Celebrate Magazine Feature {Press}

Phyllis Hoffman Media's publication Celebrate magazine has always been a personal favorite. They offer all sorts of wonderfully creative ideas for almost any type of celebration! 

I am THRILLED to been given the blessing of being a part of their spring 2011 issue. I created an exclusive NEW PARTY design: a pink, green & white ladybug birthday party, just for Celebrate! It was photographed by the lovely and wonderful photographer, Andrea Winchenbaugh of Open Shade Studios.

The pink ladybug party feature, on pages 18-25, offers charming inspiration for a darling girl's birthday party, as well as many party tips.

 In addition, check out pages 110-111 for the most ADORABLE *FREE* PRINTABLES designed just for readers of Celebrate, designed and created by my lovely friend, the most incredibly talented Kori Clark of Paper & Pigtails!!!!!!! Her work is truly darling, and I could not have been more thrilled to work with her!




Then be sure to visit page 112 for the RESOURCE GUIDE, which features all of the wonderful vendors and artists, so you can order the goodies featured in the party, to re-create the look yourself!


From my favorite Layla Grayce to The Sugar Diva, be sure to see all the amazing talented women and businesses who offer products as seen in the party feature!


And above all, there are many amazing entertaining ideas throughout the issue you won't want to miss.


Whether it is a darling yellow springtime tablescape, Easter recipes, creative ways to decorate Easter eggs, a Kentucky Derby luncheon, an Apil Fool's Day children's party, Cinco De Mayo delights and many adorable free printables for many celebration themes...pick up your copy of Celebrate today and enjoy! And stay tuned, they will be updating their site with the free printable files and more goodies from the newest issue soon!


I have found copies of the magazine at Michaels, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, JoAnn Fabrics and AC Moore!


{Please note: The pink hobnail glasses seen in the feature are personally mine, I love them, purchased a long while back and unfortunately do not have any information on where to get them. I have seen similar at Home Goods and Anthropolgie}.

Le Papier Studio: Meet Vana Chupp {Giveaway, Interview & Book Review}

Vana Chupp, designer and creator of Le Papier Studio, is a brilliantly talented artist and entrepenuer. I simply adore silhouette art, so it is no surprise I have a special place in my heart for her work! 

Today I have the great honor and privilege of featuring a wonderful interview I recently conducted with Vana, as well as a mini book review. Vana has generously offered one lucky reader an autographed copy of her book, Silhouette Art! {Details at the end of the post.}

Have you heard of the book Silhouette Art? Maybe you have seen it at your local Paper Source, or featured online? I am head over heels for this wonderful book that Vana created, and generously sent me a copy of to review.

My mini book review of Silhouette Art:

The presentation is beautiful. The textured cover literally makes the silhouette "pop", and as you open and unfold, you will find that Silouhette Art is like a pop-up book for grown-ups.

The full-page vellum pouch features a cardstock frame for your silhouette artwork {perfectly sealed with a silhouette sticker, of course}. 

A stunning black booklet inside the left flap features the most stunning cover (somehow the gorgeous font gives you both a vintage and modern look all at once).

Inside this booklet, Vana teaches you how to create your own hand crafted silhouette.

It teaches you step by step, is easy to follow, with a resource guide on the back page {thank you!} of where to get all the tools to create your own "heirloom art".

From paperweights to wrapping paper, Vana shows you not only how to create a hand crafted silhouette, but also creative ways to use and display it.

Just when you thought the adventures in silhouette design were over, you realize that behind this black booklet is a thick stack of archival paper (24 sheets, to be exact), as well as more than a dozen silhouette templates--from a daschund to an antique chair.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book--creative, stunning presentation, and loads of ideas and tools to get started designing my own silhouette art (I think I will start with our pup Henry). Many thanks Vana, for not only giving me this extraordinary gift, but allowing me to share my review of it as well.

Now for a lovely chat with Vana...

{Question} Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to launch your own business, Le Papier Studio, and how you turned that vision into a reality.




My son Nikolas was the inspiration and the reason I started my own business in 2008. I wanted to find an outlet that would allow me to create and be home with him at the same time. I started small and grew my business organically. I started selling things I loved making and soon I discovered there was a market for it. Selling on Etsy helped me be part of a crafty community as well as develop my niche, specialty. As things progressed, so did the business. In 2009 I opened my e-commerse website offering an easier shopping experience for my customers.

