Bow Tie & Bustle: The Blog

The time has come! Yep, it’s time to switch over to a new blog. As sad as it is to leave my jbpapier blog behind (after all this is where I started my journey towards full-fledged entrepreneurship and recorded some of the most amazing experiences of my life thus far) I’m really excited about the new blog! I’m planning on posting on all sorts of new things (real weddings, friday finds, current inspirations, color combos, and more!). I’m also bringing along all of my old posts cause I just couldn’t let go of all the old paper goodies and travel pics!

For those of you who subscribe to this blog I hope you will continue following me on my new blog: bow tie & bustle: the blog. The enormous support I’ve received throughout this journey has been incredible, and I look forward to hearing from you on the new blog! Until then, here’s a couple of pics from this weekend’s Montmartre shoot…

*JB

Head to the new blog to catch another fantastic glimpse of the shoot!

Sneak Peek: Montmartre Shoot

After 6 weeks of making new friends in the wedding industry, hours and hours of scouting for antiques and fresh ideas, crafting to the point of blistered fingers, an array of restless nights, and a house that continually looks like a bomb of craft supplies exploded inside it, the time is almost here! 4 days to go!

Yep, this Sunday I’m putting my heart and soul into a bridal inspiration shoot. The intention of a “styled shoot” is to showcase the work of the various businesses that contribute their talents and services to the shoot itself. I’ve coordinated an amazing team of women (9 to be exact) and I’m so excited to be jumping feet first into the industry!

I feel incredibly honored to be given the opportunity to design a shoot that is wholeheartedly inspired by my time in Europe and my love for Montmartre. I’m excited to share something that is quirky, colorful, eclectic, whimsical and a spin on the traditional “Parisian” look. Montmartre is hands down one of my favorite places in the world and is the place where I built the confidence to start Bow Tie & Bustle. It only seemed fitting that my first inspiration shoot was all about the land of Montmartre.

Here’s a “sneak peek” of what’s to come (I’m squealing inside!) and of course a pic of my dedicated assistant and sidekick B-Bug Blake.

*JB

My inspiration wall…

Bow Tie & Bustle

It’s official! Bow Tie & Bustle is here! Yep! After months and months, and weeks and weeks of working on this new business, my website is officially launched! Check it out at: www.bowtieandbustle.com. Bow Tie & Bustle is an event design and coordination business in Seattle, WA with a focus on the unique details that make us who we are. My time in Europe reminded me of how much I love the little details in life and this business is a clear reflection of that love. My hope is to continue incorporating my love for paper as well, so if you know anyone who is in need of a unique design or decor styling for a wedding, photo shoot, party or paper product, keep me in mind : )

There is still much more to be done: a new blog (coming soon!), a networking and inspiration blog for brides/grooms and vendors alike with a focus on the Pacific Northwest, an upcoming Parisian inspired (who could forget about Paris!) photo shoot with my dear friend and photographer Monica Hines and much, much more! I can’t wait to share all the details of the new biz, and am so excited and thrilled to be following my heart AND my gut! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Bow Tie & Bustle!

Thanks to all who have supported me in getting here. I couldn’t have done this without the love, hugs, listening ears, and word of mouth that so many of you have kindly offered! Thank you! Thank you!

For now, a sneak peak at the “Bun in the Oven” photo shoot I was involved in a couple weeks ago…thanks to MoHinesPhotography for the amazing photographs!

Me setting up the shoot at one of the most adorable couple’s home. Thanks to Jenn and Ryan Strom for allowing me to be involved in their baby bump shoot!

The entire design for the shoot came from an idea that literally made me jump out of bed one morning…bun in the oven…a vintage timer…baby bump…oooooh! Look for an upcoming blog post on this adorable photo shoot!

