R.I.P. U.S.P.S.?

Vintage Air Mail Save the Date by Beth Cote

Depending on what side of the aisle you favor, the proposed cuts to the U.S. Postal Service are either a heinous attack on an American institution or a necessary step to balance the national budget. All I know is that if I have to stand in line any longer, I’m switching to Fed Ex.

No matter where you fall on that issue, everyone likes to get mail. I know I’ve waxed semi-poetic about the virtues of card-sending before, but really, is there anything better than the surprise of a hand-written note? At least one person agrees with me: Stefanie of Newspaper Taxi is holding a contest for lovers of letters.

Info on the image below, full details if you click on it! Enjoy and good luck!

Fall Inspiration

screenshot of the pages of Styled. Magazine

Today I had the good fortune to stumble across Styled. Magazine, an online publication by Victoria Hudgins (of a subtle revelry blog) and throngs of exceedingly talented contributors. Take a moment to page through this lovingly crafted magazine and I guarantee you’ll walk away inspired as I did!

screenshot of the pages of Styled. Magazine

Some may call such devotion to party planning frivolous, but I find that when I put forth a little extra effort—whether it’s picking up fresh flowers on my weekly grocery run or making a well-balanced meal instead of just nuking a lean cuisine—it definitely brightens my day. And if you happen to capture these little bright spots beautifully on camera? All the better.

So dear readers, I hope to be able to include more original content that inspires you here on the 622 blog while continuing to feature beautiful handmade goods and my own work. Here’s to year three at 622 press!

Bus-beeeeee

I hereby promise this will be my last post concerning Miss Mollie Shambeau Busby for a while! Last weekend was her ah-maze-ing wedding and I just have to brag a little about my gift! I went off-registry—gasp!—and printed Sean and Mollie custom stationery featuring their new family crest of sorts. I don’t often go so traditional when I design, but it felt just right for this occasion. I of course printed extras of this lovely note, so if you’re loving this look, pick some up right here!

I’m so sad I was too rushed to take a quick picture of the wrapping before heading out, but let’s just say, it was so cute! I picked up a kraft-colored papier maché box that matched the envelopes perfectly, nestled the stack of cards snugly in striped tissue and wrapped the whole thing in yellow, orange and light blue ribbon. While I was printing her cards, I whipped up a special envelope covered in bees and slipped that between ribbons. There’s something about a really well-wrapped present that makes the gift inside all the more special!