Congratulations to the Newly Engaged!

Seeing Red

As you head out for a bit of last minute shopping this week, don't forget the most important part... your holiday attire! Red is always in trend during this festive season. Here is a bit of eye candy to inspire the wardrobe for your whole family {even your dog)! Happy holidays!



{L to R from the top: Girls' ribbon flower headband; Burberry Studded Leather Wrap Bracelet; Slithering Rosette Heels; Alice and Olivia Carla jersey twist dress; Opaque Tights; Secret Wash point- collar shirt in large gingham; Collier Madame Necklace; Pups Classic Sweater; Lotta Stensson Nairobi printed silk top}

Cool Holiday DIY

{potato stamp: factorydirectcraft.com; paperchain: priscillabeau; magnetic advent calendar: twig and thistle; glass ornament: twig and thistle; paper garland: twig and thistle}

{ok, i fell a little in love with twig and thistle, a great gathering of unique inspiration}

The holidays are an especially fun time to make, bake and spend time with family and friends. I am always on the hunt for simple, fun and cool ideas. The paper chain is a wonderful holiday craft and is fun for small children and adults. I especially love this one shown, as each link is personalized with something to be thankful for. You can easily make a Christmas version of wishes, thoughts, lyrics, poems and of course, the words to The Night Before Christmas. May your month be merry and filled with wonderful moments, of new memories.

Holiday Photo Cards

I hope your Cyber Monday shopping is going well! Last month I shared a few of my favorite holiday cards and today I wanted to share eInvite.com's fabulous holiday photo cards. These fun cards below, from Checkerboard, are available at 10% off through 11/30. Happy shopping!



{L to R from the top: Delicate Frame; Hot Pink Holiday; Calligraphic Greetings; Moments; Regalia; Ornamental Greetings}

Deck the Halls

{holiday decor via hgtv}

Advent calendars are so much fun. The anticipation of opening one hidden treat every day, made morning so much fun, especially if you could break the law and enjoy a piece of candy! I also found this really fun paper chain. I know what we will be doing next weekend!

Party Perfect!

Looking to throw a great party in the near future? Well, whether it be a holiday party, a new Year’s eve party, or maybe just an excuse to have a party, eInvite has some really fun designs available for any such occasion. We just recently released a new line of party invitations that feature, playful die-cuts, whimsical graphics and beautifully applied ribbons and crystals. Above, I’ve shown just a few of my favorites, but be sure to check out the full selection here…happy browsing!!

Decked Out in Sequins

I normally put sequins firmly into the category of "New Year's Eve", but the new Michael Kors catalog I received in the mail this weekend is prompting me to break out the sparkle a bit earlier this year. How fun would a holiday party be decked out in sequins?



{L to R from the top: West Elm, Starry-Night Pillow Cover; West Elm, Chunky Sequin Stocking; JCrew, Sequin Mesh Bell Skirt; Meri Meri, Party Silhouette on eInvite.com; Michael Kors, Sequin Tee; Potterybarn, German Glitter Bird Vase Filler; Potterybarn, Noel Sign; Shopbop.com, Zilla Reversed Sequin Pumps; Michael Kors, Sequin Belt, Coin Purse & Wrislet}

Sweet New Holiday Photo Cards by eInvite!

{ Images via eInvite's new holiday collection, Crate and Barrel and Martha Stewart }

Holiday Cards

Happy Nov 1! Whether you are already in the holiday mood, or not, there is no stopping the fact that it is slowly creeping up. This is one of my favorite times of year, and I am kicking off this season by choosing holiday cards. Working at a stationery company (and especially in the art department), sets a expectation for my cards, so I always have such a hard time deciding. This year seems tougher than ever! Below are a few of my favorites, but you can find all our photo, non-photo and business holiday cards (plus fun accessories) here.



