Merry Christmas to all!

Well I'm a couple days late here, but Merry Christmas to all of you that have supported Narwhal Paper Goods this year. Looking forward to a great 2013!

DIY Fabric Strip Backdrop

 

When we started brainstorming about this photo shoot, I knew we'd need some kind of backdrop that would bring plenty of dimension and texture, but not draw your eye away from colorful printed items. So, I went with my go-to Fabric Strip backdrop that is both quick and affordable-just the way I like it!

I used a fabric called Broadcloth because it was affordable and ripped easily.

I cut my strips approximately 2 inches wide, but eventually I was able to just eyeball it. 

The length of my strips for this project was 1 yard, but you could easily rip a longer strip for a full length backdrop. I also varied the length on some of the strips so that it wasn't perfectly even.

 I hope you all will give this project a try and, of course, try different color combinations to match your table. And don't forget to visit sucreshop.com to download all of the free printables!

Narwhal Paper Goods + Sucre Shop

Can I just say I love my job? For those of you that don't know, I've been working part time at Sucre Shop for the last few months and still doing my own design stuff on the side. It really is the best of both worlds. I had so much fun helping Brooke of Sucre Shop with this photo shoot and I think Sucre Shop + Narwhal Paper Goods = a pretty sweet combination! 

Kind of like the combination of ice cream and hot cocoa on our s'mores toppings bar! Just because it's getting a little colder outside doesn't mean you have to stop eating ice cream! Warm it up with some s'mores toppings and cup of hot cocoa. And if you're looking for a some sweet gifts, fill a small mason jar with toppings and wrap our free printable tag around it. Visit sucreshop.com for all of the free printables!

Also, stay tuned for a DIY of our fabric strip background!

Vendors:

Ice cream cups, scoops, & ice cream spoons from Sucre Shop

Styling by Lindsay Reams and Brooke Pratt

Printable designs by Narwhal Paper Goods

Photography by Bernalla Gooseberry Photo Love/Beth Grebe

Family Photo Out Take

I'm sorry I've been absent lately, but I promise I've been busy with lots of pretty designs that I can't wait to show you, including our family holiday card. This is one of the out takes of the shoot - Kiva looks so awkward but I am loving Butters little hip sticking out. Catitude. 

(Photo by Shannon Bulla Photography)

Animal Roundup

For those of you that don't know I'm a huge animal lover. It's still a dream of mine to have a farm some day. Here's some animal related things I've found lately that I would absolutely love to own. And since it's almost my birthday I figured I'd share them with the world. ;)

(Cat Lounger, Zebra pillow, Cat Sweatshirt, Baby Animal prints, Pig Bookends)

Wedding Suite: Emily + Nathan

Taking inspiration from the purple and gold flowers out this time of year, I designed Emily and Nathan's fall wedding suite. All of the flowers are custom illustrations along with a hand illustration of Riverbend Chapel. I love that this set hints at a fall celebration but doesn't scream "Fall Fest". You know what I mean? What do you guys think?

Stamp all the things

I'm becoming convinced that rubber stamps are the most versatile thing ever. Someone please let me design them an invitation that is one giant stamp! It'd be perfect if you wanted the invitation on something other than paper-like pretty handkerchiefs or a muslin bag. 

Stamps & Coasters

While I absolutely love designing for other people, sometimes it's nice to design a couple things for myself. I've been wanting a thank you stamp to help give my packaging an extra boost. This round stamp can be put on almost anything so I'm having a lot of fun with it. I also designed these patterned coasters for our new coffee table. For those of you that were interested in buying a set, I am a little unhappy with the cost of these so I'm still looking for a cheaper option*.

*These are heavy duty coffee table coasters, not the paper coasters used at a wedding or event. Those are not pricey at all and can be a really fun favor for your guests!

New Cards!

I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am with my ultra thick, colored edge business cards. I keep telling people to frame these puppies because they're so precious to me. Ha! I guess that's a little overboard. If you know of anyone looking to upgrade their business cards, I cannot recommend these enough. 

Kind Words

It makes me such a happy girl to read these words! I had such a blast working with both of these girls. Having a custom wedding suite that is perfectly tailored your wedding is WAY better than a pre-made template. Am I right?! Looking forward to more brides like these two!

Recent Happenings

Lots of stuff has been happening lately: the studio has been starting to come together, several invitation sets have been sent out, and I even received my own stationary in the mail. Kinda cool! I haven't had time to blog it all but if you want to keep up, you can follow me on Instagram @lindsay_narwhalpaper.

A fancy photoshoot is in order soon for some of my recent sets. Can't wait to show you all!

My obsession with paper knows no bounds

(image via Present&Correct)

My enthusiasm for great paper texture and thickness might be a little on the crazy side, you guys. I just get so excited. I might be weirding some clients out. 

Thing you may not know: My paper selection has gotten really good since, say, my invitations (I still love you guys, don't worry). I'm talking super thick and luxurious. Or sleek and little bit shimmery. You may not be as into paper as I am, but it can really take your invites to the next level. Want to see/feel for yourself? Email me for a sample!

Vacation time!

Leaving for vacation tomorrow with the hubby for our one year anniversary. We're going to Big Cedar Resorts. Have you ever been? I haven't, but I've heard it's kind of like fancy camping. The pictures look beautiful! Here's what I would be bringing if cost weren't an issue!

