Dahlia Press

a bigger calendar

2012-01-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

It's Friday. I'm a little behind today in my posting, but better late then never. As we are quickly nearing the end of the month (and what a busy month it's been), I'm doing a little bit of reflecting. So far in the month of January, Cate and I have set some major goals, and met more then a few (hello 25 blog posts this month!); and so for that I have to give us a major pat on the back. I'm pretty pleased with what we've got going on so far, but I'm also quickly realizing that 2012 only has 11 months left and those are going to fly by.

And so, as crazy as this might sound, I am doing some mental planning for 2013 (eek!). I'm just trying to be real, there are certain things that are just not going to happen for me this year (for example, I don't see myself making it to the National Stationery Show this year...sniffle sniffle, and I've already missed Alt Summit), but that's not to say that I'm missing out, it just means I am focusing on other parts of developing a business. It's all good stuff. However, that does mean I have some serious goals I absolutely must set for 2013 (like the aforementioned above), and I should set them now. In short, I'm thinking I need a bigger calendar.

Photo credit: Decoylab

discover paper: valentine guide

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today, one of my favorite blogs, Discover Paper, released their 2012 Valentines Guide. It's absolutely gorgeous, and Dahlia Press is one of the lucky sponsors of this amazing collection. You should absolutely check it out!

P.S: Dont forget, our giveaway is going all week. Click here to enter!

{color candy}

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Worshippers at Man Mo temple in Hong Kong light joss sticks on the second day of the Chinese Lunar New Year,
praying for fortune and happiness.

photo credit: Ted Aljibe, AFP/Getty Images |via nationalgeographic

{fabulous freebie} year of the dragon

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday, but not just any Wednesday. It's the Wednesday where we like to celebrate the end of the month by offering up a Fabulous Freebie! As mentioned at the beginning of the year, once a month (the last Wednesday) we will be giving away fantastic free stuff. I know, I know, you're thinking "you already had a giveaway this month." True. But that doesn't stop us from doing it again, and really, who doesn't like the chance to win something? This month we are giving away limited edition Year of the Dragon prints in honor of Chinese New Year to TWO lucky winners. You can see images of the print here and here. It's my favorite, and it could be yours too! All you have to do is follow the instructions below.

Prize: One Dahlia Press 'Year of the Dragon' print - unframed. You can see the design here.
To Enter: Comment on this post (either on the blog or on our facebook wall) and include the words 'YEAR OF THE DRAGON'
Giveaway Ends: Tuesday, January 31st at 8pm (pacific time)
Number of Winners: Two
Prize Ships: Anywhere!
Details: The winners will be selected using random.org and announced on Wednesday February 1st. Make sure to check in on Wednesday to see if you are a lucky winner.

by the way...

2012-01-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

Guess whose Valentine was featured on Oh So Beautiful Paper today? Yep! Exciting stuff. You can check out the post here. Nole has been posting her favorites the past few weeks and I've been thoroughly enjoying all the wonderful cards. Such an honor to be among so many talented artists and designers.

In other news...did you notice we are now offering 'Buy 3 Get 1 Free' in our Etsy Shop? Buy 3 Greeting cards and you'll get the 4th card for free! Yep, we said it, FREE! What could be better? Plus it's perfect timing to stock up on your Valentines. Visit our shop to learn more.

{typography tuesday} nyc edition

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

And I'm back! My week in the city was chalk full of unbelievable artwork, addicting food, old friends and (a ton) of walking. Overall, a fantastic way to kick off 2012. I couldn't be more excited to be back in the northwest though and back in the studio. Cheers to new york and to a new year!

photo credits: 1. fadeoutdesign, 2. coup, 3. moontreepress, 4. FlyingJunction

year of the dragon

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! It's another busy week here at Dahlia Press. We've got lots of fun things to share, photos to post and projects to wrap up. But first, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate Chinese New Year! Cate and I have really enjoyed printing the Chinese New Year limited edition prints (like these, and these) the last few holidays, and so of course we were pumped to welcome the Year of the Dragon. To celebrate this week, we will be hosting a blog giveaway on Wednesday (and trust me, you are going to want to win) so make sure to check back in to learn more. In the meantime, I had to share these amazing stamps. Got to love our neighbors to the north...these are gorgeous!

Tune in tomorrow for Typography Tuesday!

photo credits: http://sendmoremail.blogspot.com/2012/01/dragon.html

happy friday valentines

2012-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's officially Friday. If you live in Seattle, it's been a ~~fun~~ snow-filled week. Although it's beautiful outside, I haven't left the house in days, and to be honest, I need to get out into the fresh air! So, rather then post photos of wedding invitations (I promise those will come soon), I'm just going to keep this short and sweet and just leave you with a couple more valentines to enjoy (you can learn more about these here and here). I've had a lot of fun sharing these with you this week and I hope you have too.

Next week is a big week! It's Chinese New Year!! We'll be sharing some of our favorite's for the week and even host a giveaway, so make sure to check in.

{today i love} eco-friendly pencils!

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Now that you have Valentines to send, you'll probably need a fantastic writing tool as well. Check out these adorable eco-friendly pencils made from recycled colored paper! They're super cute, and you can feel good about using them! Learn more about them here.

photo credit: Write with Moxie

{color candy}

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

photo credit: TABITHA BIANCA BROWN

will you be my valentine?

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be real honest here...I love Valentines Day. It's not the chocolates, flowers or even the cards that I love, it's just the day. Since I was very young, Valentines Day was always a big deal in our household. My parents always made a point to celebrate it, and not in an overly mushy way, but in a "let's take this opportunity to tell our family and friends how much they mean to us" kind of way. To me it will always be a special time of year. It might be silly, but I love it anyways, and so I introduce to you another Valentines Day card by Dahlia Press. Enjoy!

love notes

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl my Mom would leave little notes in my lunch bag. Sometimes they would wish me a good day at school, or sometimes they would just be a little reminder that she loved me. They weren't always there, but now and then, I'd find a tiny card with a sweet sentiment and I'd know she was thinking of me.

It was always a treat to find these little notes, and now you can write your very own. Now available in the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop, in a variety of colors, are the Dahlia Press Love Notes. These sweet mini cards (2"x3.5") come in a set of 8 and are printed in red & pink ink with matching envelopes. We also have a blind embossed option. They are the perfect way to leave a little message for a loved one to find. Check them out today!

{typography tuesday} feeling the love

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sadly Miss Cate is in New York this week, so I've offered to take over Typography Tuesday while she vacations. To keep our Love theme going, I discovered a few fun prints and photographs that I couldn't help but share. Enjoy!

photo credits: 1. Nerdy Dirty, 2. Martha Stewart, 3. Diane Bergeron, 4. Bomobob

valentines & big winners

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! This week is going to be a busy one. Like I mentioned on Friday, it's going to be all about the Love. Over the course of the week you'll be introduced to the new Dahlia Press Valentines (very exciting), see a few of our favorite 'Love' typography images, and even have a chance to view a few pics from a recently printed wedding suite. Also, we will of course be announcing the winner of our National Letter Writing Week giveaway! So, without further adieu, I'd like to kick it off with the Valentines.

We have quite a few new designs joining the Dahlia Press Shop this year, but these first two are some of my absolute favorites. Focused on keeping it simple, I chose to highlight nothing but the typography and bold use of color. As usual, all of the cards are printed on our house paper (100% tree-free cotton paper) and feature hand mixed inks. The You & Me card is available not only as a single greeting, but also as a framed print (as seen at the bottom of the post); while the Love Equation (you + me = love) note cards are sold in a pack of 8 with corresponding envelopes. Head to our Etsy shop to learn more!

Now, before we jump to the big winner, I wanted to say how excited I was to see the number of people interested in the giveaway! Cate and I have quite a few fantastic freebies planned for the blog (including a very special Chinese New Year giveaway next week) so please stay tuned to learn how you can win some really fun thing. Now...for the moment you've all been waiting for; random.org has selected a winner of last weeks National Letter Writing Week giveaway, and it is username: PurpleLarkspur! Congrats! I will be reaching out to you today so that we can ship out your winnings straight away.

For the rest of you, again, stay tuned for future Giveaways and in the meantime, make sure to check in tomorrow to see a few more Valentines and such.

P.S: Did any of you notice the new Dahlia Press Logo on the blog? As we're working on the new website, we decided it was time for an updated logo as well.

wrapping it up

2012-01-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! It's been a long and busy week, but Friday is finally here! A lot of really exciting stuff has happened this week and I'm just itching to fill you in, but I have to wait just a little longer before I can give you all the dirty details...but let's just say, it's going to be Fabulous.

In the meantime, you can look forward to lots of fun new stuff happening next week. It's going to be all about the Love! We will start off announcing the giveaway winner for for National Letter Writing Week (you have 2 more days to enter, see this post to learn more!). Then we'll jump right on in to my new line of Valentines Greetings and even a new set of wedding invitations! Get excited!

