Paper Source Blog » wedding favors

Upcoming workshop: Color, color, color

PS Workshops — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:39:18 +0000

This month we created a class inspired entirely by color. After all, color is what we do so well here at Paper Source! We’ll share simple ideas and techniques to build your foundation, then let you take these ideas to another level through the creative use of color.

Color, Color, Color! Stationery & Favors Workshop
Thursday, May 5, 2011
6 – 8 pm
Click to register.

If you appreciate projects with plenty of room for your own creative voice the Color, Color, Color! Stationery & Favors Workshop is the perfect class for you! From rubber stamping to punching, eyelet setting to watercolor pencil techniques, we’ll make you think about color in a whole new way!

–Linda
PS colors: paper bag & persimmon
Latest fave: Academic Great Big Calendar

What inspired your big day?

PS Design — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:16:31 +0000

When planning your wedding, what inspired you? It’s interesting to reflect on this question after the fact. My friend Linda shared photos she had taken from my wedding in the fall of 2007, and through these photos it’s clear – the place John and I were married, on the shores on Lake Michigan, was the inspiration from which our wedding was built.

The beaches we had walked, so many visits prior, provided the foundation – rocks! Both of us love to comb the beach for smooth, layered rocks and through our visits had collected enough to use as natural wedding favors at the place of each of our guests.

The warm browns and varied greens of the landscape and porch of the inn where we were married inspired our color scheme, including green striped wedding favor bags for the kids and petit chocolate bars – an edible favor for the adults!

Wood bowls held our flowers on the tables – certainly the wooden inn and all the tall trees surrounding it inspired our natural choice of the wood. Now those bowls serve as our salad bowls, a wonderful way to incorporate that extraordinary day into our everyday life.

What inspired your big day? How did you play that inspiration through in your wedding invitations, favors, programs, and flowers?

– Cindy
PS colors: persimmon & paper bag
Latest fave: 2011 Paper Source Booklet Calendar

Affordable wedding favor packaging

PS Design — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:33:07 +0000

With wedding season just around the corner, we thought we’d share some cute ideas for using our cellophane bags to package up wedding favors and gifts for your bridal party and guests. Clear cellophane bags work great because they’re both affordable and flexible, making them ideal for a wide range of stuffers… and you’ll have money left over to spend on the important stuff – what’s inside!

Wedding Favor Bags
Beautifully packaged treats make wonderful wedding favors. Cupcakes fit very nicely into our food-safe cellophane bags, but you could also use a small stack of cookies, a few chocolate truffles, or even a piece of cake! To incorporate your wedding colors, insert tissue paper into the bag before you place your treats inside and choose a coordinating ribbon.

Supplies & Tools: small cellophane bags • 1/4″ satin ribbon • scissors

Directions:
1. Insert your hand into the cello bag to open it up and flatten out the bottom to create a base.
2. Arrange your treats inside the bag.
3. Gather the top of the bag about an inch or so above the treat, and tie closed with ribbon (a friend’s help at this point comes in handy… get your bridesmaids or family members involved!).
4. Tie the ribbon into a bow and neatly trim the ends.
5. Trim the top of the bag if there is a lot of excess (I left about 3 inches above the bow in this sample). And done!

Gift Bags & Welcome Packages
Fill our larger cellophane bags with gifts and present to your bridal party as a token of your appreciation. Here I included a travel candle, leather photo album, mints, mini bottle of wine, and paper flower. This gift wrapping style also works great for welcome packages that can be left in the hotel rooms of out of town guests. Include some of your favorite local treats and other things to represent your wedding location, or choose items that will make your guests’ stay a little more enjoyable.

Supplies & Tools: medium cellophane bags • 4bar flat cards • stapler • fine paper • ruler/straight edge & xacto knife or paper trimmer • 1/4” satin ribbon • cover weight paper • You’re the Best rubber stamp • gold Colorbox inkpad • gold embossing powder • heat embossing tool • 1/8” hole punch • double-sided tape • scissors

Directions:
1. To create a sturdy base for the cello bag, trim a 4bar flat card to 3” x 4.875” and place in the bottom of the bag.
2. Arrange your goodies inside.
3. Fold the top of the bag down once to close, and staple to secure.
4. For the decorative paper wrap at the top of the bag, trim your paper into rectangles that are 5” wide by about 6” tall (you can adjust based on your preference). Fold in half so that you have a folded piece that is 5” wide by 3” tall.
5. Apply a strip of double-sided tape to the bottom inside edges of this folded paper, place over the top of the cello bag, and press to secure.
6. To create the tag, trim cover weight paper to desired size of tag (I used 2.5” x 1 3/4”). Rubber stamp onto each card and emboss with gold embossing powder. Use a 1/8” hole punch to make a hole in the top right corner of the tag.
7. Cut a piece of ribbon that is 18” long, wrap around the top of the bag, and tie closed in the front, inserting the tag before knotting. Trim ribbon ends.

