May your days be merry and bright! Step back in time to the Christmases of yesteryear to find inspiration for your winter wedding. Muted reds, greens and taupes create such a warm and inviting palette. Use these colors on vintage letterpress invitation designs, such as Harlow, by Jessica Tierney, to bring the magic of the holiday season to life!

harlow customization = inks: papaya + olive | fonts: billhead + archive  | paper: ivory | invite size: f-8 | liner: european formal in hazel |  original design by Jessica Tierney | customized by in-house designer Lindsy Aragona

(photo credits: Better Homes and Gardens)

Timeless romance exudes from these letterpress save the dates in a charming customization of our Delambre Classic design (by Jessica Tierney – featuring Sarah Hanna‘s calligraphy accents). A vintage color combination of antique gold and pewter inks showcases the crisp floral patterning. A sleek rustic crosshatch patterned envelope liner brings a modern element to the sweet packaging making this save the date perfect for 2012!

inks: antique gold + pewter | font: utrecht | calligraphy: the victoria hand calligraphy, by sarah hannah style | paper: 1-ply white | size: a6  | liner: rustic crosshatch pattern in antique gold ink | client coordinator: christie jones | in-house designer: lindsy aragona

Get inspired by winter, one of the most whimsical seasons of the year. Blankets of fresh white snow, cozy fires, creamy hot chocolate with whipped cream – it all is so romantic!  Bella’s Birch design, by Jessica Tierney, captures this feeling perfectly! Be sure to use colors directly from nature for your letterpress invitations to keep things soft and muted like a cold winter day. Your hearts will keep things hot enough!

birch customization = inks: sand + taupe | fonts: alouette + ollie | paper: white | invite size: f-8 | liner: simple geometrics in cream | original design by jessica tierney | customized by in-house designer lindsy aragona
embellishment suggestions: edge painting in gold

Photography credits: Jenny Haas and Ashley Krogman Designs

I don’t think you’ll ever come across a more vintage inspired letterpress wedding invitation!  Our Harlow design (by Jessica Tierney) looks especially timeless here with its own touch of flair. We have a weakness for wedding invitations with clean lines that still hold true to that romantic feel.  We can never get enough of a vibrant pop of color-and the aubergine edge painting beautifully contrasts with the pewter ink.  Paired with the perfect envelope lining -means tossing in another cool customization!  These invitations are perfect for a wedding venue so rich in history.

ink: pewter | font: moravia + harlow | paper: 1-ply white | invite size: a-7 | liner: reverse european formal pattern in aubergine ink | edge painting: aubergine | client coordinator: jessica hanaman| in-house designer: kyle laatsch

Bright green and yellow flowers paired with light, intricate birdcages are the perfect inspiration for a soft and romantic twist on our Allegory Modern letterpress wedding invitation design.

allegory modern customization = inks: amber + taupe | fonts: sakura + social | paper: white | invite size: f-8 | liner: european formal pattern in garden ink | original design by Bella Figura | customized by in-house designer Sarah Walroth |

embellishment suggestions: edge painting in garden

(Photo Credits: Hazelnut Photography)

by Sarah Walroth, In-House Designer

Our vintage chic Cartoccio (by Ian Koenig) letterpress wedding invitations are modernized in this customization that screams with 2011′s popular colors. Letterpress printed in watermelon and pewter inks on 1-ply white paper, our free eco specs message is also featured in watermelon on the back of the invitation. A #17 (typically our place card or website card size) reception card to match is also an unexpected element of detail. We adore the wording featured at the top of the invitation which adds such a personal touch- how romantic! Our modern floral envelope liner in pewter adds character to this whimsical set. Nothing is sweeter than a Italian summer wedding!

A true story-book romance is reflected in this letterpress wedding invitation of Linden Summer design (by Lindsy Aragona). Completed with a metallic bronze pocketfold, this entire set has a vintage, yet whimsical feel. The invitation and additional pieces are adorned with soft Espresso ink branches and delicate Champagne ink leaves. You cannot help but fall in love.

ink: espresso + champagne | fonts: luster roman | calligraphy style: clermont by debi zeinert | paper: 1-ply ivory | invite size: a-7 | liner: the reverse european formal pattern in espresso ink | pocketfold: bronze | client coordinator: christie jones | in-house designer: lindsy aragona

This couple benefited from our 10% off promotion (10% off if you purchase 6 printed pieces) and our free CHARITY favor card promotion. See more details and the small print here!

by Lindsy Aragona, In-house Graphic Designer.

