US Grant Bridal Showcase Invitations

If you have yet to check out the historic, and rumored haunted, US Grant Hotel in San Diego, you're definitely missing out.  It is a one-of-a-kind venue with true vintage elegance.  Each year, they put on a large bridal showcase occupying the three main floors of the hotel and ballrooms.  This year's theme is Love, etc., a journey through love and I could not have been more honored when they asked us to design and create the invitations for the event.  They were looking for something unique with vibrant colors that evokes a sense of passion. 

The gown was hand-illustrated by our super talented design assistant, Jamie and will be used throughout the marketing materials for the event. 

Of course, I knew the right man to call for the printing.  Tim at Quality Letterpress has exquisite attention to detail and never dissapoints.  He beautifully printed these with magenta ink and rose gold foil, and I could not be happier with the way they turned out.

If you're engaged, thinking of getting married, or interested in the wedding world, please swing by the US Grant on Sunday, March 4th.  Visit this link for more information and to get your tickets.

DIY Stitched Wedding Programs: a tutorial

We completely understand that by the time you reach your readiness for ceremony programs, your budget may have taken on a life of its own.  We've created a simple do it yourself option for those brides with a little craft in their hearts and/or some helpful friends.  Instead of your typical ceremony booklets that are assembled with a ribbon, these programs utilize stitching for their binding. 

Supplies:

-sewing machine

-standard needle

-polyester thread (cotton tends to break)

-cardstock

-scissors

-paper cutter with a scoring blade (helpful, but not entirely necessary)

STEP ONE:

1.  Create your program (or hire a designer to do so).  Print it on cardstock and have it cut to size.  We like to use a 5x7 size, but it depends on how lengthy your program is.  Keep in mind that to stitch the program, you'll need to use 5 or fewer pages.

2.  Score the first and last page at 1/4".  This prevents the stitching from acting like a perforation and tearing once it's opened.

3.  Thread your machine and start the fun.  We find that by starting with a scrap piece of paper, the machine is less likely to jam.

4.  Chain stitch the programs.  This basically means don't cut off each program when it's finished being stitched.  After one is done, stitch a couple dud stitches (on no paper) and then place the next program under the foot.  This saves a lot of time and helps prevent the dreaded sewing machine thread jam. 

5.  Trim your programs.  We love to leave a little bit of thread at the ends of each program.

6.  Display your masterpieces on your big day.

Dream Big Little One

Just wanted to share this sweet little art print we created for a little one we know up in snowy Utah.

We're Hiring: Part-time Studio Assistant

Handmade Thanks

I work with so many talented vendors and friends and I wanted to do something nice this year to say thank you.  We started working on these little calendars in October and between clients, were able to finish the letterpress, printing, fabric-backing, sticking, twine tying and addressing by the start of the year.

2012 is set to be a great year.  I truly appreciate my fellow vendors and clients that place their trust in Paper and Thread to create something beautiful.  Thank you and happy new year!