Halloween Cards & Invitations

Here is a round-up of my favorite Halloween cards and invitations on eInvite.com. Perfect to set the mood for a great costume party or share a photo with friends and family.

{ L to R from top: Flying Witch & Warlock from Inviting Co.; Spirited Party by Starfish & Dreams; Zorgi by Marmalade Ink; Boo Radley by Marmalade Ink; Wicked Witch and Halloween Moon by Starfish & Dreams; Bats! by eInvite.com}

Beautiful Typographic Flourishes

I recently found this graphics agency, SHCH Graphics Group, that specializes in rendering typographical forms into complicated flourishes, apparently by hand. They have a variety of examples of their work for major corporate clients, but also have examples of work they've done on napkins. I like their use of incredibly bold colors (mostly primaries, and reflex blue). Here's an example of a piece apparently for Nivea:


Their website has a lot of interesting pen work with a focus on fluid forms and fine lines. You can find the original site at sgr.kiev.ua. Unfortunately I know very little about them and stumbled across their work in my online travels. Here's another piece that incorporates thread (a common theme in their work) into the final layout.



Much of the work is in Cyrillic, as they appear to be in the Ukraine, so I'm unable to provide much more information about the finished pieces; on a purely aesthetic level, though, they are very pleasing. While the forms have a very tight and focused feel to them, I really appreciate that they are imperfect, for example, the arcs occasionally break or have small aberrations in the curve. The impression of handwork is retained, which is often lost in this style (which is commonly achieved with Illustrator or some similar illustration software, rather than a pen).

Be sure to check out their website, as there's quite a bit of work available to browse.

Wanting a smooch since 1938...

{image by joel page for the ny times }

This is one of the most romantic stories I have heard in a long time, this NY Times article sent to me by my good friend, who knows me well. I am hopeless romantic and love a happy ending...or a beginning as this story was just the beginning for Roland Fellows and Beth Ashley. They met while both of their families summered in Maine in the 1930's.

In 2004 the Ashley family returned to 5 Islands Maine, as it always held a special place in Beth's heart. The trip itself and Ms. Ashley's story of her two loves, the Maine coastline and the boy that she could never forget, inspired a column read by a friend. This friend, the catalyst for an amazing tale of love that can withstand time, knew a man by the same name...Rowland Fellows.

A few more years would pass until they finally met, after 70 years! The two started a world wind romance, literally traveling all over the world. Beth Ashley waited for that smooch for 70 years, from Maine to Shanghai, their sixth trip. Rowland, you gentleman!

Holiday Perfection

I'm excited that Martha Stewart's Holiday collection is now live on eInvite.com! Her holiday designs are pure perfection, just like every other detail she crafts.

{peppermint meringues with chocolate filling by Martha Stewart}

{snowflake design by Martha Stewart on eInvite.com}

{jingle bell stockings by Martha Stewart}

{red cheers by Martha Stewart on eInvite.com}

Global Goodies...YUM

{all images from Global Goods Partners}

If you have traveled at all, you know the world is full of unbelievable handmade goods, holding charm, tradition and history in each one. Global Goods Partners is making the world a better place.

from their site:

Global Goods Partners (GGP) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women, alleviating poverty and promoting social justice. GGP partners with community based organizations in marginalized regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, creating access to the U.S. market for its partners’ handcrafted products and providing technical assistance to build sustainable livelihoods.

Witches Brew and Crow Tail Stew...

{images: crow pumpkin carving via marthastewart.com, skeleton "bottoms up" invite from Checkerboard via eInvite, spooky bottle labels via marthastewart.com, glitter skulls via martha (she is just getting her spooky on all over town), lastly, this spooky harvest via, yes once again miss martha}

Creative people just love Halloween. It is the most opportune time to let your imagination run wild. Never before have I seen more sophisticated and fun decor than in the last two years. Halloween is going "haunted glam" and I have to say, I just love it! You can find elegant and spooky inspiration at every turn. Loose the kitch and sophisticate your witch-y self!

Also, I find that using this kind of imagery and coordinating literature bring conversation to a festive halloween party.

...But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered- Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before- On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before." Then the bird said, "Nevermore."