Inspired by Home

Just a few of the things that inspired me during my trip home to Colorado for Christmas…

1st row: gingham | colorado sunrise | nature against architecture | naked tree branches

2nd row: my sister coli | street signs | red brick | chautauqua park in boulder, co

3rd row: vintage clothing | the old with the new | family traditions (donuts every saturday morning for as long as i can remember thanks to my dad) | eclectic architecture

50 and Fabulous

A couple of months ago, I received an inquiry from one of my sister’s closest friends, Dani. Dani is absolutely adorable. She has one of the biggest grins I have ever seen, and she is amazingly sweet and kind to my sister (a BIG plus from a sister’s point of view)! I got to know Dani a whole lot better when we were both bridesmaids in my sister Sarah’s wedding this past August, and was tickled to get the opportunity to create a paper design with her.

Like Dani, her mom is this beautiful woman that just exudes radiance, and appears to have an energy that people gravitate towards. I’ve only had the opportunity to meet Dani’s mom once, but I knew the moment I met her that she is one extremely special woman. So, it was an utter surprise, and total thrill for me, when Dani sent me an email asking me to help her create a birthday invitation for her Mom’s 50th surprise birthday party this October.

I asked Dani to share a few things with me about her mom: “My mom is extremely outgoing, vivacious and the life of the party. Everyone wants to be her best friend, you can’ t help but love her. She has the biggest heart of anyone I know and loves making the people she loves feel special“…she went on to state that her mom loved earth tones, and that she wanted the invitation to have a “50 and Fabulous” type theme.

It only took me a split second to find the perfect decorative paper that completely inspired my design. Just like Dani’s mom, this paper was something I instantly gravitated towards the second I entered the store, and one I couldn’t help but love. This exquisite Italian paper is laced with varying shades of gold, orange, green, yellow and bits of blue; it is stunning. I bought every ounce of the paper from the store, and rushed home to begin the design. Coral was chosen as the primary color of the invitation, because it just seemed to be the perfect compliment to Dani’s mom’s personality.

Dani, thanks for giving me the opportunity to be included in such a special celebration for your Mom. I hope the surprise party goes splendidly!

Baby Ladybug

Oooohhhh! I am so excited about these announcements!

Awhile back I was encouraged by my friend Emma (okay, so I’m calling her my agent now – joking of course, well…not really) to approach Aly, the director of Becoming Parents Program (where I work), about creating her baby announcements. Aly was expecting a little baby girl, and had been calling her “ladybug” during her pregnancy. I thought the nickname was completely adorable, and I was inspired to design an announcement for Aly before she even said “yes” to my offer.

I found these incredibly sweet and delicate, hand-painted ladybug buttons at a fabric store, and knew immediately that they had to be incorporated into the design. It also just so happened that a “ladybug” print (actually these cute little flowers made to look like ladybugs) came from out of nowhere and instantly became the envelope liner. I finished off the look with some “baker’s twine” and voila! Baby ladybug – June Elizabeth’s birth will be officially announced!

Congratulations Aly and Allie! Really excited for you (and Sam too!).

The Announcement

I was so stoked a few weeks ago when my good buddy Mike asked me to create engagement announcements for his upcoming proposal to his girlfriend, now fiance (yahoooooo Mike!), Adrienne. I was VERY impressed by Mike’s ambitious request to announce his proposal to his wonderful girl, and was extremely honored to be asked to create something so special for him. Being involved in such a momentous occasion is such a thrill for me, and is truly what drives my passion for paper design.

Mike initiated his request for me to create his announcement by sending me an example of another announcement he had found. I was a bit nervous at first when I saw that the design was a graphic, but asked him to give me a few days to brainstorm and see what I could come up with. I had never really created a graphic design before, but since his only request was that I include “lots of orange” I was put at ease. It also didn’t hurt that his only other request was that I be “smiling” when I make them, and that the recipients be smiling when they receive them…how awesome is Mike?!

In my first attempt to create a graphic design, I hit some bumps in the road; not only while trying to get the circles of the announcements “just right,” but also when asking my printer to do something that, in my opinion, has never been requested of it before: to make accurate and flawless margins…what a concept for a printer, right?!  Well, after almost chucking my printer out the window a few times, Mike’s announcements are done and ready for delivery.

I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to assist Mike and Adrienne in announcing such an amazing moment in their lives, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness together. Mike is such a wonderful guy, and I’m so glad he has found his match. Congratulations you two!

