you get a bit of a workout making him go. He's a clankity little bugger, but fast so we forgive him!

Daily Paper: Hunter Stabler

2009-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Daily Paper is a new blog feature that will take the place of Wednesday's G&T post. What can I say, you come up with a plan and then you think of something better!

With the Daily Paper, every day we will share a paper product we are just drooling over. It is a chance for us not only to explore inspiration for our own line, but to give props to the amazing designers and artists creating beautiful work out there in the world.

For the inaugural Daily Paper post, here is a paper cut by Hunter Stabler... OK, this much talent makes me just a little bit nauseous, to be honest. Hunter is sure to be a mainstay here at the Daily Paper. This is HAND CUT, people.

Aeronautical Battle, 2006

Regrouping: May

2009-05-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

As per our commitment to Modish Biz Tips Monthly Goal Meetup, I am ready to make my list for May. But first, let's re-cap how we did last month:

My TO DO LIST for APRIL 2009:

~~Create a blog editorial schedule~~;
~~Create an image template for blog posts~~;
~~Start going to the studio every Monday to print (starting next week!)~~;
~~Create an annual product release schedule~~
Flush out six new wedding suite designs.

Not bad, actually! My only regret is No.5. Truth be told, I didn't even start on this one, although the main reason behind that is because my corporate workload is on the upswing - not a bad thing! I'll share some of that soon. We also participated in our first craft fair so I spent a fair amount of time prepping for that.

But I think that I will just pick up where I left off and re-list No.5 as my No.1 on My TO DO List for MAY 2009:

Flush out six new wedding suite designs;
Complete 1st of series of Silkscreen/Letterpress Art Prints;
Start designs for my May and June releases;
Complete new product photography for our Etsy Shop.

And I think that is it for May. I hesitate putting too much on my plate, and I have other client projects, friend projects and non-profit projects in the works.

See you back here in June for follow-up!

Color Code: MAY 2009

2009-05-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

We feel lucky to live where we live. I came across this photo of Titlow Beach in Tacoma on flickr and was just moved by the earth tones. This just FEELS like Tacoma to me. It had to be our May Color Code.

Image by Troy Mason

Etsian: Weeks of Apr 17 - May 1

2009-05-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately a slow couple of weeks. I have posted a couple new items, namely my Mother's Day and Father's Day cards. A few new hearts, no sales.

You'll notice that I am starting to re-shoot my stuff. I started with the new cards. This weekend I hope to complete a good chunk - if not all - of the rest of it. I think it makes a difference. I am MUCH happier with the new images, although I still think they could be better. I'd love to bribe my friend, Kim, to come out here and shoot everything for me. You think I should send her more pictures of Naomi? Spending time with a cute kid usually work as incentive, right??

Kiva Loan - Help Me Group

2009-05-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, two loans in one week! We had to fund this one. It's just too hard for us to pass up on loans to other stationery businesses.

Kiva's info on the loan:

Group Name: Help Me Group
Group Members: Mrs. Iris A. Thomas, Yeabu Kamara, Rugiatu Kamara, Adamsay Kamara
Location: Waterloo, Sierra Leone
Primary Activity: Paper Sales
Loan Amount: $650
Repayment Term: 10 months
Loan Use: Invest into her business

"This is Mrs. Iris A. Thomas, Yeabu Kamara, Rugiatu Kamara and Adamsay Kamara. They named their group Help Me. They are all local entrepreneurs in Waterloo, which is twenty miles from Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital city. This will be their first loan form SMT/Kiva. This loan will, however, create a meaningful impact in the lives of these borrowers. They will be able to use the proceeds to pay for their children’s school fees. They will also be able to feed and clothe themselves and their children with the income generated from the loan. They are requesting a loan of 500,000 SLL, each, to buy more goods to add to their businesses.

Mrs. Iris A. Thomas (left) is the leader of the group. She is sixty-one years of age. She was born in Waterloo. Her husband is now retired and the two of them have five children, all grown-up. Mrs. Iris A. Thomas has built a primary school in Waterloo where she is serving as Head Teacher. She is also a businesswoman; she sells stationery. She has been in this business for twelve years now."

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Kiva Loan - Reyna Isabel Martinez

2009-04-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

It was actually a few days too early for us to make another Kiva loan, but we had a pretty big credit burning a hole in our pocket. Our newest loan is to a crafty entrepreneur in León City, Nicaragua. Good luck, Ms. Martinez!