Me...I'm off to write a few more letters (by hand, but I'm dreaming about writing them on something like the beauty above). Have a wonderful weekend and we'll see you on Monday!!

Photo credit: Good Bones Vintage Co.

{color candy}

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

photo credit: TODD HUNTER

{national letter writing week} tools + supplies

2012-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

I love Etsy. You know that I do (it's no surprise). So during this letter writing week extravaganza, I decided to feature a few of my favorite shops that sell some amazing products to help in your letter writing adventures (because we all know, having something cute to write with can sometimes make those more tedious letters a little easier to handle). For example, this Letter Ledger by Paper & Type. It's perfect for keeping track of the the letters you need to write and the ones you receive.

It's also imperative to have a great return address stamp. I personally use a embosser like this for all of my personal notes, however I think rubber stamps are a fantastic (and budget friendly alternative). Plus Primele has a few amazing font selections that I just love.

Lastly, who doesn't need a fantastic set of pencils that are not only handy, but make you smile? As we are quickly nearing Valentines Day (and boy do I have a ton of fun stuff in store for that!) I can't help but get a little giddy over these You & Me pencils by Knot and Bow.

Now that you have your tools, and your fancy schmancy stationery, like this one here, you should be set to write some amazing notes! And remember, have fun with it!

PS: Dont forget, it's not too late to enter in this weeks giveaway!
photo credits:
Letter Ledger by Paper & Type
Me&You Pencils by Knot and Bow
Address Stamp by Primele

{typography tuesday} furniture edition

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Alexie Sommer created this beautiful a-chair out of 250 sheets of recycled cardboard. Stunning.

“The a-chair was realised at the Royal College of Art. Inspired by a Alvar Aalto’s ply-wood furniture experiments, Frank Gehry’s cardboard furniture, typographic forms and sustainable materials. The a-chair was hand crafted from over 250 sheets of recycled cardboard and a lot of love. For the a-shoot, the team drove the a-chair around London and visited a few friends…the highlight of the a-chair shoot was when we arrived at the Thomas Jones primary school in Ladbroke Grove. The moment the children saw the chair, they fell in love with it, and started climbing and jumping all over it – almost fighting over it. One of the kids said ‘It’s like a great big elephant – can we keep it?’ “

Photo Credit: lexdesignlondon

{national letter writing week} stationery giveaway!

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

** Update: this giveaway is now closed, see Mondays post to learn if you're the winner**

It's Monday! I always like to start the week off right, and what better way then to host a giveaway?! Todays giveaway is in celebration of a very exciting week...National Letter Writing Week. During the week of January 9th-15th, pull out your pen and paper and write a good old fashioned letter! Sometimes we take it for granted just how lovely it is to receive a letter in the mail, so what better excuse to send a note to a friend of loved one? Plus, it's the perfect time to catch up on all of your holiday Thank You cards. (Speaking of...I have just loaded an array of Thank You cards into the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop, hop on over to the shop to learn more!)

Now, onto the giveaway. In honor of National Letter Writing Week we will be giving away one of our newly printed Thank You card sets (as pictured) to one lucky reader. How do you enter? It's easy, see the details listed below to learn more!

Prize: One set of Thank You cards by Dahlia Press. You can see the designs here, here and here.
To Enter: Comment on this post (either on the blog or on our facebook wall) with the words 'I NEED STATIONERY!'
Giveaway Ends: Sunday, January 15th at 8pm (pacific time)
Number of Winners: One
Prize Ships: Anywhere!
Details: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on Monday January 16th. Make sure to check in on Monday to see if you are the lucky winner.

{today i love} the black keys

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! We've made it through our first full week of the New Year, congrats! To celebrate the end of the week, I thought I'd share this weeks favorite album!

Cate and I listen to a lot of music in the DP studio...and do I ever mean A LOT. We make one another mixed CD's like we were high-school crushes. It's a beautiful thing really. Anyways, this weeks favorite album has to be, hands down, the Black Keys 'El Camino'. I admit it, I'm a woman obsessed.

It wasn't love at first sight - to be honest I was a little taken aback by the difference between this album and their previous 'Brothers' - it's much less 'blues-ie' and much more glam rock. But (and this is a big BUT) when I learned that the album was co-produced with another of my absolute favorites, Danger Mouse, it all made beautiful sense. Now I can't stop listening! What they've managed to come up with is pure genius (and demands you press 'repeat' every few minutes). Plus, I discovered that Patrick Carney and I have the same taste in glasses, so what's not to love? My point is, if you haven't checked out 'El Camino', you absolutely must. You can learn more about it here.

As for next week, Cate and I have loads in store. First and foremost, next week is the official National Letter Writing Week (this year we will actually be participating on time which means stationery giveaways!). So check in on Monday to learn all about it. In the meantime, have a very Happy Weekend!

Photo credit: The Hollywood Reporter

for the love of blogs...

2012-01-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like me, and you read a million blog posts a day, then you should probably be a part of Bloglovin. If you haven't checked it out...you should! Plus you can follow my blog with Bloglovin.

{color candy}

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

On Friday I am packing my bags and heading to the Big Apple for a miniature holiday. I cannot wait to soak up the intensity, energy and artwork around every corner. This inspired me to feature a series of paintings this month for our color candy editions, beginning with one of my favorite pieces by New York Artist Beth Barry.

Photo Credit: Beth Barry

emmett revealed

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday! My initial plans for today's post were to share a few new items that are getting ready to join the Etsy Shop. But due to a lack of photos (this weekends weather was anything but conducive to a photoshoot) I decided I would take this opportunity to finally share the new and improved table-top press (Emmett) instead.

If you happen to remember Emmett's first appearance on the blog (click here to learn more), he was a little less then print ready. After sitting unused in a garage for a number of years, he was a tad bit rusty and dirt ridden. As well, Emmett came without a proper table or base, and was in desperate need of a new feed board. Although these were completely manageable tasks to take on, it was still quite a bit of work to get him up to speed.

The first task at hand was to tackle the rust. A few evenings dedicated to Steel Wool, and Simple Green BBQ Cleaner, and Emmett was looking spiffier then ever (see the photos below). A little touch up paint took care of the areas where it was chipping, and a good oiling got the press back to working order.

My next task was to commission a very sweet gentleman (aka: Dad) to build a new feed board. I have to admit, the new board is absolutely gorgeous! Although Pearl's board is in perfectly good condition, I'm trying to decide how I can finagle a matching Juniper board for her.

Last but not least, the final task (and probably the most difficult) was to hunt down an appropriate table. As I have become a fan of the stainless steel kitchen equipment on casters, I was oh so hopeful that I could find a smaller version for Emmett. It wasn't easy, but hours of internet searching paid off when I stumbled across a 'Rice Cooker' stand. The addition of casters finished it off.

So, meet the new Emmett. He's one handsome guy don't you think?

P.S: In case you have a printing press restoration project in your future, below is a list of supplies and equipment I used to get Emmett up to speed.

Simple Green BBQ Cleaner - This stuff is the absolute best! I use this on Pearl when she needs a good scrubbing, and it worked wonders on Emmett.
Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel in Gloss Black - A standard glossy black paint is key for any printing press. Rust-Oleum is a great brand as it helps to prevent future rust.
Rice Cooker Stand - This was the hardest piece to find, but with locking 6" casters, it's the perfect size/height for a tabletop press.

{typography tuesday} coaster edition

2012-01-03T08:00:00.001-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year! I am so flattered and excited to get to share weekly inspirations and obsessions with you here on the blog! When Stephanie asked if I would come up with a couple weekly concepts, I asked myself what I love most. The answer was obvious: Type! From marquee letters to quirky penmanship I find myself constantly intrigued by typography around me and I cannot wait to share this here with you.

Inspired by my new years resolution to drink more H2O, I figured it would be super fitting to kick off the year by featuring a collection of coasters like these, these, these, these and these. Enjoy and drink up!

Photo Credits:
1. Invenio Crafts
2. Greenolive
3. Red Bird Inc.
4. Teiton-Made
5. ACD

welcome 2012

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2012! I hope you all had a fabulous New Years holiday and are now rested and ready to start the new year off right. I could go on and on about the fun and exciting things I did with my holiday weekend (like visit swanky places like this for New Years Eve), but as I've kept you all in suspense this past week, rather then postpone any longer, I'm going to hop right into what's in store for 2012.

First and foremost, a few major changes and renovations are going to happen the Dahlia Press blog. After serious reexamination of the site, I've decided that it's time to make posting 5 days a week less of a goal and more of an actuality. I love the blogging process and I know all of you tend to be happier when I post regularly, so why not make it a 5 day a week commitment? To encourage this good blogging behavior, I have elicited a little bit of help. Miss Cate is going to contribute a few weekly posts (and I couldn't be more excited). We like this idea because Cate is a huge part of the Dahlia Press team, and it only makes sense that you get to know her as well. Plus she has some amazing new things to share, so I know you're going to love having her around.

