I have always found it hard to throw away any sort of personal letter or card that arrives in the mail. I even like to keep the envelopes that letters arrive in, for there is something about the look of a postmarked envelope that I have always loved. Whether it’s an illustration on a vintage postcard or the gracefulness of a handwritten note – there is always inspiration to be found in this ephemera I’ve collected throughout the years. So, I thought it would be nice to share a few images of some of my favorite items I have kept along the way. (Oh, and in case you’re wondering, while some of these items were sent to me personally, I found the vintage postcards in the back of a used book store quite a few years ago. Not only are they fun to look through, but they can also be a great source of inexpensive art for your home!)

We would love to hear from you!  What sort of things do you like to hang onto?

Comments...

Recently we took a short trip to Troy, North Carolina and stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast - the Blair House. While in the area, we also visited some other nearby cities, including Mt. Gilead, Albemarle, Badin, and Star. We love exploring small towns and can easily fill an afternoon by window-shopping, looking at old buildings, meandering down the occasional alley, and of course, eating some good food and taking a few photos along the way.

Hand painted signs are always a treat to find no matter the town we are in.  Of course, highly ornamented and extremely crisp lettering are always impressive; but I find that even the simplest hand painted signs can be worthy of a photograph. Below are some signs we spotted while walking around Albemarle, North Carolina.  They may be weathered and imperfect, but this just makes me love them all the more.

Comments...

I can’t believe spring is already here! This usually means we are entering our busy season and this year is definitely no exception. To help lighten my load a bit I’ve had to postpone updating the blog recently. I think I’m feeling caught up though – so hopefully I can keep up with regular posting from here on out.

Despite our busy schedules, we thought it would be a great idea to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we had here last weekend.  We headed over to the JC Raulston Arboretum in order to walk around a bit, enjoy some fresh air, and keep our eyes out for inspiration.

The arboretum includes multiple theme gardens and some nice secluded spots that are quite picturesque.  You will also find thousands of plant species within the eight acre arboretum.  If you happen to live near Raleigh, definitely consider this spot if you are planning an outdoor wedding.  Being so early in the season, things were just beginning to bud and bloom; but I’m sure the views will only get better later on in the season.

Comments...

Last fall, we finally purchased a new paper cutter. Our old paper cutter was moody, greasy, and not exactly the safest hunk of metal around. So when we finally tracked down a new one that suited our needs and was just the right price, we jumped at the chance to buy it. There was just one little catch (as always seems to be the case around here with equipment acquisition) – we would have to pick it up. But just how far away was this new paper cutter from Raleigh?  Well, it depends on the route you take, but to give you an idea, somewhere around 1400 miles away. This may seem a bit far to drive for a piece of equipment, but we had our reasons:   a) we really needed a new paper cutter,  b) it was great timing since fall is our slow season, and c)  we really really really wanted an excuse for a road trip. So, after considering the cost of fuel, food, lodging, and trailer rental, we packed up the car and hit the road.

We planned to spend our first night with family just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee,  but decided to make a quick stop in Knoxville with plans to visit Yee-Haw Industries.

Yee-Haw is a design and  letterpress studio specializing in event posters and art prints. Walking into their shop was one of those “we’re not in Kansas anymore” moments for sure. The walls of the space are lined with trays upon trays of wood and lead type. The place has been in business since the mid-nineties, and the years spent working on this collection of type have definitely paid off. And then there are the posters – both the walls and ceilings are plastered. It’s truly an inspiring sight!

It was great to visit a place where things are so different from what we’re used to. Unlike the folks at Yee-Haw, we do not have  a collection of type other than that of the digital variety. While our designs typically start on paper, the final designs are created in the computer. Then, if we’re designing something to be letterpress printed, we  create photopolymer plates. This enables us to make truly custom designs for our clients without having a  large collection of wood or lead type eating up our precious square footage. That doesn’t mean we wouldn’t like to have some though.  We can’t help but imagine what it must be like to open up a drawer filled with type and just start playing around with a concept. From start to finish the job can be done without even so much the thought of a computer.

We’re thankful that owner Kevin Bradley was kind enough to give us a tour of the space and let us check out all the type as well as the presses (including a neglected Heidelberg Windmill!).  I wish I had more photos of the space – but I hate to feel like I’m intruding and tend to take less photos when there are people around (I’m totally shy like that).  And though we really wanted to stay a little longer and get some dinner in Knoxville, we knew that we had a little niece waiting on us to hurry up and arrive in Chattanooga already, so it was time to hit the road once again and continue on…

Stay tuned!  I’ll be posting about our adventure periodically until finished, though not every week in a row.  Be sure to check back in the following weeks to find out what happens!

Comments...

Perhaps this is a bit dark and moody for a February post – but these are the images I keep coming back to.

Clockwise from top left:   1. photo titled “Weathered” by Jennifer Dickerson Photography – I love the warm glow in this image.   2. powdered sugar dress by sarahseven – The dress is ethereal, plus there is nothing like coming home and taking your shoes off.   3. photo by Steven Brisson Photography – I’ve always preferred old books to new – something about the yellowed pages plus the occasional note written in the margin.   4. pottery by Emile Henry (via the kitchn) – I have a weakness for rustic farmhouse tables.   5. photo titled “The Journey Awaits” by Honeytree Photography – Can I  take a walk here?   6. skeleton keys available from Ashbury Lane Art & Design – I love the patina.   7. photo by Honey & Jam Photography – Warm drink on a cold night – need I say more?   8. photo titled “Gossamer” by Alicia Bock Photography – So delicate.

Comments...

As a reminder to myself (and anyone else reading!) to notice all the little things that surround us in our daily lives, I’ll be posting another regular monthly feature. Everyday Things will focus on just that – the everyday items  that we sometimes take for granted or fail to notice. I stumbled across some interesting uses for buttons the other day while browsing on Etsy, which got me thinking about doing this sort of post.  The colors, textures, materials, and patterns available  are really just endless.  Here is a sampling of images from around the web that caught my eye:

First row on the left (from top to bottom): Sweet Plum Vintage, Country Living, SpareButton / Second row: Pavi Yarns, SpareButton, Tumbled Shards / Third row: momentinthesun, SpareButton, Stelma Designs, Polished / Last row on the right: Brizel Supplies, Lillian Olive, SpareButton

Comments...