Here are the Kiva stats:

Name: Reyna Isabel Martinez
Location: León, Nicaragua
Primary Activity: Crafts
Loan Amount: $1000
Repayment Term: 14 months
Loan Use: Buy handicrafts

"Mrs. Reyna Martínez has sold handicrafts for ten years in the Telica municipality of León City. Every day she sells in her community. She does this because she wants to provide sustenance to her daughter who needs her support so much. She now comes to Ceprodel to ask for a loan to buy handicrafts. She will sell them in her community. She needs income to maintain her family." Translated from Spanish by Ginny Kalish, Kiva Volunteer

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Find us this weekend in Tacoma!

2009-04-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Uncommon Envelope will be participating in Tacoma is for Lovers, a local artist craft fair at Blackwater Cafe on historic St. Helen's Avenue in downtown Tacoma. Come visit us at the table we will be sharing with fellow letterpress artist and friend kc potter de haan!

Read more about the event in the Weekly Volcano.

PROcess: Timeline

2009-04-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

A standard part of the design process for me is the development of a timeline for your stationery. Some might call this overly-thorough but having a background in the planning of events I just can't help but think in terms of timeline.

First of all, I think it is important that both you, the client, and me, the designer, are on the same page in terms of expectations. I need to let you know, realistically and based on the design of your stationery, what you should expect for turn-around. And you need to have the opportunity to let me know if you need a rush on certain items, or if the proposed timeline looks good.

Also, we don't expect for you to know what the proper timing is in terms of Save The Date mailing (6-12 months prior to the event), stationery delivery date (depending on whether you are addressing and mailing or you would like UE to calligraphy and mail your invitations), mail date (6-8 weeks prior to rsvp date), and rsvp date (3-6 weeks prior to the event). The timeline actually becomes especially important when you plan on having UE produce event stationery for you such as escort cards, placards, menus, etc. These things are time-sensitive and require final responses from the guests, opportunity for you to establish table and seat assignments, and then deliver that final list to us with enough time for us to produce and ship before the event... I think you are beginning to understand why having a client-approved stationery timeline is so important to us.

We know there is a lot to think about here so rest assured that UE will help alleviate at least this small part of the planning process! It is just another uncommon part of our service that sets Uncommon Envelope apart from other designers.

Etsian: Week of Apr 10 - Apr 16

2009-04-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Monday was a big day for UE on Etsy. Not only did we launch Uncommon Envelope's Facebook page, but our Hello. Collection 4 Card Set was featured on Etsy's front page for the first time! How exciting!

The results: 146 hits to our shop.
Sales: 0

Next step is to figure out why we are not converting visits into sales. In total since we opened our shop in December we have made only 16 sales. Here are some ideas on what we can do:

New photography. I am in desperate need of new photos for our products - ones that are more compelling and attractive. Ours feel SO stale. I need to work on that. It is on my unofficial to do list and will most likely be bumped up to priority this weekend.

New products. Again, on my list and in the works. Now that Naomi is almost 4 months old (a big girl!) I am thinking it is going to be a lot easier to bring her to the studio now. She is very active with her toys and pretty independant. I'll just need to figure out how to get her to nap while there!

Marketing. I think once I am feeling a little more confident in my line I need to start submitting my work to other blogs in hopes for a feature. Maybe I'll do a little promotional giveaway...

Playing the game. I suppose I could be more diligent about re-listing items everyday and making edits to push us back to the top of the local listings but something about spending the time on that kind of "chasing" feels weird. I need to think about that more - or hire an intern!

I am going to try to get to the photography thing this weekend so maybe I'll have updates by my next Etsian posting. I have been taking a look at other shops' photography style that I like. Here are some ideas - I might come up with some sort of combination of styles...

Clockwise from top left: Element Clay Studio, Knitalatte, Roadside, Nice Package

G&T: CardObserver

2009-04-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

My new favorite blog. By far.

I can't tell you how many times I have seen an incredible business card and kept it for future inspiration. Now I can toss 'em because they are all stored on the web at CardObserver. CO (move over, Cute Overload) gives us daily bits of biz card greatness. You bet your butt I'll be submitting a couple of my own designs - just wait until you see the new cards I designed for Cheryl Griffin, TV producer. They will be completed in a week or two... stay tuned!

In the meantime, a couple of my favorites CO has posted recently to hold you over:

Clockwise from Top Left: M. Brady Clark, Obsessive Behavior, Murillo Design, Junge Schachtel

A milestone...

2009-04-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

For the first time one of Uncommon Envelope's items was featured on the front page of Etsy! Our HELLO. Collection card set was posted to the treasury at 6:30pm EST today, Monday April 13. Yipee!

Check out an archive of the treasury at Craft Cult.