Secondly, we've decided to add a few weekly themed posts to our blogging schedule. As of this week, every Tuesday will now be officially known as 'Typography Tuesday'. We'll be featuring a selection of typography inspired items (think everything from coasters to t-shirts) that we love and think you will as well. Secondly, every Thursday tune in for 'Color Candy'. (we will be sharing a photo or piece of art that inspires a fun and fabulous color palette). And lastly, and most excitedly, on the last Wednesday of the month, we will be giving away a 'Fabulous Freebie'. Yep, you read it right, something completely fabulous and completely free direct from us to you. This might include a fancy print or a set of stationery you can win, or even a printable PDF, so you'll want to stay in touch to make sure you can find out how to get your hands on some free goods.

Now, enough chat about the blog. What are a few other things we have on the 2012 docket? Well, the new and improved Dahlia Press website is on its way and coming to you before the Spring (fingers crossed!). With the new website, we're also going to be releasing a new collection of wedding invitations and announcements, so get excited. Also, as of last week, we Tweet! Yep, Dahlia Press is now a part of the Twitter community. We're still working out all the bells and whistles, but we'd love for you to follow us. You can check out our Twitter page here.

Lastly, we're going to start offering Weekend Workshops! Yep, once a quarter I'm going to be hosting a weekend workshop in the Dahlia Press studio where you have a chance to print your very own set of stationery! Interested? We thought you might be. Feel free to leave a comment or send an email to info@dahliapress.com to be added to the email list to learn more.

Phew, well I think we've covered just about everything. I hope you're as excited as I am about all the new happenings at Dahlia Press. I'll be back on Wednesday to introduce a few new offerings in the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop. In the meantime, Cate will be here tomorrow for our first Typography Tuesday. 2012 is going to be a great year!

P.S: I thought we'd celebrate with a New Years cocktail. To get the recipe for the cocktail above, visit Bon Appetite here.

photo credit: Bon Appetite

happy new year

2011-12-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe this year is almost over...but here we are in the final days of December. 2011 has truly been an amazing year for me (hands down, the best year in a long time) and I can't help but look back and smile at all the fun surprises that came my way and all that was accomplished. As sad as I am to say goodbye to 2011, I am actually a little giddy for the thought of a new year as I have loads of fun things in store and I'm itching to share them all with you. So on that note, I am off to enjoy the long holiday weekend, I'll be back on Monday to kick off 2012. Happy New Year!!

P.S: You're probably wondering who this handsome fella is. Well, he happens to be my Dog-Nephew Bauer. Chloe didn't have time in her schedule for a holiday photoshoot, but Bauer was up to the task. Thanks to Day of the Dog for taking this fantastic pic and thanks to George & Erin for sharing it.

{color candy} spring color forecast

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Color forecasting is one of those things I've never quite understood. The idea that a group of individuals can gather together and decide which of the millions of colors are going to be the 'it' swatches for the next season boggles my mind. However, being that I'm a huge fan of anything Pantone; if it is left up to them to decide the fate of color, then it is left in good hands. Above is a little preview for what we've got to look forward to next season. As you can probably assume, I'm completely hot for 'Solor Power' (yellow) and 'Cockatoo' (teal). I've listed all the names below for your reference. Enjoy!

First Row:

Tangerine Tango: Pantone 17-1463
Solar Power: Pantone 13-0759
Sodalite Blue: Pantone 19-3953
Cabaret: Pantone 18-2140

Second Row:

Margarita: Pantone 14-0116
Driftwood: Pantone 18-1210
Bellflower: Pantone 18-3628
Cockatoo: Pantone 14-5420

Third Row:

Starfish: Pantone 16-1120
Sweet Lilac: Pantone 14-2808

{treasury listing} calendar crush

2011-12-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

Always a treat to be included in a Treasury listing. Check out this fabulous collection of 2012 calendars and prints here (it includes my 2012 Year of the Dragon print as seen above).

getting organized for the new year

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

I had grand ideas of blog posts this week, but to be honest, I kind of liked dragging out my holiday vacation a little longer then necessary. Now, on Wednesday, I'm finally hopping back to it. This week I'm in a mad rush to get organized for the new year. A million To Do list's have been written, post-it notes have been thrown on the wall with goals for 2012 and I'm nearly itching with excitement to share them all with you. 2011 was an amazing year, but 2012 is going to kick it's arse. I've got loads of plans, many of which are going to happen to this very blog, so get excited and stay tuned!

photo credit: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20409258,00.html?xid=shine-110630-chalkboard-paint

christmas wishes

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

It is the end of the work week and officially time to relax and enjoy the long holiday weekend. I'll be back early next week to wrap up 2011 before the new year. In the meantime, here is wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

winter old fashioned

2011-12-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

What would Christmas week be without a special holiday cocktail? Although I am always a fan of the traditional holiday drinks, sometimes it's nice to spice up the menu a bit. The Man's been working on a couple different holiday concoctions as of late, but this one by far takes the cake. Introducing the Winter Old Fashioned! If you're a fan of the Old Fashioned, you'll love this. It's boozy Christmas in a cup.

Winter Old Fashioned
2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 oz. Pimento Dram
1/4 oz. Apple Cider Syrup (2:1 ratio)
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stir with ice in an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a orange twist.

P.S: If you'd like to check out other cocktails The Man's been working on, hop on over to his blog at https://cocktailsatlocation.wordpress.com
photo credit: http://www.thekitchn.com/

christmas sales

2011-12-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better then catching a few last minute holiday sales! Obviously it's a little late to receive holiday cards by Christmas, but it's the perfect time to stock up on cards for next year. As of today all Dahlia Press Holiday cards are 25% off. Hop on over to my shop to check out the sale items.

holiday cookies

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

We have a few holiday traditions in my household, most of which are centered around the food. Being a fan of holiday snacks and treats, it's only natural that my family would have a traditional holiday cookie, the Spritz cookie to be exact. I can't remember a year without Spritz and if you haven't had one before, you don't know what your missing! They're light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious (and during the holidays, completely calorie free!). I've placed my very secret family recipe below (thanks Aunt Betty Crocker), but first I must warn you that not just anyone can make Spritz cookies; you must have the correct tools, such as a fancy schmancy cookie press like this one here. Once you've got the press and the ingredients, you're ready to rock. Enjoy!

Spritz Cookies:
1 cup butter softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food color if desired (I always make green trees and red poinsettias)
Sprinkles

Heat oven to 400f. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed. Stir in flour, salt, egg, vanilla and a few drops of food coloring. Place dough in cookie press. Form desired shapes on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 5-8 minutes or until set, but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet and cool on wire rack. Decorate with favorite holiday sprinkles.
photo credit: http://itsybitsyfoodies.com

christmas tunes

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of the planet, I have a girl crush on Zooey Deschanel. I'll admit it; she's the cat's pajamas - as is her new album with M.Ward 'A Very She & Him Christmas'. If you're not a She & Him fan already (you should be!) then the Christmas album is just the ticket to get you up to speed. It's really quite lovely and chock full of all your holiday favorites. Go get it today; you can find out more about it here, or you can always ask Santa for it.

happy christmas week!

2011-12-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas week! Okay, I don't really know what that means, but being that Christmas is at the end of the week, it seems only right that we have a whole week of fun celebrations. Yes? Glad you're with me on this.

I'm starting this week off right (and feeling mostly healthy) by wrapping up all of my final packages to put under the tree. Packaging might be my favorite part of Christmas. I'm a glutton for paper, ribbons and fun tags. This year I'm continuing with the printed kraft paper and satin ribbon look. It's an oldie, but a goodie...and being that I'm still a little ill, it's good to go with something I know. It does have me dreaming up some fun and new creative wrapping ideas for next year though. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Well, back to packaging for me...I'll be back later with my favorite holiday cookies and music!

Photo Credit: Annie at http://annnniegirl.tumblr.com/post/13526998499

holiday deals

2011-12-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

We are officially counting down the last few days til Christmas, and I wanted to remind all of you that there is no better time to place your Etsy orders then now. Any orders placed by this Sunday or before will be mailed out by Monday the 19th at the very latest, and should arrive in time for Christmas*. Sadly, I can't guarantee anything after that time though. So, as a little incentive, I've decided to offer 10% off any Dahlia Press Shop Etsy order placed between now and Sunday at Midnight. Just type in the code HOLIDAYDEALS to get your 10% off. Happy Shopping!

