Save the Dave Show Stopper

Happy Spring! Today I web crawled across these dainty little save the dates from Bird and Banner - perfect for this spring season with their gingham back cards and simple kraft envelopes.

I think what i like most is the simplicity of these cards. Perfect for a backyard affair....I'm picturing string lights and beautifully apportioned picnic tables.

Celebrating Washi Paper

Gotta admire a paper store with a vision. Paper-Ya, a paper shop in Vancouver inspired by the great Japanese tradition of paper making and paper art.

Throughout this year they're featuring some of the finest examples of Washi - a unique Japanese paper making method. Paper-Ya's founders explain:

Washi is traditional handmade Japanese paper usually made from the gampi, kozo or mitsumata bush or a combination of these plant fibres. The branches are trimmed and the bark is removed, cleaned and then pounded to a liquid solution, without chlorine or other nasty chemicals. The sheets are usually hand pulled, using traditional methods and equipment.

Washi is generally tougher than standard paper, making it an excellent base for paper sculptures like Origami. But I think it's just as pretty on its own.

Recycle/Reclaimed Envelopes

Photo courtesy of Chest of Books

It's Wednesday, but I'm already mapping out my Saturday afternoon and I think I've settled on a weekend project that doesn't involve unpacking boxes or hanging pictures on the walls. I'm making envelopes.

I'm thinking of the dozens of stationery remnants I've collected over the years with now outdated return addresses. On Saturday I'm going to make my own envelopes. Sounds fun, doesn't it? Here's the plan.

Step 1: Track down a template

I found a super easy to use envelope template over at Muji - see below.

Photos courtesy of Muji.com

Step 2: Stock up on fab paper

This week, while I wait for that to arrive, I better track down some cute paper. Paper Source stocks some really beautiful papers, like this Mexican tiles paper, (which reminds me a lot of my new, up-t0-date puro papel paper):
Or this Yuzen white swirls paper:

Photos courtesy of Paper Source

Or, for something a little more sophisticated, gold mums on cream:

Step 3: Cute + Paste

Photos to come next week!

Step 4: Recycle old envelopes

Never one to be wasteful, I need to figure out what do do with my out-of-date envelopes. Crafting a Green World has a great tutorial on their site for turning patterned liners into business card holders. Here's a peek at the finished product.

Photo courtesy of Crafting a Greener World

Blogger Jackie Hernandez sticks to security envelope liners, but I think my dainty paisley liners will work just as well.

Looking for your own envelope pick me up but not ready to pick up the scissors? Etsy has some great options for custom-made recycled envelopes. I adore the vintage map envelopes from Russian Forrest:

Available in 9 sizes guaranteed to fit everything from little notes to CD jewel cases, these envelopes are handcrafted from vintage maps.

Worried your address won't show across the Bering Straight? Each set of six envelopes comes with mailing labels, too.