 {Question} You have a background in architecture. How has that design background helped you with Le Papier Studio the most?



Being professionally trained as an architect, I have always had an eye for design and artistic things that go together. When it came to using the softwares I currently use for all my illustration work, Architecture school had done all the work for me. So I felt I was ahead in the game.

 {Question} As you can tell, I am one who personally adores silhouettes. When did your passion for silhouette art first begin?



I discovered my love for silhouettes when my son was born. Documenting my son's milestones by capturing his personality, emotion, playfulness and essence, I began using silhouettes to tell my own life story. It's a love story - continuing to blossom, with Nikolas as my muse. Coming full circle, I was able to combine my passion and artistic experience and share it all with my lovely customers.

 {Question} I was thrilled with the book you recently released {and reviewed in this feature}, in particular because it teaches others how to do a craft you love and have made a business out of. What prompted you to share your passion with others by creating this book? What do you hope will come from it?



When Chronicle Books approached me to write this book, I jumped to the opportunity. I wanted the book to be a simple yet elegant DIY format which can teach someone the basics of making a silhouette but also a tool so to speak for crafty people. My intention behind the book was simply to give silhouette lovers the opportunity to create modern heirlooms with very little skills required.

{Question} Any hints at new products to come in 2011 at Le Papier Studio?



We are always looking for ways to expand the brand whether it is new product or designs or even new collaborations with fellow artisans. I am so excited to say that we are currently working on some great products that will make their debut later in the year - possibly early spring. Stay tuned!

 {Question} Many of our readers are starting their own businesses out of their creative passion, and often ask me where and how to begin. What advice would you have to offer them?



The best advise I was given it to JUST DO IT! We live in a country where the handmade community and the appreciation for handmade goods is growing rapidly. I still follow a handful of blogs that focus on ways to promote and run small businesses. Don't be afraid to ask questions! You will be surprised how genuine and ready to help people are. If you have any questions about starting your own business, don't hesitate to email me (vana@lepapierstudio.com). I'd be happy to help you!

{Question} Let's get to know you a little better with a few quick fun questions!


Favorite Color: I don't think I have one in particular. I do love white, grey and navy and yellow.

Favorite Illustrator: Sarah Jane Wright. I discovered Sarah when I first started selling on Etsy and besides being good friends, I am very fond of her illustration style.


Favorite places to shop online: I am officially addicted to JCrew (for clothing and accessories) and Etsy for anything handmade.

{Question} Last question: Do you have any suggestions for unique ways to use your new book? Things that may not have come to mind initially, but that your readers have shared with you or things you have discovered on your own?


Almost everyone of my customers has purchased the book to give as a gift to a crafty friend or family member. I think it will be fun to use it as part of a craft activity at holidays when all the family is in town. May be you all have some suggestions? Do share them. I'd love to know.
 

 
 
A TREMENDOUS thank you to Vana for taking the time out of your very busy schedule for this interview! It is such a delight to highlight such creative talent and entrepreneurship--I cannot wait to see what 2011 holds for Le Papier Studio! NOW... A GIVEAWAY!
 
 

 
Would you like to win an autographed copy of Vana's book Silhouette Art? Here's now to enter:
 
Leave a comment on this blog post, telling us how you would use the book if you won. That's it!
 
One entry per person. Open to US residents only, must be ages 18 years and older. All entries must be received by noon EST on Thursday, February 17th. ***Winner will be announced at the end of Friday's post, so check to see if you won! ***
 
 
You can find Vana {and her fabulous book and products!} on her website here, blog here, on facebook here and on twitter here.
 
 
Please note: Kate Landers Events, LLC, and any/all of its affiliates, are not responsible in any way for the delivery of any product or service in any of the giveaways we host. It is the sole responsibility of the giveaway sponsor to fulfill the prize to the winner. We have very carefully selected the lovely sponsors on our blog and to the best of our knowledge have had no issues to date with any of our giveaways.

My New Adventures!

It brings me tremendous joy to share with you the wonderful new ventures I am embarking on!




