Friday, March 30, 2012

We're Down South for the Weekend: Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC is another place that is amazing in the Spring.  And we're here for the weekend.  The weather and the smell of jasmine blooming throughout downtown in the Spring is perfection. We are taking in some history of the city, eating some amazing food, playing at the beach, shopping some of our favorite local spots, the list can go on. Here are some things that make us think of unique coastal towns filled with history like Charleston.  We've paired them up with corresponding products straight from our collection.  What are some of your favorite places to be in the Springtime?
  

Paper & Ink Designs Coral Personalized Coasters



 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

We just had to share!

We are excited to announce our newest addition to the Paper & Ink Designs collection, Personalized Embossers.  They're fresh, modern and a stylish touch to wherever you want to make your mark.  And just in time for grads and teachers....they make the perfect gifts!  Be on the lookout, they will be available here in just a few short days!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

A Kentucky Derby Party



AND THEY'RE OFF......
Do you have plans on May 5, 2012?   Why not have a little fun and throw a Derby Bash? 

We put together a few of our favorites to help you get started:
Official Derby Collector Cup  /  Kate Spade Purse  / Mint Julep Recipe

Be sure to check out our stylish collection of invitations of which many would be perfect for a fabulous bash such as this! 
{P.S. Send us pictures & we'll share them}

Friday, March 23, 2012

A Weekend of Blooms in Washington DC

Who is loving this amazing weather lately!?  To be in a place like Washington, DC during the Springtime is beautiful. This weekend we will be taking full advantage of admiring blooms all around.   With a Saturday afternoon wedding in DC and a visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival on Sunday, here are two products from our Invitations and Announcements Collection that had us thinking love, pink and blooms fit for the weekend.  We hope it's just as pretty where you are and that you have something special planned.  Happy Spring and Happy Weekend!


  


   

 




Monday, March 19, 2012

Interview with Erin: Part 2



Red Stamp’s CEO + Founder, Erin Newkirk shares some of her favorite things in life...
1) Favorite color: Green
2) Favorite food: Italian, everything from the multiple courses to the atmosphere to the food itself. Italians make dining an art.
3) Favorite indulgence: Dining out
4) Favorite possession: Family...does that count?
5) Favorite quality in others: Kindness  /  Favorite quality in yourself: Optimism
6) Favorite beverage: Coffee
7) Favorite destination: The Hamptons, a summer tradition
8) Favorite movie: Slumdog Millionaire

Thanks again, Erin, for participating in our interview series!  It was so fun!

We’re always excited to be working with Red Stamp and their fabulously talented team.  In case you didn't know, we have teamed up with Red Stamp to continue offering their hugely popular personalized products exclusively via Paper + Ink Designs (along with some new collaborative things in the works...stay tuned!) while Red Stamp continues to focus on their hugely popular and very successful social correspondence app. Be sure to check out it out!  Shop the entire collection HERE.


Sunday, March 18, 2012

Red Stamp Collection 20% off {Monday ONLY}!

Have you checked out Part 1 of the recent interview we did with Erin Newkirk, CEO + Founder of Red Stamp?  You can find it below, previous post from Friday, 3.16.12.  We'll be posting Part 2 of the interview Monday. Stay tuned!  In the meantime, have you checked out the entire Red Stamp Collection we offer?  We are extending 20% off all Red Stamp products through Monday.  Use PROMO CODE RSI20.  See the entire Red Stamp for Paper + Ink Designs Collection here.  So we invite you to go snatch up some stylish goodies!

Friday, March 16, 2012

An Interview with Erin Newkirk, CEO + FOUNDER of Red Stamp



A little over five years ago, we met the incredibly talented founder of Red Stamp and we were smitten, we clicked from day one.  Erin Newkirk is not only whip smart and a major force to be reckoned with in the correspondence world, she’s also an amazing people person, has one keen eye for style and a gal anyone would love to call a friend.

We’re always excited to be working with Red Stamp and their fabulously talented team.  W
hile Red Stamp continues to focus on the large success of their social correspondence app, we have been passed the torch to continue offering their hugely popular personalized products exclusively via Paper + Ink Designs (along with some new collaborative things in the works...stay tuned!).