PROcess: The Consultation Call

2009-04-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Getting off to a late start on my first PROcess post here, but I couldn't think of what to write about. Then I decided to start from the beginning: the consultation call. What should you expect on your first phone call with Uncommon Envelope? Here are some points I am sure to touch on so you are prepared to answer our questions:

Personal Information
I like to get started with the obvious - Your name, your fiance's name, contact information, best way and time to contact you. I will also usually ask how you found Uncommon Envelope. If someone has referred you to UE, let us know so I can thank them properly! Or if you linked through another site, read about us in a magazine feature, or found us in an ad, we need to know how our marketing efforts are working. Even if we forget to ask, let me kn0w how you found UE!

Event Details
The next few question pertain to the event you need stationery for. The location will often give me a starting point for design. So much of the look and feel of your event will come from your location that this often has at least a minor bearing on your final design. The date of your event helps us set a timeline for your work. I will also get a feel for the size of your event, how many guests you are planning on inviting, and how many you are expecting to attend - sometimes two very different numbers! Through these two numbers we will be able to get a rough estimate of how many invitations you will need - a number we need for quoting purposes.

Design & Decor Details
You don't necessarily need to know exactly what your event will look like, but having a vague idea of color preferences and general design style is helpful! We will also discuss whether you have seen stationery suites you like on my site already. As a note, if you have seen stationery by another designer you like I will look at it for reference on style, but it is UE's policy to not copy another designer's work.

Stationery Suite Details & Budget
This is where we get to the nitty gritty of what exactly you need to have included in your stationery suite - Save The Dates, Invitations, Maps, RSVP options, Schedule of Events... we can do anything and will help you determine what you need, including items that you'll need for the event itself!

We also like to get a realistic budget targeted for you. We would hate to make design suggestions you can't afford, or omit ideas you can! You should know before we get started that our order minimum for custom designed invitation suites is $1,500. Starting price points for our upcoming signature invitation line will be lower and based on quantities, making UE designs accessible for almost any budget. Once these designs are ready to be unveiled, we'll post an announcement.

Usually our initial consultation call lasts 30-45 minutes. At the end of it we should have enough of an idea of what you are looking for to put together an initial quote. We always quote before starting to design so that there are no surprises for you and no wasted time and work for us!

If you are looking for stationery for your next event, give us a shout. We'd love to help!

New Marketing Developments

2009-04-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

We have had some new developments in a very productive Monday morning!

New Ad

If you haven't already, please go see the new site, Pacific Wedding Guide. We are listed in their Hawaii stationery section now. Thanks, Tara!

Uncommon Envelope Facebook Page

It's official - we are now part of the biggest online networking community in the world. And to celebrate, we are holding our first event ever - an Etsy sale for our new fans! Find us on Facebook, become a fan, and get 25% off your UE Etsy order today only!

Kiva Loan - Jose de los Santos Duarte Colindres

2009-04-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm...coffee. We aren't only wind powered here at UE, we are coffee powered! We start every day with a big pot of fresh brewed coffee. Nothing fancy, just decent quality grounds drip brewed with cream and sugar. That is why we are delighted to support this entrepreneur!

Here are the details from his lender page:

Name: Jose de los Santos Duarte Colindres
Location: Danli, Honduras
Primary Activity: Food Market
Loan Requested: $550.00
Repayment Term: 11 months
Loan Use: Purchase pergamino coffee and mantequilla coffee.

"Mr. José de los Santos Duarte Colindres has been harvesting and selling two types of coffee for more than 10 years, and during this time he has acquired much experience and good clients. This way he is moving ahead with his business and is successful in offering well-being to his family.

He is married with a 4 year-old daughter who attends a local kindergarten. With the income from his business he covers the family expenses and his financial obligations. He requests a loan as he needs work capital, to diversify his business, buy more products, and meet his clients' demands and thus increase his earnings."

Translated from Spanish by Lene Struck Christensen, Kiva Volunteer

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Animated Masthead is LIVE!

2009-04-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

The animation of the masthead on our main site has been a project that has been on the back burner for quite a while now. Today I am pleased to announce that it is complete and live! I am in love with it as it perfectly captures the quiet, nature driven tropical feel we have cultivated in our branding efforts. Check it out (and make sure your sound it on!).

Thank you to Joseph at Asmble for the great job he has done on all of our programming.

New Blog Editorial Schedule

2009-04-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is a very exciting development for us! I am buckling down and committing to this blog. Let me re-phrase – I have always been committed, but time and energy have been scarce with a baby in the house! But here I am, with my new-found accountability via my monthly goal list (read more about this here).

