Meri Meri

Meri Meri is by no means new to paper design; you probably noticed their creations the last time you picked up a greeting card. But they continue to wow me with their 'too-perfect-for-words' designs. Like The Patisserie Cupcake Treat Boxes where your cupcake peeks through the patisserie window, and Le Petit Bistro Cupcake Kit. I mean, COME ON! How can you not buy these? Meri Meri, thank you, thank you!

J xx

Connecting the Dots

You know what's special? That moment when you realize something is the way it is supposed to be.  When you think back to a time when things seemed unresolved, and now you are able to connect the stray dots to the present and think, "Yep." This is a full circle moment, and my heart is overwhelmed to witness my friend Jasmine come full circle. Visit Jasmine Habart Designs or buy her lovely stationary creations on Etsy. (Way to go Jas! xoxo)

J xx

Be My Valentine

Image: Two Crazy Crafters

Gone are the days of valentines with simple illustrations, sweet messages of love and silly jokes that make us blush and say 'golly!' Nowadays, your choice of valentines is limited to the highest grossing pop star or animated feature film. Don't get me wrong - Miley's 'way cool' and Buzz Lightyear is the most high-tech 'space ranger' I've ever seen; but giving a Miley valentine to a Selena Gomez fan is a surefire way to find yourself in a pickle when the bell rings! Needless to say, I miss the simplicity of vintage valentines. Click to Indigo.ca to purchase vintage-style press-out cards by Golden Books if you do too.

J xx

A Very Vintage Valentine

I am inspired by this lovely 1930s Valentine's Day card, one of many antique greeting cards that my father has collected from flea markets and antique dealers. The best part of buying a lot of old greeting cards is the handwritten messages you might find still legible inside the cards. To a collector this may reduce their value, but to a romantic it increases their worth exponentially!

What is it about all things old-fashion that make me feel brand new? I can't put my finger on it... I get this feeling of exhilaration that can only be compared to first love. Those butterflies and that feeling of not giving away too much too soon.  The sweetness of cotton candy, those pretty decorative edges, that watercolor dreaminess.  Ok, so I think I've answered my own question.

Valentine's day is the perfect occasion to wrap up something old-fashion and give to your loved ones. Buying antique goods may require a fair bit of research and effort, so if you lack motivation or can't find the time, consider purchasing modern items with an old-fashion aesthetic.

J xx

My picks: (from left) Williams-Sonoma, Message-in-a-Cookie Cutters, Cavallini & Co., Carte Postale Vintage New York, and Anthropologie, Monochrome Dinnerware.

Frameworthy Felicitations

While shopping around for discount holiday cards, I continue to be amazed at the caliber of gorgeous greeting cards available, and realized that greeting cards double as frameable art.  With the myriad of styles, colors, and embellishments - it's no wonder a single card can set you back upwards of $8. We simply can't afford to throw away cards anymore, not only because of their prices or endearing messages, but because of their sheer beauty! Cards have become integral to the gifts we are attaching them to, and rightly so. Any excuse to showcase a beautiful illustration is fine by me.  Try framing your favorite greeting cards to prettify the washroom wall just above the towel rack, or warm up the hallway with a series of collectable vintage greeting cards.

Next time you shop for art prints, stop by your local greeting card shop for a wide selection of affordable art! Choose a card and display it in a high quality matted frame. For inspiration, check out these stationary superstars:

1.  The Bonnie Marcus Collection "where fashion meets paper" is a chic, stylish, line of stationery, gifts, tote bags, and flip flops. Bonnie Marcus designs have been featured in numerous publications including "O" The Oprah Magazine, New York Magazine, and InStyle.
Click to: www.bonniemarcus.com

2. William Arthur Fine Stationary is widely considered one of the finest makers of luxury stationery, including unique wedding invitations, baby announcements, personalized stationery, holiday greeting cards and holiday photo cards.
Click to: www.williamarthur.com

3.  Papyrus, founded in 1950 by Marcel Schurman, offers an ever-expanding array of products including custom printed announcements, products for entertaining, greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, stationery, note cards, journals and unique gift products.
Click to: www.papyrusonline.com

J xx