The perfect precursor to what’s sure to be a gorgeous vintage-chic outdoor wedding, this customization of our Victrola Letterpress design has got everybody here at the shop… spinning.  Pressed in Deep Blue and Pool on our 1-ply ivory paper,  the old school typography,  cool hues,  and ornate flourishes really lend this set some sick traditional Americana vibe.  Two color printing throughout the set (even on the envelopes) really helps to keep things cohesive and well balanced.

ink:  deep blue + pool | fonts:  victoria + manoir | paper:  ivory 1-ply | invite size:  F-8 | client coordinator:  chris gannon  | in-house designer:  kyle laatsch

by Chris Gannon, Client Coordinator.

This Hendrix 2 (by Jessica Hische)letterpress wedding invitation was submitted by our friends at The Village Invites II in New York, NY and we think it is absolutely stunning! The color combination of Cream and Sand inks are so subtle on our 1-ply ivory cotton paper and we think that’s what makes it unique! Showcased perfectly with hand calligraphy accents we think this is ideal for an elegant outdoor celebration!

ink: cream + sand | fonts: sans capital | calligraphy: patricia mumau harrison hand | paper: ivory 1-ply cotton | invite size: a7 |

by Christie Jones, Client Coordinator.

Today we’re exited to introduce our latest Design of the Month – Cecilia by Jamie Lea Bertsch. We love this design for its vintage textile inspiration and it’s understated romantic elegance. As our Design of the Month, all custom letterpress orders of our Cecilia design placed between now and April 29 will receive 20% off – don’t miss out! This 20% off applies to Cecilia save the dates, thank you cards, coasters, place cards, menus, programs, invitations, and any other piece that uses the Cecilia design. (Please note, the Design of the Month promotion may not be used on purchases of other designs or in combination with any other promotion.)

Meet the Designer – Jamie Lea Bertsch

What is the inspiration behind Cecilia?
Actually, these are the invitations we used for our wedding, so there was a lot of inspiration swirling around them. I named it after my grandmother – Cecilia. The lacy edging was from a handkerchief passed down to me for my wedding, and I paired that with some loose pattern illustrations from other textiles/fabrics in our home. I really wanted to fuse elegant and handmade, so I mixed fonts and rounded corners to keep it casual.

How did you get your start in art and design?
I’ve always enjoyed making things with my hands and the tactile experience. I decided to pursue art and design without any expectations. I didn’t want to anticipate or put pressure on myself to ‘figure it out’ right away. Instead, I eased into things, lightheartedly exploring design, printmaking, fibers, photography and ceramics. Some great opportunities came my way, and since college, I’ve just taken it day by day. Currently I’m pursuing my MFA in fibers, seeing where that leads me. I’ve always believed that things happen for a reason, so I try not to intervene too much with the natural progression of things.

Five art/design tools you couldn’t live without:
Needle/thread, Uni-ball fine tip pens, sketchbook, Sobo glue & scissors

What’s your morning routine like?
I’ve become a bit of an early bird lately, realizing how many things I can get done before noon if I wake up early! Our dog Olive usually sleeps in. (jealous!) I’ve been trying to lay off the coffee, trading it in with yogurt or kefir as a morning ritual. Though, I admit, sometimes you just need a good cup of coffee! I head to my studio in the early hours, and catch up on emails, art & design blogs, and of course whatever project I have going at the time. I usually turn on NPR or the Charlie Parker station on Pandora for my listening pleasure. I love a good, flow-y morning.

Good luck charm:
Definitely this little wooden heart that my husband carved for me back in college. It reminds me of e.e. cummings’ :

i carry your heart with me
i carry it in my heart
i am never without it

Always in your fridge:
We’re never too low on gorgonzola cheese! It’s been a staple of mine for a while now – sprinkling it on pizza, salad, or bruschetta are my favorites lately.

What fictional character do you most identify with?
hmmm… probably Pippi Longstocking! I would love to live in Villa Villekulla.

Best day job:
The best day job I ever had was being a carhop at a locally owned drive-in restaurant. I got to work outside serving custard, fries, and burgers, and the customers were always pretty fun. Definitely miss those tips!

Favorite PMS number:
621U

If you were flavor of ice cream, what would you be?
Alden’s Peanut Butter Chip! The best ice cream ever.