Checkerboard featured on The Aisle New York

{image: The Aisle New York}

In good company with designers Isaac Mizrahi, Yvette Fry, Stephanie Browne and even The Royal Couple, Kate Middleton and  Prince William, Checkerboard is featured on The Aisle New York! A great selection of social stationery and thank you notes and an incredible coupon for Checkerboard product on eInvite.com/theaisle worth $100 retail for only $60!

Letter Heady

I was cleaning out my email inbox, as I often must do (I have a bad habit of letting a few thousand emails piling up - emails that I have read - without sorting them to their appropriate folders) and I happened to come across an email that I sent to myself. For those of you whom are smart-phone users, I'm sure you're familiar with this technique.

The email didn't say anything other than a web address and that was www.letterheady.com. I could have guessed but didn't expect that the website is devoted to famous, infamous, and interesting letterhead. I really recommend giving it a look. Most of the letterhead of late is very minimal and puts an emphasis on typeface and printing technique. I happen to like that style, personally, but seeing some of the full color and huge letterhead is really exciting. Here are a few examples, click through to check out the site!


This first letterhead that I've picked from Letterheady.com's site is an interesting one, for a railroad called "Carolwood Pacific." What's so interesting about a railroad? Well, for starters, this particular railroad was in Walt Disney's backyard and had track, cars, and locomotives about 1/8 the size of a "real" railroad. I had no idea such a whimsical thing existed. It amazes me that Walt not only had his own personal miniature railroad, but that he had stationery for it to boot!


This second piece is that of Frank L. Baum's, the creator of such stories as The Wizard of Oz. I had no idea that Baum was the futurist that he apparently was, as he predicted the development of laptop computers. I also didn't know that he was an apologist of the United States' policy of Manifest Destiny! I wouldn't have guessed that he held such an interesting place in a history much broader than the writing that we have come to know so well through Dorothy, Toto, and the Wizard. This letterhead is fascinating: like a few other examples, it's clear that letterhead developed into a strong C.V. statement for many individuals, and the usable writing area was reduced to a small fraction of the page.

This is the letterhead of the great mentalist, Joseph Dunninger, who was a contemporary of Houdini's and apparently well respected and liked in his field. He apparently supported efforts to debunk "magic" in favor of illusion and mentalism, reportedly working with Scientific American to "offer [$100,000] to any medium who could produce by psychic or supernatural means any physical phenomena that he cannot reproduce by natural means or explain in convincing materialistic terms."

He has a wonderful quote that is attributed to him, "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary; for those who do not believe, no explanation will suffice."


This last one, of course, needs no introduction! Can you imagine receiving a note on this stationery? Apparently, Dr. Seuss used this huge graphic to communicate with fans of his books. It would be interesting to see if anyone could produce an actual note from him!

Long Distance Love - Gift for Her

Is your Valentine going to be far away this year? While you are pining for your love, consider sending her a box of fine custom personalized stationery as a supremely romantic gesture. Flame Red Note, Vita, and Samba are feminine and sweet choices that will convey your wish to stay close.

Making a Statement with Stationery

This amazing pen giveaway led me to think that is time to stock up on some great stationery! From an early age, my mother would have me write out thank you cards for each birthday or holiday gift received. I am thankful for the good manners, and can now appreciate both writing and receiving a personal note. I love seeing the stationery each writer chooses, and put a lot of thought into what my personal choice will be. You can imagine that working at eInvite, I have managed to acquire a large collection. But like all good things, there is often room for more! Here are a few of my favorites…



{L to R, Row 1: Fuchsia Card, William Arthur; Comfy Gal Notes, The Paperdoll Store; Teal Note, Crane & Co.; Garden Pattern by Kate Spade, Crane & Co. Row 2: Sweet Birdie with Blue Booties Thank You Note, take note! Designs; Fun Floral Thank You Note, take note! Designs; White Multimedia Card w/Motif, William Arthur; Vita, Checkerboard, Ltd. Row 3: Lali & Dan Thank You, Marsupial; Initial Impression Note Card, Carlson Craft; Double Frame (Green/Brown) corresp card by Kate Spade, Crane & Co.; Moab, Checkerboard, Ltd.; Dark Gray Card, William Arthur}

Cyber Monday

Happy Cyber Monday! Here at eInvite.com, we are offering 25% off on select holiday cards, stationery and invitations, as well as promotions on Checkerboard, Crane & Co. and take note! designs.

Fun ways to say "Happy Halloween"

~ send a card that says it all! {marmalade ink featured on eInvite.com}
~ bake pumpkin cupcakes from real simple
~ make some fun spooky cocktails {recipes by martha stewart}
~ decorate with black corinthian candles by wisteria

Fine Pens and Handwriting

These days, we tend to place less emphasis on handwritten things and one of the aspects that gets lost is the value of the writing tool itself. Before we began to rely heavily on electronic communications, a good pen was indispensable. Often, a pen said a great deal about its owner, much like a watch. Unlike the watch, the pen still has a great deal of daily use (how often do you check your phone for the time, rather than your watch?). We still sign bills and cheques, make notes, and sketch out rough ideas, particularly at work. This habit doesn't seem like one we can easily kick. Even with tools like the iPhone and "tablet" laptops, there's something incredibly easy about putting pen to paper, and as a result it still occupies a place of regular use in our daily lives.

