You’re The Cats Pajamas

Feb

2015

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (I know, major eye roll). The infamous holiday that causes most people to feel lonely. The pressure to get everything perfect just to say ‘I Love You’ is nauseating. So much expectation that everyone fails.

For many years, I simply did not participate in this silly holiday. I’m not a big fan of forced affection. I’d rather be surprised by flowers on a Tuesday afternoon in March then to have a bouquet of roses on Valentines because someone said I should. But! I do love stationary and beautiful cards. A true love affair with high-quality paper goods. And this time of year, the designs are gorgeous. So, awhile back I decided to create a new tradition for Valentine’s Day. Give little notes to my friends and loved ones on V-Day to say I am so thankful to have them in my life. I no longer look at this holiday as a set-up for failure or a forced fed love fest. But a day to say thank you to my community that continually loves and supports me.One of my favorite companies for cards and stationary is Rifle Paper Co by Anna Bond. Beautifully designed paper goods with a dash of wit. Perfect for giving to friends and family. Anna’s illustrative style comes from her deep affection of life’s personal stories and moments told through handwritten notes. Each card, each piece of paper is illustrated with incredible hand painted detail.They are tiny works of art that many collect and frame. Her signature colors of pinks, corals and deep reds are perfect for Valentine’s Day. So, get rid of all those expectations and holiday pressures, find a lovely card and give someone you love a little note.

Want to buy Rifle Paper Co locally? Kore Nashville has an excellent selection, as well as beautiful home goods, personal care and gifts. And if you don’t live in Nashville, you can shop at Rifle’s online store or you can find a small selection at your local Paper Source and Anthropologie.

Wrap it Up!

Dec

2014

(Photo via Rifle Paper Co)

If you didn’t catch my post this weekend for 12th & Broad‘s Style Scout, here’s a recap:

Gift wrapping, you either love it or hate it.

For years I hated wrapping presents. I would wait till the last minute and rush the process. Wadded up, bulky, tons of tape and whatever paper was left on Christmas Eve. This is how I wrapped presents year after year. My gifts were easily recognized for all the wrong reasons.

It wasn’t until I stepped into my first paper store that I fell in love with gift wrap and stationary. I learned that gift wrapping was an art form and could be fun (and beautiful) if I would simply plan ahead.

(Photo via Rifle Paper Co)

Here’s what I have learned over the years:

1. Keep the Shopping Simple. Throughout the year, pick up paper, cards and various wrapping accessories at stores that you already shop. Don’t over think it. Some of my favorite gift wrap for the holidays has been found in the summer.

2. Shop Local. Nashville has an incredible selection of paper goods & craft supplies. Make sure to check out Kore Nashville, Pulp Nashville at Hey Rooster General Store, Rock Paper Scissors, Hester & Cook, and All Seasons

3. Not a Big Shopper? Online Only? Choose 1-3 paper sources that you really like, check in a few times a year and buy a little at a time. My favorite online sources are Rifle Paper Co, Ferme Papier and 1canoe2 and Paper Source (many of the Nashville shops carry these lines).

4. Feeling Crafty? There is a plethora of DIY gift wrapping ideas on Pinterest. The options are endless!

5. Choose Your Materials Carefully. This is an important process. I have found that if I choose paper I love, I will love the process of gift wrapping. There are so many types of papers, varying in weight and finish. And oh, the accessories. So many choices! Find one that suites you. It will make all the difference in the world.

6. Make Room. Christmas is not the only time you wrap a gift. There are lots of other holidays and events. Create a space where you can store your gift wrapping items, and stock up on supplies

7. Make Time. You don’t need a whole lot of it, but you do need to set some time aside. The gifts have to be wrapped one way or another. Giving a little extra attention to detail isn’t going to cost you a lot of extra time. The key is to plan ahead with your supplies and set-up

8. Why All the Fuss? A well-wrapped gift conveys a message of love and thoughtfulness.

Need some inspiration? Looking for something unique? Here is my holiday gift wrap round-up for 2014: