New Year...New You?

I don't know what it is, but the thought of a new year always leaves me feeling a bit bittersweet.

In 24 hours, I'll be preparing to say farewell to the year 2009 - A year that was filled with weddings (including my little sister's and my own), my first trips to Mexico and NYC, a job change, and the creation of our business, Interprintations.

As I look into 2010, I see a clean slate and a good excuse to set lofty goals for myself.

#1 - Redo the office (or at least the furniture!) so that I have a better organized, more efficient work space.

#2 - Sign up for sewing classes at Joann Fabrics. I have my sister to keep me on track for this one! She will be accompanying me on this fun little journey, which will make it twice as fun. =)

#3 - Acquaint myself with our new Nikon 3000, and learn new photography and lighting tricks. (The better pictures I can take, the better you'll be able to see our new products!)

#4 - Get back into a weekday workout regimen (Exercise TV on-demand is the best idea. ever. Jillian Michaels kicks my butt into to gear. For free!)

#5 - Assemble my portfolios - complete with samples of recent wedding and other stationery orders.

#6 - List at least 5 items on Etsy by the early spring - First on that list are the oh-so-popular damask monogram note cards. (What a great idea for your bridesmaids and gift book attendants!)

I'll be posting this list prominently above my desk, so I can reflect on my progress. While I'm sad to see 2009 go, this list reminds me of what I have to look forward to in 2010.

Cheers to a new year and {hopefully} an improved me! =)

What are you leaving behind in 2009? Have you set any resolutions for 2010?

'Tis the Season for Giving

We are truly blessed in my household, and we try our hardest not to take it for granted. We always try to give back where we can.

With all of the charitable organizations out there, it can be hard to decide where to make a yearly holiday donation. Like most of you, I am a big fan of giving spare change to the bell ringers. We also arranged to set up a box at work for Gleaners Food Bank, where associates could donate their Christmas turkey (an annual holiday gift from our employer). It was heartwarming to see so many people in the giving spirit, and we filled the box full. What a wonderful, warm-and-fuzzy feeling!

Ultimately, I also try not to forget about the little ones during the holiday season. (I'm not referring to the children....I know Santa has them covered!) I'm talking about the hundreds of abandoned animals at your local shelter.

This is a particularly rough time for local animal shelters and humane societies. With the recession, people are finding themselves unable to care for the family pet - thus overwhelming the local shelters with helpless, homeless animals.

One of my favorite local animal rescue facilities is Cats Haven. I am particularly fond of this rescue center because they have a no-kill policy. They will do whatever it takes to find a home for these precious creatures. They also have great resources on their website, as well as a cute blog updating you on the center's happenings. They make the donation process an easy one - with just a few clicks, you can make a donation through the security of PayPal.

Cats Haven also has products you can purchase, such as calendars, jewelry, hoodies, and more! What's even better is that all profits are filtered back into the center. You can buy a gift, and know that you're also helping these adorable felines get a second chance at life.

What is your favorite holiday charity?

Curiously Tasty Treats

Ever thought of putting pistachio, orange and toffee flavors all in the same cookie recipe?

Yeah....neither have I, but apparently they say it's delicious!

Greencastle resident Stacia O'Neal's Pistachio Orange Cream Sandwich took the top prize at the Indy Star's 2009 Holiday Cookie Contest. She beat out 170 other entries with her tricky, but apparently unforgettably tasty, combo.

(photo courtesy of www.indystar.com)

After reading the article in today's paper, I had to check out all of the fun recipes entered into this year's contest (the winning cookie let my curiosity get the best of me). I found one that I'm dying to try, it's for Strawberry Cream Cheese Thumbprints. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. Yum! =)

And with a quick look out the window and listening to the extended forecast....it looks like I'll be spending plenty of time indoors to easily fit some baking into my weekend schedule. =)

What's your favorite holiday recipe that you can't wait to make? Are you trying any new recipes this year?

A Noteworthy Gift Idea

Our featured item for this holiday season is the monogrammed damask note card set. These charming 6-card box sets are a great way make your gift-giving a bit more personal!