P.S: This includes our blind impression stationery!!
*All domestic items will be mailed USPS Priority Mail. International orders will be shipped by Monday the 19th and are eligible for the discount, however I cannot guarantee delivery by Christmas.

feel good etsy shopping

2011-12-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

The man and I are stuck at home sick with a bad winter cold. It's not fun, and it's certainly not pretty. The only healthy one among us is the dog, and you can only imagine how much help she is. It's a sad situation around these parts. Luckily, there's always a little Internet shopping to lift your spirits when you're stuck in bed. Although I don't have any lingering holiday gifts to purchase, I do desperately need a few little trinkets for the next Dahlia Press photo shoot (if you've noticed, my Etsy shop has recently had a photo face lift, all in preparation for the new Dahlia Press Website). Etsy is the perfect place to find some killer steals, like this, this, this and this.

P.S: Just a reminder, if you're wrapping up your holiday shopping, this week is a perfect time to stop on by the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop. Orders placed before this Sunday should make it in time for Christmas!

Photo Credits:
1. RescuedFromWasteland
2. VerdeStudios
3. WrapWorks
4. CocoaBeans

{today i love} washi tape

2011-12-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

Have you met my friend Washi tape? No? Allow me to introduce you! It's fabulous, you really must get to know it. Made in Japan, this beautiful masking tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It can be a little tricky to find, but if you live in Seattle it is sold at Uwajimaya or you can find it on Etsy sites like this. It will change your holiday packaging for the better...I promise!

P.S: The blog is still mid face-lift, so excuse the mess if things get shuffled around a little.

where you can find us...

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to announce that you can now find Dahlia Press products at KORE in Nashville TN! KORE is a design house and boutique which features an array of wonderful products to intrigue and entice (particularly the pocket book). I couldn't be more thrilled to have my work at KORE. If you're in the area, definitely stop by. You can learn more about KORE here.

*photo by Jenelle Hynes, KORE

holiday feature

2011-12-07T09:38:00.001-08:00

It's always a treat to stumble across a blog post that has featured your work. This season my Holiday Greeting set (shown as #8) was featured in one of my absolute favorite blogs, Paper Crave, as part of their Holiday card round-up. Thanks for including us in this fun feature!

UPDATE: It appears the same cards were featured in another favorite blog today; Oh So Beautiful Paper. Thank you for thinking of Dahlia Press.

weekend at the beach

2011-12-05T09:12:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it's good to just get away and go to the beach...especially in December. We took a long weekend, left our holiday shopping lists, unhung christmas lights and stacks of looming projects back in Seattle, and headed to the Oregon coast for a couple days in the ~~cold~~ sun. It was beautiful, but still a little chilly. Although I'm back, my mind is still somewhere on that beach, so excuse me if it takes another day to hop back to it. I hope you had a nice weekend too!

almost december

2011-11-30T11:09:00.001-08:00

It's officially the end of November...if you haven't started your holiday shopping, it might be a good time to hop on over to the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop to see the fun new items we've been cooking up. Not only do we have an array of new holiday cards, but also birthday greetings, thank you stationery and of course our ever-so-popular blind impression stationary personalized to your needs. And don't forget, our 2011 Year of the Rabbit print is now on sale. Check it out today!

year of the dragon!

2011-11-28T10:18:00.001-08:00

In honor of Cyber Monday, we thought we'd add one more very special item to our Etsy Shop to enhance (and entice) your holiday shopping experience. Welcome the 2012 Year of the Dragon limited edition print! We couldn't be more pleased with the final result. Like the 2011 Year of the Rabbit print, we will be offering this print either with a frame ($35) or without ($20). Printed on our house paper, Crane Lettra, the print features soft gray ink with a bold golden dragon. It's the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays. To learn more or to pick one up for yourself or loved ones, check it out here and here!

"two thousand and twelve || the water dragon is said to be magnificent and brave || he is incredibly intelligent and devoted || he is considered a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority || the dragon symbolizes power and wealth || his motto declares: "I reign" || he embodies an active mind and larger than life qualities || he is a colorful creature, full of vitality and passion || he is compatible with both the monkey and the rat || the dragon is extroverted, irrepressible and perceptive to others || confidence, innovation and transformation will be the keywords for the new year."

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I'll be back next week with many new and exciting things to share. Cheers!

eat, drink, and be merry!

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

A couple holidays ago I designed a Eat, Drink & Be Merry invitation for a favorite client. I loved the invite so much that after two years, I decided it was time it resurface. Slightly adapted from the original design, I chose to brighten up the invitation by printing it in a series of colors including a bold christmas red and a very cheery yellow. I'm not sure why, but I just love the non-traditional color scheme. You can purchase your own Eat, Drink & Be Merry cards at my Etsy shop either as individual cards ($4 each) or in a pack of 3 for only $10. Hop on over and pick yours up today!

etsy updates and holiday sales!

2011-11-21T08:30:00.001-08:00

Good Morning Friends! If some of you were poking around our Etsy Shop yesterday or our Facebook page, you may have noticed the shop getting a bit of a holiday makeover. Admittedly, I got a little camera happy this weekend and took a million snaps of our new holiday cards, all of which are now for sale in our Etsy Shop. Pop on over there to place your holiday order. Also, to celebrate the upcoming holidays and the end of 2011, we are offering 20% OFF all of our Year of the Rabbit Prints (framed and unframed!) That is a crazy good deal, making the framed print only $28 plus shipping and unframed prints a mere $16. Perfect for upcoming Christmas gifts!

P.S: Keep in mind there are two different styles of Rabbit prints (sitting rabbit and running rabbit), so make sure to shop around the site!

{emily post} the cell phone is not the extra utensil at the dinner table

2011-11-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

I know I have been a little MIA this week...but trust me, it's with good reasoning. I've been printing like crazy (very fun wholesale order in the works), putting the finishing touches on Emmett (stay tuned for pictures next week) and getting ready to load all my Holiday designs on Etsy. It's been a bit of a zoo around these parts to say the least. But, before I completely miss out on a post for this week, I thought I'd fill you in on last weeks meet and greet with Anna Post (great great granddaughter of Emily Post). By far, this event was easily one of the highlights of my November. First, the event was held at one of my absolute favorite Seattle shops, Watson Kennedy (if you haven't been there, you must...and I mean today!) who was kind enough to offer 15% off items in their store during the event. Secondly, there were tons of delicious treats and nibbles as well as sparkling wines and drinks to be had...and thirdly (and of course most importantly) Miss Anna Post herself came to introduce the 18th Edition of Emily Post's Etiquette - and you got to take a signed copy of the book home with you!

Now, this isn't the first time my house has been graced by the Etiquette manual (aka: the bible of manners), but it's by far my favorite edition. Not only has the cover received a bit of a makeover - notice the fabulous color scheme - but the 18th Edition touches on a whole range of topics that have never been explored in previous editions such as technology etiquette and social media! It gives you advice on when it is okay to 'de'friend' a friend on Facebook, why you shouldn't tweet at a wedding, and why it is never okay to pull out your cell phone and text during a dinner party. It's a fabulous book, and in my opinion, a book that everyone should have in their home. Interested? You can check it out here.

{today i love} uncommon goods!

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe I'm posting these...but here they are - the first batch of this years Holiday greeting cards! It seems like every year it is my goal to print a few holiday cards, and ever year it is a huge disappointment when I realize I didn't get around to it. But something happened this year and not only did we design and print cards, but they're ready to rock by mid-November. And the best part...there are even more designs on their way! {For the record, this sort of early-bird activity may never happen again.}

So why the mad rush to print holiday cards so early in the year? Well I'd like to say it is to blame on my amazing organizational skills, but I'd be lying if I failed to mention that much of it was due to the Uncommon Goods Holiday Card Design Challenge! Yep, Uncommon Goods (if you haven't checked out their site, you absolutely must, it's the perfect place to do your holiday shopping) is holding a card competition where the grand prize includes $500 and an opportunity to sell your cards on Uncommon Goods site. It might be a long shot, but I thought it was worth printing a series of holiday cards for.

Now, on the off chance that Uncommon Goods decides to go another direction (gasp!) it's not a problem, these cards will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop by this weekend not only as individual cards, but also in a variety 4 pack! (yippee!). Don't wait until the last minute to get your holiday cards ready!!

etiquette

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

You wont believe what I'm going to tonight! Watson Kennedy is hosting a book signing by Anna Post (one of the authors of Emily Post's Etiquette). You can buy tickets here if you'd like to join me. It should be quite the night, and don't fret...I'll post all about it tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

*photo by Ted Kennedy Watson http://www.tedkennedywatson.com

emmett update

2011-11-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's been crazy crazy busy around these parts lately. Doc Brown has been cleaned, degreased, oiled up and printed on...and boy did he do a great job! I tested out a blind impression notecard set (similar to the ones featured above which are available in my Etsy shop), and they printed beautifully! I couldn't be more excited. I also committed to a new table for Doc Brown to sit on. After much debate and online hunting, I finally settled down with a stainless steel 'rice cooker stand' (seen below). It's identical to my other work tables, only shorter. Once I add a fancy pair of casters to the legs, it should be the perfect height for printing. Last step will be to attach Emmett's new feed board, a little touch up paint, and we will be good to go...or at least to print!

table hunting

2011-11-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

So I got the press, as you know, but what's almost been harder than finding the perfect press, is finding the perfect stand. Who knew it would be so difficult? Now, I do have a few requirements that certainly do not add to the ease of this task. First, I want something with wheels. The majority of my studio is on casters (including Pearl) which allows me to easily move around the space and adjust the furniture to suit my needs, so having Doc Brown on a set of wheels would only add to the flexibility of the space. Secondly, I'd really like the table to be Stainless Steel. Part of this is because...well...it matches the other studio equipment; but even more importantly a huge part of this is just the durability that steel offers. Lastly, I need it to be cost efficient. Sadly, at this time, I just can't justify a stand that costs almost half as much as the press itself. So, after days and days of internet searching, I'm left without a stand, but with a few potential ideas (see above, they range from Kitchen Tables and carts to Typewriter Tables). I'm determined to have this figured out by next week. For now, have a happy Friday and a very lovely weekend!