(1. sweater , 2. blanket, 3. swimsuit, 4. backpack, 5. sandals, 6. bike)

Gingham Birthday Card

After creating this sweet and simple birthday card for a friend, I thought it'd be fun to dream up the fancy summer picnic that would accompany such a card. I need to work on my food presentation skills this summer. Has pink lemonade ever looked so good?

Custom Stamps

You guys.... custom stamps are the funnest thing ever. And super affordable! I'm ready to order a stamp for just about everything. This is one I did for my sister in law's wedding which she is going to give as a gift to her parents afterward. How sweet is that?

Hello Yellow!

Feeling refreshed, summery, and happy. Yellow was my favorite color as a kid and for good reason. It's so cheerful!

(1. Illustration by Christine Wisnieski, 2. Madewell Sandals, 3. Print by Jen Gotch, 4. Terrain Honey, 5. Kate Spade Clutch)

Finding Home...

I'm sorry for the lack of posting lately. Ryan and I found out we can't renew our lease in our apartment so we've been on the hunt for a place to live. We felt so spoiled at this place as far as renting goes that now we're considering buying. Our new home probably won't like like this, but a girl can hope. Exciting and stressful times ahead! Funny how those things almost always go together. 

(Images via Pinterest)

Oh, Baby

I was lucky to work on this sweet baby shower invitation for baby Natalia. The invitation was a mixture of painted stripes and graphic dots. Shannon threw the shower for her sister and had some really great things to say about Narwhal Paper Goods!

"The baby shower invitations were perfect! All of the guests were impressed with how unique and fun they were, and my sister Erin loved them as well. Lindsay was great to work with - she came up with the design and then customized and tailored them to be exactly what my sister and I wanted. Like I said, they were perfect!"

Custom work is the best when you're working with great clients! Email me at lindsayreams@gmail.com to inquire about custom pricing!

(Baby photos by Shannon Bulla Photography)

Peach & Teal Crazy

Just finished working on the cutest peach and teal invitation and now I'm officially obsessed with this color combo. Thoughts of redoing our entire apartment color scheme have entered the brain. 

Colorful February

Feeling so excited, inspired, and motivated right now. February has been treating me well so far. Here are some of my latest Instagram photos. I'm no photographer but it sure makes me feel like I am!

Talk to Me

Shannon and I had a great time coming up with this cootie catcher for you to download. I loved these when I was little! (even though I didn't learn to make one until a few weeks ago) What a fun little way for you and your girlfriends to get the encouragement/motivation you've been needing. Or maybe just an excuse to take that nap you've been longing after.

You can download the cootie catcher file right here!

Don't know how to fold a cootie catcher? Learn how right here!

Invitation Feature: Bryce and Lindsay Fickas

Lindsay was Narwhal Paper's first official customer and I had a blast designing their fun and whimsical invitations. Here's what Lindsay had to say about the invitation process!

"Before we even got engaged, Bryce and I knew we wanted to get married out at his grandparents' house. It's so incredibly special to him and is absolutely beautiful! After this was decided, we based our entire wedding around it. We really wanted to keep a rustic yet playful feeling, and I started to search for the perfect invitations. After looking through countless designs and failing terribly at making my own, I remembered Lindsay casually saying at the beginning of our engagement that she could design them. I asked her if she was still willing and was so excited when she said yes! She instantly went to work and asked me questions about as many details as possible. She knew everything from the color scheme to the mason jars we were using for decoration. When I got to see the final product, I was blown away. They were so personal and perfect! After I sent them out, compliments started flooding in. The invitations set such a wonderful feel for the wedding. They even helped inspire me for last minute details. Even today, they remain my favorite part of our wedding!"

Wow! How sweet was that? You can see more custom invitations right here.

Love and Hearts

I know, I know...Valentine's Day has become kind of cheese ball. But to me it's all about being thoughtful to the people you love. Wouldn't it be great to get one of these babies in the mail from a friend? Oh and bonus for you, they're classic enough to be used year round.

You can pick them up right here, friends!

And the winner is...

Congrats to Emily for winning the 2012 Watercolor Calendar! Thanks to every one who participated. Don't worry, we will be having more giveaways in the future.

Still wanting to see that calendar in your home? You can get it here for only $16.

Pinterest Faves

Most of you probably know about Pinterest already but in case you haven't heard, it's pretty dang awesome. It's fun to be able to see your style more clearly when its all in the same spot. For instance, I apparently have a thing for dark gray walls and stripes. Good to know! Did you know that Pinterest is catching on the most in the Midwest? For once, we're the trendsetters! 

Want to see more pins? Follow me here!

Also, don't forget about our giveaway that ends on Saturday!

Our First Giveaway

That's right, free stuff! To be entered, all you have to do is share Narwhal's Facebook page or Narwhal's blog on your Facebook or Twitter! After you've shared, please comment on this post and I'll enter your name in the drawing to win! All entries must comment before midnight on January 14th. The winner will be announced January 16th! Good luck!

P.S. In order to enter all you have to do is share the page, but adding a personal message is always appreciated! 

It's 2012 Friends!

As I began to think about my resolutions for this next year, I realized that this is the first year in a long time that I don't know what to expect. I've always known what year I'd be in school or that I'd graduate or that I'd get married. It's a little scary not knowing, but also very exciting! So here's to the year that I make things happen, take my future into my own hands, and have a blast doing it.