Tag Archives | book

Hinged Strung Stitched

By on September 28, 2011 in found + loved, planning + advice

It can be difficult at times to find that perfect (and perhaps personalized) wedding album or guest book. Most couples are seeking heirloom quality, and let’s face it: the local book store might not always be your best bet. Fortunately places like Hinged Strung Stitched do it right. Their handmade albums are crafted with 100% cotton rag, and are acid free and archival; all extremely important qualities for preservation of your photos. These are the type of books that will remain in the family for generations.

{photos from Hinged Strung Stitched; found via 100 Layer Cake}

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My first studio shoot + interview

By on July 8, 2011 in H&H news

Big things that happened this week included the release of my photos from my very first official studio shoot AND my very first interview with Charlotte Rivers of Lotti Loves blog. I’m so fortunate to have been contacted by Charlotte, not only for this interview, but also in regards to my Celebrate! card line. The big BIG news is…. I’m going to be published in her upcoming book, I Heart Stationery out this fall from RotoVision. I can’t tell you how excited I am! It feels incredible to have this opportunity and it just assures me that I’m in the right field.

Charlotte Rivers is a freelance writer based in London who focuses on design, lifestyle and more. Take a look at my detailed interview with her here.

Check out the rest of my studio shoot and new products on my Flickr photostream (click left through the photo menu on the right hand side).

And don’t forget to visit my Etsy shop or message me if you are interested in purchasing or ordering my work.

xo Sam

{photos taken by Scarlet O’Neill Photography}

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Happy Reading: Print Workshop

By on June 23, 2011 in happy reading

My latest read is Print Workshop: Hand Printing Techniques and Truly Original Projects by Christine Schmidt. As of recent, I have been yearning to expand upon my printing techniques at the studio, so I thought this would be an encouraging shove in the right direction.

The book covers a lot of basics that I am already familiar with in terms of block and stamp printing, but also dives into other areas that are new and inspiring to me, including image transfer and sun printing. Very exciting stuff! I can’t wait to experiment more. Recommended for those who like to get messy and creative with new tools and techniques.

{images from Apartment Therapy, North County Times, and AnOther Mag}

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Luci Everett’s “Party”

By on March 16, 2011 in found + loved

Party by Luci Everett is a beautiful, handmade, french-folded book playfully exploring the theme of “party”. It was the perfect inspiration for the stationery line I’m currently working on. Thank you, Cheryl, for sending me the link! It’s always appreciated.

{photos from Luci Everett }

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Handmade Weddings

By on February 17, 2011 in happy reading, planning + advice

For so long I have admired and been inspired by the work of Hello! Lucky. They describe themselves as letterpress and design specialists who will not rest until you’re absolutely thrilled! (I hear that!).

I had some gift card money left over at Indigo so I treated myself to their latest release, Handmade Weddings, written in collaboration with stylist extraordinaire and former Martha Stewart Weddings senior style editor Shana Faust. If you’re like me, and DIY is something you crave for everyday you wake up, then this is a book for you. Oh yes, and it might help if you’re getting married since all the crafts revolve around that occasion. But I think it suits me well, as I work with many brides and grooms, catering to that special day.

The book is perfect for personalizing too, as it is sectioned by various styles, from Retro Homespun to Modern Classic. So the next time you’re at the book store, take a peak!

{images from Handmade Weddings}

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Friday Wrap: Re-used Paper

By on December 10, 2010 in happy wrapping

This week’s wrap is all about one of the three R’s: Re-use! Yes, I am a bargain-hunter, but sometimes the best bargains are in your own home… and free! There’s no better deal than that. Here are three examples of paper that be re-used and transformed into pretty gift wrap.
Old vintage prints, book pages, or newspaper are great options. If you don’t have any of these at home, thrift stores often carry old books for purchasing too, or grab a newspaper around the corner. Perhaps someone has some old ones just lying around. Just beware of any coffee stains. Happy wrapping!

{photographs from Cesa a.k.a Bowhaus, Mimi Guethe, and Tracy a.k.a Plastic_Bat on Flickr}

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IKEA: Homemade is Best

By on December 9, 2010 in found + loved

IKEA has released a new book called Hembakat är Bäst (Homemade is Best), created by design agency Forsman & Bodenfors. Inside the book are 30 classic Swedish baking recipes for everything from small biscuits to large cakes — all using stunning photography by Carl Kleiner and styling by Evelina Bratell . Inspired by high fashion, Japanese minimalism, and geometrics, this book is modernly delicious!

{photographs from Carl Kleiner and IKEA}

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The Paper Bride by Esther K. Smith

By on May 26, 2010 in found + loved

A teacher from University sent me a link to this book quite some time ago. It seemed interesting, but it was not until I stumbled upon it in a little paper shop here in Toronto that I feel in love. Maybe it’s the tangibility of books that really pulls me in. The moment I lay my hands on one and start flipping through it’s pages, a voice from somewhere whispers “must have”.

The Paper Bride is brought to you by the Purgatory Pie Press and by letterpress artist, designer, and once-bride Esther K. Smith, who inspires one-of-a-kind invitations, albums, guest books, and more. It includes unique projects and guides, like the Paper Bride Handwriting Practice Sheet that can be downloaded here to help you achieve that perfect cursive.

The beautiful imagery. The impeccable typography – both stylized and traditional. It just screams to be taken home, admired, and cherished for years to come. Did I buy that book that day? No. Mostly because I was on an important paper run and I couldn’t let a fantastic book distract me from the task at hand,… but of course it did because I stood there flipping through it for a good 10 minutes or so.

My point is… it’s on my ‘to buy’ list and it should be on yours too if you’re at all interested in taking the DIY approach for your wedding. It had some pretty amazing/quirky ideas in there for fun and budget-conscious couples.

I can’t even begin to explain how much I love building my own personal book collection. I want my own organized mini library one day in my at-home studio. The Paper Bride is guaranteed to be in it.

Aside from this book, Purgatory Pie Press produces some other really cool projects, including custom wedding invitations. Read more about them here and here. I’m really digging their 50s vibe.

{image from Purgatory Pie Press}

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