{L to R from top: Tree of Expressions w/ Crystal, eInvite.com; Selfless Santa, Carlson Craft; Blitzen, Paper Orchid; Reaching Up, Carlson Craft; Triangle Trees with Ribbon & Button, Meri Meri; Under the Mistletoe Flat Card, Stacy Claire Boyd; Western Joy Foldover, eInvite.com; Penguins, Crane & Co.}

Cirque Du Noir and the folks of eInvite

{images l to r: guests lisa crislip, j.fatima martins, chad sirois; musician valerie thompson of goli; eInvite photographer amy demar; eInvite artists: emily quillen and scott boilard; vip passes courtesy of checkerboard; louie despres and his wife tina zlody; angela cannistraro and myself,
and the art fusion audience, all images here by louie despres}

Our recent frolicking at Cirque Du Noir was such an enjoyable night. Every year we get dressed up in our finest noir and celebrate for a good cause. The premise is a simple one, with a huge artist community right here in town, the Worcester area is thriving with talent. We gather them up, watch them create incredible collaborative pieces before our eyes, while auctioning off donated pieces of art from many other generous and talented artists. All this happens while listening to incredible music. This year Esthema and Goli of Boston joined us for the haute evening of incredible creativity and fantastic costumes.

The event was actually inspired by all the creativity surrounding us at work. From this pool of amazing friends and creative spirit, the event became a reality. In its third year Cirque Du Noir has grown so much and we are so happy, as proceeds from the event support the Worcester County Food Bank. Our sponsors like eInvite and Checkerboard help to make the night a success adding the details that make it special. The VIP passes, programs and printing donations were customized for the event. Thank you to all that came out to enjoy art, music in the spirit of Halloween and giving back to our community.

Cirque Du Noir was Sunday evening, followed by a Halloween themed celebration at our annual company picnic the day before. We are just a bunch of party people here. We are now looking to Friday, which will bring yet another costumed day of fun!

Halloween favorites

Michelle's fun post made me want to share a few of my favorite halloween cards and accessories on eInvite!

We Summon You for Hallow's Eve Inspiration!

{images l to r via: einvite.com, cheeseclothe welcome beautifully used, ghosts: martha stewart, cookies: good house keeping, fabric flora: dragonflys and stars and mask: sarah thomas designs}

Halloween is such a fun holiday for children and adults. The folks here at eInvite tend to get a little hokey around Halloween and have a lot of fun. This invitation shown above is from our digital invitation line, perfectly priced for a fun event like All Hallow's Eve, and sets the tone perfectly for a night of childish fun. You get to dress up and eat absurd amounts of candy. When I see elegant Halloween ideas, I am really drawn to them, like this mask by Sarah Thomas Designs. You can even make something out of recycled pieces from around the house. Autumn is vibrant in New England and it is also a time we can all reflect on the passing summer, rustle through the leaves and think about the approaching holidays with family, hopefully while stopping at a neighbors for some warm cider and apple bobbing!

Checkerboard Jewish New Year Cards!

Hello and happy Friday folks, today I wanted to remind you that eInvite is offering free printed return addresses on all Checkerboard Jewish New Year Cards. This promotion is currently running until the second of August but will be extended through to the 16th! Woohoo.

Of all of the beautiful Jewish New Year designs that Checkerboard has to offer, these are just a few of my favorites. If you would like to see the full selection, be sure to check them out here! There are plenty of wonderful designs to choose from…so, enjoy and happy shopping!

4th of July Inspiration

{images: gazebo and the 4th banner marthastewart.com, porch: bhg, patriotic room: colorfulkidsrooms.com, desserts: celebrations.com, cocktail: coastalliving.com, fireworks: proteinpower.com}

Erin's post on nautical inspiration got my wheels spinning with red, white and blue sparks...about this weekend at the beach.

Things are getting festive all over town. As we approach the 4th of July holiday weekend here in Massachusetts, you begin to see homes decorated in patriotic colors. I love this time of year. Thoughts of Cape Cod, children with flags, sack races, boats adorned in red white and blue, festive cocktails and desserts, and rock-us celebrations of fireworks. Oh, and the Boston Pops and the Esplanade for those Boston "Patriots" make this weekend one of my top weekends of the year.

Have a fun, safe and sparkly 4th of July!

Budget Friendly Invitations

Birthday Scroll WSP-QIV-I

Skateboard Tricks WSP-KLQ-A

Olive WSP-SEH-S

These three items were selected from eInvite's signature line. You really can't beat custom printed invites with envelopes at 10 for $24.99. I love the olive one for St. Patrick's Day or an intimate gathering with friends. There are so many styles and colors to choose from...like Bar Mitzvah to wedding and every birthday, anniversary and dinner party in between!

I especially love the cool skateboarder guy. Perfect for the little guy (or chica) who is over animals, trucks... and pink. What a cool invite to send to friends!

