Inspired By Plaid and Houndstooth - Our Favorite Prints for Fall!

The air is crisp, boots have been dusted off and the smell of pumpkin spice is everywhere.  Its fall and we are thoroughly enjoying all this season has to offer.  We are busy working on a fall inspired event and enjoying mixing warm colors, textures and patterns.  We've decided to incorporate plaid into this project and it has made us realize how much we are loving plaid at the moment!  We can't say too much yet, but we thought we'd share the inspiration board with you.  The concept is "Rich Fall Meets Warm Boho".  Our vision is rustic, elegant, bohemian, warm, cozy and indulgent.  This unexpected color palette (mustard... where have you been all our lives?!?) is stunning and so very "fall"!

We love plaid because it comes in so many colors and sizes and if done right can be oh so chic!  Another one of our favorite fall patterns is houndstooth.  Although it is classic and has been around for quite some time, it seems to be making a big comeback this fall.  It is everywhere - and for good reason!  It is simple yet bold, classic yet modern and equally appropriate on both men and women.  These two prints are the perfect addition to your holiday entertaining designs.  You can incorporate them in a big way or subtly - whatever suits your fancy.  Below are a few of our favorite ways to use plaid and houndstooth in both decor and at events.

We love these place settings.  The top setting's houndstooth napkin is the perfect touch and looks fantastic agains the tribal linen.  The lower setting's plaid placemat is holiday festive but in an understated elegant way.  We love it!

Photos courtesy of Glitter (houndstooth and tribal print) Everything Fabulous (plaid)

Plaid bridesmaid dresses are not common, but we think they are super cool.  We especially love the large plaid because it is so unexpected.  Consider wearing something like this to a holiday party this season.

Photos courtesy of Bride Power (single model) and Elizabeth Anne Designs (bride with bridesmaids)

We love the simplicity of the blue plaid napkin tied with an orange bow on the place setting.  Blue gingham is featured in the photo on the right.  Gingham is plaids adorable cousin.  Although typically more appropriate during spring and summer months.  We do however, feel the blue gingham paired with the orange cocktail makes for a very "fall" appropriate combination.

Photos courtesy of Ruffled (place setting) and (drink)

Oh houndstooth.  Isn't it lovely?!  The bow tie shown below is perfection and the favor bags couldn't be cuter.

Photos courtesy of Wedding Chicks (bow tie) and Ruffled (escort cards)

These invitations are so striking and unexpected.  Whether used for a wedding, holiday party or any other celebration, we'd love to get something like this in the mail!

Photo courtesy of Hey Wedding Lady (houndstooth) and Rustic Wedding Chic (plaid)

Lastly, we wanted to share with you a few chic ways to incorporate plaid and houndstooth in your own home holiday decor.  These would make great gifts as well!

Photos courtesy of William Sonoma (plaid plates) and Joss & Main (houndstooth pillows)

xoxo,

The Sterling Team

DIY With Star: Easy Peasy Envelope Liners

Lined envelopes make a statement.  This simple detail makes a big impact on the recipient of your invitation, letter or card and gets them excited about whats inside.  Many high end invitations come with lined envelopes or offer them at an additional cost; however, if yours don't come with them, consider doing them yourself.  They are super simple to make and can be customized to any occasion.  They are great for invitations and cards of all kinds - weddings, showers, birthdays, thank yous and love notes :)  You can even spruce up store bought cards by adding liners yourself.

In addition to the envelopes, all you need is pretty paper (thinner is better, card stock isn't a great option for this project), a pencil, scissors and glue.  If you've ever perused the scrapbook isle at your local craft store you know there are tons of specialty paper options out there.  Paper Source also has stunning printed papers!  Wrapping paper is another great option and is actually what I used for the DIY photos below.  

DIY Instructions

1.Open your envelope and place it on your paper.  Using a pencil trace the envelope onto the paper (its fine to start about three inches from the bottom of the envelope).  Cut the traced portion out.

  

2. Slip it into the envelope and place it just below the adhesive strips.  

3. Carefully fold the envelope flap over and gently press on the crease.  This will crease the           insert.  

4. Glue the edges of the top part of the creased insert (do not glue the portion below the crease).  Make sure the glue is permanent (I used Zig 2 way glue).  Close the envelope and press down firmly. 

1. I recently purchased this adorable black and gold wrapping paper and thought it would be perfect to line an envelope with.  This paper is playful yet chic and would be perfect for a birthday party invitation!

2. I used a book page for this one and love how it turned out (for more inspiration see my previous post on using book pages in your wedding decor).  Sheet music or maps would work well too.  How cute would it be to line a destination wedding invitation with a map of the wedding location?! 

3. I love the way this silver glitter paper looks with the gray envelope.  It would be perfect for a holiday card or New Years Eve party invitation.

4. I used understated shimmer velum paper for this one.  It is elegant and would like nice lining a wedding invitation.

I used a neutral palette with black and metallic accents for my envelopes but consider using a bright envelope with a contrasting pattern.  Line your envelopes with a coordinating solid color or simple pattern for a more understated look.  For wedding invitations, consider using a variety of patterns in the same hue for the various envelopes (invitation, response card, etc.).  The possibilities are endless! 

Below are a few cute liner ideas that are totally doable!  Can you see what a difference they make on the overall presentation of the invitation?!  

Photo courtesy of Etsy shop Puddleduck Paper Co.

Photos courtesy of Etsy shop lanyapstudios

Happy crafting!

-Star

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays: New Postage Rates for 2012!

On Sunday The USPS rolled out new postage rates for 2012.  As you and your loved ones prepare to send out your event stationary, whether it is your save the dates, shower invitations, wedding invitations, thank yous and more it's important to know how these increases will affect you.  

Photo courtesy of Oh So Beautiful Paper

If you're working with an invitation designer they often times are in the know.  If you're not, the old fashioned way of visiting your local USPS with a sample of your stationary is always effective.  The USPS website does have a helpful postage calculator as well, it can assist you in getting an idea of what your looking at rate wise.  However, I do feel that sometimes in person is the safest bet when it comes to something so important as an invitation.  

In researching for this post I found an amazing cheat sheet created by the awesome Erika of Delphine Press.  Check it out!

 

All this stamp talk also makes me feel like sharing some of my favorite stamp designs for wedding invitations.  If you don't want to spend the cost associated with using Zazzle to customize your look, here are the best of the best when it comes to wedding and/love themed stamps.  

The cake is of course a very common selection and often paired with the rings.  I however adore the king and queen.  I love the heart detail with the flowers plus something about the pair when often used together seems lucky.  

I also love the garden of love sheets.  Filled with bright colors and hearts, these ones are so festive!  They're perfect for a shower, the response card envelop or even a thank you post shower or wedding.  Speaking of festive, how great is the celebrate in the neon lights?  It's the perfect stamp for a rehearsal dinner invitation, bachelor or bachelorette or even an engagement party!

Be sure to visit the USPS Shop to purchase these LOVE-ly designs.  What do you envision on your envelopes?  Isn't something wedding themed, a photo, something sentimental?  If you're already hitched, what did you opt to do?  So curious, let us know!                                                                                                                                                                                            Happy Stamping!