As you may remember, earlier last month I mentioned a wonderful meeting I had with a brilliant business consultant. I learned so very, very much from that first meeting, and even more since.




Part of what made the advice so helpful, was the level of honesty. Some of my ideas were terrible--and he let me know! Some were very promising, and he told me that as well.




 Most importantly, it was not an appointment to boost my ego or fill me with false hopes. Rather, it was one of the greatest gifts I ever could have asked for--a straight-forward, no-frills new perspective.




He advised me to share with you all as soon as I could, that I would be winding down my blog. It didn't feel right for me to know that I would be slowing it all down and give you no warning! I believe deep down this was for me too--to accept the fact that it really was happening, and allow me a chance to adapt to the new direction I am headed in.




So here is the news! A wonderful, well-established company that offers their own line of products for children's bedrooms, playrooms, as well as tableware and party decorations, has asked that I design for them exclusive party products which they will manufacture and offer their customers.




In addition, they asked if I could help in styling the photo shoots of party scenes featuring these products among others, and I couldn't be more thrilled.  {I am not able to disclose futher information, so I greatly appreciate your support and understanding!}





I was asked to do this many months ago, but was so entangled in my projects at the time I set it aside. It took my business meeting to open my eyes to the wonderful opportunities following this new direction.




You may also see me guest blogging on one of my all-time favorite blogs every once in awhile{you know me, I love to blog!}.




In addition, I am also very excited to have had the opportunity to collaborate with some incredible designers and vendors, on creating and styling custom parties for national print and online publications, as well as sharing children's party planning advice.  {I kept trying to think of how to share this information in a matter-of-fact way, and have failed miserably.  I must have re-worded it a dozen times and couldn't get around it. STUCK. So please know that I am honored to have been given these privileges}. 




I am fully aware that these opportunities are extraordinary gifts, not rights. I believe that with all my heart. These are gifts bestowed upon me, not something I am entitled to. I know what a tremendous blessing has been bestowed upon me, and am truly grateful.




With all the time and energy I have chosen to devote to these new endeavors, I simply will not have the time to continue my blog, my shoppe, or much social media interaction for Kate Landers Events, LLC. However as of now I will not be shutting my blog down by any means! My blog will likely still remain up with my hopes that someone may stumble upon it every now and again and find an interview or party to inspire them.




 {To all the incredible designers and vendors I have had the privilege of working with: I wanted to share this information all at once for everyone to read at the same time--so I appreciate your understanding and patience!}




My gratitude for your wisdom, kindness, thoughtfulness, graciousness, support, generousity, brilliance and inspiration is deeper than I can adequately express. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.




I hope to be able to share with you any future personal or professional parties, events and new inspiration I have to offer, should the time and opportunity present itself! If not here, you will likely see it published elsewhere.




The one thing I am not worried about is inspiration. I believe that there are so many brilliantly talented designers, bloggers, crafters, stylists, photographers, parents--posting and sharing their work, that my one little blog will quietly fade away and the person it will matter most to is likely me! I have been so personally invested in my work, as you probably already know. 





Thank you again for your kindest comments and support. I pray that you will find incredible new opportunities to share your creativity, expand your business, and follow your dreams. I think it is so important to let you know that you have been one of the all-time greatest inspirations to me. I am truly grateful to be in the company of such talent.




This coming week is the last of scheduled blog posts. You will see a new special mini-series on children's party design, as well as the Vintage Children's Party Design Contest Shoot! Saving some of the best for last, and I couldn't be more thrilled.


Thank you for taking the time to read this--it is such a tremendous gift for even one person to listen to what I have to say!


Blessings,
Kate

Make A Wish

Make a Wish!  Took this photo last summer in California, and on this dark winter's day, I thought I would share it. Wishing for spring to make it's way here!

Child Style Network {Exclusive Interview With Gemma}

 What a wonderful way to start a Monday--featuring The Child Style Network and a wonderful interview with Gemma! Gemma provides such insight as a beautiful mom and highly successful career woman. She is passionate and has so many incredible projects in the works, I am blown away! {all photos provided by Gemma}

 

                {image by Laura Winslow Photography}

                  

{Question} For those who are unaware of The Child Style Network and Child Style Magazine, could you give a little introduction?

