Happy 2017!

You guys, I’m such a bad blogger! Between holiday travels and some big exciting projects, I haven’t had much time to write, but this rainy morning seems the perfect opportunity.

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First things first, if you’re here trying to find out more about the Kindness is Everything, I’ve licensed the design to the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health and you can shop for signs, shirts and more here. Follow our Kindness is Everything facebook page for updates and to connect with people across the nation that identified with the movement that began as a simple sign.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about above, check out my original post for the back story. Hundreds of emails and thousands of orders later, we’ve raised more than $7,000 for the ACLU with our Midwest sign distribution, and dozens of other groups across the country have raised even more! There were three of us managing all the requests and etsy page (completely pro bono of course) and it just got to be too much, so we started seeking a nonprofit with the capability to sell branded merchandise. Two of us had worked with WAWH previously, were familiar the good work the organization was doing in Wisconsin and nationally and thought it was the perfect fit (plus we knew the executive director would make the most of the opportunity!). It’s been really exciting to have something I made “go viral” and more importantly, to be able to connect with like-minded people across the world.

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I also took a step toward expanding the flower arm of 622 press in December. I offered my first flower making class in December! We ended up having to cancel it, but now that I’ve got the instruction booklets and material kits made—I even hosted a practice class with friends!—I’ve totally got the bug. I’m talking with a few venues in different cities about 2017 classes, so stay tuned! (And if you’re interested in having me teach a class in your area, get in touch, I’m available to travel!)

Speaking of flowers, I felt like they were starting to take over my Instagram feed, so I started a second account completely devoted to paper flowers. Follow here!

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I also had quite a few engaged couples get in touch before the holidays for save the dates and invitations. I can’t share any of those until after the big day of course, but here’s a lovely piece I received in late fall—nothing better than getting your own work in the mail! I’m so excited to work on more wedding invitations in 2017—get in touch if you’re planning your nuptials!

Bouquets and Bunches

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Is there anything better than an armful of colorful blooms? I don’t think so, especially when they are lovingly handmade and last forever. So when I got together with Adi of Ballyknock Photo, I brought a bunch of bouquets along with the crowns from my last post. white_arrangement_5r0a7572

This monochromatic arrangement was actually a commission for a wedding show and was shipped out the day after it was photographed. Since the blooms were all whites and creams, I wanted to create interest with a variety of flower types and textures, especially in the foliage by incorporating paper evergreens, succulents and branches berries in with my hand-dyed leaves.white_arrangement_5r0a7606

burgundy_bouquet_5r0a7372 When I was home this fall, I splurged on a super fancy Italian crepe paper in a gorgeous merlot color. It looks so beautiful with reds, fuchsias, purples… pretty much everything. I love this bouquet! bike_5r0a7851I wanted to try a few shots with my scooter, and they turned out even better than I imagined! My model thought I was crazy, but I just love these funky boots with her beautiful lace tea-length gown. bike_5r0a7796

While I love color, I really enjoyed putting together this more traditional bridal bouquet of whites and pinks. Shop all flowers here!

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Save the Date Season

It’s that time of year, you guys. The days are getting shorter, there’s a chill in the air, and couples getting married next year are hustling to get their save the dates in the mail before holiday cards start rolling in!

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Save the date coasters are as popular as ever this year, and here are two of my favorites! I love that both Melissa and Anna had a clear idea of their design direction and kept it clean with minimal text. melissa_std_8433

I also designed some new watercolor save the dates featuring a photo of the happy couple! I’ll wait to reveal the design they chose until their friends and family have received them in the mail, but these two alternate designs are both available in the shop!

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Lush Fall Fairy Tale Wedding

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Just in time for Halloween, I finally get to share a Brothers Grimm inspired styled shoot featuring my gorgeous Burgundy and Blush Watercolor Floral invitation suite.

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Coordinated and photographed by the enormously talented sara smile photography, this shoot absolutely exceeded my expectations and imbues a magical quality into every thing and person involved.

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Here are the rest of the amazing vendors:

 

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Burgundy & Blush Watercolor Floral Wedding Invitations

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Well friends, we’re at the end of my month of weddings and I’ve saved the best for last!

burgundy_floral_7216Remember Krista and Chris’ gorgeous letterpress wedding invitations from earlier this year? After the big day, I reached out to their photographer, Sara Smile about sharing a few of the gorgeous photos (which she did, so stay tuned!).

She also mentioned a romantic Brothers Grimm-themed fairy tale styled wedding photo shoot she was working on. After checking out her inspiration board, I offered to design stationery for the shoot—and my new favorite invitations were born!

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I started by breaking out the watercolors to paint deep burgundy peonies, mauve anemones and snapdragons, and the palest blush poppies, along with sticks and leaves to fill out the arrangements. They might be my favorite illustrations I’ve created so far!

I’ve been wanting to create a looser typography design and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity! I love this new calligraphic typeface, it’s almost as beautiful as Kelsey Malie’s beautiful envelope calligraphy!

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Speaking of envelopes, did you spot these custom-lined envelopes? This is the first time I’ve ordered them and they are AMAZING! They’ll be another a la carte option in my shop, but in the mean time feel free to get in touch for custom envelopes!

Order these invites in my etsy shop and stay tuned for the stunning photos from Sara’s shoot!