2017 Holiday Cards are Here!

Wow, has it really been three months since my last blog post??? Yes, it's true. And I have many excuses--the biggest one is called Morningtide. ;)

As much as I am devoted to all things Morningtide, I am still doing freelance design for clients and designing holiday cards for my little shop. Yay! I hope you like the new designs this year. Please email me with any questions or if you'd like a totally custom design, just holler.

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper),
Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.
+ You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

East Bay Mother's Day Pop Up

Please join us on May 7, 2017 from 11-3 pm for an afternoon of shopping for/with moms, moms-to-be, grandmoms, new moms or pet moms. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and goodies by these amazing designers/companies.

AYLA GROOM
Handcrafted jewelry, bags and stationery
etsy.com/shop/aylaisadora

CAN CAN CLEANSE
Organic juices, nut milks and cleanses
cancancleanse.com

CARRIE SAXL
Modern, organic jewelry made in CA
carriesaxl.com

GOOD EGGS
Organic grocery delivery and dinner kits
goodeggs.com

HYGGE
Modern denim kimono jackets made in CA
hyggedesign.xyz

JENNY PENNYWOOD
Hand printed textiles ethically made in CA
jennypennywood.com

MELANIE ABRANTES
Handcrafted objects of solid wood and cork
melanieabrantes.com

ZIRAFFE
Minimalist, chic and fun kids clothing
ziraffe.com

New addition:
Berkeley Cellar
Rainbow superfood powder
 

Snacks and sweet treats GOOD EGGS
Savory bites and bread CHASE AGEE of PAIN BAKERY
Korean bites and mocktail SELINA S. LEE of BANCHAN WORKSHOP
Mini ancient botanical favors MOONDELI (limited quantity available)

East Bay Holiday Pop Up

I'm so excited to announce I'll be hosting an East Bay Holiday POP UP on Saturday, Dec. 17th from 10am-1pm at my home in Berkeley. Join us for an afternoon of holiday shopping, good cheer, savory and sweet bites, and delicious coffee. Get something for yourself or get some last minute gifts--some vendors will be offering holiday discounts.

APLAT
Reusable bags designed to carry food, wine and garden
aplatsf.com

AYLA GROOM
Handcrafted jewelry, bags and stationery
etsy.com/people/aylaisadora

BITTE
Sustainable classics for modern kids
bitteshop.com

GINGER CAFTAN
Caftans and dresses made in CA
gingercaftan.com

GOOD ON PAPER
Eco-friendly stationery made in CA
goodonpaperdesign.com

JENNY PENNYWOOD
Hand printed textiles ethically made in CA
jennypennywood.com

MISS JONES BAKING CO.
Organic, non-GMO baking mixes + frostings
missjones.co

ZIRAFFE
Minimalist, chic and fun kids clothing
ziraffe.com

There will be savory bites made by Chase Agee of Pain Bakery, sweet treats by Miss Jones Baking Co., florals by Claremont Floral Co., and coffee by Bartavelle Cafe.

Please spread the word and hope to see many of you there!
#eastbayholidaypopup
 

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper),
Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.
+ You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

2017 Calendar and Holiday Cards Now Available in the Shop

I'm so excited to announce that my 2017 Calendar and Holiday Cards are now available in the Shop! This special limited edition calendar is my third collaboration with Jennifer Young Studio (photography).  Inspired by Jennifer’s travels across the U.S., moving from California to New York, and our love of clean, simple design, this calendar is available in an edition of 100 copies. Each calendar is hand numbered on the front cover.

Special bonus: The first 25 calendars purchased will come with a limited edition set of 5 postcards featuring our favorite images from all the calendars.

Get an exclusive set of 5 postcards for the first 25 Calendar purchases!

+ Photos 2-7, 10 and 12 by Jennifer Young
+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper),
Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.
+ You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

Instagram Giveaway!

I'm so excited to announce an Instagram GIVEAWAY today for three of my current favorites: (1) a signed copy of the new book Alternative Baker by blogger/photographer/pastry chef/author Alanna Taylor-Tobin of The Bojon Gourmet (check out the amazing pie I made!), (2) a beautiful and sustainably designed culinary tote from Aplat (I use these all the time for transporting food for potlucks and picnics), and (3) a brown midi bonded leather playmat from Gathre (so awesome for picnics at the park or movie nights in our backyard).