Child Style Magazine is a children's Market Resource Publication. We always feature the best products in the children's industry as well as one-on-one interviews with some of the best designers and business owners in our industry. Spotlight Features always include informative industry news and trends as well as features surrounding businesses that make this industry unique. 

Child Style combines all the information that industry buyers, retailers and trade shows are looking for as well vital information for the industries designers and manufacturers. We have learned that moms love this information too so I would say now with over 2,500 paid subscribers to our print issues being moms, that crafty woman like to have the upper hand at learning about the children’s business and goods.

                         {image: People Magazine: Ali Landry's nursery Gemma helped design}

 {Question} Several boutique businesses and fabulous new entrepreneurs creating products geared toward children, follow my blog. Are there ways that The Child Style Network can be of value to their businesses, if so, how?

Not many people know but we started out as a consulting and marketing service in 2002. We work with a select group of companies whose product and/or ideas are in line with projects we are producing or pitching for national TV shows, magazines,  and other forms of media as well as our own Child Style Brand. We can handle Celebrity Placement, Brand Development, Product Placement, Manufacturing, Distribution, Marketing & Business Development.  

        {image via People Magazine: Ali Landry's nursery}

{Question} How did you get started with Child Style, and what helped you turn your passion into your career?

In 1999 I had a wedding planning business Touchstone Flowers & Events and always loved being in on the creative ACTION BEHIND Events, and what bigger events than weddings, right? But in 2002 when I found we were expecting a girl my focus quickly changed from weddings to babies, inspired by all things pink I started out on a journey I would now find is my calling and career. I started with one brand selling online and that was in 1999 when Baby Lulu was at an all-time high and moms were going nutty for the prints. I took the $100,000 I sold that year and opened a store, with a 2 year old boy and a 2 month old girl the joys of retail were anything but joyful. I say that with a smile because I know the thousands of small retail business owners out there can retail and hats off to this group of people working night and day for the privilege of doing what they love. We di how ever do extremely well online and sold our site to a larger online retailer in 2003. 

I was privileged to design many celerity nurseries and products over the next 4 years and still do the occasional design work, when requested. I was always having fun with it, not hard to do when you’re an idea person. Child Style Magazine was original created to help small business owners and moms with ideas that needed to come to market. I wanted to help people starting out avoid the pit falls and common mistakes made while starting a business and in the end cost money. In today’s market even if it’s only $50.00 if it is spent in the wrong place it’s $50.00 wasted, so it is my passion to help momprenuers pursue their dreams effectively without braking the bank or having a business degree.

          {image via People Magazine: Ali Landry feature}

 {Question} What do you find most rewarding about your work with Child Style?

The most amazing thing is when the photos from a shoot come back and they are amazing, or when at a trade show someone says how much they love the magazine. When I see one of my clients products on Oprah or Ellen that’s always a kicker because I know what it’s going to do for their business. I am blessed to work in this niche and after a decade it’s fun to see companies grow and feel like you did it together. I remember buying on of Petunia Pickle Bottom's first bags made out of poplin with puffy handles, or Bratt Decors First Jane Crib Shipment in 1998 when I purchased one of their first cribs, and it’s fun to feel like in some way you are part of something bigger than yourself. That something is really the Mom Club-- the world wide club of women who became moms and now you just get it. 

                {The Lovely Gemma}

 {Question}  Tell us a little about yourself, and how you got to where you are today.

To be honest I don’t know how I got here.  I have asked this questions a hundred times to other woman in business but never stopped to think about it, I have to say it has not been an easy road. My mom was sick for years growing up with diabetes--we lived in hospitals, and my father was a business owner so filing paperwork at age 11 as after school entertainment definately gave me that entrepreneurial spirit. 

I have always been driven to succeed to create. People always ask what do you want to be when you grow up...I never had an answer. I wanted to be a mom.

And a homemaker-- but in today’s world there is a need for a second income, so somehow I joined that group of woman who I believe are passionate about motherhood and their passion turned into their work. In no other niche can you call a client and hear kids screaming in the background but here in this niche it is not only acceptable but standard. 

