It’s been radio silence over here for a few days as I started my new job and have been preparing for that little event I’m planning: the wedding. We’re just two and half months away which means it’s becoming ‘go-time’ — I’ve been spending my evenings lining envelopes and neatly practicing writing out addresses. Just another week or so and those invites will be out the door (and then onto the next project!). Not that I’m complaining, playing with stationery, picking out ribbons and floral details, and writing to-do-lists happen to all fall in the category of my very favorite things.
Have I mentioned how much I love Valentine’s Day? It must be all the hearts and hot pink that sucks me in. I went paper crazy over the weekend, picking up some little cards and gifts and paper straws to get me in the spirit. And that heart cookie-cutter came in handy while making some rice krispy treats a little extra special for a SuperBowl party on Sunday! What about you? Valentine day lover or hater?
Last week I took a calligraphy class with one of my friends in Boston’s North End. I’ve always admired the delicate details of invitations and menus done in calligraphy and I was hoping to pick up the skill in time for addressing my own wedding invites. Here is what I learned: it’s a lot harder than it looks! It was great to understand all of the basic strokes and techniques, but I think it’s going to take a lot of practice before I start writing up cards on my own. I had lots of fun though, and loved looking at all of the different styles in Liz’s gorgeous studio space. For all of the Boston readers, if you’re interested in taking a class, check out Lettering By Liz — I recommend it!
I searched high and low for cute Christmas cards this year trying to top the adorable Rifle Paper Co postcards I sent last year. I found vintage looking letterpress cards in girly pink hues when I was visiting New York a few weeks ago that I had to have. And when I got home I researched the studio that makes them, Snow & Graham, only to find a collection of even cuter options. Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like dropping a stack of envelopes stuffed with Christmas greetings in the mailbox; are you sending cards this holiday season?
There are two kinds of people in the world: wrapping paper rippers, and wrapping paper openers. Some relish in the frenzied tearing of paper to see what’s inside — but not me, I’m in the latter group. I carefully pick apart the seams of the present, because to me the wrapping is one of the best parts of the gift. I’ll fold up pieces of the paper to reuse or save if I like the pattern, cards get tacked up on my bulletin board or fridge, and I’m the one picking up ribbons and bows at the end of the party and rolling them up in my pocket. This why I’m drawn to the chalkboard tags on Kate’s Papergoods (having an awesome name doesn’t hurt either). I love the idea of re-purposing these on different gifts, using them at parties to note seating arrangements, or writing little messages on them for fun. How special would you feel if one was on the gift you were opening?
When I saw previews of the Fig. 2 Design greeting card line from the National Stationery Show I knew that I had to chat with designer and owner Claudia about her collection. With the launch of her online store this week, Claudia is stopping by DomestiKatedLife to answer a few hard-hitting questions about what inspires her and how she manages to celebrate events big and small.
So Claudia, how did you start Fig. 2 Design?
Claudia: Fig. 2 started out of coincidence. After I left my full time job as a graphic designer at a local studio, I had planned on continuing with corporate and small business graphic design projects. But I had done a number of custom wedding projects and thought it would be fun to do more, so I sent a local bridal boutique a post card with the hopes they would refer me to brides. Little did I know that after meeting with them I would walk out with a request to design an entire wedding invitation collection. I was so flattered and excited!
What inspired this line?
Claudia: The Fresh Collection wedding line is inspired by my imagination. I love to look at magazines and blogs that feature weddings, but I try not to look at any that feature a lot of paper products because I want to stay true to my aesthetic and not get too side tracked by what others are doing. So if I see that someone had a wedding on a farm and it was a small and cozy affair, I pretend I’ve been hired for that project and I design what I would have shown the bride and groom.
The Neon Card greeting card collection was inspired by a handbag I bought 2 years ago in London. I loved that it was a bright orange but didn’t realize it was neon until I used it for the first time. I got a ton of compliments on it and the next spring I saw another bag that had a touch of neon and fell in love with that one so I knew I had to use it on stationery. My style is fun and festive, but I also LOVE type and calligraphy so I came up with 3 series of cards. First is the Festive Fluorescents that incorporates confetti, pennants, and swirls. For the pattern series, I was inspired by one of my husband’s dress shirts. I love pattern but it has to be bold. That said, fluorescents aren’t for everyone, so I thought pairing the classic patterns with just a tough of neon and some fun phrases would suit anyone. For the final series, the calligraphy set, I collaborated with Michele of Meant to Be Calligraphy. We’d worked on a few things together and I knew our styles would work well together.
Your products are so festive; do you have any tips for how to throw a fabulous celebration?
Claudia: My best tip for a fabulous celebration is to be yourself! If you’re not comfortable, it will show. Concentrate on what you do best. Whether it’s making fun cocktails, killer flower arrangements, or amazing food. And definitely wear something fun and festive! Even if you have a simple dress, wear some fun accessories! I love big flower pins from Emersonmade, any of the cute sparkly goodies from Ban.do, or chunky necklaces from J.Crew or Anthropologie. And of course, fabulous shoes.
There are so many adorable cards in your new line, do you have a favorite?
Claudia: A favorite? Maybe the neon confetti! I love confetti! What’s more fun than colorful sprinkles? There’s nothing wrong with celebrating something every day. It doesn’t have to be someone’s birthday, it could be as simple as enjoying a mani-pedi with my best friend.
Thanks so much for stopping by Claudia! You can check out these cards and more of her collection in Claudia’s newly launched shop: Fig. 2 Design Studio
