We've moved!

Hello!  Hi there... the Paper Dahlia blog has moved to a new home!  It's now located at http://paperdahlia.com/blog/.  Please update your link or bookmark... Now come on over and see what's new!!

Inspire Me: Florissimo

I am starting a new feature called Inspire Me where I share my inspiration behind specific designs. I am starting things off with one of my favorite wedding invitation designs, Florissimo. I was inspired by this beautiful photo of yellow wildflowers.  In this particular photo I just love the play between the bold color and the delicate stems.  Check out the rest of Ashley & Grant's wedding too... it is absolutely stunning! 

Photography: Tec Petaja
Via: Oncewed.com

update: big cartel + more

So I decided to sign on for a Big Cartel site this year, hopefully in time for the holidays rush. It's been really fun and a bit challenging setting it up.  Their structure is a little different than my current website so I'm learning as I go.  It's going to look a lot like my current site but hopefully more functional and user-friendly on the retail side.  Anyway, I can't wait to show the finished result!

In addition to the new site I will have some yummy new holiday photo card designs debuting when the Big Cartel site launches. So stay tuned!

And in related news, I have been working with an amazing photographer, Amy Leigh. With her help I've been updating my photo card designs with new images.  She does really beautiful work so if you're in the Nashville area definitely check her out!  Here's a sample of her lovely work...

neglected but not forgotten

I am just now coming up for air amidst the crazy wedding season!  It's been very busy here for the last month or so.  Couple news bits that I would love to share...

1. If you're here you probably have also seen the Paper Dahlia website and the new wonderful look.  I am very, very happy with the way it turned out!  I wanted something simple, modern, and chic which allows the work to be in the forefront. I think that has been accomplished.  It's amazing how much it's changed over the years - from pattern overload and too cutsey to chic and sleek!

2. On a related note...In case you missed it, Paper Dahlia has a new logo!  I am so excited about it!  It was created by the super talented Patricia Mumau of Primele.  I just fell in love with her work immediately and couldn't be more pleased with the result. 

3. Smitten is now available for sale at Minted.  My design placed seventh over all in the Minted Breakout Wedding Challenge (out of 500+ entries!).  Shown below in pink, other colorways include peach and blue.  Sweet Swirls will be available soon as well.

4. I am now designing photo cards and announcements for Pea Pod Announcements!  Their website is in transition right now but when it's complete I have no doubt it will amazing! Here are just a few of the many designs that are available right now...

So that's a little bit of what's been going on around here...hope the last few months have been treating you well! Pinkie swear promise to write more often...because I haven't shared everything with you yet!  Stay tuned...

easter bunny is hoppin...

 

I can't believe it but here I am talking about Easter already... seems like we just recovered from all the Christmas holiday madness.  I never really thought about Easter until I had a child.  Now I have to do an Easter basket, egg hunt, etc.  Yikes... okay, so really I'm not just babbling about Easter, I have Easter photo cards!   This one is my personal favorite but you can find many adorable designs on the Photo Affections website.   I love the idea of sending out Easter photo cards.  It's so unexpected.  And who wouldn't love getting a little something in the mail with a cutie like this smiling back at ya.  Beats the usual bills and junk by a mile and then some.  Anyway hurry, Easter will be here before you know it...

yep, I'm a giddy mintie...

 

I'm just giddy with excitement about the latest Minted challenge...wedding invitations!  In particular they're asking for "fresh takes on classic wedding invitations".  Designers are required to submit three designs, no more, no less.  Shown above are  my "Sweet Swirls" and  "Dearest" designs.  Stay tuned, third and final design still in the works. Anyway, the winning designer will be commissioned to design a line of wedding invitations that will be sold exclusively at Minted.  Now don't worry I'll let you know what the voting starts!

ban.do love

  

I am so loving these stunning hair accessories from ban.do! So many to choose from how could a girl decide? Would have loved to have worn any of these at my wedding...alas, not in existence seven years ago. And so many of the other amazing accessories on the ban.do site are just perfect for a bridesmaid. In fact, I'd happily wear either of these beauties to a swanky cocktail party. I just love all the fabulous and slightly retro headbands and clips that are our there right now. Ban.do just seems to do it best.

Letterpress Machine

This is pretty cool and cute.  A table top letterpress machine from QuicKutz.  It's perfect to use for thank you notes, escort cards, stationery, etc.  Not a lot of options otherwise.  For instance, you can't set type (to make invitations) or even customize the fonts, etc.  But still fun for the novice printer.  As for me I am going to continue to daydream about owning the real deal someday.  *Sigh*

image source: Paper Source

{design} nerd alert - washi tape

I know I am really treading on nerd territory now. I came across this site selling nothing but masking tape in different colors / patterns and I got so excited. Okay, let's be clear...it's not masking tape, it's Japanese rice paper (washi) tape. Great thing about these (besides the loads of choices) is that they are eco-friendly! I'm going to order a few colors and use them for packaging orders for shipping. I think these would also be great for gift wrapping. I've always loved the look of plain kraft wrapping paper with a pop of color from ribbon or...washi tape!

Image: The Tinted Mint

Holiday Photo Cards!

Well, it's only early September and we in the stationery biz are already in full holiday mode. I have some really great holiday designs available through Photo Affections. Check 'em out!