As with all craft projects, you’ll find that things go faster if you work in assembly line format. For example, someone could be stuffing the goodies into the bags, another person closing the bags and adding the paper wrap at the top, and then someone putting on the finishing touches! It also helps to prep your materials before beginning: cut all of your ribbon to the proper length, cut and fold all of the decorative paper, create all of your embossed tags, and trim all of your 4bar cards. Working in this way can make even big projects much more manageable and your results will probably look more consistent!

–Alanna
PS colors: gravel & plum
Latest fave: Faux Bois Soap Set

Paper Wedding – February 20 & 21

PS Workshops — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:38:48 +0000

This year celebrates the 5 year Anniversary of our signature Bridal Event—Paper Wedding! To give you some background on the events’ inception we have to reflect upon the notion that “Good things come in small packages.” Indeed, it was our wonderful little store in Kansas City that provided the testing grounds for our first ever wedding event, and ultimately the proof that brides would love a weekend full of wedding inspiration.

This year our Paper Wedding open house event has been expanded to two full days. Join us this weekend Saturday, February 20 & Sunday, February 21 from 12pm to 4pm, for demonstrations, to see our walls of wedding inspiration, and partake in a few hands-on rubber stamping opportunities. We feel certain we will inspire even the most traditional bride to “do something creative every day!”

Since 2005, our love affair with brides and grooms hasn’t lost its first blush of excitement! Year after year we continued to expand on Paper Wedding, and as of last year the event is hosted by all 32 stores!

Back in the day, our multi-talented National Manager of Invitations, Betsy Campbell (seen above in the black), oversaw the whole “shebang”! And let me tell you, these were some impressive shoes to fill when it came to taking on the task of expanding this fete to all of our stores. I love now that what began as a small slice of opportunity has grown into the signature debut of our new Wedding Invitation Collection!

Granted I am biased, but the 2010 Paper Source Wedding Invitation Collection is more amazing than ever! Our design and invitation teams have created extraordinary invitation suites that any couple would feel proud to send. If you’re looking for wedding invitations with luscious layering, dramatic details, and a full array of papers, rubber stamps, and ink colors to create a wedding ensemble every bride dreams of for her big day, then we are the destination.

P.S. If you can’t join us this weekend or want more wedding inspiration, sign up for our Wedding Suites Workshop taking place Thursday, March 4.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: 2010 Paper Source Letterpress Calendar

Paper Source Workshop: The Wedding Tea

PS Workshops — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:49:37 +0000

This year we decided our bride-to-be’s deserve a morning tea, done the Paper Source way! Join us for The Wedding Tea workshop where we’ll give you a personal introduction to our brand new 2010 Wedding Invitation line (hot off the press!), hands-on projects to build your DIY skills, great raffles, and the bonus – a 10% off coupon to use towards purchases made that day (get your wedding supply list ready)! All while you sip tea and nibble on sweet treats.

Mark your calendars for this one hour morning event on Saturday, February 20 from 10-11am. Then stay for our free event, Paper Wedding the same weekend – February 20 and 21!

Don’t worry, we’re covering all the categories of wedding tradition:

Something Old
We’re old pros at showing you the tips and tricks for creating your perfect wedding suite.

Something New
Our fabulous new collection of exclusive Paper Source wedding invitations and accoutrements!

Something Borrowed
Use any of the kool crafting supplies we have at our workshop tables to build your make and takes.

Something Blue
Ah yes, we built the whole Wedding Tea theme around our lovely blue shade of pool.

Space is limited, so sign up early and perhaps bring a friend to help you take notes. We can’t wait to spend the morning with you!

Cheers,

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: 2010 Paper Source Letterpress Calendar

Paper Source Workshop: Wedding Favors

PS Workshops — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:10:49 +0000

With so many Paper Source favor boxes to choose from it’s easy to see why we love sharing our countless wedding favor ideas. Though our favor box assortment means endless possibilities to us, we know that our customers can feel overwhelmed by all of the choices. That’s why we’re always developing new wedding favor workshops that provide you with a framework for your favor project.

At this month’s Wedding Favor Workshop we’ll share ideas and decorating techniques to get you headed in the right direction. By the end of the class you’ll have the know-how and completed samples to make creative decisions for your own wedding celebration! Our workshops are also a great way to spend quality time with your mother, future mother-in-law and bridesmaids. A real treat for all of you!

WHAT: Wedding Favors Workshop
WHERE: All Paper Source stores
WHEN: Saturday, January 16 from 11am-1pm.
HOW: Visit our workshop page to find your store & purchase your $35 ticket. (Save 10% when you sign up with a friend!)

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: 2010 Paper Source Letterpress Calendar

How-to: decorative wedding favor box

PS Design — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:18:33 +0000

Requested by SO many of our customers, this spring we introduced the classic square favor box. This perfect little square is quickly becoming one of our favorites to embellish. With just a few folds and double stick tape they are ready to fill with little cookies, tiny treasures, or four exquisite truffles.

