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So I missed World Post Day on October 9th, which is also my dad's birthday, I didn't forget this birthday though. Anyway, I am reminded of it because there is this great community of people who love sending postcards all over the world and it is called Postcrossing. You sign up and randomly get a pen pal. You can include some preferences such as country you would like to swap with. It really easy and fun. I have sent 25 so far and covered 121,600 miles. Everyone is fun and creative and the stamps they use are so neat to see. There is no cost, except to buy and send neat postcards and then someone randomly gets to send you fun postcards. Check it out and happy posting!
We are pleased to announce our new home will be in historic Hyde Park. It is a bungalow built in 1917 that has been lovingly restored. It even has the original floors and windows. We are setting up the writing bar now and are working on the class schedule. An online store will be up by the end of the year! Here is a sneak peek:
Writing bar and home of Tampa Type being set up.
Workshop and event space starting to take shape...
Just attended the 2014 National Stationery Show where we were inspired and delighted with so many wonderful designers and artists. Lots of letterpress to die for, new stationery finds and very excited to see more hand carved designs. (Having taken two ink blocking classes I have a deep appreciation for the handwork involved.)
Love to see designers push the envelope with paper, Lilcodefinitely did this with her calling card/promo piece that was a thunderbird! So fun.
We have found great products for the store and can't wait to share them with you, stay tuned....
I headed to NYC with my best gal pals for a weekend of play and inspiration at the Sweet Paul Makerie. This is my third Makerie and it was the first one held outside of Boulder. I am honored to be a part of the inaugural event.
The event was at the new offices of Sweet Paul Magazine, so beautifully whitewashed and very New York.
There was an awesome pop up show that featured works from the amazing teachers, such as this lovely seahorse mobile.
I took ink blocking and stenciling with the one and only Lotta Jansdotter. She is so nice and down to earth, a very good teacher and super inspiring.
Cuddly Owl class with Mimi Kirchner. She was lovely and we learned many new tips and tricks. We didn't finish however you can see how cute they are turning out, our coven of owls.
Paper Flowers class with Anthropologie display merchandiser and fashion designer, Elise Dee, These are coffee filters that have been dyed with Rit and then dipped in paraffin wax. So fun and very cool to play with wax. I think I am going to wax everything in sight now.
Living Wreath class with Matthew Robbins of Matthew Robbins Designs. He is a contributor to Martha Stewart Weddings and creates events all over the world. It was an honor to learn from him!
Until next time, we can't wait for the next Sweet Paul Makerie!
I love paper. Everything about paper and what you can do with it. The versatility, the feel, the texture, the smoothness as you write on it, the hand of the way it wraps around a present or makes an origami shape. The different kinds and weights of it that can do almost anything; from fine tissue paper to heavy kraft paper that protects breakables, to magazines, glossy or recycled. The feel of paper is inviting and lasting. You can cut it, fold it and mark it. It brings joy in written letters or notes, promises happiness in an invitation and records thoughts and ideas in books for many generations to enjoy.
My favorite paper stores of all time: Kate's Paperie in Manhattan, NY and Oblation in Portland, OR.
And now I am pursuing my dream of opening a stationery store, The Paper Seahorse. Perhaps one day I too will be someone's favorite paper destination. A place dedicated to all things writing and paper. I am excited to share our mutual fascination with this miraculous, simple medium that brings such joy to so many. Can't wait to hear your stories.
Tea, snacks and paper galore...we handmade treats for those special people in our hearts.
Everyone brought something to share, making the creative process that much better.
This year we kept it simple with only two ornaments, both made of paper. Here is the Norwegian Star:
We also made adorable paper luminaries (see the Spellbound entry for our inspiration) that use battery tea lights, sheer genius from Cathe Holden. Her website has this template and many others for free. She also has many variations on this cute house. We are looking forward to making huanted Halloween houses next year (when my crooked windows will look more appropriate!)
My friend Jessica helped me make this lovely bunting from crocheted doilies my mom and grandmother made. I included ones I have been collecting over the years. So much nicer to see them out instead of in a box!
Just got back from the Spellbound Event in Pasadena, CA. Held in the magnificent Huntington Langham Hotel, it was three days of being with my people...three days of amazing creativity....three days of inspiring teachers and well...to actually visit the home of the Rose Bowl Parade, my New Year's Day tradition for as along as I can remember, it was bliss...This was my first Spellbound, held by A Gilded Life, Debbie and Shea, who I know from the Creative Connection and Where Women Create. Check out some of the awesomeness:
Luscious decorations
1st necklace I made
Crown headband made with vintage French beads - Kaari Meng from French General, my third class with her. I learned to make beaded leaves.
Super cute paper birdhouse luminaries with Cathe Holden, I just need to finish embellishing
Second class with Kaari, another beautiful necklace of vintage material. Learned to make a beaded tassel and yes, I made that rosary chain by hand!
My first ever swap, christmas ornaments. I found out these women mean business. You have to bring your A game!
Welcome dinner swag, fantastic goodie bag, a make and take apron, a Spellbinders X-plorer machine and supplies, and the handmade-mind-blowing three swaps I did (ornaments, ephemera and envelopes)
We did not participate in the fabric bag swap, but had to share the beautiful handiwork.
We celebrate summer with all things paper! This event was held over two days. Sipping summer spritzers, we created self mailers, masu boxes and mini books.
My niece and helper, Dory
The Lee sisters, Jessica and Heather
Our youngest crafter, Arianna
self mailer
masu boxes
We had a Valentine's making party. Who doesn't love a handmade valentine? So much cooler than a store bought one.
Paper Seahorse is my life long dream to be creative and crafty with abandon. I love paper, making things, giving gifts and laughing with friends. Letterpress, writing, presents, ephemera and the handmade is what Paper Seahorse will be about. Soon, there will be a pop up store in Ybor City. Currently, we are experimenting with classes and making kits. Come craft with us!
We just completed our pilot workshop! In keeping with our theme of "Write More Letters," we learned to make two different cards and envelopes.
We made gorgeous summer flower cards that were layered using felt, fabric and paper. We also made a fun and easy butterfly card that seemed to be floating and ready to take flight. The last craft was all about envelopes, lining them and making them from scratch, using found materials like calendars, magazines and old sheet music.
We enjoyed delicious fresh rolls, a special summer drink designed by Adri (that really got the creative juices flowing), and munched on cookies all afternoon.
Thanks to everyone who came to support us and take the survey. As we begin this journey, everyone's perspective helps immensely.
Our first card making kit
Using vibrant and contrasting colors, no two were alike.
Funky and fresh butterflies
We were full at 10 people, and have a waiting list for the next class!
