Christmas Giving: A box full of letters.

My Grandma is notoriously difficult to buy for at Christmas. She is such a treasured member of the family that I always try to find something special for her. Most years, I end up failing in doing so. She claims to only need/want gift cards for eating out, but I tend to avoid gift cards as much as possible. As a result, I end up purchasing books or sweet treats for her. Some years, I make a gift for her.

This year, I was inspired by Design*Sponge to write a stack of letters to her. I scribbled some notes before I started the project, so I wouldn't get stuck trying to think of topics to write about along the way. I decided I would write one letter to open each day between Christmas and New Year's Day, making for a total of eight letters. I reminisced about visiting her when I was little, revealed some secrets and insecurities, told stories from recent travels and local adventures, and shared New Year's resolutions with her. I included photos and an article I thought she might find interesting.

I decided to go the extra mile with packaging these letters primarily because, as a stationery designer, I have a healthy stock of envelopes available. I stamped on both the envelopes and cards and tied everything together with baker's twine. I hope these letters will not only make her smile each day, but that they give her a glimpse of how much she is loved.

Are you creating any handmade gifts this Christmas? Happy Holidays!

Holiday 2012: Gift tags galore.

For this final post of holiday goodies, I'd like to share some gift tags with you! These tags will pretty up simple packages (think kraft or solid metallic wrap). The bird and peppermint stripe tags were both printed on my vintage letterpress, and can be used as a bookmark after the holidays. The other two styles are die cut from woodgrain embossed cardstock. All tags are now listed in the Maida Vale Etsy shop. Here's hoping for a delightful holiday season!

Budget-friendly monogram stationery.

Looking for a gift that is less than $20, but still feels like a custom item?  These lovely new flat-printed stationery sets are more than budget-friendly. Because they are printed on 100% cotton, tree-free cardstock, they feel luxurious too. Each set is sold in a pack of 8 with your choice of envelope color (see below). Enjoy!

Arrow letterpress notecards.

Hi everyone! I'm just back from a much needed trip to Maui. We are so lucky to have Hawaii just a short flight away, so my husband and I took advantage of it. I'm also excited to share some simple new cards with you! These arrow cards are letterpressed on 100% cotton Crane Lettra (in soft white). I paired them up with kraft envelopes. You can find full details in the shop. Thanks for looking!

Seattle: Come see me on Tuesday 11/29.

Hey Seattle! I'll be at Trophy Cupcakes in Wallingford tomorrow for Cupcakes & Couture: A Mommy & Me Playdate. There will be free cupcakes and a great giveaway (go "like" this page to be entered). I'll have letterpress holiday cards, gift tags and great gift ideas on hand. There will be child care, as well, so you can get your shopping started (or finished!). Details are as follows:

Tuesday, November 29
Trophy Cupcakes in Wallingford
9:00 am - noon

Hope to see you there!

PS: If you want to give personalized letterpress stationery as a gift this Christmas, today is the deadline for holiday orders!

Black Friday + Cyber Monday: 15% discount code.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for the wonderful clients I've been able to work with through Etsy (and otherwise) that I created a discount code just for you. Enter "DISCOUNT" for 15% off all personalized letterpress stationery orders. Order for yourself or gift to a friend. This code is good now through "cyber" Monday, November 28.

Please note: All personalized letterpress stationery orders shipping to addresses within the U.S. must be received by the end of Monday, November 28. Production time takes approximately 2-3 weeks, so this will allow enough time for your gift to be handcrafted. Thanks!

Holiday deadline for personalized stationery orders.

Good morning! If you are interested in giving a fun, eco-friendly gift this holiday season, take a peek at my personalized letterpress stationery. But, please note: all personalized letterpress stationery orders shipping to addresses within the U.S. must be received by Monday, November 28. Production time takes approximately 2-3 weeks, so this will allow enough time for your gift to be handcrafted. Contact me with any questions, or if you would like to ship to an international address. Thanks!

Faux bois gift tags.

The shop is all prettied up for the holidays! Additional card designs are coming in the next couple of weeks, but until then... enjoy these faux bois gift tags! They are textured on the front, blank and smooth on the back. Ready to dress up your gifties this holiday season.

Blind debossed chevron cards.

Sometimes it's hard to photograph a new product. That is certainly the case with these new blind debossed chevron cards. They are printed on tree-free Crane Lettra, and create an interesting illusion when turned from side to side. Blank on the inside, available now. Have a great weekend!

Ideal anniversary gifts.

My husband and I try to stick to the traditional anniversary gifts each year. I love that this has become a little tradition of our own. On our first anniversary, he presented me with a collection of his own illustrations of important events that year. On our fifth, I gave him a wood-framed print that perfectly reflected a reading from our wedding ceremony.

Now, as our 7th approaches, I'm looking at the list and kind of baffled. Wool and copper? Wool is so inappropriate in July. Copper? Well, I think I'm going to have to get a bit creative with his gift this year.

So, what makes a good gift for a woman with an impending anniversary? Here are some fun ideas for a random smattering of milestone years. Enjoy!

1st Anniversary
Paper
Personalized Letterpress Stationery


4th Anniversary
Silk
A silk dress (perfect for a special night out)


8th Anniversary
Bronze
Paired Hexagons Necklace


8th Anniversary
Salt
Fauchon Caramels with Fleur de Sel

Etsy find: Destiny's Creations.

Today, I'm loving these baubles by Destiny's Creations. A pair of these resin earrings would add a fun, modern touch to a bridesmaid's attire, or even as a bride's "something blue". Take a look at the Etsy shop to check out the entire selection...

Current Etsy loves.

I love making a list of my current Etsy loves. Here are some goodies I've been eyeballing as of late. Enjoy!


arrow necklace


i like to rock print


wanderlust necklace (which makes me want to travel!)


big bow tote


block printed notecards

Etsy find: Heart shaped whoopie pies.

Although it may be too late to order for Valentine's Day, Tickle My Tummy makes darling heart shaped whoopie pies that could possibly be darling wedding favors, too. Or, just a simple treat on any old day of the week...

Etsy find: letterpress necklaces + more.

When I was recently given a letterpress H necklace, it brought tears to my eyes. What an appropriate and lovely gift! What I really like about it is that when it's hanging, a casual observer doesn't really know what it is. So, wearing the necklace is kind of like wearing a fun little secret.

In addition to these necklaces, Gwen Delicious offers jewelry made out of typewriter keys and many other goodies. Wouldn't cuff links with your first initials be a great gift to a groom on your wedding day?

New in the shop: Personalized letterpress notecards!

Introducing Maida Vale's new personalized letterpress stationery! Now available in the shop, there are two options (and more coming soon!) to choose from. Go take a looksie, I even put a bird on one of them. =)