In case you didn’t know, Red Stamp has made one mighty mark in the app world. Their free correspondence app has been in good company with the likes of other apps such as Living Social, Nordstrom, Amazon, Groupon and Starbucks, all in the top twenty of free iPhone Lifestyle Apps from Apple.  They have been featured in/on the NY Times, NBC, MSNBC, Fast Company, InStyle, Oprah…to name just a few!

So we couldn’t think of a better person than CEO and Founder of Red Stamp, Erin Newkirk to kick off our new blog interview series where we will feature some of the best of the best in inspiring individuals.
We love this stuff! 
  

We are so impressed with your story, particularly the courage it takes to follow your passion and start something from scratch. What was the most exciting part about launching Red Stamp? The scariest part? 
Thanks, guys! Admiration runs both ways. :) Hmmm, hard to choose between moments since it usually tends to run exciting + scary/thrilling around here. But if I have to choose, the exciting part is holding a product in my hands that I needed/wanted/dreamed of and then co-created with an insanely amazing team. Scariest? Even as a well-funded small business, there are tight times. 2008 was a really scary time in business and in life. And when people began to downsize, we began to rethink our business to make sure we were a company that sold products people needed to have vs. solely nice to have.
We know your story will inspire other women to follow their dream. What advice do you have for them?
A wise woman once told me that owning your own business brings about the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Meaning that there is never just a ho-hum day. What’s key to thriving is having a high risk for tolerance, not sweating the small-to-medium stuff, and staying focused in good times and bad. If you feel like you are mentally up for the challenge, then the next important piece of advice is to bring something to this world that you are passionate about + that you feel no one else can do as well as you can. It can already be an existing business, but you need to have a twist that matters to lots of people.

Okay, let’s talk correspondence! Your amazing Red Stamp app is killing it. What made you decide to move exclusively into the app world?
Ever since we founded Red Stamp, our mission has been to make relationships stronger. In the beginning {2005} that meant greeting cards. In the middle that meant personalized correspondence on the web. And when mobile became a viable platform to build on, we knew we needed to be there. It was where our clients needed us the most -- to elevate their everyday correspondence. We released our first app in Jan 2011, learned what we needed to do to make it viable, released version two in September 2011 + quickly found that this was our calling. You can’t be all things to all people, this was what we are meant to do, so we officially pivoted in October of 2011.
In a world filled with texts, instant messaging, and social networks, what makes Red Stamp stand out? What do you attribute your app’s success to?
Our goal is to elevate the everyday correspondence. So when it comes to texting, social media + email, we are trying to elevate the creative of those quick shares by making them more special, more stylish, more graceful. Our goal is not to replace the handwritten note...we leave that to our friends at Paper + Ink. {wink, wink} And I think that’s what makes the app so successful. We are helping people feel good about the correspondence they are most comfortable sending.

We’re very excited Paper + Ink is your exclusive online reseller. We have always absolutely loved Red Stamp products and designs! Have you missed being online?
We are beyond thrilled to be working with Paper + Ink again! From the first moment we met, Tracy, I knew that you were a talented designer + lovely person. And I knew we HAD to work together. Five years later, when we left the web, it just felt right that you would be the partner that would carry our designs forward on the web. Thankfully, we don’t have to miss out on anything...because you have enabled our designs to be online. And we love cheering you on!

You’ve really stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. Can you give us any sneak peeks into your plans for the future?
Sneak peeks...yes. We will continue to work with talented designers to bring their designs to mobile {wink, wink, Paper + Ink!} via premium collections. We will also continue to find new ways to help people manage their correspondence from their phone. Think invitations, announcements. We are also very excited about other mobile platforms. So many ideas, so little time...

Finally, we have to ask: What is your favorite occasion to send a card?
My favorite? I have to say the thank you note. Every thank you opens up the opportunity to tell someone how much they mean to you. It goes beyond the event itself. Between last minute dinner parties, great phone calls, weekends away, gifts, coffee dates, inspiration...I probably send about 2-3 thank you’s a day. Just quick notes that let people know that they have a fan. It’s fun to think of the world through the lens of a thank you note. Makes the every day seem extraordinary. 

