Gift Guide 2015: Girlfriends

I love shopping for my friends—I basically just buy them something I want in their personal style—easy, right? But if you’re feeling like this is the year to pick up something a little different, I’ve got some ideas for you!

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ALL MONOGRAMMED EVERYTHING! Whether it’s your sorority sister or favorite southern belle (I know, total stereotypes, but they do just love monogrammed things!), personalized goodies go a long way this time of year. Less than two weeks left to order stationery, so get in touch soon! Here’s where to find everything: Initial Necklace by Tom Design, Monogram Coaster by 622 press, Stationery Sets by 622 press, Script Stationery by 622 press.

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Then there’s that friend who is always cold. We’ve all got one, we’ve all told her to eat a cheeseburger and all will be well, but since that hasn’t yet happened, you should get her a huge super cozy cowl. I actually wore mine constantly when I worked in an office that kept the AC on well into November in Wisconsin. The unique crochet pattern keeps you warm while staying breathable enough so you don’t get all claustrophobic and hot.

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Making a new house feel like a home can be a challenge. So for a friend that moved this year—especially if it’s a big upgrade from their last place—help cozy up their new spot. Kitchen accessories, artwork and flowers should do the trick! Bonus points if you find out their ideal decorating color scheme. Citrus Coaster set by 622 press, Hand-crocheted dish cloth by 622 press, French 75 original painting by 622 press, Bulb Teapot by Maia Ming Designs, Floral Initial by 622 press.

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And then there’s that friend with the boho style you just can’t seem to nail down. For her, I’ve gathered unique accessories that come with a story. This incredible walnut and brass ring comes all the way from South Africa, courtesy of Zeal Living. It was hand-carved by a local jewelry artist and is sure to become the recipient’s new favorite piece!

I love supporting etsy shop owners—especially those that are just starting out. This gold-rimmed agate pendant and tassle bracelet—which I’ve been lovingly calling a friendship bracelet for grown ups—both come from women-owned shops with less than 20 sales. An order would make their holidays!

Speaking of, an order for one of my new custom floral crowns would make mine! Shown here is the Maxi Crown, but there’s a minimalist version as well (see previous post). They’re only available for custom order at the moment, so get in touch here to order one!

Bespoke hand-drawn save the date coasters

krista_STD_9567Well you guys, it’s official. These are my new favorite save the date coasters of all time ever.

Bride-to-be Krista came to me with some pretty fabulous inspiration pieces featuring hand-drawn nature-inspired illustrations. She also knew she wanted to avoid a super-swashy wedding script, opting instead for more modern typography.

krista_processTaking cues from her guidelines, I went to my sketchbook—always a treat—to sketch up some leafy laurels. After spending a little time vectorizing them, I created a number of options incorporating combinations of hand-drawn fonts. A few rounds of changes later, we had it!

krista_STD_9571I printed them in a custom blue-grey from her color palette and I’m so pleased with the results!

Interested in a set of custom coasters of your own? Get in touch!

 

 

The Perfect Addition to Your Engagement Party!

weddingadvice_8439Right now there’s a happy couple celebrating with family and friends over our Advice for the Bride & Groom coasters. Their parents ordered a set in a custom shade of lavender for their family and friends to fill out before the big day.

I created this design a few years ago for a couple from my home town and it’s been popular ever since. This printing is the first since I moved to Bermuda, and I don’t know if it’s the humidity or my ever-growing skill set, but the print quality is better than ever! I don’t know that I’ve ever been so proud to send off a custom project. Check out these close-ups!

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Call for weddings: 2016!

Well you guys, it’s official: the 2016 wedding season has begun! Couples are starting to inquire about invitations left and right, but one on-the-ball bride already has her save the dates printed, and probably in the mail! obrien_8095Adrienne wanted the ever-popular coaster save the date, but she wanted the design to reflect her fairly formal wedding. I created a design that employed traditional typefaces and a fancy, yet very legible, script.

She also wanted to feature the crest of her future family quite prominently, so I created a vector illustration from the image of the crest she provided. I love how it looks in the gold ink! obrien_8098And my favorite part about these coasters is that I was able to get a fairly deep impression on the gold printing without the coaster cracking as it often does.  obrien_8096I added a few filigree flourishes in a dusty rose pink that’s part of her wedding color scheme and voila! The perfect save the dates.

Getting hitched next year? Now is the time to order your own save the dates—coasters or paper! Get in touch here :)

Happy Birthday Dirk!

A few weeks ago, a woman from California got in touch about custom letterpress coasters. She was throwing a 50th birthday party for her husband and was hoping to have a logo printed on them. She ended up not wanting to deal with the cost and time required for custom printing plates, but I presented her with several design options that I could do with what was already in my studio and decided to go with these!

personalized_beer_5818So today, somewhere in California, people are celebrating over custom coasters that I made and I love that! Want your own set? Order them here!