Besotted at 4 am............merry and bright

The good thing about being a blogger is that you always have something to do..........even when it is 4 am , you are wide awake and you are trying be quiet as a mouse. It is too early to browse the stimulating world of fashion, so off I went to visit new links and mentions, that quiet, easy way to wake my senses. I was Besotted this morning, no question about that. I fell in love with this paper brand that appeals to my understated gift wrapping direction this year so I say and I think you will be besotted as well. Besotted is a gorgeous, gorgeous website with the type of products that make for the most personable gifts this holiday season. Calligraphy rubber stamps, petite linen gift bags, stationery, and my favorite of all.........the Ultimate Stationery Gift Set.  That one is for me, for my friends I think a personalized rubber stamp will be the most gracious gift of all. 

Something for Mrs. Claus at Objects of Desire.

Photos via Besotted.

Calligrapher Mara Zepeda.........and elegant tattoos

Back in our first years of married student life in Toronto, I contributed to the lean family income with a cool job in the posh custom invitation business so I became well-acquainted with the creative art of calligraphy. Having watched, learned, and tried this exquisite art I have nothing but admiration for a talented calligrapher. It has been too many years since I practised putting ink to watermarked paper but when I saw the work of Philadelphia journalist/calligrapher Mara Zepeda of Neither Snow I wanted to start all over again, get the nibs and practise paper out and see if I could try her unique lower case style which she refers to as "messily elegant". Crazy crazy thinking, because I do know this..........this is one talented calligrapher and her style is one that is not that easily rendered or copied. Calligraphy is a precise art in a sense, diligently keeping the illustrated style consistent on each and every envelope or place card so when you see a spirited calligraphy style that is not formally precise it surprises the eye in a most delightful way, I would frame an envelope addressed to me by her wouldn't you? Along with wedding work, Mara does corporate work and even elegant tattoo designs as you can see in her portfolio here. Yes, that is the real Gwyneth Paltrow on that place card, go here to read Mara's part in Paltrow's recent book launch party. And I know you want to see that calligraphy tattoo..........admit it. It's here and here. 

Objects of Desire here

Images from Neither Snow

Winter White gift wrapping..............divine understatement

Winter White from here, how absolutely gorgeous and dreamy. A whisper soft presentation palette for the upcoming bridal season, any occasion really. A place to use wax seals, deckle papers, roping, twine, fonts, and calligraphy skills. Stock up on white gift wrap, perhaps even parchment? Can a gift be more beautiful?

I didn't think so either, there is a great deal to be said for understated gift presentations. When I ran across this monochromatic array of gifts from a beautiful blog named Uruquay White Life on Pinterest this morning it was the pin description that caught my eye along with the gifted execution. When someone re-pinned this photo they wrote that they had done this numbered idea for a 40th birthday which of course I assumed meant they gave 40 gifts numbered One to Forty. How much fun would that be at any age? White paper, white rope, and a printer is all you need to take this idea and run with it. I don't need to tell you what you could do with this idea for all your vintage-loving friends and brides. 

Though this is a retail packaging presentation, isn't this a clever use for the blind embosser tucked away and rarely used? Or ordering a blind embosser with a clever and generic phrase such as Gifted, Presentation, My Gift, and using it on a solid tone paper and gift cards is an organized and personal way to have gift supplies ready and on-hand for any occasion. Change up the ribbon and the presentation can shift from subtle to bold if need be, but the subtle white palette is more than pure and divine. Add a fresh or silk bloom if the occasion calls for more embellishment. 

There is nothing in the world of written correspondence more classic and refined than a deckle edge card in the softest shade of warm white. Those hand-torn edges signify elegance and tradition. Remember the holiday gift wrapping YouTube video that British designer Nicky Haslam did for A Gift Wrapped Life and his final signature touch? The recipients initials written in flowing black ink on a simple white card...............a most personal touch. Fabulous if you are versed in the fine art of calligraphy.

Soap wrapped in vintage newspaper pages, tied with thread.

Such a lovely idea for bridal shower favours don't you think? Scented Sachets in a natural palette from linen, burlap, and felt, tied with natural twine. 

All photos via Pinterest