As I was helping to finish up our massive home office overhaul I was enjoying a cold Fat Tire beer and set the glass down on our desk. I realized at that moment we need new coasters to go with our newly re-arranged office. For some reason I’ve always been obsessed with coasters, and found these laser-etched bamboo type beauties at Veer. I love the bamboo texture and the array of different type forms. These, I think, would be an exellent addition to our newly de-cluttered desktop!

I will be spending the day today at Real Card Studio preparing for Paperpalooza! We hope to see you there!

To tempt you, some photos:

the “envelope room” at Real Card Studio

some of our stuff packed up, ready to take over to Real Card Studio {this is only SOME of our stuff – there’s more!}

some of mmm…paper‘s goods rolled and ready!

This is only a sampling of the great products we will be selling. I’m looking forward to seeing everything Heather, Michelle, and Tara will be selling (and I’ve promised myself I won’t buy any of it myself, even if it’s tempting!) You can’t miss this!

Real Card Studio: 117 1st Avenue North, Seattle located a few blocks west of the Space Needle at about 1st and Denny. Enter alley side between 1st and Queen Anne Ave.

We’d like to send out a HUGE thanks to the blogs who have helped up promote Paperpalooza: Barbie Hull Photography | Bella Signature Design | Jamie of all Trades | Pink Blossom Events | Seattle Brides | Sweet Pea Events | VOWS

One of our favorite calligraphers, Laura Hooper, just introduced two new {gorgeous!} styles: Specerian and Spencerian Swash Caps. Both are stunning! She is running a great special offer right now too: Receive $1.00 off every outer envelope using a Spencerian style or receive 50% off an enlarged map with the purchase of any map order. Offer valid through July 31. Contact her for availability and delivery dates and mention JULY2009 when ordering.

If you are in the Seattle area and are interested in seeing Laura’s work in person, contact us to make an appointment to see her sample book at out Kirkland studio!

images from lhcalligraphy.com

I am a huge fan of the summer dress – there is nothing easier than throwing on a fun and flirty dress, wedge sandals, and some lightweight jewelry on a hot summer day. I’d much rather spend my summer days in a comfy dress than in shorts or jeans! I’ve spent the past month searching desperately for some fun dresses and have been irritated more times than I can tell you, dear readers. I am SO sick of the minidresses and floor length maxi dresses! I don’t look good in either. I’d nearly given up hope of ever finding a flattering dress again when I discovered Shabby Apple. I am in love! I’ll take one of each, please!

all images from shabbyapple.com

On an unrelated note…

Brown Sugar Design now has a Facebook page! Become our fan here!

What happens when four stationery designers obsessed with all things paper join forces? A can’t miss PAPERPALOOZA! Our studios are overflowing with luxury envelopes, rolls and rolls of ribbon, fine papers from India, Italy, and Japan – and so much more!

This is a great opportunity for DIY brides, scrapbookers, crafters, and paper lovers to get some fantastic goods at prices far below retail!

NEED TO KNOW DETAILS:

Date and Time: Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Real Card Studio 117 First Avenue North, Seattle (enter from the alley between 1st Avenue and Queen Anne Avenue North)

pssst… The first 20 people to email sale@mmmpaper.com will receive an invitation to our EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW HOUR from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM! Get first pick of all the goodies! Coffee and yummy treats will be served.

Hosted by Brown Sugar Design, Ephemera Custom Letterpress, mmm…paper, and Real Card Studio

View Larger Map

Jonathan and I have a lengthy list of fonts we’d like to purchase (oh, if only we had several thousand dollars just lying around to be spent…) and this gorgeous typeface by Alejandro Paul is currently at the top of the list. It features an astounding 1,470 glyphs (if you’re not a designer, you may not know what that means – but trust us, it’s a VERY good thing to us type nerds).

Adios Script | images from veer.com

Our new issue of Martha Stewart Weddings just arrived, and the style and details from this featured Brooklyn wedding immediately caught my eye. The bride’s dress is showstopping, the butterfly details are too cute, and the groom’s attire – swoon! I especially love his cuff links!

all images from marthastewartweddings.com