Crane & Co. Craftsmanship: A Photo Collection

Today we thought you’d enjoy a guest post courtesy of Jessica from Crane, with a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible craftsmanship that goes into the Crane & Co. brand of stationery and invitations.

We are constantly in awe here of the intricate, beautifully hand-crafted work the employees in our printing and stationery factories do day after day. Many of them have been here for decades painting borders by hand, engraving names and images with enviable patience and making sure each and every detail is absolutely perfect before our customers open that Dalton Blue box.

With that in mind, here is a collection of images – taken by our wonderful resident photographer, Trisha — of some of the hands that make such fine craftsmanship possible every day.

Adding the finishing touch — a pink ribbon — to our Ecru White Baby Notes.

Getting die-cut envelope liners ready to be placed inside our 100% cotton envelopes.

Precision is just one of the details we pride ourselves on, which means each duplexed invitation is hand-measured for a perfect border.

That colorful border you see on each Crane & Co. invitation or note card you receive is lovingly hand-painted by one of our oh-so patient and skilled borderers.

A Crane & Co. employee checks the alignment to make sure all the type on this personalized stationery is equidistant from the edge.

A belly band is carefully placed around a custom-made invitation.

Thank you to Crane & Co. for this informative and enlightening collection of photos. What do you think? Did you ever realize the amount of hand-crafting that goes into these pieces?

We’d love to show you more of this premiere line of wedding invitations, event invitations and stationery here at Stone Hill Paperie in Skippack, Pennsylvania.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Crane & Co. | Photos © Crane & Co.}

Get Personal

Personalized stationery is a great asset to have on hand for those thank-you, how-are-you and just-thinking-of-you notes. It’s your words and your thoughts written on your own design.

Wondering how to get your own personalized stationery? Visit your local stationery shop and peruse the albums. Find or design a style that matches your personality and the recipient will be thrilled to know it’s from you. Keep in mind that prices range and that it helps to plan ahead. Creating your first engraving plate can take some time.

Don’t forget that personalized stationery makes a great gift for adults, as well as kids. Encourage your kids to unplug and skip the text message by writing notes instead. And for those who are readers, consider getting personalized bookplates, perfect for making that magical tale or in-depth detective novel truly their own.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photo © Heather Donahue}

 

There are so many options available for personalized stationery at Stone Hill Paperie.  Feel free to make an appointment with Amy to visit & shop in a comfortable, no-pressure studio.  Currently, William Arthur and Crane & Co. are both offering a great promotion on personalized stationery through April 2, 2012 – Get 25 additional pieces at no charge when you order 75 pieces of personalized stationery!

Dauphine Press Promotion

Now through March 14th, 2012 Dauphine Press is offering a second ink color at no additional charge.

To view the gorgeous Dauphine Press invitations, contact the studio for an appointment.

Paper Prodigy: Brian Dettmer

The art created by Brian Dettmer is nothing short of jaw-dropping genius. This Atlanta-based paper prodigy works in the medium of what he calls “altered books.” Says the artist about his process:

In this work I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories. My work is a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book’s internal elements exactly where they have been since their original conception.

Brian Dettmer starts with old books, often those that are bound for the landfill, and transforms them into objects of wonder in a new form.

Take a look at this video of an interview with Brian Detter on CBS News, where you can get a glimpse into his incredible talent and the way he works.

http://cnettv.cnet.com/av/video/cbsnews/atlantis2/cbsnews_player_embed.swf{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Holly of Salutations | Photos © Brian Dettmer | Video © CBS News}

Top 30 Super Foods

What are the healthiest ingredients on our planet? What foods hold the most nutritional value possible? These are both great questions, and though there are no clear cut lists, the foods you’ll find below are consistently in the top ranges for nutritional value. Let’s get cookin’!

{Blueberries by Honeytree}

Eaten regularly, the following foods will help prevent cancer, ward off heart disease, boost your immunity and slow aging.

1. Acai

2. Almonds

3. Avocados

4. Blueberries

5. Bok choy 

6. Broccoli

7. Cantaloupe

8. Cocoa

9. Cranberries

10. Flaxseed

11. Garlic

12. Ginger

13. Honey

14. Kale

15. Lentils

16. Oats

17. Olive oil

18. Onions

19. Oranges

20. Pomegranate

21. Pumpkins (and acorn or butternut squash)

22. Soy (tofu, tempeh, soy beans)

23. Spices: cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper and rosemary.

24. Spinach

25. Sweet potatoes

26. Tea (green or black)

27. Tomatoes

28. Walnuts

29. Wheat germ

30. Quinoa

Want more? Honorable mentions were: artichokes, asparagus, beets, bell peppers, chicory, cherries & watercress!

Maybe you can find a way to add a few of these to your weekly shopping list? Happy healthy living!

