CasaSugar

The Card Shop: Hydrangea Letterpress Notecards

CasaSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:39 -0700

Hydrangeas are my favorite flowering plant. They're so delicate, yet they have such a bold presence, and I love how their color changes based on the soil pH. So, how could I not swoon over this gorgeous set of Hydrangea Letterpress Notecards ($16 for eight)? Each card is printed in light and dark purple and pink inks on natural recycled paper and comes with a recycled envelope. The cards are made by a favorite of mine, Yeehaw Industries, and inspired by finds at their local farmers market - other floral and veggie cards like carrots, artichokes, zinnias, poppies, and more are also available.

The Card Shop: Smock Hello There Card

CasaSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:00:38 -0800

Sometimes all you need to turn your frown upside down is a little "Hello there" from a friend. And who doesn't love elephants? Ever since I saw Bruce Weber's infamous photos of elephants dressed in couture in a 2005 issue of W, I've had a soft spot for them. The elephant on the Smock Hello There Card ($14 for six) may not be dressed in Chanel, but it is sustainably letterpressed with a charming brick red design on bamboo paper, which makes it as stylish as ever. So, why not send a friend a little hello?

Do You Know Calligraphy?

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:00:26 -0800

I just came across these exquisite Lace and Foxes Valentines ($10) by Hello Handmade Paperie, who will inscribe your love note in calligraphy and mail off your card for you. Although I think my chicken scratch does have a certain je ne sais quoi - what's not to love? - the card got me to thinking that calligraphy is a lost art these days. It's sad to see the stunning script fall by the wayside.

The Card Shop: Paper Doll Valentine

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:00:45 -0800

Je t'aime paper dolls. I always have and always will. So, ahem, this Wool and Water Paper Doll Valentine ($12) is pour moi. It comes as a print that you cut and assemble yourself along with six silver brads to keep it all together (and instructions, of course). Although it would be quite cute if my man put this paper doll together, I'd simply have too much fun doing it myself. Once it's made, it's a good idle desk toy for, you know, when my boss isn't looking. Although, there's no matching "Ken" paper doll, so what's the fun in that?

The Card Shop: Ski Love

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:57 -0800

"Couples who ski together stay together." This Ski Love Card ($3.50) is woefully cute and full of good intentions and seasonal enthusiasm: it's a must have for any ski bunny couple. Its retro pink and brown diagonal stripes remind me of the ski suits my parents wore in the '70s - good thing? - and the genuine wood ski cutouts also add a charming touch of authenticity. Hoping to make a trip to the slopes this Winter? Maybe this card is just the thing to push your honey over the edge.

How-To: 7 Ways to Repurpose Holiday Cards

CasaSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:00:40 -0800

What to do with that fat stack of last year's Christmas cards you've got stashed in a drawer? Well, if they're photo cards, save 'em. But if you've collected some cards with holiday-themed graphics, Real Simple says repurpose them! Cut up that old stationery into festive shapes like stars, Christmas trees, and ornaments. Then, scribe each of your guests name on the paper, hole punch, and tie the place card to your napkin with a ribbon or some red yarn. I have a few of my own holiday card repurposing ideas for you, so read more.

If there is no writing on the backside of your card cover (where the image is), you can cut off the top fold and use it as a postcard, writing your message on the blank back side.
You can slice card covers into four to six different rectangles and use them as gift tags. Punch a hole in the card and slide it onto your ribbon before you tie your bow.
Cut the card covers into festive shapes like Christmas trees, ornaments, and stars. Then punch a hole, and tie a loop through it with ribbon. Then, use it as an ornament on your tree. You can add additional ornamentation with glitter, beading, etc.
Cut the card covers into star shapes and letters to spell out "Merry Christmas." Then, make a garland out of them by stringing them together with red baker's twine, yarn, or ribbon.
Buy a pack of blank note cards. Cut up a few card covers into different shapes or stripes, and collage them with Mod Podge glue onto the front of the blank note card.
Or, you can send them to St. Jude's Ranch for Children, a safe home that rescues abused, abandoned, and neglected children. It runs a 30-year-old recycling card program to benefit the children. The children participate in the program by making new cards removing the front of donated ones and attaching a new back made with recycled paper, and then they are sold. Cards may be donated by sending them to:

St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

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Home Library: Handmade Hellos

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:00:30 -0800

Signed, sealed, and delivered from the ladies of Hello!Lucky letterpress, the new how-to book Handmade Hellos ($19.95) gives rebirth to a long-lost craft: card making. It's one thing to hand write a note in today's world of email, SMS, MMS, IM, BBM, etc. - a good thing. But to forgo Papyrus and make a card by hand shows nonpareil thoughtfulness. Thanks to this delightful book, which is a compilation of over 25 projects from today's most talented card makers, you can choose your own level of thoughtfulness: basic (30 minutes or less), moderate (two hours or less), or advanced (an afternoon). For a handsome catch you're trying to impress, this volume will show you how to silk-screen a wooden card reading, "Wood You Be My Valentine?" For a quick but humorous birthday card, you can make a cocktail hour card using vintage photographs and a wry one-liner. Straightforward instructions make even the advanced projects unintimidating, and ready-to-use patterns cut out the creativity requirement for those of you who aren't artistes. But perhaps most notably, after page after page of adorable illustrations and cheerful designs, you won't want to say goodbye to Handmade Hellos.

The Card Shop: Maple Leaf/Thanksgiving Boxed Notes

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:04 -0800

No, it's not tradition to send cards at Thanksgiving. But, take one look at the Dingbat Press Maple Leaf/Thanksgiving Boxed Notes ($24), and you'll be convinced. This gorgeous boxed set of six notes features soft-red maple leaves in varying sizes falling from a vivid-orange maple tree. The notes arrive tied with a ruby-red ribbon, and enclosed in a sturdy chocolate box. So, whether you'll be sending these autumnal notes or just gifting them, you'll be sure to impress.

Midday Muse: Halloween Cards

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:00:26 -0700

I just came across this free downloadable Halloween card from Inside a Black Apple, and it got me thinking. Many of us send Christmas cards sharing family photos, and in grade school we all exchanged Valentine's cards. And, of course, birthday cards are a given. But sending cards for other holidays is really uncommon. This particular card is so adorable though, I wonder, why not send cards to your family and friends on every holiday? A greeting card certainly won't break the bank, although I'm unhappy with the rise in stamp costs these days. And, your message needn't be long; it's the thought that counts. Tell me: do you send holiday cards outside of Christmas and Valentine's Day? Do you receive them? I bet one of you has a thoughtful old auntie who sends them.
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The Card Shop: Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:00:19 -0700

The next time you're attending a housewarming party, once you've built your housewarming bucket, you'll need a cheerful card to wish your friends or neighbors well in their new digs. The Hello! Lucky Welcome Home Greeting Card ($4.50) will fit the bill and then some. Its lively plant motifs in lime green and chocolate brown are just the thing to sow good vibes in their home, and its heavy card stock will surely impress. And, if you happen to be giving a plant as a housewarming gift, it couldn't be more appropriate!