Each set consists of 6 cards with personalized monograms & matching colored envelopes, and are packaged in a clear stationery box. They are available in deep purple (featured above), gamma green and razzle berry, and are only $4.00 each (+ s/h). For other colors, please email interprintations@gmail.com for availability.

Whether you're looking for a stocking stuffer idea, gifts for your girlfriends, or just a little something for yourself....be sure to add these personalized cards to your list!

A Winter Affair + New Gift Ideas

Has it really been 2 weeks since our last post?! I promise to make it up by posting many stationery treats in the coming days. =)

After an amazing {and much needed} extended holiday weekend, we've spent the last 2 days getting back into the swing of things. We have plenty of projects on our plate to keep us busy through the end of 2009. {no complaints though, because we love being busy!}

One of our most recent projects is for a winter bride, who has requested custom programs and matching menus for her January affair. Her style is more traditional, so we went with a Victorian flourish motif throughout both pieces. Check it out!

We're also working on 12-piece notecard gift sets, complete with custom monograms. We will soon be posting pictures and listing these pretty little packages on our website. {Holiday Tip: these make great stocking stuffers!} So be sure to check back soon!

Give me a "B!"

We were asked to design a baby shower invite for a soon-to-be single dad. What an interesting, yet fun and unique, concept to tackle.

While they know it's going to be a little girl, we wanted to stray away from an invitation that looked too feminine. I suppose we thought an abundance of pink might scare away all of the male guests. =)

Since the soon-to-be father is a friend of ours, we knew that going the sports route would be easiest. Our first concept was a hit with the party planner, so we will be moving forward with the design below.

These will soon be printed and mailed...then on to favors and decor! We love Baby Showers!

Tying it all together

When it comes to carrying out your chosen theme, don't forget about the favors! This is an easy way to tie in your bold colors and personalized theme throughout the reception.

Our 2" x 2" labels are available in both square & round, are made from 100 lb. linen cardstock, and are printed using a digital press. But the best part is....our prices! At $0.20 each, we've made it easy for you (and your wedding wallet) to spice up your favors!

We'll be unveiling our latest favor tags next week, so be sure to keep an eye on the website. If you don't see your desired pattern, no worries....let us know what you're looking for, and we'll create a custom design just for you. Please feel free to email us at interprintations@gmail.com for more information.

It's A Beautiful Day

I had planned on dedicating today to a photo shoot of new stationery, but I was so distracted by the amazing sunshine and beautiful fall weather. I couldn't resist capturing the stunning fall foliage around the yard. Most wonder why we love the midwest so much, well here are just a few (of many) reasons...

It seems that even the kitty loves watching the leaves turn just as much as we do....

More stationery updates (and website updates!) to come in the next few days. I hope the weather and scenery is just as beautiful in your part of the world!

Starting with Save-the-Dates

These handy little cards are more than an announcement of your engagement and upcoming nuptials. They show your guests that their attendance is so important to you, that you want to give them plenty of advance notice!

Let these cards be the first of many creative outlets during your wedding planning process. There are so many avenues you can take...

• Tie in your wedding colors & theme (love fall colors? Going for a nautical theme? Have an admiration for damask patterns? We can do it all!)
• Feature a shared hobby between you and your fiance'
• Use a motif or silhouette of your wedding location as a background image (City skylines are always a huge hit!)
• Introduce your destination wedding location to your guests (who doesn't love tropical decor?)

Most couples send out their save-the-date cards approximately 4 to 5 months before their wedding date. However, if your wedding date falls around a holiday, they should be sent out as soon as your date & location are finalized. That way your guests can plan their holiday festivities around your big day.

Save-the-date cards are a necessity if you plan to have guests travel for a destination wedding. Send them as early as possible, giving your guests ample time to make their travel arrangements and time off of work.

We love doing custom designs....so let us know what you're looking for. We're happy to help make a one-of-a-kind stationery suite, exclusively for you!