Head over to my Instagram feed to find the original post and simply follow me, comment and tag 2 friends. That's it! I'll announce the winner chosen by random number generator on Monday, October 17th.

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Congrats to @makingitwithmeleyna!

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper),
Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.
+ You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

In the Company of Women Book Tour: Corte Madera, CA

Hi Friends! I just wanted to share that I'll be part of a panel to celebrate Design*Sponge's new book, In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs. The event is on Friday, October 28th at 7 p.m. at Book Passage in Corte Madera. I’ve been asked by my friend, design icon and ultimate boss lady Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge to speak on a panel alongside Flora Grubb and Emi Grannis. I'm excited, honored (shocked?!) and totally nervous! 

Here's a link to the event:
http://www.bookpassage.com/event/grace-bonney-contributors-company-women-corte-madera
Each ticket includes a copy of the book, the panel discussion, and a book signing after, and, while supplies last, an illustrated tote designed by Libby VanderPloeg.

Pre-order the book here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1579655971/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Hope to see some of you there! :)

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper),
Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.
+ You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

Sunset Magazine Idea House Tour

I have always wanted to tour one of Sunset Magazine's Idea Houses--the 2012 Breezehouse Prefab was one of my faves and a total inspiration for our home. Earlier this week I had the privilege of touring the brand new 2016 Sunset Magazine Idea House. Nestled in the premier hilltop neighborhood of Claremont Hills, bordering Oakland and Berkeley, the 4,000 square-foot home boasts four bedrooms, four and half bathrooms, a game room, wine cellar, and artist studio and a total of five decks overlooking the entire San Francisco Bay.

Sunset Magazine will open the doors to the public for six consecutive weekends starting August 19th. In collaboration with some of the Bay Area’s most sought-after design talent including Geremia Design, Robert Nebolon Architects, landscape designer Michelle Derviss, and builder Landmark Development Corporation, Sunset has brought together an award-winning team to create an ultra-modern home with an interior comprised of fine details and artisan materials to provide warmth to its contemporary architecture.

Geremia Design, whose award-winning interior design has been honored by Forbes "30 Under 30" and as Architectural Digest's "Ones to Watch," incorporated a collection of wares and furnishings made by friends and local fabricators to connect the Idea House back to the community, creating a modern space that feels well-loved and well lived in.

Dark charcoal bathroom with hand gold paint splattered walls.

I'll do dishes here any day!

Love this art piece by Lena Wolff.

Beautiful artwork by Megan Donegan.

Ombre ceiling!!!

I loved all the unique plants around the house by http://www.livinggreen.com/.

One of my favorite rooms in the Idea House is the master bathroom--it's covered in Heath Ceramics tiles in the most calming shade.

Here's the kids' room. I need that bunk bed!

All the bedding by Coyuchi (heart eyes!)

Kids' bathroom details

Love how Geremia Design mixed and matched different styles in this game room.

These kinds of details capture my eye.

Heading down to the next level where you'll find the guest bedroom and entertainment room.

I noticed a lot of jute and sisal rugs layered with a smaller rug on top. Loving this look.

Texture love!

Okay, how cute is Chantal Lamers, Sunset Magazine's Home Editor? We've been following each other on Instagram! ;)

My favorite art piece is this one from Lena Wolff.

Entertainment room! Long sofa covered in Sunbrella fabric. Chantal said a lot of people are starting to use Sunbrella fabric indoors as well for its durability.

Lady bosses lunching--Bianca Sotelo, Caitlin Flemming, Erin Hiemstra and Ana Kamin.

Lovely wines (too bad I couldn't find out for myself!) provided by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines.

One of the challenges for landscape designer Michelle Derviss was the slope. Inspired by M.C. Escher, she created the most beautiful viewing garden using steel boxes and stair stepping them in an elegant way to create a piece of sculpture. Low maintenance plants with colorful foliage filled the garden.