When my husband of ten years suddenly passed away due to heat failure at 36, it changed my perception of what I want for my life, what’s important, and what I needed to do. My business became successful because of working with all the amazing people over the years and there support, and provided for myself and my kids became a number one priority. To answer your question it’s been a combination of Hard Work, Luck, Planning, Dedication and Inspiration. One thing is for sure: I feel like I am on the right path and my biggest joy is helping others that have that same feeling at the end of the day.

                        {image via People Magazine: Ali Landry feature}

 {Question} What are your future goals for Child Style, and any hints of what is to come in 2011?

We are expanding like crazy! 2011 is a big year for the child style brand-- we are starting to work with a bunch of contributors for our online blog, and we will launch www.ChildStyleModels.com officially connecting models with manufactures and photographers. 

We are adding Child Style Rooms Magazine, Child Style Events Magazine and in fourth quarter will be licensing publication rights by county starting with OC Child Style and LA Child Style. So we are looking for all kinds of momprenuers, bloggers, writers, photographers and creative people to collaborate with. 

      {Image via People Magazine: Ali Landry in nursery feature}

 {Question} The question so many ask-how do you manage to balance work and family, keeping your priorities in order even when business ramps up to an all-time high?

Balance? Just the word is a question. Needless to say I struggle with this like crazy being a single mom with two school-aged kids. It’s a bit insane at times-- my number one priority is picking my kids up from school at 2:30 and give them my attention from 3:00 til bedtime when it’s back to work. As long as I can give them that I feel accomplished. My work  week is usually scheduled with the basics of homework, making dinner, showers and bedtime stories. I try not to work through the weekends but sometimes it is downright impossible. 

  You will often find my e-mails coming in at 2 am. It is rigid and coming from a family with no structure it has been my biggest challenge and very difficult. I think that time management is the number one thing people struggle with and life is always a balancing act, especially when you end up with a day full of variables. The most you can do is give it your best and leave the rest up to GOD.

 {Question} We would love to get to know you a little better Gemma!

Your Favorite Color: Purple & Red

Top Vacation Destination: Well I haven’t been on a vacation that wasn’t work related since my honeymoon, but I am planning a trip to Great Britain in September and can’t wait!!! 4 weeks photographing kids fashion and children’s goods from the UK--I am tickled pink about it for sure.

Favorite Places To Shop Online:  www.Delight.com and www.Etsy.com for gifts and baked goods;  www.amazon.com because it’s just so easy; www.LaylaGrayce.com --those girls know how to buy if you’re looking for well-made high-end furniture--they understand design.

Favorite Places To Shop {Brick & Mortar}: Nordstrom & Anthropology.  I can’t help it I’m a girl!

 {Question} You have had the opportunity to interview and meet some fabulous women. Are there any particular interviews that stand out in your mind that would like to share with us?

Mary Bauer from Brat Décor is one of the most special to me because her inspiration is truly her family, and she is such an amazing person and hard worker, I have really taken great joy in seeing this company grow and compete with the big boys over the years.

 {Question} What are some upcoming interviews and features we have to look forward to on Child Style Network?

Amber from Ruffle Butt’s, The Joovy Stroller Family, Stephanie from Beary Basics, Baby Legs and we are working a some amazing contributors for our Events magazine! 

                  {image via People Magazine: Ali Landry feature}

A *HUGE* thank you to Gemma for allowing me the privilege of featuring this exclusive interview with her. I am incredibly inspired by her motivation, dedication and passion for her family and business. 

You can find Gemma below for fabulous resources, her editor's blog and much more!

www.childstylenetwork.com

www.childstylemagazine.com 

{Exclusive Interview} and Anders Ruff Custom Designs Valentine's Day Shoot

I am absolutely smitten with the darling Valentine's Day photo shoot styled by {& new printable collection created by} the major talents at Anders Ruff Custom Designs!

I personally am incredibly impressed by the party styling and creative talent of Maureen & Adria. They have such an eye for detail and many of their custom printables have knocked my socks off!!!

I have no doubt these two will go far with their tremendous talent, and it is a great honor to feature my exclusive interview with them today.

Also, enjoy this breathtaking eye candy from their Valentine's Day Shoot and RESOURCE GUIDE at the bottom of the post!  {Note that they are offering 50% off the collection through January 25th. You can purchase your set from their shop here!}

1) Tell us about about the launch of Anders Ruff Custom Designs--the inspiration, motivation, and how you turned it from a dream into a reality!