Here’s a great way to dress up favor boxes with ribbon, rubber stamps and glitter glue. Layering violet and silver ink creates an elegant muted tone and can be done with any color combination (use any base color with silver on top).

Pick a ribbon, ink color and rubber stamp design to coordinate with your wedding or party theme!

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

Materials Needed:
Classic Square Favor Box
Leaves Rubber Stamp
Violet Color Box Inkpad
Quicksilver Color Box Inkpad
1/4″ Satin Ribbon
Stickles Glitter Glue
Scissors
Embossing Heat Tool (optional)

Instructions:
1. Rubber stamp an all-over pattern onto a flattened (unassembled) square favor box. For the two-tone effect first ink the rubber stamp with violet ink, then ink on top of the violet with silver ink. Repeat the inking process for each rubber stamp impression for best results.
2. Carefully blot the stamped favor box dry with clean scrap paper or heat set the ink with a heat embossing gun.
3. Once the stamped design is dry assemble the favor box as instructed.
4. Cut approximately 20″ of satin ribbon and tie around the box side panels, finishing with a bow.
5. Accent with glitter glue and set aside to dry.

Paper Source Special Event: Wedding Day Details

PS Workshops — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:07:47 +0000

So much attention is paid to spring and summer weddings, but we know that fall and winter brides are also looking for unique ideas to make their wedding truly special! Our hands-on Wedding Day Details event will feature fabulous seasonal wedding ideas for wedding programs, placecards, table tents, and favors. With the help of our Paper Source team you will create three wedding suites of varying themes featuring table décor and other wedding day essentials.

Wedding Day Details is also a great opportunity to involve your mother, bridesmaids and friends – you’ll learn so much while enjoying light snacks and sipping wine* – what a great way to celebrate a girls night out while preparing for your big day! Individual tickets are $35, or sign up with friends and receive $5 off your seats.

Whether you’re a fall bride or are planning nuptials next year, this event will provide creative inspiration to help you WOW your wedding guests!

WHAT: Wedding Day Details
WHERE: All Paper Source stores
WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 7- 9pm
HOW: Visit our workshop page to find your store & purchase your $35 ticket.

*Please note not all locations will be serving alcoholic beverages; call your local store for details.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks

How-to: embossing on ribbon

PS Design — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:21:39 +0000

After Linda (head of workshops) described this technique to me I just had to try it! Embossing on ribbon? Sweet! I think it works best with rubber stamps that have a clean bold image like this cherry blossom. Imagine how lovely this would be wrapped around a package or used to embellish an invitation.

Be on the look out for cool (and free) in-store demos – this embossing on satin ribbon technique was featured in stores this month!

–Annie
PS colors: eco-white & pool
Latest fave: 12″ Guillotine Trimmer — great for cutting large sheets of paper!

Materials Needed:
Pillow Favor Box – Luxe Fino White
Chocolate 1 1/2″ Satin Ribbon
Versamark Watermark Inkpad
Cherry Blossoms Branch Large Rubber Stamp
Opaque White Embossing Powder
Embossing Heat Tool
1 /4″ Super Tacky Tape
Cover Weight Paper
Scissors
Regular Stick Tape
Double Stick Tape
Paintbrush (optional)
Dryer sheet (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cut ribbon into 11 1/2″ strips (each strip will go around one favor box). With regular stick tape adhere both ends of ribbon strips securely to a sheet of cover weight paper (this paper is just to hold your ribbon in place while you rubber stamp). Try rubbing a dryer sheet over the surface of the ribbon to eliminate static before embossing.
2. Rubberstamp your image onto the ribbon with a Versamark ink pad. Sprinkle the stamped image generously with embossing powder and shake off excess. Use a paintbrush to carefully dust off any remaining unwanted embossing powder.
3. Use a heat tool to melt the embossing powder – this technique creates a beautifully permanent, glossy finish. Care should be taken when applying direct heat so as not to burn or melt the ribbon.
4. Assemble your pillow favor box according to the instructions using super tacky tape – now you can remove your ribbon from the cover weight paper and wrap it around your favor box. Secure with double stick tape on the back of the box.

This weekend: free tips & tricks at Paper Source!

PS Workshops — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:45:14 +0000

Did you know that you can create your own embossed design on solid ribbon? We’ll show you how– come check out our free hands-on demonstrations this Saturday, August 15 in stores to learn this simple technique for dressing up favors, gifts or invitations. Just stop by between 11am-2pm, no reservations required!

We’ll also be demonstrating how to use our super cute new owl kits (which are all the craze this year and really easy to make), plus some fun ways to put our new grid calendars to use long past 2010, transforming each month’s art into things like gift boxes, stationery and file folders.

Saturday, August 15 Demo Schedule (all Paper Source stores)
11:00am Owl Kit
12:00pm Grid Calendar Templates
1:00pm Embossing on Satin Ribbon

Hope to see you at the stores this weekend for some fun hands-on learning!

Cheers,

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: Saddle Stitch Notebooks