Here are the details of our new blog editorial calendar. Mind you, I am keeping it light to start. Let me ease into the work!

WEEKLY

ETSIAN: Here I will post updates on our Etsy shop progress. We are relatively new to Etsy so we are still learning the ins and outs of listing items, getting exposure, and making sales.

GIFTED&TALENTED: I am continually inspired by everything around me - other artists, my environment, non-paper goods, random pics from Flickr or the latest magazine to hit my mailbox. Here I will share what is on my mind and think about how these ideas will translate into my paper products!

PROcess: This is where I will discuss different subjects regarding process - how UE works with clients, printing methods, etc. Hear about all the ways we can help you!

MONTHLY

COLOR CODE: The first of every month I will post a color trend palette based on color combinations I am inspired by. Some will be seasonal, some whimsical, and some will just make you scratch your head and wonder "why?"...

KIVA: We typically make one loan a month, so updates with be once monthly. Again, if you want to join our KIVA team, click here.

UPDATES AS NEEDED

LINE UP: As new products are designed and produced, we will be sure to let our loyal readers know first!

NON-PROFIT WORK: We are involves in a couple different NP organizations that are near and dear to our hearts. As exciting things happen, we'll keep you posted so you can get involved if you want.

Pacific Wedding Guide

2009-04-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

A big congratulations to my friend Tara who has launched what I am sure will be the premier wedding resource guide for weddings around the pacific rim! Pacific Wedding Guide is stylish and informative, which is nothing less than I would expect from Tara - the girl has impeccable taste and is smart as a whip! Make sure you check out her blog, too...

Regrouping

2009-04-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

We now have a 3 month old in the house. Naomi is the most precious thing to happen to us, but I admit getting back into work mode is difficult when all I want to do is munch on her chubby little legs and sew cute hats and clothes for her! She has proven quite the distraction.

But, alas, the bank account calls! So, I need to get back to work. I recently started to follow a great blog by fellow northwesterner, Jena Coray, called Modish Biz Tips — a spin-off of her main blog, Modish, covering beautifully designed handmade goods. Modish Biz Tips has been a great source of inspiration in terms of keeping the fire going to run a small craft business, a not always easy feat. But on Friday I found a great post waiting for me in my Reader. Jena offered her followers a way to find some accountablility to kick our butts into gear - a Monthly Goal Meetup!

The idea: on the first Friday of every the month, post business goals to your own blog for that month, then post a comment on MBT with a link to the post. The following first Friday we will all check in and hopefully what we will find is a bunch of crossed off list items and fresh ones to take their place! I love it... This is just what I need.

SO, here it goes, I am committing. My TO DO LIST for APRIL 2009:

Create a blog editorial schedule;
Create an image template for blog posts;
Start going to the studio every Monday to print (starting next week!);
Create an annual product release schedule
Flush out six new wedding suite designs.

OK, I think this is a good start! I am totally psyched up, and I have Jena to thank for it!

Kiva Loan - Lilian K. Chigome

2009-03-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

We don't usually make more than one loan per month, but sometimes there is a Kiva Alert that we can't pass up on. We love supporting other stationery businesses!

Here's her info from Kiva:

Name: Lilian K. Chigome
Location: Mbeya, Tanzania
Primary Activity: Paper Sales
Loan Requested: $650
Repayment Term: 11 month
Loan Use: To purchase more stationery materials for her business

Mambo (Greetings!) from Tanzania! This is 30-year-old Lilian Chigome from Mbeya. She is married and has two children aged 5 and 11. Lilian has been running a stationery business since 2007. She buys stationery materials wholesale and sells them retail. Lilian works at her business for 9-12 hours per day, 6 days per week and is assisted by one employee. Lilian currently earns about $300 USD a month from her business. She is requesting a loan of $625 USD to purchase more stationary materials for her business. In the future, she plans to open the same business at a new location. Lilian thanks you for your support!

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Kiva Loan - Wilma Villacorta Murguia

2009-03-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Our latest Kiva loan is now on the books. This entrepreneur will be using her loan for materials for her craft making classes where she teaches other women to make crafts. Good luck, Wilma!