Adria’s background was in the fashion industry and Maureen has an engineering and medical sales background.

After having kids, we were both stay-at-home moms that did freelance design work on the side. Adria worked in photography and graphic design, Maureen created artwork and hand made invitations.

We were complete strangers until a preschool open-house in January 2010.

In the hallway before parting, we realized that we had a lot in common – the love of all things paper, design and parties. From there a wonderful friendship formed and we decided to embark upon a business together. With both of us devoted and passionate about graphic design, we hoped to change the face of celebration style for those who love it as well.



We opened our shop in February of 2010 and didn’t plan for it to grow as fast as it did. We are so thankful for all of our clients and fans and we truly believe we have the dream job!

2) You have created a number of darling collections of invitations with coordinating party products! Can you give us a hint about what we can expect to see in 2011? Any specific themes, color-schemes or patterns?



This year has been a learning experience for us. We started the business in February of 2010. Within 6 months, we were so busy that we had to hire design editors to help us fulfill the demand of orders so that we could continue creating new designs. Now that we have the assistance, we have more time to work on custom designs and new collections.



We learned through our customers that everyone is really interested in coordinating their entire party from start to finish, so we want to be able to offer printable packages that coordinate with all of our invitations.




{A few upcoming collections}

We just created 2 new Valentine’s printable collections. The “I Heart Valentine’s Day” collection that you are showcasing today, as well as the “Romantic Valentine” collection.

For the “Romantic Valentine” collection, we collaborated with Calligraphy by Jennifer to incorporate beautiful handwritten calligraphy into the printable package. (we digitized her actual calligraphy into our design program to create this fun package!) Mara of LMG Events styled an amazing “Valentine’s wedding inspirations” photo shoot using this new collection that should be released soon. We used the Pantone color of the year as the focal color for this collection.

You can expect to see a classic feeling Easter Collection in February or March. We will be coming out with a small St. Patty’s Day printable collection in February. We are going to change gears for 4th of July and Halloween this year. (Last year we stuck to traditional colors, this year will be different!) Thanksgiving and Christmas will be totally different, as well. We like to offer a variety of styles because we know our clients are all so unique!

3) We would love to know more about you! Please share a bit about yourselves (hobbies, passions, favorite desserts, favorite color--anything and everything--you can specify who loves what since I know there are two of you).




{Things about Maureen Anders}:

- I love Zumba and Tennis (Zumba is more of a love hate relationship)

- I love Not drinking alcohol

- I love to find creative ways to use everyday items and create art (i.e. paper plate polyhedron shown here!).
- Cheese and Pomegranates are my favorite foods.

- Handbags are my obsession.

- Art and Real Estate are things I will never get sick of looking at and shopping for.

- My boys - J, Pierson, Jeffrey and our Jack Russell Terrier, Cotton.

- Colors - I love color combos more than I love colors themselves. Aqua and red together, blues and oranges together, yellows and grays together, navy with bright colors like pink or green.

- I am very conservative in how I dress, which is a change that I made once I graduated college and became a professional. Some call me the Bree Vandekamp of fashion because I love cardigans and blazers. I wish I owned every color of my favorite Tory Burch blouse.

- Stockpiling. I feel much better if I have a lot of something versus only 1. I guess I am a little OCD.

{Adria Ruff: Things I Love}:

- Wine: cocktail hour starts early at my house

- Anthropologie Store and Window Displays - Whenever I need inspiration, I look to see what Anthropologie is doing!

-Shoes, shoes and more shoes! - No matter what you are wearing, or if you are having a bad hair day - if you have the perfect shoes, you always feel better!

-Pedicures - I love have my toes done - nothing better than pretty toes!

-The Beach - I don’t even have to be on the beach... just knowing its near me, makes me happy.

-Cooking (not baking!) - I am a fabulous cook and a terrible baker... what more can I say?

-Decorating my house (but I don’t seem to have very much time for it anymore) - I love surrounding myself with beautiful things, and I love making every room in my home feel like artwork

- NYC - I can never have enough NYC - I feel at home, when I am there, and wish I could spend more time there!!!