{Stay tuned Monday for Part 2 of the interview where we get to know some fun, personal details about Erin}


See the Red Stamp App HERE
Shop the Exclusive Red Stamp for Paper + Ink Collection







Thursday, March 15, 2012



Introducing the 2012 College Collection

In celebration of all things March Madness, we are thrilled to unveil our 2012 College Collection. From cell phone cases to notepads to paperweights, we have something for every college sports fan. Customize with your school colors then personalize with your name or initials.

Our College Collection features a variety of different products available in several different patterns (stripes, chevron zig zag, pinstripes + polka dots). Simply choose the product that suits your fancy, select your school’s two colors, add your name or monogram...then you’re ready to rock your college colors!

Cell phone cases
Show off your school colors everywhere you go with a cell phone case from our College Collection.

Notecards
There’s no better way to subtly show pride in your alma mater than jotting thank you notes on a College Collection notepad. Grads would love these!

Paperweights
A great college-inspired gift for the dedicated fan that already has everything.

Notepads
Ditch the random sheets or boring notebook. Start writing your lists on a notepad featuring your favorite (college) colors.

Psssst! This is also the perfect way to show off your fraternity or sorority colors.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Loving the Color Orange


{Previously Posted.  Moved from Tumblr}

The color orange has been somewhat of an obsession lately, think bedroom decked in orange hotel bedding with monogrammed pillows + orange chinoiserie window treatments or a foyer painted orange with gold + black accents.  So naturally we were excited to feature the color orange as one of the vibrant colors of Fall that inspires us.  What are some of your orange loves?


Here are a few of our favorites.  Don’t worry - we know some are way pricey but it’s nice to dream, right?  Even better,  get inspired to find something just as stylish and fun at a bargain (that’s how we like to roll).


Coral Coasters
Carolina Herrera Floral Taffeta A-line skirt
Two’s Company Orange Chevron Frame
Belmont Races Bracelet 
Dolce & Gabbana Orange Pochette 
Orange Sapphire Hoop Earrings
Stacked Rings
Orange Vintage Blocks Framed Calling Cards
JCrew Outfit
Tory Burch Orange Reva Flats 

Matching Style : Oscar Recap

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Are you still thinking about the gorgeous-ness from the Oscars?  Loving all the color we saw on the red carpet, we decided to have a little mid week fun matching up our top favs from the Oscars with some our most popular products and color schemes.


Top 5 iPhone Cases

{Previously Posted. Moved from Tumblr}

 Shopping for a killer new iPhone case? Something stylish yet functional, personalized yet well made, and unique yet durable? Paper & Ink Designs is excited to unveil our collection of high-quality, personalized iPhone cases.

Our customizable iPhone cases are available in over 40 unique styles with each one more vibrant and chic than the next. You can personalize with your initials, name, or even your school colors!  All are available for Blackberry, as well.

Below, we’ve selected five of our favorite personalized iPhone cases available on www.PaperInkDesigns.com. Each case is made of an impact-resistant plastic shell that snaps to your iPhone and includes a film cover for the front. Which one is your favorite?


CHEVRON Personalized iPhone Case
Dress up your iPhone with this classic black and white pattern. Customize your case with a fabulous splash of pink. (Pattern also available in orange and pink!)

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ELEPHANT Personalized iPhone Case
Feeling a bit whimsical? This playful pattern featuring white elephants on a green background and your name written in script on a pink stripe might be perfect for you! (Pattern available in brown too.)

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POLKA DOT Personalized iPhone Case
Calling all polka dot fanatics, big or small — we’ve some fabulous cases for you! These peppy customizable iPhone cases feature large or petite polka dots and are available in a rainbow of colors.  Personalized with your name or monogram.
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Pick Your COLLEGE COLORS Personalized iPhone Case
Just in time for March Madness! What better way to support your favorite college sports team than a customized iPhone case? Pick your favorite pattern and your school’s two colors and we do the rest! 

