IN THE STUDIO // PATINA, HERE I COME!

I can't even tell you what an honor it is {for a Minnesota girl, anyway} to have cards in Patina and Shoppe Local stores {if you're not a Minnesota girl you can shop online at Patina}! I have shopped at Patina for years and years and am never disappointed in the quirky, quality products they offer. This is seriously the place to go for that person who has everything...or nothing. But honestly for me the greatest thing Patina has to offer {after the merchandise} is the creative styling of their stores. I have often gone there just to be inspired.

Thanks Patina. Here's to a long and fruitful relationship {she types with her fingers crossed}.

IN THE STUDIO // PAPER TOYS & GIFTS

With Christmas and the holidays coming up very quickly, I've been thinking about paper gifts as well as cards. Top is a thaumatrope which is a Victorian spinner toy. It will be available in the shop in October. Bottom is a cd sleeve complete with blank cd, ready for you to burn your tunage to. Available here, oh and here is another one.

IN THE STUDIO // JUST IN TIME FOR SCHOOL

Admittedly these are probably better for that college age student in your life or for yourself to protect against that lunch nabbing co-worker. In any case they're pretty funny and available here.

IN THE STUDIO // NEW MINI CARD DESIGNS

New mini card designs are now available at the Armato Design Etsy shop along with this and this design. Just let me know which one you want, what color, what font and what information and you're set with 100 cards for just $85 {plus shipping and sales taxes if you are in Minnesota}. All letterpress printed on 100% cotton paper measuring 2" x 2".

SHOP // LORENA BARREZUETA

This is a great wedding or shower gift idea for the girl who loves dishes and serving pieces. Lorena Barrezueta's Gourmet Collection "reintroduces the ubiquitous disposable tin food container in fine porcelain as a way of addressing our perceptions of quality, value, and high-end design."

She now has three different collections to compliment any style: fresh, classic and lush. So fun, SO creative and no way the bridal couple will see two of these when they're opening they're gifts {unless you give them two}.

IN THE STUDIO // PERSONALIZED STATIONERY

How about these for your wedding thank you's? With both of your names at the top these would be perfect for thank you notes and beyond. I have sold more than a few of these as a gift for the newlyweds. They would also be great for bridesmaids and groomsmen.

All are letterpress printed on heavy, bright white card stock in your choice of font, ink color and envelope color. $85 for 50 cards and envelopes. Here they are.

SHOP // GIFTS FOR YOUR GUYS

It is often difficult to find good gifts for the guys in a wedding. Do they really use money clips? ties? Maybe, but here are a few more ideas that are a bit more unique, all are handmade and all are very useful {well, the mustaches may not be useful but are super funny and will give you some great photos}.

Mustache on a stick from Something's Hiding Here.

Deconstructed wallet from Scabby Robot. I love this wallet. Very guy and very stylish.

Palm wood cuff links from Lotus Jewelry Studio. Wear them at the wedding and beyond.

Sterling collar stays and guitar picks from Chris Parry. No one NEEDS sterling versions of either but giving your guys a touch of luxury will make them remember your wedding and how important they are to you.
And finally, who couldn't use knitted brass knuckles? This is a knitting pattern, so if you're crafty this is a must {though I would hazard a guess that you could order the finished product from the designer if you ask nicely}. From Needle Noodles.

SHOP // GIFTS FOR YOUR GIRLS

Today I'm thinking about unique {and handmade, of course} thank you gifts to get your lovely bridesmaids. They range from things they can wear/carry at your wedding, to personalized gifts made just for them, to practical gifts they can use in their busy lives. Let's start with the personalized gifts because they are from Armato Design & Press {hey, it's my blog after all}.

Above are mini calling cards {and here is another design, with many more very soon to come}, letterpress printed on 100% cotton paper with name and contact information for that busy bridesmaid who is always meeting people. Choose the font and color that best represents your 'maid's personality.

And a great gift for the girl who wants to keep in touch with the people she meets is my personalized stationery. Letterpress printed with her name and a sweet little design. There are a couple different options {look here and here as well}.


Next are a couple of gifts that can be worn on your big day and after for her big and not so big days.

Limited edition clutch from Fiazco because who doesn't want a sweet clutch like this? But how often do we really buy it for ourselves? So buy it for her.

This necklace is perfect for a more casual wedding and so wearable for any day of the week. Little wood flower necklace by Yuki.

The next two are little gifts that are very practical but are also so unique that your girls are sure to think of you every time they use them.

On the face of it this may not look like the most practical gift ever but, who among us hasn't popped an apple in our tote while rushing out the door one late morning, only to find a bruised and mangled apple at lunch time? They may not realize it now, but your girls will consider this a must have. An added bonus: it's funny and just makes a person smile. Find the Wrapple Cozy Apple Fruit Sweater Jacket at Beautiful Bridget's Etsy shop.

I hate to think of how many trees have been sacrificed just to protect our hands from a hot cup of coffee. But since we are not giving up our morning caffeine, this is a perfect alternative to the ubiquitous and wasteful paper coffee sleeve. Cute and unique, just like your girls. Find it here from Laura Bucci.