The Sunset Idea House, located at 540 Gravatt Road, Berkeley, CA, will be available to tour from 10 am to 5 pm as follows:
● Friday, August 19 Sunday, August 21
● Friday, August 26 Sunday, August 28
● Friday, September 2 Sunday, September 4
● Friday, September 9 Sunday, September 11
● Friday, September 16 Sunday, September 18
● Friday, September 23 Sunday, September 25

Tickets can be purchased for $25 and are available online at Eventbrite or onsite
during tour hours. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to the Oakland Public Education Fund. Sponsors of the Sunset Idea House include ATGStores.com, AZEK Building Products, Belgard, DXV American Standard, InSinkErator, J.Lohr Vineyard & Wines, James Hardie, Lamps Plus, Maui Jim, Sunset Western Garden Collection, Torani, and Western Window Systems.
Stay up-to-date on the Sunset 2016 Idea House by liking Sunset on Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/sunsetmagazine), and following @SunsetMag on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, #sunsetideahouse. Or, go to http://www.sunset.com/ideahouse for more details.

 

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper),
Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.
+ You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

The Business of Stationery Workshop

I started my stationery business back in 2005 with a product line of 12 cards. Since then, I've sold at local craft sales, designed for friends of friends, exhibited at the National Stationery show in New York, sold wholesale to stores across the country, opened an online shop, and designed wedding and party stationery for custom clients and Tiny Prints/Shutterfly.

Have you ever thought about opening up a stationery business? Do you love paper? Have you ever wondered how to start your own stationery or paper goods company? Are you currently running a stationery business, but struggling to figure out your next move?

Today I've partnered with Modern Thrive who just launched a three-day live online workshop that will show you how to build a successful stationery business. They have brought together three successful stationery designers who built totally different types of stationery businesses. The workshop will include (3) hour-long sessions that will explore the different ways you can monetize your skills as a stationery designer.

There are many different paths you can take to building a stationery business--you can create a product line and sell wholesale, or open a custom design studio and retail shop. You can even build a completely online business that gives you the flexibility to sell your stationery from home.

Here is a look at the schedule:

Session One – Creating a product line & selling wholesale, with Alexis Mattox Design
Alexis is the Founder of Alexis Mattox Design, a Utah based stationery design studio. Alexis creates classically modern paper goods, wedding decor and lifestyle products. She started making her beautiful laser-cut stationery in 2011 and the word spread quickly! She has since expanded her talents to party supplies and artwork. Her products are carried in retailers nationwide including JCrew, Daivds Bridal, Urban Outfitters and Dillards.

Alexis will be teaching a one-hour live session discussing how she built her stationery product business from the ground up. You will learn how to develop a cohesive collection that exemplifies your style, so you can find retailers who are interested in carrying your products.

Session Two – Starting a custom design studio & retail shop, with Trisha Logan
Trisha Logan is the Founder of Shindig Paperie, an eclectic stationery shop filled with beautiful prints, stationery, and various paper goods. Trisha worked in product development as the creative director and designer for a large gift and paper line for 9 years. Seeing so much beautiful product at trade shows and in trend research, she realized most of it was unavailable in Fayetteville and many local brides were frustrated by the lack of great letterpress. Shindig Paperie offers a well-curated collection of personalized stationery, greeting cards and gifts, as well as invitations for every occasion.

Trisha will be teaching a one-hour live session on how she started her custom design studio and retail shop. You will learn how to find retail space for a stationery shop, develop your product line and grow a successful business.

Session Three – Building an audience & selling stationery online, with Katie Almazan
Katie Almazan is the Founder and Designer of The Paper Gold Co. Katie found her passion for carving and creating stamps two years ago, and began selling her custom designs on Etsy with the goal of being able to work from home. The Paper Gold Co quickly grew into a thriving online business with an international following.

Katie will be teaching a one-hour session discussing how she built an audience around her work, and developed a successful business. You will learn how to start selling your stationery products online, and get proven strategies for building your audience.

The workshop will include three hour-long sessions, daily email lessons and access to a community of like-minded illustrators. The live sessions begin July 13th. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend live. Everyone who signs up will get lifetime access to all of the content.

Modern Thrive is giving Good on Paper readers $30 off on the workshop with discount code "goodonpaper." See the full schedule and reserve your spot here.


+  This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using this link
+ Top photo by Gary Ashley and all others provided by Modern Thrive
+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper), Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.  You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.

