Our handmade holiday card inspiration continues with this magnificent creation by Rick V., Midwest Regional Manager for Paper Source. The corporate office was buzzing when this wonderful creation arrived.

Of course we had to find out more, so here is his story…

Having spent the past few years in the Pacific Northwest, the mountains, snow and beauty of the moonlight shining on the snowy trees was the initial inspiration. The snow and surroundings are amazing after a nice snowfall.

The card went through several rounds. At first it was going to be a pop up card, but I could not perfect it in time (will probably be included in my card next year). Then, the idea of cross sections of wood spurred this iteration, as did our Faux Bois stationery and rubber stamp. The layers of trees and forest animals completed the idea with additions added throughout the process. Read the rest of this entry »

Our Annual Holiday Card Contest drew to a close yesterday. Thanks to those of you who submitted fantastic and original holiday card concepts, voting is going to be difficult.

While we wait for votes to trickle in from our teams, we wanted to put the spotlight on a few of last year’s submissions. We hope the recap will serve as inspiration and connect you with others who share your love for the handmade greeting.

Enjoy!

Created by Elisa B.

Created by Haley S. Read the rest of this entry »

Anytime I share a project on the PS Blog, I feel like the title should be prefaced with, “From the less than crafty files.” But, with the constant encouragement of colleagues — Linda, my go to for execution tips; Rebecca, who shares similar taste and IS crafty; and Kristen, who I frequently poll regarding the cool/helpful/unique/funny nature of content — I feel better about throwing my amateur projects up as inspiration for our readers.

Which brings me to today’s post — a ridiculously simple holiday card.

I’m sure a true designer could really make this magical. But, if you lack the time, resources and patience (like me), then know that this ornament card transforms into a wonderfully cute invitation or greeting card with the help of Microsoft Word, a home printer, fine paper, adhesive and colorful envelopes.

Here’s how:

Simply format the text in Word based on 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ paper dimensions, remembering that the longest text line should be approximately 3″ down from the top (taper up and down from there).

Run a 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet through the printer, then line up the ornament card to the printed sheet and adhere with tape, lightly so you can remove after it is printed. Read the rest of this entry »

‘Tis the season for holiday gift guides, festive décor, crafts and more! We are delighted that much of our holiday assortment has been featured in recent press, so we wanted to give you a look at a few Paper Source picks of the season.

In the December issue, Better Homes & Garden suggests a new family holiday tradition and asks readers to write down good deeds using our Paper Chain Garland Kit and hang it from the tree. Read the rest of this entry »

As many of you learned last year, I like to have a holiday gift wrap theme each year. Born out of necessity, I am extra excited to share this year’s look.

With a new baby in the house, gift wrap was not at the top of my list. One day, she was napping especially well and I found myself with some free time to get some wrapping done. One problem – I hadn’t planned anything or purchased any paper. Creative inspiration struck! I love the look of our Paper Bag wrapping paper, and decided to use the months of my Great Big Calendar as the base for this year’s gift wrap. Once I started, the ideas kept coming.

One month is the perfect size for a standard shirt box. For larger packages, I banded with a strip of calendar or used our Holiday Typography Paper, which matches perfectly (though this required my husband to make a quick run to our Evanston Store). So far, my favorite idea is this bow made out of the days of the week.

I hope this idea inspires you. For more inspiration, check out these wrapping tips for the season.

From our new family to yours – happy holidays!

–Ann
PS colors: pool, peacock & chocolate
Latest fave: 2012 Great Big Wall Calendar

My husband and I recently traveled to Turkey. It was an action-packed trip filled with incredible history and endless inspiration. Even in the holiday bustle, I find myself reflecting fondly on the amazing things we found there.

We enjoyed it so much that I figured, why not share a few images (admittedly not professional) and travel highlights with our readers. Many of you might be holiday weary or in need of a little afternoon escape.

So, go ahead, pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy this small helping of Turkish delight. The to-do list can wait.

Our adventure started in Istanbul, where we hit the ground running with a day-long excursion through the streets of the Old City. Incredible architecture surrounded us and the there was no shortage of of color.

The grandeur of the Hagia Sophia blew me away! The blue and gold tones left me spinning in circles, studying every tiny detail of each wall.

The magic continued through the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet), Basilica Cistern, and Topkapı Palace. Read the rest of this entry »

Make the holiday season merry and bright with this Silvery Tree Holiday Card. Use the Fuchsia base recommended in our How-To or modify with your favorite colors of the season.

Materials Needed:

• Silvery Tree Holiday Card How-To PDF
• Fuchsia A2 Folded Card
• Cover Weight Paper in Fushsia, Pure White & Shimmer Silver
• Foil Tree Rubber Stamp
• VersaMark Watermark Inkpad
• Silver Embossing Powder
• Sticky Tape Runner
• Embossing Heat Tool
• Guillotine Paper Trimmer or Cutting Mat, Ruler and Soft Grip Knife

Instructions:

1. Cut papers into the corresponding sizes indicated in the How-To PDF
2. Using the VersaMark Watermark inkpad, stamp tree onto Fuchsia layer, sprinkle with embossing powder and tap off excess, then emboss with your heat tool.
3. Layer and adhere pieces together and onto card using the tape runner.

Execute a perfect heat embossed treatment with the help of our rubber stamping expert Linda. This video walks you through tips and tricks for working with your heat tool.

– Claudia
PS colors: curry & fuchsia
Latest fave: Mini Magnolia Paper Flower Kit

We were tickled when this month’s Women’s Day featured a project inspired by red and white paper straws. Remember these straws from our Summer Cup Cover How-To? Well, this holiday variation — cleverly called the Straw-burst Wreath — caused a stir among DIYers.

Image courtesy of Tatertots & Jello

We loved the simplicity of the project and statement the wreath can carry throughout the season. But if you need something with a bit more charm, Blogger Jen of Tatertots & Jello created this wonderful paper straw wreath variation, using a snowflake and ribbon accent.

Image courtesy of Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line

Left with extra paper straws? Jenny of Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line shows off a paper straw garland that is perfect for parties or to string around your tree. Read the rest of this entry »

Some would say 2011 was the Year of the Rabbit, but from the eyes of a Paper Source fan it seemed to be the Year of the Creature. How often have you looked at an octopus and thought, “He’s so cute!” Or swooned over quirky owls in the wilderness. Or infused holiday cheer with the help of one jolly gnome.

The Paper Source Design Team certainly inspired many of us with characters this year and, lucky for us, many of them make an encore appearance in our 2012 calendars.

But what inspired you in 2011? Was it turning a calendar page, picking wedding colors from our Colorscope or receiving a folded note from someone special?

Comment to the blog to tell us about the Paper Source design, color, craft or icon that inspired you in 2011. Share your story by December 4th to be included in a $100 Paper Source Gift Card *drawing. It’s another way do something creative every day and engage with others who are inspired by color, style and paper!

December 5th Update: Congratulations to Paper Source Fan Amy B.! Her name was selected as the $100 Paper Source Gift Card winner.

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*No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older to enter. Gift card valid for U.S. residents only. Winner will be selected at random on December 5th, 2011 and notified via email.