To Have, To Hold, To Serve

So much about life and marriage is about service.
Self sacrifice and loving even when it's hard.

Our students take a family and relationships class at the school and they always interview married couples at different stages in life.  We were interviewed again today, and this time we found ourselves stressing the need for selflessness and loving service.  Not because we have been extra greedy or selfish, but I think it was because we have been pulled in so many different directions lately.  When you are running around like crazy people, that the best way to show love to each other is to help and sacrifice for one another.  Life doesn't always allow us to be romantic, but when the Hubbard helps with the dishes or I sit and label uniforms, we are showing love to each other.  A love that lasts and will continue to bless.

Our marriage is a choice.
Love is a choice.
And we have chosen "yes" to sacrificing for each other.

But more importantly, for our family, we strive to serve the Lord in all that we say and do.  It's not a very popular position, and it's not always easy.  Sometimes I would rather be selfish and do things my way, but that is not what The Hubbard and I have committed to do with our lives.

I made this calligraphy print for our little home (Joshua 24:15) as a continual reminder of this promise that we have made, but I am considering offering it as an instant download in my shop... what do you think? Do I need to add a "wall art" section to the shop? I think this print (or something like it) would make a great wedding/shower art, or gift to a newly married couple!



Are there any other prints/verses that you would like to see in the shop? Let me know in the comments!

Fall Wedding Colors... Falling In Love

You know how sometimes you make something that you love?
Something that gives you warm fuzzies and little thrills?

That's how I felt about the Romantic Birch design (above).  I knew it was ready.  And it would appear that I was right, because I have sold more of this design than any of my others stationery suites.

And sometimes those designs come back, get a facelift and *cue magic twinkling bells* I'm in love all over again!

 This examples shows a lovely color combo that was requested by one of my brides a few months ago (info has been changed).  While the design originally had a lovely purple accent, the deep burgundy that she requested is just.... oh, it made my designers heart sing!

Love the blue tones in the greenery of this color combo!

And I couldn't help but play around with a few other color combos—perfect for the coming fall!  If you are interested in either of these color combos for your own wedding, simply specify "fall color combo" in the notes section at checkout, or include a photo of the colors that you would like for any of the stationery styles!

DIY: Easy Envelope Liner

I love a good envelope liner.
So cute.
So classy.
So over-achiever, put together, Martha Stewart-y.

But how do we get that flawless, polished look without paying a fortune for cute paper?
It's really quite simple and doesn't take as long as you might think—you can do this with any envelope or paper, simply follow the 3 step directions below:

Supplies

1. Two Envelopes (or more, but you need at least 1 that will be "destroyed" and another to be lined)
2. Beautiful paper (scrap paper, printed paper, colored paper, etc)
3. Writing device, I recommend a pencil
4. Scissors

STEP 1: MAKE A TEMPLATE

Take your first envelope and cut along the adhesive, following carefully along the curved edge (if you do not have adhesive showing, simply cut along where you would like your liner to stop, following the natural contour of your envelope).

After that piece has been removed, simply cut riiiight along each folded edge so that a small sliver of paper fold falls off (below).  If it would be easier for you to first draw a line along the edge of your envelope before cutting, feel free to do so!  Remember, you can always cut more off, so start slowly!

When you have gone all around the edge, you will have two large pieces.  The one that looks like a piece of scrap paper with a pizza cut out, and another that looks like it would make an awesome "Envelope Liner Template"... because that is exactly what it is!

STEP 2: TRACE YOUR TEMPLATE

Now that your template has been created and is ready for use, it's time to get out your beautiful paper!  Simply place your template over the paper, and trace the template with your pencil.  Be sure to capture your favorite element of the design—anything that is not under the template will not be included in your final product!

STEP 3: CUT OUR YOUR LINER

I bet you already guessed this part!  Cut along the line you created with your template and then tuck the finished product inside of your extra, untainted envelope.

I always fold the envelope flap with the liner inside to make sure that everything closes nicely.  If anything needs to be trimmed (if it bubbles or pokes out when you fold it) then I apply these changes to the template before moving on and creating more liners.

WANT SOMETHING EVEN EASIER??

IF, despite the ease of this tutorial, you either do not have pretty paper to use for your liners, are not inclined enough to make your own design, or you just want a shortcut to this entire process, be sure to check out my pre-made templates and envelope liner designs currently sitting pretty in the shop!

And they're only $6.99 for the download, which means you can make as many as you want!  Click on your favorite or let me know down below which one you like best :)

Day Of Papers: Printable Menu

The menu designs are finally here!  After multiple requests for darling designs converted into beautiful menus, I decided it was time to make an official listing for it already!  And let's face it, they are darling.

I mean... just look at how the menu finishes off this place setting!

There is a design for each stationery style, and an extra design to boot (below)! Does the "Modern Stripe" style need it's own stationery line? All you have to do is ask da'ling!

As with other items in the shop, all you need to do is simply select the style and send in the information that you wish to have included.  I plan to include a menu post in my wedding etiquette
series this fall—what do you think?

Necessary and helpful, or excessive and dull?

Until then, feel free to wander around and check out the new menu designs in the shop

Envelope Liner: Striped Perfection

I love me a classy stripe.
On clothes, pillows, cups, curtains and... you guessed it, wedding stationery!  I just love how the simple regular lines create so much texture and movement.  SO little effort for so much impact!
Just like the Birch Bark envelope liner, this stripey liner design was made to specifically coordinate with one of the stationery designs already in the shop.  Did you guess which one?

The Apple Blossom suite, of course!  Though this classy pattern would really look lovely with many of the stationery designs (come to think of it, the new succulent design would really pair well with this liner!).

I'm still busy swooning over this pair, but if you're not convinced, I'm sure I have another design that will tickle your fancy a bit ;)  Head on over to the shop and check them out!

Envelope Liners: Birch Bark Beauties

There's something new in the shop!

Beautiful envelope liner designs have been added for instant download!  That way you can have as many as your beauty-loving heart desires, and use them for multiple events (envelope color is up to you).  I am just thrilled with how these birch bark envelope liners turned out, and the other designs are quite on point as well, if I do say so myself!

I just love how the liner and these raspberry envelopes tie this entire stationery set together, don't you?  What color envelope would you pair with this liner?  Would you use this for your upcoming party or wedding?

Be sure to swing by the shop and check out the other designs! I can't wait to share them with you in the upcoming weeks :)