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.

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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)
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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)
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Ready Made Party Invitations are Here

Hey friends! I finally made these popular birthday party invitations readily available and customizable in my online Shop. Choose from 5 designs for now--Go Wild, Modern Superhero, Modern Circus, Colorblock and Summer Watermelon. Each one will be printed onto double thick recycled paper and comes with printed envelopes. Let me know what you think! 

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper), Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
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Valentine's Day Beary Favor Bags for Oh Happy Day

I made these super easy Valentine's Day Beary Favor Bags for Oh Happy Day. With just a few simple materials (um, like paper and a stapler) you can make these cute bags for Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

+ Check out the entire DIY feature on Oh Happy Day
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West Elm Home Tour

I'm excited to share a tour of our home featured on the West Elm blog.

Pretty proud of our DIY red oak open shelving :)

Love the engineering print above the couch by Jennifer Young--it's a giant print of one of her shots that can be found in our 2016 Calendar collaboration available in my shop. The other print above our bed is from our 2015 calendar. :)

+ See the full write up on the West Elm blog
+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper) and Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes)
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West Elm Collaboration: Overnight Apple and Pear Cinnamon Morning Buns

I love Christmas morning at my in-laws' house (yes, my in-laws are rad and I'm so lucky!). I love making a cozy breakfast for everyone that we can eat in our jammies while opening gifts in front of a crackling fire. I'm super excited to collaborate with West Elm to share a recipe for Overnight Apple and Pear Cinnamon Morning Buns on West Elm's blog, Front + Main. Get the recipe here and see how we prepped and inhaled them at our house with my family. I will definitely be making these for Christmas morning!

+ See the full feature on West Elm's Blog
+ Photos except the 3rd and 4th ones are by Sarah Hebenstreit
+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper) and Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes)
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Free Shipping until 12/18 on our 2016 Calendars

If you're still looking for an awesome holiday gift, you can pick up one of our 2016 Calendars with FREE SHIPPING (everything in my shop! woohoo!) until Friday, 12/18 using code FREESHIP at checkout. It's my second collaboration with super talented photographer Jennifer Young and is available as a special limited edition of 250 in each of our shops--each calendar is hand numbered on the front cover.

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper), Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Buy it here in my shop or here in Jennifer's shop
+ As seen on Anthology Magazine, Rue Magazine, Shop Sweet Things, Mother Magazine, Oh So Beautiful Paper, and Shutterbean
+ Also available in these awesome shops: Social Studies, Len Collective, Left Field and Ruby Rose

New 2016 Calendar -- Jennifer Young Studio x Good on Paper

I'm so excited to announce my second collaboration with super talented photographer Jennifer Young for our 2016 Calendar! Inspired by Jennifer's travels around the world and our love of clean, minimal design and copper foil printing, it is available in a special limited edition of 250 in each of our shops--each calendar is hand numbered on the front cover.

+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper), Twitter (@good_on_paper), Pinterest (@goodonpaperdes) and Tumblr (hellogoodonpaper)
+ Buy it here in my shop or here in Jennifer's shop
+ As seen on Anthology Magazine, Rue Magazine, Shop Sweet Things, Mother Magazine, Oh So Beautiful Paper, and Shutterbean
+ Also available in these awesome shops: Social Studies, Len Collective, Left Field and Ruby Rose

Holiday 2015 Photo Cards are here!

I'm excited to announce that my Holiday 2015 Photo Cards are here in my shop! Customize your holiday card with your favorite photo and a personalized greeting. Blank envelopes included with your order. This year's cards will be printed on Premium Double Thick 100% Recycled Paper (this stock is SO awesome) and I'm offering it at the same price point as last year. Best sellers from last year's line are also available. :)

Feel free to email me with any other customization you'd like on your cards.

+ All photos except for "Oh What Fun" by Sarah Hebenstreit of Modern Kids
+ Additional holiday card designs for Tiny Prints can be found here and here
+ Find me on Instagram (@good_on_paper)
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