Samples of our latest designs....

Help them find their way!

Today's Wedding Tip

Personalizing your Out-of-Town Bags

Are you planning to make out-of-town bags for your hotel guests' rooms? Try including a customized map from Pantomime Papers to add a personal touch. I absolutely love their attention to detail and amazing artwork!

Your guests will appreciate this extra effort to point out the local attractions and fun facts around your wedding location.

Other suggestions for OOT Bags....

• Include a Welcome Letter from the Bride & Groom
  
• Use totes in your wedding colors
• Throw in a couple bottles of water
• Toss in snacks from vendors original to the area (old-fashioned candy shops, bakeries, etc.)
• Collect and include coupons for local businesses & restaurants
• Other items to think about: mints, travel-size toothpaste, single-use laundry detergent packet (if hotel has laundry facility), contact sheet with Bridal Party info for emergencies or questions.
• Postcards of local attractions - one pre-addressed to you, with instructions for guests to let you know how they enjoyed your wedding weekend! The other for their own personal use.

Be sure to use our monogrammed tags & stickers to help personalize the water bottles, totes and other items for your OOT Bags!

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Damask Strikes Again!

Our latest bride contacted us with a desire for an original damask save-the-date card. With our everlasting love for all things damask, we happily obliged! We have fittingly titled this new stationery collection as the Lapis collection. Check it out...

The lapis and silver colors contrast each other beautifully. We adore her choice in wedding colors! We can't wait to see how everything else turns out.

Congrats Adana & Tyler on your engagement!

Posh Paisley Collection

Today’s Feature Collection

Posh Paisley

It's definitely not your Granny's old-fashioned paisley pattern!

The updated Posh Paisley motif is fun, fresh and feminine. Perfect for the bride who's searching for a leafy, floral pattern that's not too traditional.

The invitation featured above measures 5"x7", and the save-the-date card is 3"x5" (also available in 5"x7"). White envelopes are included with both, and are lined in your choice of color.

For customized proofs and price quotes, be sure to contact us!

Painted Flowers Collection

Today’s Feature Collection

Painted Flowers

It's been a rainy weekend here in Indianapolis, so we thought it best to feature something a bit on the cheery side!

Check out the invitation from our Painted Flowers collection (above), featuring a light-hearted and off-center floral pattern. This modern collection is perfect for spring brides and soft color palettes.

And isn't the save-the-date card adorable?? It's one of our favorite individual pieces....

The website is also making progress....our new layout is up and running. Check it out!

Fall Foliage Collection

Today’s Feature Collection

Fall Foliage

Can you believe summer is almost over?? Neither can we!

So in order to usher in autumn and bid summertime farewell, today we're featuring the Fall Foliage invitation.

This adorable flat-panel invitation lets the light and airy leaf pattern take center stage. The fall color scheme is also popular with September-October brides, and it's easy to see why. They're such fun and festive colors, and are also easy to incorporate into the wedding decor! Since flowers naturally come in oranges, reds and yellows, fall is often a florist's dream season. (no color dyes required!)

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Thinking of having a fall wedding in 2010? Start off by sending save-the-dates from the Fall Foliage collection during those early spring months. The warm colors and fun pattern will have your guests counting down the days until your big day!

A Sneak Peek!

"SAY CHEESE!"

Today was the long-awaited Interprintations photo shoot! This puts us one step closer to finalizing the new website and showcasing our latest work. We're just now sitting down to review the photos, and are ecstatic with how they turned out! Next up, we'll be editing the images in Photoshop to get them website-ready, and also creating a slideshow for the website's homepage. So keep an eye out for that!

For all of you loyal fans who keep up with our blog, we've included some sneak peeks from today's shoot. We hope you enjoy the stationery eye candy! =)

Dotted Damask Collection

Today’s Feature Collection

Dotted Damask

What sort of design company would we be without offering a dash of damask?? {One that's not up on the trends, that's for sure.}

Despite its deep historical roots, damask tends to give off a fresh and contemporary impression. Thus its recent presence in fashion, interior design, and {of course} the wedding industry! This popular design has flourished over the last 2 years, and experts are forecasting that this reinvented pattern is not just a fad - it's here to stay.