Want even more?  An entire collection of corresponding personalized stationery, notepads & paperweights are also available (perfect for grad gifts!).  Or pick colors to show your fraternity or sorority love!
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FLORAL Personalized iPhone Case
If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, our red floral case is a smart choice. A classic look with a pop of color. (Also available in light blue.)
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What Apps Make Your Life Easier?



{Previously Posted. Moved from Tumblr}


Thanks to everyone who participated...there are so many to share! 
  1. Hopstop - Public transit & walking directions in cities across the US, Canada & Europe.
  2. Pinterest - Need we say more?
  3. Starbucks - When just a visit to Starbucks isn’t enough of a fix.
  4. TextPics - Take texting :) to a whole new level.
  5. The Weather Channel - Always in the know about your forecast.
  6. Southwest Dings - Southwest Airlines App.
  7. blip.me talkie - Walkie talkie for your iPhone.
  8. Find iPhone - A must if you’ve ever lost or misplaced your iPhone…who hasn’t?!
  9. Camera+ - Take better pictures with this app.
  10. Open table - Check restaurant reviews before dining.
  11. Flixter - Check film reviews & ratings before watching.
  12. I Heart Radio - For fun tunes.
  13. Mint - To track spending.
  14. Dragon dictation - Speak and types for you.
  15. Where’s Waldo App - The kids will be love it just liked us grown-ups did.
  16. What to Expect - To keep up with your pregnancy progress + post pregnancy to keep up with the little one’s developments.
  17. Etsy - Shop the world of independent designers.
  18. ShopShop - To keep track of lists.
  19. Whole Foods - Makes shopping for recipes & creating shopping lists super easy.
  20. Red Stamp - Send a thank you or last minute dinner invite on the fly.
  21. Mama Mantras - Inspirational words from moms who get it.
  22. iHandy Level - Just because it’s a cool app to have.  A level on your phone…you just never know!
  23. Pandora - When you’re just not sure what CD to pop in, Pandora Radio always seems to play the right tunes.
  24. Instagram - It’s a must!  We’ve found it does wonders.  Make any picture look better or give it that old school look.
  25. Flipboard - Flip through your Facebook newsfeed, tweets from your Twitter timeline, photos from Instagram friends in magazine format.

    A few more highlights….
26. Karissa uses, “Grocery IQ because it helps me keep track of my grocery list and I add to it throughout the week.” 

27. Megan swears by, “Chipotle’s ordering app. It saves me about an hour every week by not having to wait in their ridiculous lines.”



28. Teresa says, “Amazon is probably at the top…love that you can scan a barcode and price compare!”


30. Emily likes, “Map My Run so I can do my quick resistance workout at the gym but then run/walk with my baby in the stroller in the comfort of the outdoors.”   

Valetine's Day DIY Top Picks


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Love these!  A few quick, easy and oh so cute DIY ideas for adding something extra special to your Valentine’s Day this year.  Enjoy!

2. Hand Cut Out Valentine Grahams
4. Heart Garland from paint swatches
5. Stage & frame an adorable photo like this for mommy or daddy

Valentine's Day :: How Sweet It Is




{Moved from Tumblr. Previously Posted on 2.8.12}

We loved oohh-ing and ahhh-ing over the adorable Valentine's Day card orders we received the last few weeks.  Now with heart day right around the corner, we’ve got goodies on our mind!   So what better to feature than some of our favorites on this first Foodie Thursday roundup.  Enjoy!

1. Ice Cream Cone Cake Pops are sure to put a smile on anyone's face
2. Brownie Batter Pancakes, HELLO goodness!
3. Bread Pudding a la chocolate
4. A fun, easy and quick way to dress up cupcakes with these XOXO Cupcakes
5. A bundle of heart shaped balloons, yes please!
6. Candy Covered Pretzel Flowers
7. Old Fashioned Hot Chocolate always a favorite
8. Print & fill your own goodie bags with this DIY template
9. Red Velvet Brownies. Enough said.