Meet Emmett!

2011-11-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Introducing Emmett (aka: Doc Brown)! The not-so-little table top press has been moved into the studio and given a new name. After collecting many names suggestions (we needed a name that complimented Pearl and was fitting for the little press) we decided to call him Emmett (sadly the name Paco just didn't make the cut). In part we chose Emmett just out of fondness for the name, but also because I found myself watching Back to the Future over the weekend and I happen to have a soft spot in my heart for Doc Brown. Plus, after seeing the immense amount of rust and dirt on the little Craftsman, anything to do with the color brown seemed fitting.

So, in order to get Doc Brown up and running, I have a small laundry list of items that need to get done. First on the list is a serious scrubbing. I've already spent a couple hours on the little guy removing the rust off the ink disk and rails, and thanks to the power of Simple Green BBQ cleaner, I've made some real progress. After he's good and clean, I'll need to work on finding him a suitable stand (preferably one with casters) to sit on, and lastly, we'll build him a new feed board. Although I like the color of the current blue feed board, it's badly dented and I'm worried it's a little beyond repair. Rather than deal with the hassle of stripping and sanding, I think I'm just going to build a new one entirely that matches Pearl's stained feed board. Then he'll get a good oiling and hopefully be ready to print! Stay tuned!

happy halloween!

2011-10-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

new press!

2011-10-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Exciting news...Pearl is getting a little brother! A Craftsman Imperial 6x10 is coming to join the Dahlia Press gang. It's similar to the press shown in the advertisement above, only larger, and certainly not $90 (wouldn't that be nice?!).

It's a little odd to be bringing in a table top press after having a floor model for so long (typically, you start small and build up), but as you've seen my studio, space is of the essence, and a tabletop will fit nicely. Also, anyone with a basement studio knows, hauling a letterpress down a flight of stairs is anything but fun. So for now, the little Craftsman will join the team and be used for small projects, and as a press to teach workshops on.

The press will join the studio this weekend. He'll be getting a good scrub before his photo-op (he's a tad bit rusty...hasn't seen a lot of use the last few years), but then we'll find him a nice spot to sit and get him up and running. Now, all that's missing is a name. Suggestions?

{today i love} getting ready for the holidays

2011-10-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's not even Halloween yet, but we're already madly working on the holidays! A flurry of things were happening in the Dahlia Press studio yesterday including preparation for the next Chinese New Year print (Hello Year of the Dragon), holiday card designs and even a little printing. First up, a lovely 'HoHoHo' greeting card. This card will be one in a series of 4 holiday cards. You can purchase these separately or as a full set. Keep an eye on the Dahlia Press Shop as they'll be listed for purchase soon. Also, as a reminder, Dahlia Press shuts down mid December for the holidays, so if you have a custom holiday project you'd like to have us print, please contact us as soon as possible. We will stop taking Holiday orders by mid November, so please, don't wait to place your order!

{studio remodel} the after

2011-10-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Are you ready to take a peek at the completed studio? Well let's not waste any more time. Yesterday, we left off with the studio 'before' images. If you didn't get to read yesterdays post, I highly suggest swinging by and viewing the 'before' images before going any further...you can check out the post HERE.

Now, for those of you ready to view the transformation, don't hold your breath any longer. Introducing the new Dahlia Press Studio! It looks a little something like this...

and this...

What do I love most about the new studio? What's not to love? But seriously, the studio remodel has changed so many things for me and the way I work. First, I now have two (not one, but TWO) work counters. After a trip to my local Kitchen Supply store I came back to the studio with some fabulous stainless steel tables with casters. One serves as my desk while the other is used for printing prep, packaging, etc. It's amazing how much easier it is to work in the space now; I have a designated space for everything and Cate and I no longer crash into one another while working. Plus, the casters allow me to move my furniture around easily to create more room when I need it.

Secondly, I love that I was able to incorporate a small seating area (notice the small gray sofa and ottoman pictured above on the leather shag rug). It makes for a great place to sit with clients (or Chloe) and brainstorm.

Thirdly, I was able to come up with some very interesting ways to incorporate additional storage. I kept the two built in closets under the windows (pictured in the first image) to house my more 'messy' printing and packaging supplies. Then, across the studio, rather than fill the bookshelf with books, I chose to flood it with wire baskets that are used to hold my envelopes and finished greeting cards...

Fourthly, you would have thought I would have lost wall space (having removed an entire wall) but rather, it gave me more space display items such as the magazines Dahlia Press has been featured in, or my very fun Marquee letters, without feeling cluttered.

Lastly, and most importantly, I have to say my favorite part of the studio remodel would be the amount of light I was able to bring in. This was accomplished not only from the use of a lighter wall color (goodbye orange!) but the new track lights, the exposed painted ceiling and light wood floors. Being that the space only has two rather small windows, it's truly amazing just how bright and airy it feels. I no longer feel like I'm stuck working in a dark and dingy basement. Now I have a very fun, and functional space. Pearl and I couldn't be happier in the new studio. What do you think?

P.S: On an unrelated note...we're doing a little renovation to the blog right now, so if things shift around, don't stress...it will be done soon.

P.P.S: What is not pictured is my fabulous paper cutter which lives around the corner...I'll photograph that area soon.

{studio remodel} the before

2011-10-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought this week would never come! I'm finally ready to reveal the studio remodel. I know, I make this sound waaaaaay more exciting then it actually is, but for me, the difference between the original space and the new studio is a dramatic improvement. Now, before we can hop on into all the updates, you really need to see the before shots to fully understand the massive undertaking that the remodel truly was.

First, you need to know that my studio (like many small businesses) is located in my basement. Obviously this is not an ideal situation, but sometimes when starting up a new business, you have to do what you have to do, and sometimes that means starting your business in your home. When I started Dahlia Press, it was located an in-home office space within the basement. The space was small (under 9'x11') with very low ceilings, old carpeting and little light. On the best of days, the space looked a little like this...

and like this...

Certainly not terrible (the built in cabinets are a huge storage bonus), but not the most inspirational space to work in. Pearl took up so much room that I was only able to have a tiny desk in the space which worked as both my computer zone as well as my packaging and print prep area. It was a mess and on days when both Cate and I were slaving away in the studio, trying to work around one another was a logistical nightmare.

Luckily for me, there was an underused living room on the other side of the orange wall (with a lot more 'orange') just dying to be part of the space. The living room wasn't much larger than the studio, but together they could make for a nice sized room. So, I hauled out all of the furniture, and this is what we got (I've made a few notes on the photos below to help explain all that needed to happen)...

and this...

As you can see, a lot needed to happen to make the two spaces merge together and become all that they could be. And keep in mind, I had a vision for the new space, remember this...

So, not wanting to hesitate, the contractors got straight to work on the demolition. First to go...the orange wall and door dividing the studio and the living room. By the end of the day, the carpet was gone, the wall was down and the acoustical tile ceiling had been removed. The space now looked a little something like this...

and this...

I'll be the first to admit I was a little panicked when I saw the floor and ceiling looking so 'raw'. And of course, I wasn't exactly in love with the orange. But, like I said this was the beginning and in only a few short ~~weeks~~ months, the studio was a completely new space and ready to rock...but you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the final results. Are you excited? I know I am!

{studio remodel} get ready!

2011-10-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

I realize that I've made you all wait close to a year to see the final results of the studio remodel. It's not fair, this I know. So, next week we're going to dive right on in and I'm going to unveil the completed space. I'll show you the before's (oh so scary) and the afters. Exciting times!

{Etsy Shop} Best Wishes

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

So I may have been a few ~~days~~ weeks behind in posting this card to my Etsy shop...but it's been a busy couple weeks. All excuses aside though, the 'Best Wishes to the Mr. & Mrs.' card is up and available for purchase (and for a mere $3, it's a complete steal!). Get yours today at the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop!