Our Dotted Damask stationery collection is perfectly suited for the edgier bride. Check out the Menu & Save-The-Date cards below to see what we mean...


If you're planning to incorporate damask into your big day, try on our Dotted Damask collection for size. We suggest incorporating bold colors like scarlet, fuchsia, royal blue or lime green to add some *pop!* to your stationery!

NOTE: Send us your wedding colors and details, and we will happily create a free custom e-proof for you! {please allow 3-5 days for all e-proof requests}

The Century Collection

Today’s Feature Collection

Century

Like a century spans a thousand years, this invitation suite is as versatile as its name.

The cursive ampersand summons a rustic feel, while the bold & simple text gives it a polished look. (The invitation suite featured above is shown in the color scheme of storm and deep sky.) It wraps simplicity and detail all into one chic package.

On the hunt for a save-the-date card? Try the card in our Century Collection (featured below). Remember, colors are always customizable and e-proofs are free! So send us your color scheme, and we'll gladly customize this suite (or any other) for your viewing pleasure. No obligation until you're ready to order.

A sweet treat from NYC

First off, we apologize for the week-long hiatus! But we have a good excuse - we've been in fabulous NYC! Talk about a bustling, beautiful city full of inspiration. If you've been, then of course you know what I'm talking about. =)

During our rockin' visit, we took a stroll in the Central Park area, and eventually found our way to Dylan's Candy Bar (just a few blocks away). Where was this place when I was a kid?! Two stories of sugary, chocolaty goodness - anything sweet you can think of, they have it!


Wouldn't this place be a great resource for the latest "candy bar" trend for wedding receptions? Stock up on a variety of treats, set up a candy bar spread at your reception, and give your guests a favor bag or box to fill up on their favorite sweets. (Trend Alert: use our monogram stickers to personalize the bags/boxes, tying the favors into your decor!)

Don't live in the NY area? Don't worry....they even deliver. =) So every bride can get creative and festive with the fun treats at Dylan's Candy Bar.

Here's their website for more info....

The Crystal Craze

Talk about dazzling decor!

As one of 2009's biggest breakout trends, we absolutely love the crystal wedding tree. This stunning collaboration of crystals and manzanita branches is exceptionally popular for escort tables. It can also be used as a ceremony backdrop, head table centerpiece, or as decor for the reception entrance. Even better is that it can be a fun and affordable DIY project!











If you're having a winter wedding, try spray painting your branches white for a more seasonal look. If you're event is closer to summer, go for metallic branches and add a few bright flowers.
Prefer to keep it simple and chic? Go with the all-white combo and include some white hydrangeas on top of your tree.

If you're planning to tackle this gorgeous DIY project, be sure to check out www.save-on-crafts.com. This is one of my favorite websites for event decor. Their acrylic crystal strands are not only downright affordable, they look extremely authentic. Check them out!

What's your favorite 2009 wedding trend?

Photos courtesy of www.decoratemywedding.com

The Forever Collection

Today’s Feature Collection

Forever

In this modern design, we used contemporary fonts and contrasting colors to create a perfect blend.

The unique "forever." motif adds to the modern feel of the invitation, and the color contrasting is carried over into the matching accompaniments (response card shown above).

Let this outside-the-box design introduce your wedding day to your friends and family!

A Bold Statement

Today’s Feature Collection

Bold Bandeau

Here's a sneak peek at our latest design, the Bold Bandeau collection!

This flat-panel invitation features a bold bandeau-style header and bracketed monogram. The response card carries on the contemporary bandeau header and brackets, as shown below.


Wouldn't this invitation set look fabulous nestled into our white red-lined envelope? Keep in mind that additional matching inserts can also be designed for you, as needed (i.e. directions card, accomodations card, etc).

Let our Bold Bandeau stationery collection showcase your wedding's rockin' modern flair!