That First Glimpse

I’d been itching for the opportunity to create another wedding invitation design since I finished mine and Adam’s wedding invites last year. Wedding invitations are probably one of my most favorite paper projects, because in my opinion, the wedding invitation is UBER important. The wedding invitation is often the very first glimpse your guests get of the overall “feel” of your wedding, and they can be that extra special touch that gives your guests an idea of what is to come. I love when wedding invitations are included as one of the details that set the whole stage for the overall theme of the wedding.

So, it was no surprise that I was OVER THE MOON earlier this year when my sister Sarah got engaged AND said that she would allow me to design her wedding invitations! I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to create an invitation that was spunky, upbeat, and colorful (just like Sarah) and represented the style and theme of her upcoming wedding.

Sarah decided a few months ago that she and Tristan would use the colors red and turquoise as their primary wedding colors and would also incorporate a “50′s Diner Theme” into their wedding details. I was so excited to hear about their plan because I knew the theme afforded me the opportunity to do something REALLY fun. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love the look of a traditional wedding invitation, but I also LOVE exploring ways to create wedding invitations that represent the overall theme and look of the wedding and get the guests really excited about what is to come….which I have to say often includes extremely bright colors and funky papers – two things that have not traditionally coincided with a wedding invite.

Here are a few pics of the invitation I created for Sarah and Tristan’s wedding this August. I ended up using two different kinds of decorative paper to give the invitations their own little personality. I can’t wait for Sarah and Tristan’s big day and I hope their guests enjoy this “first glimpse” into the theme of their big day! Congratulations you two!

Tools and Gadgets

I was so excited to receive an invitation to Anna and Lars’ “Tools and Gadgets Shower” because I LOVE themed events! When I first read through the invite I thought “hmm tools and gadgets eh? What to do? What to do?” but after hemming and hawing I came up with a plan. I sent Adam out to the store thinking “I’ll let Adam take care of this one, cause men like tools right?” Well, yes, but my dear husband, although adorable, doesn’t have the most creative bones in his body and returned home with a pizza slicer and a bag of “just add water” pizza dough. For Adam this was actually quite good, but it didn’t quite cut it in my opinion for our friends Anna and Lars.

Lars is Adam’s best buddy from law school and he has become somewhat of a “brother” figure for me. I’m really happy for Lars because he has found a woman that loves adventure, laughter, doggies, the outdoors, and sporting events just as much as he does. Anna and Lars will be married on July 24th and I can’t wait to see all of the details of their big day.

After Adam’s return home with the pizza slicer I decided to call Lars and ask him what “gadgets” he was in need of. To no surprise, Lars answered “Uhh, I don’t know. We don’t really need anything.” Wrong answer Lars. Everyone needs fun kitchen gadgets! I finally decided to leave the men out of it, and headed to Crate and Barrel to begin my search for the perfect gadgets to supplement the theme of the shower.

While exploring the immense array of gadgets at Crate, I came upon an adorable strawberry huller and the idea popped in my head…”how about a basket full of gadgets related to fruits!” I quickly added a gadget perfect for an orange, lemon, grapefruit, and apple to the strawberry huller already in hand. Voila! Who doesn’t love a fruit basket? Especially one representing all the amazing gadgets available for our fruits!

Here’s the basket I created for Anna and Lars’ shower this weekend. I hope you enjoy the gadgets you two : )

Colors of the Market Part Deux

My interpretation of the market…

Colors of the Market

One of my absolute, most favorite things about living in Seattle is visiting Pike Place Market. I haven’t had an afternoon spent at Pike Place that wasn’t beyond enjoyable. For starters, my very favorite antique shop is located at the Market, the vendors are AMAZING and the colors, sights, and sounds are infectious!

I’ve gotten some great opportunities, recently, to spend some time down at Pike (when Coli was here in March, when Adam’s parent’s visited a while back, and when my friend Ellen visited a few weeks ago), grabbing some good eats, shopping and best of all people watching! In the midst of the crowd I was able to capture some great shots of all of the happenings of the market, including the amazingly vibrant colors that are always present throughout the flower and produce sections of the market.