I carry a pen with me and I take a certain pleasure in having something that looks nice and performs well. I'd rather spend my money on a tool that will last and can be refilled than a few hundred plastic BIC pens that I'll throw away once exhausted. The waste is upsetting and the pens don't look nice nor feel particularly comfortable (though they do write well). My brand of choice has been Cross, because I like the ease of use and lack of mess that their ballpoint pens provide. They're reliable and relatively inexpensive (the decent ones run from $40 to $150 depending upon where you shop). However, ballpoint pens are still a bit divorced from feeling the ink run onto the paper.

That sensation rightly belongs to the fountain pen. Most are very easy to use and do not actually allow ink to run all over the paper (something you may remember from your elementary school days). Moreover, many are stunning and beautifully crafted. Amongst these, my personal favorite is Pelikan. They're reasonably priced (though considerably more than a ballpoint pen) and write very well. The ink reserves last for a long time and are easy to change. And they are beautiful. Take a look at this:


It's a strong, attractive pen that writes well and is sure to make an impression, both when taking it out in company to use it and in sending or saving something written with it. Unfortunately, I don't own this one (yet!) but if anyone is looking for an early birthday present for me...

You might be surprised how much of an impact a decent pen makes, both in your enjoyment of writing and in its impression on others. I'm still surprised at how often my current Cross pen gets comments, and it's not particularly unique (though it is metallic orange). Truly beautiful pens garner even more attention, even if it is unspoken. Try it for yourself - next time you're shopping for pens, don't buy the big box of seven thousand plastic pens; that's bad for the environment and bad for your wallet. Pick up a decent, attractive ballpoint or fountain pen, and put it to use. I think you'll be pleased with the results.

Sweet Summer Stationery on Sale

By Stacy Claire Boyd! As a follow up to Emily's post, grab some of these adorable customized thank-you notes and pads in summer hues at 15% off for the last day. Cute for kids' correspondence, these notes are also versatile enough for anyone who enjoys a little touch of classic gingham, plaid, polka dots or stripes. They remind me of summer fruits like the specimens from Martha Stewart's Fruit Decorations and Favors slideshow. Never needing to be dusted or tossed, fresh fruit is delightful and delicious as an edible gift for guests at your next baby shower, bridal shower, summer party, or wedding.

Mossy Morning

Gorgeous green growth is sprouting! Check out the verdant hues in Pottery Barn's centerpieces (Carved Wooden Cachepot and Garden Ceramic Woven Collection) and the lushness of the succulent boutonniere found on InStyle Weddings. The two correspondence cards in shades of moss green are design perfection: Moss Bordered Ecru Card by Crane & Co. and Alight by Checkerboard available on eInvite.

Cross-Stitch Gets a Facelift!

Something I’ve been noticing a lot of lately is the popular craft of cross-stitching. It’s been popping up on everything from clothing, to home décor, to stationery and even jewelry. But what makes the cross stitch of today, different from that of the past? It’s the imagery. Modern patterns feature graphics taken from video games and pop culture, giving the craft a youthful, more vibrant flair. Most of what I’ve shown here is from the talented peeps over at Etsy. However, I’ve also included some items (below) from prepster retailers Stubbs & Wootton and Smathers & Branson who feature similar looks in their collections. My personal favorites are those sporting the Jolly Roger!


Images Top from {L to R}
Mustache Pin by Neawear
Watermelon Hearts Cross Stitch Earrings by thepinpals
Jolly Roger Cross-stitch by Futuregirl
Cross Stitch Monogram Initial Pocket Mirror by AdandBragButtonCo
Pinky Pin by stitchandplay
Retro Girl by DefiantDamsel
Yellow Bird on Robin's Egg Blue Cross Stitch Pin by thepinpals
Pink Camelia Counted Cross Stitch Pattern by WooHooCrossStitch
Images Bottom {L to R}
Jolly Roger (Black) from Smathers & Branson
Jolly Silver UK Slipper from Stubbs & Wootton

Little Bunnies

Inspired by springtime, babies, and with the Easter holiday right around the corner, this natural palette echoes freshness. European baby clothes always offer great design and simplicity. These little outfits by Bonpoint make we want to fly to France today to do a little shopping, even though they are available online!

{New Arrival letterpress announcement by Crane & Co. via eInvite.com, sterling silver baby rattle via The Kids Window UK, and Bonpoint couture childrens clothing}

Fontify It!

Thanks to Jaime at Design Milk, I came accross Fontifier.com! It's an awesome website where you can actually create a font using your own handwriting. Great for scrapbooking, address labels, letter writing or table cards, once you dowload your font you can use it for pretty much anything! Well worth the $9. Above is a preview of what my font would look like. I think it could use some tweaking, but thanks to the genius that is Fontifier, I can do so, free of charge before I purchase my font! Fabulous!