Here's her info from Kiva:

Name: Wilma Villacorta Murguia
Location: La Paz, Bolivia
Primary Activity: Crafts
Loan Requested: $300
Repayment Term: 1 month
Loan Use: To purchase craftwork materials

Wilma is one of the agency's oldest and most punctual (re-payment) clients. She dedicates herself to various craftworks such as fabric painting, embroidery, macrame, and doll-making. Her children are now adults, and her grandchildren always keep an eye out for her. She teaches classes to women who wish to learn how to make craftworks like fabric paintings and embroideries. The loan will be used to buy materials such as paint, fabrics, threads, etc. for use in her classes. Translated from Spanish by Jim Muir, Kiva Volunteer

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Kiva Loan - Comite Nueva Esperanza II Group

2009-02-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

We just made our latest Kiva loan. This loan will help a group of women entrepreneurs in Paraguay purchase inventory for their individual businesses.

Here is their info from Kiva:

Name: Comite Nueva Esperanza II Group
Location: Ita, Paraguay
Primary Activity: Retail
Loan Requested: $2,250.00
Repayment Term: 3 months
Loan Use: To buy merchandise to bolster their individual businesses' stock

"Comité Nueva Esperanza II is the name of a group formed on July 11 2008, made up of 21 women who met working with the "Entrepreneural Women's Committee Programme". They are in their third loan cycle. This group was formed thanks to the efforts of the current Director of Finance, Pabla Torales, who wanted to unite her neighbours and friends. The average loan per member is 600,000 Gs, which they will use for their varied businesses, such as clothing sales, food sales, hardware sales, ingredients' purchase (rice, sugar, noodles, cheeses, baked goods, herbs), lingerie sales, shoe sales, refreshments sales, soft drinks and candy sales, natural remedies sales, cleaning products sales, as well as the sale of items specifically for the New Year and more. They are all very happy to be working cooperatively and in solidarity with Fundación Paraguaya." Translated from Spanish by Laure Kwon, Kiva Volunteer

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

Unsolicited Blog Feature!

2009-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

We were delightfully surprised with a Convo in our Etsy shop from the lovely Betsy of the Betsy Makes Things blog. She included a link of the recent post she wrote featuring our Hello, Stranger. card from our Hello. collection! Check it out:

Betsy, you're the Best-est.

Introducing our new intern...

2009-01-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, we've been pregnant. We don't just hire interns around here - we grow them.

Please help us welcome our daughter!

Naomi James Roberts
January 1, 2009
12:32am (Happy New Year!)

You can be sure she has some slammin' birth announcements in the works. We'll post pics when they are done.

Unsolicited Blog Feature!

2009-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

We have been longtime fans of Dooce.com. Dooce, or Heather Armstrong, is an incredibly talented woman, web designer, writer, and mom. If you have seen pictures of her house - particularly her daughter's room - featured in the kid's blog, you'd think she definately has another career in interior design if she wanted one. If you are unfamiliar, just read the About This Site section. This sums up Heather in a nutshell. In short, she is someone I would make a friend in a heartbeat.

So, you can imagine how delighted we were to be featured in Heather's Daily Style section on Monday! Go ahead, go visit... yep, #2, that's us! Our Rabbit Coasters, available in our Etsy shop, scored an unsolicited feature in one of our favorite blogs!

Oh, Heather, we're blushing...

Kiva Loan - Eugenia Molil Jean Group

2009-01-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

It's time for a new Kiva loan! Today's loan will help a few entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic expand their businesses.

Here is the info from their Kiva loan page:

Name: Eugenia Molil Jean Group
Location: El Seybo, Dominican Republic
Primary Activity: General Store
Loan Requested: $650.00
Repayment Term: 5 months
Loan Use: Purchase new consumer goods and expand business with new personal care products

"Eugenia Molil Jean is bank coordinator for a group called Llegando Lejos (Going Far). Her group has five members. She is 35 years old. She lives with her spouse and five children; ages 16, 11, 8, 7 and 2 years old. She sells chicken in her own community in El Seybo. She has already received three loans from Esperanza and is about to receive her fourth. She would like to increase her business by selling a greater quantity of products, such as sugar and coffee; and to expand her activities by selling deodorant. She finds keeping the clients happy to be the biggest challenge in her daily activities. She would also like to improve her house and make her business grow to provide for her large family. On behalf of Esperanza and the Llegando Lejos Bank of Hope, thank you for your support!"

Please join our Kiva Lending Team

EverGreen Options

2009-01-18T22:20:00.000-08:00

Last year we made a commitment to make Uncommon Envelope a sustainable business. One of our first steps was to have the electricity for our studio come from green power sources. In order to accomplish this we participate in Tacoma Power's EverGreen Options program.

The techie in me would love to work on a home project to generate our own power. Maybe something involving solar panels or a giant wind turbine in the back yard, but we'll have to settle with this for now. We are always on the lookout for better ideas to green up the business though, so feel free to send us ideas.