- My family (most days)

-My work - creating new designs!!!

4) What are your future goals for Anders Ruff Custom Designs, and what steps are you taking now to achieve them?



Our goal is to become a nationally recognized brand. We have enjoyed collaborating and working with lots of talented people in the party planning business. We hope to continue to grow by offering more creative and unique designs.

5) Your newest collection for Valentine's Day is absolutely darling (as is the entire photo shoot!) Please tell us more about your inspiration behind this set, as well as any favorite moments from the shoot! Will either of you be hosting a Valentine's Day Party this year? Any creative or fun uses of your printables you will be using for your party?




Maureen was obsessed with Anthropologie’s fall window display that featured yellow and orange folded cardboard circles and was determined to use something similar in our next shoot. We decided to make a paper plate polyhedron to be the hanging focal point of the table. It felt very kid friendly and was a craft that children can easily do with their parents.



The collection is called “I Heart Valentine’s Day” because we both LOVE Valentine’s Day. We wanted to incorporate hearts in to the collection in the most creative ways possible.



We wanted to make this printable package both kid friendly but versatile enough or adults to use, too. We wanted to bring back some of our childhood favorites such as the “cootie catcher/fortune teller” printable template that we included.



We wanted to mix both contemporary with old school style in this photo shoot. We pulled in elements from the past by using the custom vintage clothing line by MiniMooh, the fabric layered flowers, chalkboard for tic-tac-toe (XOXO), cootie catcher and hand made valentine letter/envelopes.

To keep things fresh and contemporary, the designs focused on simple shades of red and pinks with unique patterns of “X’s and O’s”, geometric hearts and stripes.

We had our Valentine’s Day party early after finishing this photo shoot. We brought over some neighborhood children after the shoot to enjoy the treats and displays. The kids had a ball!

We included patterned papers so that our creative clients can have flexibility with the use of the package. For example, we used a heart punch with the papers to create heart garland that was strung on the front of the table. We also used the heart box template to create whimsical treat containers for our table. We always love to see what our clients do with our packages!
 
 
 
 
Want more of Anders Ruff Custom Designs?
 
You can find them on their blog here, facebook here, twitter here, or their shop here!
 
 
 
{Credits and Sources}


Styling and Printable Graphic Design Package by Anders Ruff Custom Designs

Photography by Becca Bond Photography
 Handmade Dresses and Bow Ties by Mini Mooh
Cupcakes by Cupcrazed Cakery in Baxter

 Lollipops by This Charming Candy
Fondant Decor by Sweet Petal Bakery

Macarons by Sparkles Kitchen

Sugar Cookies by Allyson Jane
Cupcake Liners from The Cupcake Social 
Paper Straws from Bake It Pretty



Thank you so much Maureen and Adria, for this fabulous interview and sharing your gorgeous Valentine's Day Collection and Shoot with us!

{Stylish Guest Party Feature} A "Sillybration" Green & Orange Boy's Second Birthday

This party by the incredibly talented Christi of P is for Party, is sure to provide you with GREAT inspiration!

It brings me great joy to have the honor of sharing it with you. Christi is a genuine, thoughtful woman with a great eye for detail and a tremendous talent for planning parties. She never ceases to amaze me, and as you will see from her latest party, her son Conrad's "Sillybration", she does not disappoint!

Christi narrates in her own words {sharing INCREDIBLE RESOURCES--you may want to take notes!}: "Our son Conrad is sweet and tender-hearted and often shy, but one thing he is often is silly. He's always doing cute things to make our family laugh. So, when I was searching for the perfect theme for his second birthday, I knew I wanted to base the party around the word 'silly'.

With the help of my talented stationery designer and friend, Hayley Hardcastle, we came up with the theme and play on words of Conrad's Second Birthday Sillybration!

After the theme was settled on, I took it and ran. I based Conrad's party around the cheerful colors of orange and green.

 The party guests were mainly two-years-old, so I wanted the invitations and party decor to be kid friendly and fun. I came to Hayley with the idea of wanting to send the invitations in a mailing tube with the invitation tucked inside along with a party blower and confetti. Hayley always dreams up the most fantastic designs and created a stunning presentation!