{baby shower} boy, oh boy!

2011-10-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago I was preparing wedding invitations for the Henin's (which I just realized I never posted photos of...whoops...however I did post photos of their Save the Dates) and now, here they are, getting ready to welcome their first child. For their Baby Shower invitations we chose to keep it simple (and budget friendly) by digitally printing their invitations. We paired the invite with a matching orange envelope. Fun, fun!

SEA to SFO

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this the other afternoon featured on the Rue Magazine Facebook page and just loved it...especially since I am San Francisco bound today! Fall officially begins tomorrow, and what better time to take a vacation to one of my favorite West Coast cities then at the beginning of one of my favorite seasons! I'm only gone for a long weekend, so don't worry, things will be back up and running at DP real soon. In the meantime, Happy Early Weekend, and Happy Fall!!

*photo: Rue Magazine

{greetings} best wishes to the mr. & mrs.

2011-09-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

A lot was happening yesterday in the Dahlia Press Studio. Cate and I were madly working on packaging orders, writing estimates, paying bills (boring) and of course, a little letterpress printing! Take a look at what will soon be the newest addition to the Dahlia Press Shop! I've been on the hunt for the perfect congratulations card to give to recently wed couples, and thought it was about time I make one myself! Just need to score, package, snap a few pics, and this little lovely will be ready for purchase!

{today i love} new website?

2011-09-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am terrible with surprises. I try - and sometimes I succeed - but for the most part I just get too excited and have to share! Anyways, this particular surprise is just too big to keep to myself. Deep breath - I'm working on a new website!! It's going to be fabulous. I'm not entirely sure when it will be complete (hopefully before the end of fall), but I promise it will be ready soon and chalk full of fun new stuff. Here's a little sneak peak of the new home page. You can already tell that Dahlia Press is getting a color face-lift and much more. Also, as the website gets underway, you'll see some new changes to this blog too. Get excited people!

thanks (a lot)

2011-09-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses...we've got new set of stationery in the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop! Check out the shop to take a look!

{today i love} new type

2011-09-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Besides the SVC Wayzgoose just being an awesome time, I also highly benefited from the items on the sale table. Among all the lovely letterpress finds was a set of fabulous 24pt and 30pt Cooper Black Italic font. Obviously they just had to come home with me.

golden birthday

2011-09-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was my 30th birthday. Yep, I am in an entirely different decade now (although rumor has it, this is the best decade to be in, so I'm actually not that bummed). Anyways, this birthday was particularly important not only because it was my 30th but because it was my Golden Birthday. What's a Golden Birthday? It's the birthday where you turn the same age as the day you were born (yes I know it's completely lame for those of you who are born on the 1st, but for those of us born on the 30th, it's a pretty sweet deal). Anyways, I of course had to throw a party to celebrate the occasion and made sure it was high on the 'gold' theme. Hopefully I can share a few more pics as soon as I can get my hands on them, but in the meantime, check out my amazing chocolate cupcakes covered in gold dust made by my good friend Justine, and my party invite below (by yours truly).

wayzgoose wrap-up

2011-08-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

As promised, I made a special trip to the School of Visual Concepts 10th Annual Wayzgoose this weekend. If you were there, you know it was a huge success! It is so nice to see so many Letterpress printers and enthusiasts in one area celebrating together. Some of the highlights of the afternoon included the beautiful linocut broadside by Carl Montford and Jenny Wilkson that was available for printing in the SVC Letterpress Shop (pictured above), as well as the Letterpress Smackdown (steamroller meets letterpress printing)!

Here a few photos from the day...

above: Printing the keepsake broadside

above: Letterpress Smackdown - an inked linocut is placed on the ground, paper and padding on top and rolled over with a steamroller. Fantastic!

{today i love} svc wayzgoose

2011-08-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! The School of Visual Concepts is getting ready to celebrate their 10th Annual Letterpress Wayzgoose this Saturday! What's a Wayzgoose? Well, I know I've talked about it before, but for those who have never heard the term, a Wayzgoose was at one time a celebration thrown around St Bartholomew's Day to celebrate the end of summer and the start of working by candlelight (and yes, a goose was often the main dish). Well, we may have gained electricity, but have not lost the age-old tradition and a Wayzgoose is still a commonly held annual party within the printing community.

In Seattle, we're very lucky that SVC puts on a very special Wayzgoose that includes displays by local printers and book artists, a Letterpress equipment swap meet, and most importantly a Steamroller Smackdown, where teams from the local art and design community create beautiful posters using a steamroller in the parking lot. Altogether it's a grand time. I'll be there, will you?

If' you'd like to learn more about the party, check out their website here!

*photo by SVC

letters by ellen

2011-08-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been a seriously long time since we have caught up, this I know. Sadly, I have been in the midst of a bad summer cold and it has gotten the best of me. This cold has been one persistent little bugger and it's taking just a little longer than I would like to get back to my normal routine. So sad. Luckily, nothing cheers you up more when you're feeling down then a surprise package in the mail. This particular package came from calligrapher Ellen with lettersbyellen.com, full of beautiful samples of her work. If you're in the Seattle area and are in need of a calligrapher, I would highly recommend her. Check her out!

As for me...I promise to start writing more. We've got a lot to catch up on and these blog posts aren't going to write themselves! We'll chat more soon!

{today i love} conan

2011-08-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I think these are really important words to follow for just about anything in life, but especially when it comes to business. Working hard is a given (or at least it should be), but always remembering to be kind in the process is truly the ticket. I always try to remember it is easier to attract bees with honey than vinegar, and luckily for me, I've attracted some amazing bees in this industry.

Have a Happy Friday!

hint, hint...

2011-07-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly certain I need this tank top from Typography Shop. And as luck would have it, I have a birthday coming up soon. Just sayin.

(psst...if you're a Fab.com member, it's on sale today)

100 Layer Cake

2011-07-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce Dahlia Press is now a vendor on 100 Layer Cake! If you haven't heard of the site, pop on over, it's an amazing resource for Brides and Grooms-to-be!

{today i love} 10% off Dahlia Press!

2011-07-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone! It's early in the morning and yet already shaping up to be an awesome day. Why? Well, it's gorgeous outside (which for Seattlites who've braved the chilly July, is a welcome change), it's one of my favorite people's birthdays today, and I discovered this morning that as of yesterday I have had 99 sales on my Etsy shop. SO, being that it's oh so close to 100 sales, I think for this weekend we should celebrate with 10% off the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop! Use the coupon code: 100SALES to get 10% off any purchase made today through Sunday. So what are you waiting for...visit the Dahlia Press Etsy Shop now!

a-tisket, a-tasket, I need a basket!

2011-07-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

I bought a bike the other day. It's a beaut! I couldn't be more excited to ride it. It's the perfect combination of cruiser style meets commuter bike. It's all suited up and ready to ride, but just missing one little thing...a basket. I know, it's not necessary, but I really appreciate a basket to carry all my goods (and let's admit it...it adds to the overall look). So now the question is which type, metal or wood? I'm in complete debate. All the baskets I like are either too big, too clunky, or too pricey. It's a dilemma I tell ya.

Either way, whichever basket I choose, the new bike has inspired me and I'm feeling a new greeting card brewing. A bike silhouette perhaps?

*Frank Sinatra Photo: courtesy of ridesabike.tumblr.com

{tips & tricks} rsvp wording dilemma

2011-07-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I met with a new bride and groom. They're quite the fun couple and I am super excited to be working with them. During our meeting, we had the typical invitation planning chit chat. Everything was of the norm, including the conversation that inevitably comes up surrounding the wording of the RSVP. This is a very common conversation with couples, and I always cringe a little, because the issue of how to politely tell your guests not to bring a date is always brought up. So, I thought I'd address this issue here for future brides and grooms looking for a solution when handling this exact situation.

So, what exactly is the problem? Well, let me break it down. It is a popular assumption that if you're invited to a wedding, and you're single, that you are allowed to bring a guest. No, no, au contraire my friends. This is a misnomer and unless it is specifically stated that you are allowed to bring a date, do not assume otherwise. Why is this a big deal? Well, it might not be a big deal for one or two people to bring along a friend, but considering each plate of food could cost upwards of $30+ (not to mention, drinks, cake, favors, etc.), it can become very expensive for the bride and groom very quickly if everyone assumes they can bring a pal.

So brides and grooms - how do we handle this? There are many ways. First and foremost, pay careful attention to how you address your envelopes. If Jack is single and you do not want him to bring along a date, simply address the envelope to Mr. Jack and forgo the 'and Guest'. An inner envelope can also be a handy way to reiterate to Jack that he, and he alone, is invited. The same goes for if he is allowed to bring a guest (or children). If Jack and Jill have a brood, make sure to include '& Family' (or similar wording) to the envelope.