Write me a letter...

{image of Maria Thomas in her home studio shot by Adoniram Sides}

This stunning collage was created for our friends at Checkerboard by insanely gifted calligrapher, Maria Thomas as a promotion for Escargot Stationery. She is a lifelong letter writer herself who has shared wonderful stories of lifelong pen pal writings that took her to London to meet her friend that she had been writing to for years. She is a renowned letterer who collaborated with Checkerboard for the stationery line that features 8 exclusive alphabets designed by Maria.

To watch her work is amazing. To hear the pen on paper is extraordinary and to receive her work in the mail is a gift. I am sure everyone at the post office goes a little slower when her envelopes are processed. The personal feeling of receiving a handwritten note in the mail is pretty tremendous. Now more than ever, taking the time to write and craft a letter or a note makes so much impact on the recipient. No, we don't all have the skills of a calligrapher, but letters brought by mail are savored and cherished. The gift of your words on paper are priceless.

If you are a parent, try sending a note to your children, big or small. Encourage them to write to their grandparents and friends. The excitement of receiving mail is such a thrill to them, no matter what their ages! Not only is this Universal Letter Writing Week, but you know that red, hearty holiday is approaching and the world of consumerism will undoubtedly pressure you into spending and thoughts about what to give to your loved one...why not your words with that little something? That brings me to ...

I am so excited to have ordered the Greatest Love Letters of All Time this morning {yes I am a little dorky}, as I was thinking about letter writing and expression. Some of it looked pretty juicy, so maybe some pointers/exerpts are coming your way for the perfect Valentine's Love Letter. Some of the letters that caught my eye were Franz Kafka to Felice Bauer, Voltaire to Marie Louise Denis, Anne Sexton to Philip Leglar, Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, Frida Khalo to Diego Rivera, and Kahlil Gibran to Mary Haskell. {I don't know how George Bush was included in this mix, but there is a one in there to Barbara...random.}

This little note card , also from Escargot is so cute for an adult valentine message.

Happy New Year Wishes

The very best New Year wishes from everyone here at eInvite in West Boylston, Massachusetts. Thank you so much for giving us the honor of creating your invitations and announcements. We look forward to 2010.

Noroc, Salud, Sláinte, À la votre, Beifall, Acclamazioni, Saluté, Aclamaciones, Jambo, Prost, Chia, Gëzuar, Shucram, Genatzt, Gan bei, Serefe, Na zdraví, Skål, Maljanne, Jamas, Kassutta, Okole maluna, L'chaim, Budmo, Apki Lambi Umar Ke Liye, Kampai, Saha wa'afiab, Sanda bashi, Salam ati, Mabuhay, Na zdrowie, Saude, Na zdorovje, Choc-tee, Oogy wawa

...and in most places all over the world, the word "cheers" is one that is pretty universal.

{If you don't see your language here, if you could add the word/language you use for "cheers" in the comments, that would be wonderful!}

Simple Holiday Decorating Ideas

With a foot of snow outside our door, it is certainly feeling like the holiday season in Massachusetts! I love these holiday decorating ideas from Real Simple—perfect for the last minute, as they can be created with simple craft store finds like ribbon, blank canvases, bells and styrofoam balls. Happy Holidays!

{Real Simple}

How to have fun at work...

Each division here has been challenged to come up with holiday shananagans that are in line with a classic holiday special. The Art department pulled "Rudolph" from the magic snowman's hat. All day people have been coming down to snoop, {ie, the santa here is a spy from the finance dept, who was caught up in the holiday spirit with Herbie and 'Ol Yukon}. We also have reindeer glasses that you see snow through, designed this morning, by another arty elf.

More fun pix from our holiday mayhem coming soon!

FREE GIFT for you!

Box of 10 beautiful notecards with any Checkerboard purchase ~

Just wanted to remind all of you lovely eInvite shoppers that it’s not too late to order holiday cards! Over the next couple of weeks, up until January 4th we are offering a FREE gift with any Checkerboard purchase. So, be sure to take a peek at some of the new designs Checkerboard has released. I’ve featured just a few of my favorites above, but you can see the full selection on eInvite.com. Once you’ve chosen the card you want, be sure to use code GIFT1 at checkout to receive your free gift! Enjoy and Happy Shopping!