Cupcakes and Cashmere

Stationery Specifics

March 21st, 2012

When I graduated from college, my dad gave me a beautiful set of personalized stationery. It came in a dark green box with cream-colored notes that had my full name written across the top. It was one of the sweetest gifts I’d ever received and it marked the first time I truly felt like an adult. I still have the box tucked away in my closet – with just a few cards left. I don’t know if I’ll ever bring myself to use the last one, especially since I’ll be changing my name (though not professionally) in just a few short weeks. Beyond personalized notes though, it’s fair to say that I have an obsession with all things related to paper, so I figured I’d share some of my favorite stationery-related items that I use most frequently.

Good paper (plus matching envelopes). It seems rather obvious, but I always make sure to have several sizes and colors of paper lying around so I can make cards instead of buying them. I recently purchased this double loop punch to make ordinary paper look really special (as seen above).

Glitter. I use this set for nearly everything – finger nails, cards, you name it.



Glue pen
. The perfect way to use said glitter to write sweet sayings with sparkle.



Decorative paper
. I use this for wrapping small gifts or for lining plain envelopes – the easiest way to make a big impact. Simply trace the outside of the envelope on the backside of the paper you want to use and cut it out (make sure to leave a little room on the sides and along the top, so you can still seal it closed).

Stamps. These bring back memories from childhood, but now I opt for quirky characters (like this orange lobster) to dress up neutral card stock.

Finished cards for spring.

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  • caroline

    My Dad gave me my first box of stationary too! Thanks for reminding me of this gift and I’ll be getting myself some new paper and stamps and stationary!

  • http://www.jessicajanuary.com january

    love the lobster! so cute! and the double loop punch comes out brilliantly!
    january, x
    jessicajanuary.com

  • http://www.themymaisonblog.blogspot.com Chelsey Hahn

    Lovely idea! …and such cute stamps and paper!!! I wish I could find the time to do this! :/ hand-made cards always say it best! ;) XoXo

    http://www.themymaisonblog.blogspot.com

  • Giselle

    I love all these!Very cute!

  • http://stilmedfrubruun.blogspot.com Anne-Marie Bruun

    It is a very beautiful blog you have and I love to read it :)

  • Leslie

    I am soooo not crafty, but those look so cute and creative (and most importantly, easy!) that I now want to make my own. Can’t wait for your book to come out!

  • http://modeandthecity.blogspot.com Daphné

    This post is very inspiring! Thanks for sharing !

  • Diana

    Stationary is one of my obessessions. Check out the lovelies on this website: http://tuttalou.com. I am always on the look out for just the right thing, and Sarah always has it. She does fantastic custom work and somehow manages to make the whole creative process fun.

  • Stephanie

    Love this post! I also felt like a real “adult” when I got my first box of personalized stationary from my grandmother. I hope to give a couple of these ideas a try soon. Thanks for the great inspiration!

  • http://theas-vintage.blogspot.com/ Thea Vintage
  • http://blogalessa.blogspot.com/ alessa

    PERFECT! Soo cute! Kisses, Alessa!

  • http://theslowpace.wordpress.com The slow pace

    I love these details! They make such a difference in everything you do!

  • http://seerachgo.blogspot.com/ rachel

    Super cute. Love the glitter :)
    http://seerachgo.blogspot.com/

  • http://sassysouthernliving.wordpress.com/ Lindsey

    I agree, stamps take you back to childhood instantly. They also add a personalized touch that I just love. You cards look wonderfull!

  • http://theeggoutwest.blogspot.com/ meag

    you ARE the next martha stewart!

    xo the egg out west.

  • http://thestylistadiaries.blogspot.com Victoria

    This is such a GREAT post! When I was younger, I always loathed the idea of home decor and stationary, even though my mom stressed how important it is to put your own personal touches to things. You now have instilled a yearning for me to make my own stationary! Thanks for the ideas, these are all great!

    xo,
    Victoria
    http://thestylistadiaries.blogspot.com

  • Lauren P.

    I love the idea of making special stationary yourself! I love doing crafts and this seems like a fun rainy-day activity. The price of custom stationary has gotten so high and I always think to myself “I could do that myself!” I always add fun details with markers and glitter. Your glitter set has been on my wish-list forever now. Thanks for the tips Emily!

    Tulane A.B. Freeman School of Business

  • http://sprinklesinsprings.com Kara

    Every time I’m in Michaels I have the urge to get that huge thing of glitter from Martha Stewart! Now that I have a glue pen on my wishlist (because those glitter words are just way too cute), I can justify buying it.
    xx Kara
    Sprinkles in Springs

  • http://Sohlinthecity.blogspot.com Michelle @ Sohl in the City

    What a nifty idea! I am in intrigued with the idea of personalizing my own stationery! So cute!

  • http://ellemode3.blogspot.com ElleMode

    I totally know what you mean by that paper obsession. I’m obsessed with all things stationary as well!

    http://ellemode3.blogspot.com/

  • http://mess2themasses.tumblr.com Ryan

    You are such an inspiration. I am living in rural China teaching English and I love it but it’s not the best environment for stimulating creativity. I check your blog every day and it makes me so happy. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderfulness.

    -Ryan

  • http://www.laqistyling.com Janita

    Love your creativity. Very pretty. You just giving me some creative ideas for spring. Love your Blog. Thanks! Please follow my blog http://www.laqistyling.com

  • Anna

    This post has inspired me to to go out and get some new paper in different colors, pens,…. Beautiful!
    xxx
    http://choseducoeur.blogspot.com

  • http://stonecoldcomfort.blogspot.com/ Chloe

    Love those stamps – especially the lobster and push bike ones. x

  • http://urbanetimes.blogspot.com Vanessa

    Wow Emily! These are awesome! I am obsessed with pens and stationary and seeing that glue pen made me go crazy! Thanks for sharing!

  • http://www.glutpfthoughts.blogspot.com G.O.T.

    I wish I had the macaroons boxes :)
    xx Ale
    hey, I’m back, check out my blog if you used to like it!
    http://www.glutofthoughts.blogspot.com

  • http://www.feteinvilniusandparis.blogspot.com Gintare

    you have such imagination… beautiful! :)

    http://www.feteinvilniusandparis.blogspot.com

  • http://bit.ly/updohairstyles Tisha Loves Updo Hairstyles

    Isn’t it great how stationary can make you feel like an adult? I just got my first set of business cards and it gave me that same warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Love the collection of glitter =)

  • Julie

    Love this post…Any reason why you don’t use the MS glitter glue sticks instead of the glue pen and glitter? Is it because the glue pen writes finer?

  • http://www.thebudgetbabe.com The Budget Babe

    I’ve always loved stationary, too, and still make my own cards. Stealing these ideas!

  • Marina

    Wow! What a great gift!
    Have I already said that you are my muse?!rs

  • Kristine

    How beautiful! I’ve recently gotten into stationery. It’s much more personal than the standard cheesy birthday card.

  • http://www.thekeypieces.co.uk Lou

    What a great and simple idea. I love it!!

    Lou
    http://www.thekeypieces.co.uk

  • http://ladleful-of-fashion.blogspot.com/ Beatrice Sauvage

    Absolutely amazing. I love cute details on paper, they just brighten up my day!

    http://www.ladleful-of-fashion.blogspot.com/

  • http://endlessnessego.blogspot.com Misha

    Oh my gosh there’s no words how excited this post makes me! Makes me wanna get all crafty right away!

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