Not enough? Still need to drive it home that you don't want Jack to bring someone along? Well, here are a few other options. You can always write a polite note on the RSVP to your guest that lets them know you're having an intimate affair and are unable to have additional guests attend. Or if you're close enough to Jack to pick up the phone and have a chat, that's always a welcome option. The same goes for guests - if you receive an invite addressed only to you, but would like to bring along a date, a phone call to the bride and groom always goes a long ways. And you never know, they may end up having the extra space on their guest list.

Lastly, another option is available. You can always word your RSVP in such a way that it removes any question as to whether or not someone is allowed to bring a guest. '__seats have been reserved for you (or, similar wording)' will take care of the job. My personal opinion is that this approach can be a little bold, but if numbers are really a concern, than this is an appropriate method to handle the situation.

Hopefully this helps answer a few looming questions. In my experience, the issue of guests bringing dates always works itself out. Keep in mind that on average, only 2/3 of your guest list will actually attend. This often leave a lot of room for last minute invites or dates.

*photo by Wendy Dreaney Photography

{today I love} summer crafts

2011-07-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling a little crafty as of late. Perhaps it's the weather, the time of year, or maybe just a growing list of projects I've been mentally planning - but I'm definitely in the mood to work on something new. Currently on the docket has been my yearly yard maintenance. This never sounds like a good time, but I'm always so pleased with how happy it makes me once it's complete. The past holiday weekend was filled with pulling weeds, mowing and planting new ornamental grasses and ground cover. Although the works not entirely done (there happens to be a large gravel truck on its way to my house very shortly and a shovel with my name on it), I'm already planning what else I can cram into my weekend. Perhaps I'll finally get around to spray-painting some furniture, or take photos of the completed studio (yes it's done and ready for pictures!), or maybe I'll tackle this fabulous painted glass jar tutorial found here. Either way, I'm sure I've got a fun-filled weekend ahead. Happy Friday...see you all next week!

what's new...

2011-07-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's been busy around these parts lately! What have I been up to? Well, a little bit of printing, a little bit of designing, oh...and a lot of planning. In the next couple days (fingers crossed), you'll see some new items pop up on the Etsy shop including a fun new greeting card, as well as a few customizable wedding invitations (including the invitation pictured above). Fun stuff!

*photo by Wendy Dreaney Photography

holiday weekend

2011-07-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July - a day late! It seemed as if all of Seattle was celebrating not only the holiday, but also the amazing weather (summer, finally decided to show it's pretty little face)!

Luckily for me, I was able to spend much of my weekend outside; part of which included a wedding for friends on Vashon Island. The wedding was hosted at Fox Farm Lavender, a beautiful location for summer nuptials. The fields of Lavender, the flowers, and my allergies, all made a very special guest appearance. How did you spend your holiday?

{wedding invites} jamie + brant

2011-06-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Just taking some time to enjoy a few photos from the talented Wendy Dreaney. These invites are one of my absolutely favorites because they were originally designed for one of my favorite people. I recently had the opportunity to print a version of the same invitations for another lovely couple who just said their wedding vows this past week (Congratulations Julie + Kurt!). I'll plan to photograph their invites very soon so you can compare.

{wedding invites} emily + cullen

2011-06-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses are Emily and Cullen's wedding invitations! I just wrapped these beauties up last week and had to share. The Bride and Groom are deep in the throes of planning a beautiful dahlia inspired wedding on the San Juan Islands, and I am so excited that I get to attend. Can't wait for the big day!

{wedding invites} lana + evan

2011-06-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that it has almost been a full year since my friends Lana and Evan got married! Lucky for me, the lovely photographer Wendy Dreaney took some brilliant photos of their wedding and bridal shower invitations to help remind me of their upcoming anniversary. I'm so pleased with the photos, I just had to share. I'll be loading these and many more on the website soon, but in the meantime, enjoy!

no double spaces!

2011-06-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

I've discovered it - the thing above all things that drive me absolutely mad. It's a little thing, and really isn't hurting anyone; but today, after reviewing some copy for another, I realized it truly bothers me to the core. So please, bear with me when I say (and I mean this in the kindest of ways) please stop, I repeat, STOP putting two spaces after a period! I know this sounds like a silly little thing to get worked up about, but it is slowly killing me and all other Typophiles out there.

Now I know, some of you are immediately getting worked up because Mrs. Myers in grade school told you that it was proper to put two spaces after a period and you've written every paper since in this exact fashion. I understand, she told me the same thing too. But hear me out, it's just not so anymore. This convention was developed way back in the day in order to accommodate the limitations of typewriter fonts. But, lucky for us, with the invention of the computer and the advent of proportional spacing, we just don't need that extra space to get us by. In fact, all it's doing is creating more wasted space and eating up more paper.

So save some space, hold back on clicking that bar one more time...if not for me, do it for the trees.

P.S: Want to read more about this? Check out this handy article.

where I've been...

2011-06-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

It's been all sorts of busy lately. So busy in fact, that there just hasn't been time to write! But I'm trying to play a little catch up this week, so hang tight and I'll get you up to speed.

First, I wanted to share a few photos from the gallery show the other week. Unfortunately, when you are socializing at an art show, the last thing you're thinking of is to remember to take photos for the blog, but luckily a few friends sent some of their pictures my way. The white paintings above are the pieces that Cate and I worked on. Sadly, these are only a few of the pieces we showed (and the photos just don't do them justice - they are highly textured and covered in a thick coating of glossy resin - and really need to be seen in person) but it gives you an idea of the work. Overall it was a huge success. We had a great turnout, sold some art, got loads of feedback, and just had an amazing time.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I'm so lucky to work with such a talented person! Cate's is such an amazing printer and painter, and is a huge inspiration in our work and in my life. I'm so blessed that I get to share the things I'm most passionate about with such an incredible friend! I can't wait to get started on our next project (whatever that might be!).

art for arts sake

2011-06-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Remember awhile back I mentioned a little project Cate and I were working on? No? Well here it is. We've started painting. Yep, you read it correctly, painting, not printing. And to top it off, we're involved in a little show (see above, we're Ebley + Clarke). Now, I debated about sharing this on the blog as it doesn't really pertain to Dahlia Press (although, it kind of does - I'll get to that), but I figured what the hay - I've got art to show and we want people to see it. So, if you're wondering around First Thursday tomorrow evening and venture into the SoDo area you should swing on by to see our mixed media pieces (think typography meets acrylic and resin on canvas). Also, if you're one of the first 100 guests you'll receive a letterpressed postcard commemorating the event printed by yours truly! So drop on by and say Hi.

{today I love} pinterest

2011-05-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

You may have wondered where I've disappeared to lately. I'll admit it, I'm a woman obsessed. I have been completely preoccupied as of late, and I blame it all on a handy little site called Pinterest. My good friend Allison was shocked when I told her I hadn't heard of the site during our lunch last week. And so, I of course, had to check it out. At first I was hesitant, the last thing I needed was another site to monitor or follow up on. Between blogging, facebook, email, etsy (the list could go on and on) my web time is fairly maxed out. But Pinterest, well Pinterest isn't just any website. Imagine what it would be like if you could take all your scrap books, binders filled with magazine clippings, random newspaper cut outs on the fridge, and put them altogether in one happy little space. Well, that is Pinterest. Only it gets even better - you can organize all your little web clippings into categories, label them, add pricing information, oh and it automatically remembers where that web clipping came from. As well, you can follow other people in the Pinterest community to see what they're up to (and even ~~steal~~ share their ideas). You can comment on their posts, and re-pin them to your boards. It's fantastic. Seriously, it will change your life!

Now, what's the catch? Well, you have to be 'invited' to sign up, or get on the waiting list. It's unfortunate, but lucky for you, if you happen to know someone (like moi) who is part of the Pinterest community, you just need to give them a little shout out, and I'm sure they'd be happy to send you an invite.

Happy Pinning...and next week, I promise to focus on blogging!

{today I love} paper fashion

2011-05-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

So days later, I'm still in the process of loading photos (I didn't realize just how many I took!). But, I wanted to make sure to give you a sneak preview from the Stationery Show before the weekend caught up with me.

One of the most surprising displays at the Stationery Show, for me, was the Paper Runway. Lined along the red carpet were highly detailed dresses made entirely from - you guessed it - paper! The dresses were truly a work of art. I'm not entirely sure how they would hold up off the runway; but for the show, they were absolutely fabulous!

jet lagged...but oh so worth it!

2011-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back from New York City! I can't believe what an amazing trip I had! It's hard to even begin to explain all I did and saw, but I'll just say that it easily goes into my top 5 trips. I had such a nice time touring the city, wondering around the Stationery Show, and spending quality time with old friends. Couldn't have asked for a better time. I took a million photos, and I plan to share many of them with you, so stay tuned this week and next for fun New York surprises. In the meantime, I had to quickly load some photos from one of my favorite sites, the Brooklyn Bridge.