~ except from the raven / poe

How nice would this be on a plaque at the front door after just passing your lovely and welcoming raven? While your guests wait for you to answer and before the creek of the opening door, the wicked blustery wind howls by as the goose bumps form on their skin as the words of Poe strike chords of memory, erases whatever else was on their mind and sets the tone for your party! { the far off owl can be heard hooting in the distance}

Phenomenology

{image via http://www.majorlycool.com/ and Sgt. Tanuki's Lonely Hearts Club Blog}

Recently I went to view the Shepard Fairey Show at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in Boston and although I am torn in my feelings of someone having such financial success with such left wing socialist imagery, I still love his work for its boldness, power and beauty. Before attending this show I always thought his pieces were just silk screens, but seeing these massive works in their original form, I was mesmerized by their extensive mixed media detail.
I strongly recommend seeing his work in person to truly appreciate his craft. He is mostly known today for his iconic portrait of Barack Obama which was on display, but this exhibit introduced the public to many of his other fascinating and beautiful works.

Wow! A Cure for Colorblindness!

I came across this article in one of the many creative blogs I follow and I just had to pass it along. I am not personally colorblind, but it's always seemed unfortunate that a cure wasn't available for those who are. While it's not yet available for human use, the researchers that developed it are so confident that they say,

"If we did this exact same thing to a human being today, I believe we would have cured their color vision."

That's incredible. I wonder what it would be like to suddenly be able to see the rest of the color spectrum that's usually available to humans. Would it be overwhelming? Read more at the ColourLovers.com

There's No Place Like the Shoe Department.

Having grown up watching the "Wizard of Oz" at least 51,000 times and being well-known for my love of red shoes, this made my day. For the 70th anniversary of the flick, Swarovski has gotten together with some of the best shoe designers on Earth to re-imagine what Dorothy would wear for ruby slippers today. I have to say, she's looking good. Best part is they're being auctioned off to benefit the Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Apparently more than just the tinman got a heart!

{image via The Frisky}

Experience the new Einvite/Join the party on Facebook

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Come join the party on Facebook! A great way to learn about seasonal promotions and hot new items on eInvite.com. In celebration of the launch of our new fandangled website, we're offering


$15 off any purchase of $100 or more with the code FALL15. and...

offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more through September 14th!

Checkerboard is also offering FREE printed return address on select holiday cards!

We are so very excited about our new site.

• We have worked so hard to bring you a site that looks fantastic and is super easy to use.

• We have a new navigation with cool search categories, like color, price,
manufacturer, and paper weight. see below:

{click for larger image}

• Our personalization enhancements put your name in lights so easily and within seconds.

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• Our selection of manufacturers from Kate Spade, Martha Stewart, Marmalade and over 20 of the most reputable and trusted names in the paper industry. Crane, William Arthur, Checkerboard and Birchcraft to name a few. Check out our new site and let us know what you think!

and remember...

Clementine Art

I love these art supplies from Clementine Art. They are all natural, certified non-toxic and environmentally friendly. But the great packaging and clean product design is enough to inspire my inner artist. Sold!

New Holiday From eInvite!

Now that the chilly weather is starting to set in a bit, I’ve been thinking more and more about the holidays. Eeek…I know it’s seems a bit premature, but I just can’t help myself! It’s especially hard since, here at eInvite, we’ve been releasing some really fabulous designs for the holidays. Below is just a small sampling of some of my favorites…

{click image to see more designs}

Ralph Lauren

So inspired today by the Ralph Lauren 2009 Fall Collection. Scrumptious hues from champagne to mauve with subtle earthy goodness. The textures, metallics, satin sheen and velvet shimmer adds life and depth to the eclectic, but contemporary mood of this collection. Translated to what we see as desingers, like the surge in shade of purple tones for wedding over the last year. I am glad to see the mature and evolved palette that is keeping this jewel in play for this year.

Like Butter

I cannot get enough of warm sunshine yellow paired with light pewter. Modigliani's painting of Jeanne Hébuterne's creamy skin inspired this collection. Holiday Filigree - Yellow by einvite, yellow room from Jay Jeffers via desiretoinspire, and succulent bouquet on oncewed.

Eureka!

Just the other day, a friend of mine sent me a link showcasing this amazing way-finding-system in Melbourne. Developed by designer, Axel Peemoeller, the large colorful 3D letters are intended to direct drivers in and out of the Eureka Tower Carpark. At first glance the letters seem somewhat distorted, but when viewed from the right position...Eureka!...the letters can be read perfectly. I am totally inspired by the form and function of this project. It's a wonderful blend of effective graphic design, typography, signage and urban living. I've always hated parking garages for their eye-sore factor, so it's refreshing to see someone give such a drab utilitarian environment a playful, but functional vibe. It's no surprise that this project has won several international design awards...it's good stuff.

Pantone Fashion Statement

{"Links of London" bracelet in black wide please, via pantone}