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Bonnie of Going Home to Roost | Resources: Belly Bytes, 30 Power Foods, Dr. Oz | Photo © Blueberries by Honeytree}

Feel Good Art

Sometimes we all just need a good pick-me-up, don’t we? Turning to inspirational artwork like these beautiful finds usually does the trick.

Finding new artists and inspiring work always seems to be a good refresher for any creative soul. Today, let these artists uplift you and inspire you.

Clockwise :: Be Kind, All is Well, Make Something Good Today, You Fill Me With Sunshine, Be Present Every Day, Find a Beautiful Place and Get Lost, You Make it Happen, Make Time for your Yoga

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Bonnie of Going Home to Roost | Images © listed sources}

Hot Hue: Gold

Glittery gold is the epitome of traditional glamour and luxury, making it the perfect shade to add to an elegant affair. Pair it with black, navy or even light pink to set a stately mood. When paired with bold and bright colors, gold can easily be transformed into a modern and contemporary compliment. Think hot colors like coral, aquamarine or orchid to really make a statement!

1. dress- Milly via Net-a-Porter
2. lamp- Arteriors via Inside Avenue
3. necklace- Kate Spade
4. plate- Kate Spade
5. shoes- Asos
6. belt- Kate Spade
7. thank you notes- Rifle Paper Co.
8. watch- Marc Jacobs

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Jessica of Jessica Tierney Designs | Photos © listed sources}

Q & A: Wedding Questions

Q: Help! I registered for some really cool stuff, but now I’m not sure where to put that information on our invitations. Where do I list the stores where we’re registered?
A: Honestly? You don’t. While it has become somewhat commonplace to see this as part of the invitation package, etiquette says it is not acceptable. It may seem as though it is helpful info, but it appears as though you are saying, “Come to my wedding, bring a gift, and, oh, by the way, here’s where you can get it.” Keep the focus on what this day is all about: your wedding, not the gifts.

Instead, you could build a wedding website and include that sort of info there. Also, make sure your close family members (who will be asked) know where you are registered. They can tactfully pass along the info to those who request it.

What about the shower invitation, you ask? Well, that’s a different story. The purpose of that particular event is to “shower you with gifts,” so by all means, include all of that information in the shower invitation.

Q: My wedding is six or so months away. How soon do we need to order invitations? And when do I send them?
A: It’s important to plan ahead here. It takes 4-6 weeks to complete a custom invitation order. The process can be expedited if necessary for an additional fee. You should aim to send your invitations 6-8 weeks before the big day. And don’t forget time to assemble and address them. So our best advice? Get your invites ordered at least 3 months before the big day.

Q: Should I really send my invites just 6-8 weeks before the event? What if Uncle Harry needs to make travel plans?
A: We recommend save-the-date cards. These can be sent as early as 9-12 months before you walk down the aisle.

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Meagan of Defining Motherhood | Photos © Green Tree Photography}

William Arthur’s Winter Promotion is here!

Getting married in 2012?  You won’t want to miss William Arthur’s winter promotion!  For every 75 pieces of personalized invitations or stationery, you will receive an additional 25 at no charge.  Contact Stone Hill Paperie for your appointment to take a look at their gorgeous designs and samples!

Gratitude 101: How to Write a Thank You Note

While the thought of writing thank-you notes can be daunting in this age of email, it is much easier than you think and so much more appreciated than an email. Without further ado, sit down with some beautiful stationery and show your gratitude. Here’s a quick how-to to get you started. . . .

1. Greet the Giver ~ although an obvious one, the “Dear Aunt Jane” line is often overlooked.

2. Express your Gratitude ~ without any unnecessary lead-ins, simply say “Thank you so much for the fill in the blank.” If the gift was money, thank them for their generosity but do not directly mention money.

3. Discuss Use ~ say something nice about the gift and how you will use it.

4. Mention the Past, Allude to the Future ~ let the giver know how they fit into your life. {“It was great to see you at Jenny’s birthday party, and I hope to see you soon.”}

5. Grace ~ express your thanks one more time.

6. Regards ~ Simply wrap up the note using whatever sign-off feels right to you (love, yours truly, etc.).

7. Get it in the Mail ~ address the envelope, stick a great stamp on it, and post it.

Think of the sense of accomplishment you will feel, how appreciated the giver will feel, and the continued stream of gifts you will receive from a happy giver!

{© 2011 Blog Boutique | Holly of Salutations | Photo © Ceressa Bateman}

And don’t forget to join us at the Stone Hill Paperie Letter Writing Club!

Adults: Every Wednesday morning from 9 – 10 AM

Adults: The 1st Thursday of each month from 7:30 – 9 PM

Kids: The 1st Saturday of each month from 9 – 10 AM

Please let me know if you will be joining me in the studio amy@stonehillpaperie.com or 484.802.2645