After a lazy breakfast at the Bridge Cafe (the oldest drinking establishment in New York) on Sunday, we strolled along the bridge to take in the view. Once we got to the mid point we noticed clusters of pad locks in random locations on the bridge. Odd? Yes. But thanks to the power of the smart phone we quickly had an answer.

A rather recent tradition (2004), couples have reenacted a scene from a movie called Tre Metri Sopra il Cielo where they profess their love to one another by securing a lock to the bridge and throwing the key in the water. Although it may be slightly cheesy, and locks are littering the bridge left and right; the sentiment is still rather endearing. And who doesn't love to find a hidden treasure like this now and then?

{today I love} NYC

2011-05-14T08:11:00.001-07:00

Still in NY and having the best time!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

this time next week...

2011-05-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

This time next week I will be touring the National Stationery Show in NYC! Could I be more excited? Probably not! Once I get back I'll have many things to share from my trip, so stay tuned!

{today I love} hot pink tape guns!

2011-05-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

This week's 'today I love' is brought to you by Scotch! Okay, so I had wanted to write about this handy dandy tool a couple weeks ago, but first I had to get over the fact that I was dedicating an entire post to a hot pink tape gun (lame, I know). BUT, after you read why I love this little guy, you'll understand.

So first we need to go way back, waaaaaay back to 2009 when I first started coveting tape guns via this blog post. Alison had written about how much she adored the amazing Scotch ATG 700 tape dispenser, and immediately I knew I had to have one. My need for this tool was confirmed the first time I had to tape down 100+ envelope liners, and after countless hours (and countless rolls of tiny Tombo adhesive rollers), I decided it was time to buy the real deal. Sadly though the Scotch ATG 700 has a hefty price tag. It retails for $89.99 (although I have since found it on sites such as this site for $53 plus shipping). Still, for a plastic gun that dispenses tape (at lightening speed I might add) - it's an investment. Needless to say, I waited in hopes that it would be gifted to me, or for the day I would find it on sale.

But two years later, I was still without a tape gun. That was until I went into to my local craft store to pick up a few miscellaneous supplies. I decided to venture over to the display that housed the Scotch ATG 700 to say hi (and just to see if it was on sale), when I noticed it's hot pink counterpart. Curious about this new color, I picked up the box, to discover that it was made in honor of Breast Cancer awareness, and better yet, the price was only $29.99! A total bargain! So, what's the catch? Besides the obnoxious color (don't get me wrong, I like pink, a lot actually...but hot pink? I feel like I left that back in the 90's where it belonged), the tape width is significantly thinner than the ATG 700, but really for my work, the tape size is perfect.

So that's it! I snatched up the hot pink tape gun and haven't looked back since. It has significantly sped up production time and I'm no longer having to buy Tombo refills in bulk supply. If you have any serious taping to be done in your future, I highly recommend this tool. It's such a bargain...even in hot pink.

{NYC} 7 days and counting...

2011-05-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Exactly a week from today I will be New York bound! As excited as I am, I feel like this trip has literally crept up on me. So now I find myself in planning mode; rummaging through travel books and websites to try to develop an itinerary for my vacation.

Although I have the Stationery Show to look forward to, I will also have some free time to myself for a little city exploration on my own. So I ask, if you had a day to yourself in New York, what would you do? Where would you go? What would you see?

*image credit: Alice Tait. Check out her amazing maps and illustrations here.

{etsy} treasury!

2011-05-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Finding your work featured in an Etsy Treasury is always a nice way to start a Monday. Thank you Romy & Clare for including me. Check it out here!

{today I love} the fascinating fascinator

2011-04-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

After this mornings affair, I can't help but wonder how long it will take before we American's start sporting the fascinator! Not that we are opposed to head accessories, but let's be honest, we're slow to adopt them as part of our traditional wedding ensemble. And truely; unless you're part of the wedding party, it's rare to see a guest decked out with head ornamentation. However, after the world got a look at some of the incredible styles at the Royal Wedding, I wouldn't be surprised if you saw a few hats and fascinators at the next event you attend! I know I am in awe...and maybe in a need of a fascinator of my own!

*photo credit: Pool / Reuters

a royal occasion

2011-04-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Earlier today a friend of mine told me a poll was released which stated that 39% of men would rather have a root canal than watch the royal wedding. Although I am not entirely surprised by this number, I was, I have to admit, a little disappointed. Recently, a few men (including my dear brother), have commented that they cannot understand what all the hype is about. So I, being in the business of making weddings, figured I’d take this little opportunity to share my thoughts on the big day and why it is that I will be joining the ranks of millions to watch the royal wedding live on television (at an ungodly hour I might add!).

First: the bride to be. Why? So many reasons do we love Miss Middleton…but mostly, I believe it is because so many of us spent our youths running around the house with tiaras on pretending someday we’d fall for a Prince. However, this little girl (who is really no different from the rest of us commoners, except for that whole British bit), actually did. We relate to her, she’s our modern day Cinderella (without the evil stepsisters and such). And, I don’t care what age you are, we all love a good fairy tale.

Second: the clothes. Tomorrow morning will be a British Fashion week. We’re all itching to know who wore what, who dared to wear ‘that’ and what the newest royal style looks like. Lady Di was adored for her fashion, so why wouldn’t we be excited to see what the newest Royal brings to the table?

Third: the drama. Who’s going to be there? Who isn’t? What will the Queen do? Is Beyonce really performing at the reception? These are all questions we’re dying to know and don’t want to DVR to find out.

The list could really go on and on…but for me, I’m watching for all those reasons, and a little something more. In a world where bad news spreads like wildfire; where earthquakes, tsunami’s, political scandal and insane gas prices are front page news, it is sometimes necessary that we gather together to celebrate a joyful occasion. Because occasionally you need something to look forward to, something to smile about, and something to remind us that amongst all this chaos, we can still bare witness to something truly special. It is a celebration. An occasion to be happy; and isn’t that why we are so fascinated by weddings in the first place? It is one of the happiest days in a couple’s life…and this couple has allowed us to be a part of it.

So is it silly that I am going to bed early so that I can wake up in mere hours to watch the royal wedding? Maybe. It might even be a bit ridiculous. But will I do it anyways? You bet your royal arse I will.

new photos!

2011-04-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so very lucky to be the recipient of some incredible photographs from the very talented Wendy of Wendy Dreaney Photography. She's busy at work photographing a handful of my invitations and note cards and I am just thrilled. I'll be sharing the photographs over the next few days and updating the website to feature her wonderful work. I just love them!!

This particular piece photographed is one that I've been itching to share. It's based on the 'Dots' invitation you can find in my Wedding Portfolio. Kelly & Chad made it their own by removing the dots and bringing in their wedding flower, an orchid, to the design.

busy weekend...

2011-04-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

There are some weekends that are meant for relaxing, and some weekends that are meant for working. This past weekend was definitely the latter, but what came out of it was something really special. I've been working with Julie from New York for the past month on her wedding invitations. She loved the Crocus invitations I designed last year for my friend Jamie, and so we decided to use that design, switch up the colors and fonts, and add a little folio jacket. A little twine to tie the pieces together and she was set. I'll post more photos of the final pieces soon, but this is just another example of how you can customize one of my pre-existing design and make it your own.

{today I love} holstee

2011-04-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love everything about this poster, what it says, what it means, and especially how it's printed. These are definitely words to live by! You can purchase your own Holstee Manifesto Poster or Greeting Card on their online shop.

*Photo Credit: Holstee

counting down...

2011-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ventured over to a local supply shop to pick up a few packaging materials for one of the brides I am busily working with. While chatting up the woman at the counter, she happened to ask if I was planning to attend the National Stationery Show. I looked at her somewhat confused until it dawned on me what she was really asking. I have been so busy lately, that it really hadn't hit me until that very moment - I am going to New York in less then a month! I was so excited by the time I got home that I went directly to the bookshelf to dust off the old travel books from my last New York adventure. So excited!

still around...

2011-04-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

You're probably wondering where I've gone. Would you believe me if I said I've been too busy to write? It's true. Between designing wedding invitations, filling Etsy orders, my new project with Cate (details to be released soon), and trying to maintain a social life...it's been a little hectic in these parts. The studio is literally turned upside down, but it's all for a good cause and I can't help but get a little excited when I see all that's in store for the next few weeks. In the meantime, I wanted to make sure you know you haven't been forgotten! I'll be back with all sorts of fun real soon.

{letter writing week} we have a winner!

2011-04-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! No better way to start off the week than to give away a prize. Last week I offered to give a custom set of stationery to one lucky participant of Letter Writing Week. Well, I'm happy to announce that Larissa Stuts has won the set! I'll be in touch with her soon to discuss her prize (pictured above). For the rest of you...I hope you enjoyed Letter Writing Week as much as I did. It was a huge help to mark off some of my letter writing To Do's.