Speaking French

Another order is in. You may have seen this already but I am in a French mood so here it is again. Packages of 6 notecards with envelopes/liners for $14. Letterpress from Smock. And it is pink.

I Love Being Social with Smock

A big box arrived in my office today and it was filled with Smock's fabulous new social papers. I have been looking forward to this for a while!

Here are a few samples to look at and enjoy.

Thick bamboo paper, letterpress, fabulous colors and great design. Of course, these are spring boards for your

own creations.

Have a great weekend everyone!

A Deep Thought: Sustaining and Healing - What is Fair Trade Paper?

As I am on vacation with my children enjoying life, the sunshine and much laughter, I think about those that don't necessarily have it as good. Women who live in areas of war and tough economic conditions. And last night when we were in a store called "Next Summer" (www.thelakehouselife.com) I was reminded about Fair Trade artisans while looking at a funky red organic looking floor pillow. “Sustain & Heal” is one of my favorite letterpress stationery lines and it comes from De Milo Design in California and they say it best: " In one word, Fair Trade (not to be mistaken for NAFTA’s “Free Trade”) is Dignity. 10,000 Villages explains it best. They focus on relationships with people who have been marginalized by war, weather, and damaging cultural systems. Hearing stories of people who have reclaimed life through Fair Trade is important for us western shoppers. The invitations in “Sustain & Heal" use Fair Trade paper from Kenya, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. If we can’t get it Fair Trade, the designs are supplemented by 100% Post Consumer Waste recycled paper produced by eco- friendly methods. With "Sustain & Heal” invitations our celebrations sustain our planet and heal lives!" In addition to invitations, Sustain & Heal can letterpress your personal stationery, thank you notes and everyday notecards and those we keep in stock at the office. And, of course, all are beautifully done. Fair Trade products are popping up all over. Call to find out more.

How Does Paper Made From Elephant Pooh Save Elephants? And, Does it Smell?

A few years ago when I first saw stationery made from elephant dung (pooh), I thought it was a funny gimmick. I didn't know that this process could really help with saving the lives of these beautiful animals. But, it does. Mr. Ellie Pooh is saving elephants in Sri Lanka. ( My cousin lives there by the way - small world - but she is not collecting elephant dung and making paper - she is saving the world in another manner.)

The story basically goes like this - there are about 4,000 elephants out of the estimated global total of 40,000 Asian elephants living in the wild in Sri Lanka. They are running out of space to live. They are being killed off or forced to move along to other areas, not for their tusks or for meat, but because they are encroaching on farm land. The goal of Mr. Ellie Pooh is to make the elephants valuable to the local economy by using their dung to create an artistic and useful product. Because elephants are herbivores, plant eaters, their pooh is really great for making paper. Check out the video for more info on the process and take a look at a recent invitation I did that uses Mr. Ellie Pooh paper (green and orange in this case; the marblized paper is made from plant leaves). Who knows, next time I send you a note, it just might be made from elephant %&*!@. And no, it won't smell!

What's Your Fortune?

Look at this fabulous fortune teller! I got very excited when I saw these - they remind me of when I was a kid during the summer but I certainly did not make anything like this. These are not your mama's fortune tellers! They are so cool - they come from Sycamore Street Press. Luxurious letterpress with bright colors, soy ink and great design. Let me know what you think and if I should get you one...