Custom floral notes from Rifle Paper Co.

So. This just happened. Two hours ago, I swore I was going on a spending freeze. Which is stupid, first of all, because this is fall and no one with any sense goes on a spending freeze now.

Stupid secondly, because, two hours after making the pledge, I thought to myself, "Hmm, haven't been to Rifle Paper Co. in a while -- I wonder what's new."

Well this completely awesome calling card/flat note combo is what's new. So, I had to get it. Every girl needs a personalized stationary set, right? Right???

Purchase your own set here.

Love: Papel Picado

Seeing as there is still an hour left of Cinco de Mayo, I wanted to highlight Papel Picado -- a Mexican paper-cutting folk art that I just adore. Seen to great effect in this lovely Mexican meets French wedding. And of course, the invites would be made by Rifle Paper Co's brilliant Anna Bond. Love.

Adorable Mom "Tattoo" Cards from Crooked Sister

Thought these were the perfect antidote to the syrupy, pastel-overload cards most moms get this time of year. Available here.

Artist Spotlight: Eloise Corr Danch

Have you ever wondered about the talented people behind those amazing window displays you see in stores like Anthropologie? Well, aside from brilliant in-house teams who help style the stores and the displays, there are tons of amazing artists like Eloise Corr Danch, a brooklyn-based artist who specializes in paper sculpture, illustration and set and graphic design.

I am totally blown away by the paper gardens and other sculptures Eloise makes for clients like Anthro, Macy's and Saks. Check out more of Eloise's work here.

H/T Katy Elliott

Etsy Fave: Essimar Stationery

It's been too long since I last posted about my deep, enduring, and too often, useless love of paper products, so I thought I'd share these amazing collage-style cards from Essimar. So colorful, I think they're perfect for anyone in need of cheering up. Shop here.

(Discovered on Black Eiffel)

Love: Yellow Owl Workshop

I did not think it was possible for me to find another purveyor of custom stationery that rivaled my love for Bird & Banner, but I think Yellow Owl Workshop just did. I love their fairy-tale inspired invites and their adorable "imperial" stationery. Want.

(Discovered on super-cute blog Peppermint Bliss [who also has an amazing Jersey Shore scoop right now])

My Big, Fat, Hand-Crafted Valentines Day Roundup

I know it's not even February, but I'm already crazy-excited about Valentine's Day. Not just the fluffy, romantic stuff (although I do love a nice V-Day dinner date), but also about the cute tokens of affection I get to send to love ones.

To me, Valentine's Day is about more than celebrating your relationship with just one person (or however they celebrate the day in isolated polygamist communities --hair braiding competitions?), it's also a great time to say thank you to the people who make every day awesome.

I'm not huge on expensive store-bought gifts for this holiday. I prefer to get away for the weekend, or to receive something sentimental and from the heart. That's why I am smitten with the adorable valentines below -- they're sweet, thoughtful and almost one of a kind. What more could you want? Did I mention how cute they are?

Vintage:
Clockwise: 1. 1880s Valentine (Forgotten Papers) 2. and 4. Props from Bright Star 3. Circa 1920s Children's Homemade Valentines (Pink Grapefruit Style)

Pen and Ink:
Clockwise: 1. Custom Calligraphed Letter (Via Paddington) 2. and 3. Custom Love Letter (Linea Carta) 4. Regency Valentine with Swallows (Hello Handmade)

In Stitches:
Clockwise: 1., 2. and 4. Embroidered Valentines. Fave is "Elephant Shoe." Remember that?? (Pink Mist Industry) 3. "Be Mine" Cross Stitch and Embroidery Sampler (Julie Ellen)

Make, Bake or Grow:

If you're feeling really ambitious, nothing is sweeter than a valentine made by you. All are Martha-approved craft ideas. 1.Heart-covered Wax Paper for Baked Goods 2. Heart-Shaped African Violets 3.Quilled Valentine Cards 4. Paper Heart Wrappings 5. Quilling Stationery 6. Seed-Starter Valentine

Crafty:
Clockwise: 1. Be Mine Milagro Heart Ornament (Paloma's Nest) 2. Banner Necklace and Valentine (Monkey Puzzle) 3. Arrow Candy Container (D.Sharp) 4. I Adore You Bouquet (Emerson Made)

The Best of the Rest:

Clockwise: 1. I Love U card (Smith Letterpress) 2. Love all Lovely Card (UpUp) 3. Conversation Hearts Flamingo Postcard (Garden Angel) 4. Set of Six Arrow Cards (Stern Illustrations) 5. Ten "Do You Like Me?" Mini-Cards (Sweet Harvey)

Gift-Giving Essentials at Perch Papier

Having long ago realized I am an involuntary "gift bag" person, I dream of the day where I'll muster the eye-hand coordination needed to beautifully wrap presents. But no matter if your idea of wrapping involves a personal gift-wrapping room a la Candy Spelling or a crumpled handful of tissue paper a la me, you need to check out Perch Papier right now. It is a veritable Santa's Workshop of adorable holiday paper goods and all of those special touches that make opening a gift almost as fun as actually receiving it. Shop here.

Writing on the Wall: Banner Love

Judging by the still-reasonable numbers on my scale, I may be jumping on the holiday decorating bandwagon a bit early, but I hope you'll indulge me! This year I'm thinking fragrant live wreaths over every door, vintage mercury glass ornaments displayed en masse, honeycomb candles in hurricanes and blooming paperwhites. To shake up this fairly traditional look, I'd love to hang paper banners like these over my windows. So youthful, fun and celebratory. Here are a few I have my eye on.

(Be Merry Holiday Banners, Perch Papier)

Brrr Burlap Banner, FunkyShique

Mini Banners, Perch Papier

(Frenchie and Flea)

(Wooden Peace Banner, ReneeAnne)

Not holiday themed, but so cute for a nursery or young child's room. (I Love You So Linen Banner, Giggle Room)

Again, not holiday-focused, but super adorable. (Perch Papier)