The Art of Handwritten Notes

Lately, I have been thinking alot about handwriting and the sending of notes. I don't know if having two teenagers texting nonstop has anything to do with the feelings I have, but I feel a surge of energy to instill a value in them. The art of the handwritten note is a valuable tool that I feel my children should know, understand the value of and use in their daily life. I have to say, that I too should be more diligent in my self expression.

We are in a digital age, but I think the value and the impression is by far more meaningful than other ways of long distance communication. I love recieving notes! They make me smile. I can't wait to open the envelope and see what's inside. I love looking at the writing and feeling connected to the person. It is so inspirational.

These days there is a feeling of regrouping, simplifying and mindfulness. I like it. People want to make a difference and letterwriting is the perfect touch. Now if the teenagers would just stop the texting.

{The Art of the Handwritten Note by Margaret Shepherd available at barnesandnoble.com, handwriting samples right top and bottom via graphology911.com, setlist of Bob Dylan via auctionnetwork.com}

Personalized Gifts: Custom Stampers and Stationery

I was looking for a great gift on einvite.com, something personal, thoughtful and that would definitely be used for a long time. I've found giving personalized items always puts a big smile on people's faces - seeing one's names or initial elegantly inscribed gives a nice feeling of being appreciated.

These custom stampers allow you to enter in a name and address and have the info perfectly arranged into the stylish layout instantly (it's fun to play around with the many styles and instant previews!) This is definitely a useful gift that will be loved by people who just moved or are getting married. In addition, personalized notecards would be a great accompanying gift, coordinate your custom stamper's ink choice with the card and you have a perfect present!

Beautiful Monograms

Beautiful monograms can make something simple so exciting. Weather your choice is classic, ornate or modern, it’s a great way to add style and a personal touch to just about anything.

{cashmere throw on leontine linens}

{stenciled chocolate cakes from martha stewart weddings}
{wedding invitation and personal stationery on eInvite.com}

Stationery with Style

A fantastic liner for your personal stationery is a great way to express your personal style. Choose the one that's right for you!

{crane and co. stationery on einvite.com}
{diane von furstenberg 'paige' dress at nordstrom}
{sandals at urban outfitters}

{juicy couture 'blooming' bracelet at nordstrom}

Animal Lovers

In honor of Groundhog Day, I would like to feature a few of our cutest furry friends. (Although, I must say I am NOT too happy with Punxsutawney Phil right now.) However, these adorable cards and journals will help keep me smiling for the next 6 weeks of winter.

{L to R from the top: Obama Pet Announcement, eInvite.com; Alex the Dog Journal, Galison; Kitty Notes, The Paperdoll Store; Fetch Custom Box Set, Boatman Geller; Blue Bow Pup Notes, The Paperdoll Store; Miniature Dachshund, Checkerboard}

My favorite color is SPARKLY!

The New England icy weather and frozen streets are no fun, but I do enjoy one thing - that there are sparkles everywhere! I was walking out with Adoniram and Erin yesterday and these fantastic sparkling branches caught my eye. It looked like the branch had been covered in a million Swarovski crystals. Adoniram sent me his fabulous photograph which captured what I love most about this crazy weather. Sparkles!



{clutch by sworovski}

{clutch by robertocavalli}

{sandals by kate spade on bluefly}

{necklace by sworovski}

{personal stationery on eInvite.com}

Orange You Glad for Pink!

Perhaps it’s the lack of sunshine that the New England winter brings, or the prospect of spring months ahead, or maybe even the fact that Valentine’s Day is around the corner…whatever the reason, I can’t get enough of bright happy hues lately. One color combination that’s got my head all toasty is hot pink and vivid orange. Positive and cheerful, this powerful duo is perfect for shedding the winter blues. Electrify your days by adding a splash of pink and orange to your wardrobe, home décor or correspondence. Here are just a few ideas to get you warmed up…



Images from top L to R:
Monogram gathered shift dress from Banna Republic
Flare Stationery by Checkerboard Ltd. available at einvite.com
Stockholm Stad Cusion from Ikea
Bow Group Mirra clutch from Kate Spade
1950’s cotton pink and orange stripe summer dress from Paper Dress Ltd.
Cortez Pillow from Crate and Barrel
Beidermeier Side Chair from Veneman Furniture
Liza patterned peep-toe heels from jcrew.com

The Write Resolution

One resolution I work hard to keep each year is staying in touch with family and friends. Emails are great for a quick hello, but everyone loves receiving mail (that isn’t a bill!). I like to keep personalized stationery on hand, so I never have an excuse not to send a prompt birthday, thank you or congratulations card. Here’s to another year of staying in touch…

{L to R from top: Shangri-La, Checkerboard, Ltd., Hamptons Wardrobe Custom Box Set, Boatman Geller, Shangri-La, Checkerboard, Ltd., Cranberry Bordered Ecru Note, Crane & Co., Teal Card, Crane & Co., Foundry Box Set No. 2, Manifesto Letterpress}