Next, I visited my favorite Houston fabric source, High Fashions. I came across the most gorgeous orange upholstery fabric which ultimately became the basis of the party decor. I bought several yards of fabric and delivered them to my seamstress, also known as my Mom! I could not have designed the party without her help!

She made two gorgeous table runners for the kids tables as well as two large pillows to flank the outdoor fireplace.  Hayley used the pattern of the fabric to design the invitations as well as all of the other paper goods.

The kids table was the main focus of the party space. I pushed two children's tables together to create one long table for 20 cute toddlers. The runners that my Mom made were placed down the middle.

Creating kid friendly centerpieces can be a challenge. They need to be age appropriate and kid friendly (or at least somewhat kid friendly!)  I purchased a handful of white ceramic pots from Ikea. I LOVE boxwoods, so I knew I wanted to incorporate them into Conrad's party! Four of the white pots were topped with a 7" boxwood ball from Save-on-Crafts.

The remaining four vases were filled with white crinkle paper and a centerpiece stick designed by Kelly Lyden of The Party Dress and WH Hostess. Her centerpiece sticks added a festive touch to the table and coordinated beautifully with Hayley's designs.

I contacted the hilariously funny Genevieve of Celebrate Today and Posh Party Pretties to custom make party hats for each child's placesetting. They were precious and I was so impressed with her craftsmanship! She made the birthday's boy a tad different than the other hats which I loved.

When you have a toddler party, you have lots of adults in attendance as well. I decorated 6, 60" round tables with flower arrangements from Whole Foods and a custom placemat from Hayley Hardcastle.

The parents and kids were treated to a gourmet grilled cheese station, peanut butter and banana sandwiches as well as chips and fruit. It was chilly that day, so hot chocolate was also served.

I found the cutest straws to coordinate with the party! I knew I wanted to use the fun paper straws I have seen on so many sites, but I wanted to try and find a set that was unknown to many. I was thrilled when I stumbled across The Sugar Diva and found orange polka dot and light orange striped straws!

The fireplace was another focal point of the outdoor party space. As I mentioned before, my Mom made the two most gorgeous pillows out of the fabric I found that served as inspiration for the entire party! During an Etsy search for unique vendors to use at Conrad's party, I found the adorable shop called ElizabethGrace. I fell in love with her crepe paper designs! I asked her to make a banner that would drape above the fireplace. I loved how it turned out!

I also placed orange and green throws from Ikea in a white tin platter for guests to grab if they need some extra warmth.

On to the dessert table! I did not want to overwhelm the young kids with too many sweets, so I kept the treats to a minimum.

To decorate the table, I covered a 4'x6' board with fabric. Then, I placed two boxwood topiaries at each end of the table.

I ordered a two tier cake from an amazing Houston vendor, Cakes by Gina and placed it on top of a white pedestal stand from Fish Eddy.

Cupcakes were also present along with delicious cookies by friend and Houston baker, Nathalie Cook.

To try and entice the kiddos to eat something healthy, I put clementines and green apples (which just so happened to match the decor!) in pots from Ikea on the table.

One of the activities at the party was a "Let's Get Silly" station. I filled an orange plastic tub from Target with jumbo glasses, maracas, toy microphones and white boas for the girls...all in the party colors, of course!

Hayley designed a sign that said "Let's Get Silly" which I placed in a large frame from Ikea and set on an easel. Tom's Fun Band also played silly songs for the kids. They had a blast with this!

Sweet Pea Plus Three, a very creative Etsy vendor from Houston, handmade Conrad's party shirt as well as a coordinating shirt for big brother, Nicklaus. I was smitten with her design! I sent her some of the famous fabric and she went to work on a custom design for the boys shirts.

As a parting gift, the kids took home silly string that was custom wrapped in a label that said, "I Got Silly at Conrad's Party!".

I had seen a similar idea in a book by Tara Guerard and knew I had to do this at Conrad's party. This was probably not age appropriate, but I couldn't resist!

Thank you so much Christi, for sharing your incredible party, all the details and resources, and fabulous photos!!!! What a gorgeous family!

Christi shares that the party was photographed by a fabulous new photographer she was introduced to by a mutual friend. "Melanie Pereira was as sweet as can be and very talented! I look forward to working with her on future events!"