Lucas' 6th Birthday Party

A couple of weekends ago we celebrated Lucas' 6th birthday party. Time sure flies--I just can't believe he is now 6! Remember his 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th birthday parties? As usual, I ask Lucas what kind of party he wants each year and then I put my own modern spin on theme. This year Lucas initially asked for a Pokemon party but later decided on a magic theme after having seen a magician called Magical Nathaniel at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach.

I designed the invitations with a clean but slightly vintage feel, complete with custom photo envelope liners and a custom rubber stamp that would be used on favor bags and food packaging. The double thick invitations were mailed in kraft envelopes and sealed with wraparound address labels.

The party took place at the Padre Picnic Area in Tilden Park in Berkeley and the we couldn't have lucked out with better weather--you never know in April! Guests set out blankets and flew kites, played soccer, baseball and tag. We hired Magical Nathaniel to perform a magic show for 45 minutes. He was amazing and kids and adults alike were in awe by his tricks. Funny how every 6-year old seems to think they know how he does his tricks.

The amazing food for the party was generously provided by Whole Foods Market. In case you didn't know, Whole Foods Market cater kids parties too and can customize a menu for you. To go along with our magic theme, the catering team made Popcorn Chicken, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Mini Chicken Corn Dogs (a kid favorite), "Magic Wand" Fruit Skewers, Classic Mac 'N' Cheese, their signature Cabbage Crunch Salad (my fave!), and Potato Salad (several people told me this was the best they have had). They also provided Organic Juice Boxes, Mochi Ice Cream by Bubbies, and Annie's Homegrown Fruit Snacks for the pinata. Thank you Whole Foods Market (specifically the Berkeley and Gilman locations)!

Per Lucas' request, I made him a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and edible gold stars and a gazillion cupcakes for his friends.

A Jackson birthday party tradition, we had donut holes with custom designed cones--always a huge hit with everyone!

Nick and I made this awesome playing card pinata and giant magic wand for busting it open. It was actually really easy and full DIY instructions can be found on Oh Happy Day blog.

I used the custom rubber stamp for the cotton favor bags that each held Pocky Sticks (they look like magic wands!), a coin trick, fortune teller fish, and mini word game books.

Lucas had the brilliant idea of having a Make-Your-Own-Wand station. Using a wooden dowel with eye hooks, kids could use Japanese washi tape and choose colorful ribbons to make a fun magic ribbon wand.

My baby is 6!! Whaaaaat?!?

Theo ate fruit skewers for lunch.

Classic Mac 'N' Cheese and awesome Popcorn Chicken with two kinds of housemade dipping sauces--BBQ and ranch.

Grilled Corn on the Cob was a crowd favorite.

Okay, how cute is my friend Jeanne's daughter Hayden sipping her organic lemonade? And my niece Tallia waving her wand and my friends Aaron and Corrine's daughter Josephine who LOVED the corn on the cob.

Mini Chicken Corn Dogs were a kid favorite.

Whole Foods Market Gilman provided delicious Mochi Ice Cream from Bubbies. I packaged and labeled them individually in glassine bags and stamped them with Lucas' birthday logo. I chose four flavors--Mango, Green Tea, Strawberry and Vanilla.

If you don't know about this Cabbage Crunch Salad at Whole Foods, you're missing out. Not sure if every location has it, but damn, it's good.

I usually prefer the vinegar-based kind of potato salad, but this was the Best Classic Potato Salad ever!

Magical Nathaniel was awesome! He's a Cal student and does magic on the side but plans to make it his full time gig. If you need a magician for your party, you need to hire him. Nearly every kid sat still for the 45-minute performance. He was entertaining and engaging with the kids, often asking for volunteers to help him with his tricks. The kids loved it!

OMG, Magical Nathaniel solved this Rubik's Cube in a minute and 30 seconds--blindfolded!

This is the look of a 3.5-year old who missed his nap and ate nothing but fruit and donut holes for lunch. Poor Theo.

This pinata was awesome because no one could bust it open which meant every kid got a chance to hit it. Ha!

Eventually, Nick had to discreetly stab a few holes into it.

*This post is in partnership with Whole Foods Market. All words and ideas are my own.

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper), Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Subscribe to receive the latest posts and Good on Paper updates delivered to your inbox.  You could also use Blog Lovin' or Feedly to follow along.