Every time I visit the market I am inspired by the vibrant colors of all of the fresh fruits, vegetables and fantastic seasonal flowers. It’s tulip time and the market was full of ‘em! The colors of the tulips are like nothing I have ever seen and I couldn’t get enough of them! It also doesn’t hurt that every time I go down to the market I am inspired to eat the healthiest of foods, since all of the fruits and veggies looks so scrumptious!

Here’s a look at a few of the pics that I have recently taken at the market and watch for my next post to include some photos of my paper creation inspired by the colors of the market…

The Map

My father-in-law Pete, and mother-in-law Linda are coming into town to visit Adam and I today! We’re very excited to have them and are looking forward to a weekend full of relaxing and catching up!

One thing we will be doing this weekend is celebrating Pete’s birthday. When I sat down a couple of weekends ago to figure out how I wanted to wrap Pete’s birthday gift, I realized how many amazing things have happened for Pete in the past year.

One of the most major things was that Pete retired from Continental Airlines after 26 years of service as a pilot for the airline. Adam and I, including Adam’s 3 brothers, his mom, and my sister-in-law Cindy were able to accompany Pete on his last trip. Over Thanksgiving weekend last November Adam and I met the Blake Fam in Houston and then we flew (Pete was the pilot) over to Honolulu for a little getaway. Although short lived, the trip was AMAZING! We hung out at the beach, soaked up some rays, and ate some fantastic food. We then hopped back on the plane and accompanied Pete on his very last flight as a commercial pilot. It was emotional to say the very least and I felt so honored to share the trip with my husband, and my new father in law.

I have always wanted to use maps as wrapping paper and thought what better way to celebrate Pete “the pilot,” who has flown all across the U.S., than by using a map to wrap his birthday gift! I bought one of those HUGE wall maps of the United States and cut it to the shape of Pete’s gift. I then added a very “masculine” looking ribbon (tweed looking actually) as the finishing touch.

Happy Birthday Pete! I’m looking forward to celebrating your birthday this weekend! What a year you have had and I hope you have many more years of monumental and amazing events to come! Love you!

A New Home

I couldn’t be more excited for our friends Emma and Jason who bought their first home together this month down in south Seattle. Their house is absolutely beautiful and is the envy of everyone who knows them! I got the opportunity to stay the night over at Emma and Jason’s a few nights ago and I just fell even more in love with their new home. I have no doubt in my mind that Emma and Jason will create the most amazing memories in this house!

As a means of congratulating them, Adam and I made a trip to Crate and Barrel (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE) this weekend to pick out a little housewarming gift. I was so excited to wrap their gift and include one of my seed packet envelopes to the package. Take a look!

Congrats E and J!

Something Nontraditional

Now this may sound like an odd statement coming from a person that outwardly expresses a love and passion for all things paper, but I have to admit that I am not a fan of the envelope. Yes, I said it. Envelopes.

Envelopes are boring. Plain. Usually one color or solid white without character, expression or attitude. Envelopes are lame.

Now, my mama didn’t raise no fool either. I am fully aware of the importance of the traditional envelope. How would the postman know where to send a thoughtful greeting card if it wasn’t wrapped in a plain envelope with the receiver’s location on it. And of course the infamous stamp that is needed on top of the envelope in order for the card to make it to its final destination. An envelope may also be necessary atop a birthday, wedding or shower gift in order to denote who the gift is for, right?

Well yes of course, BUT in my eyes there are other ways to personalize a gift, a card or just about anything else that needs to “traditionally” fit inside an envelope.

A couple of blogs ago, I don’t know if anyone noticed but I never mentioned using an envelope for the birthday card I created for Alexis or the thank you card for Emma and Jason. The envelope wasn’t mentioned because (eek!) I didn’t use one. These cards were hand delivered and I felt that the envelope would only take away from the personality of the cards themselves.

I am the biggest fan of leaving out the envelope all together or replacing it with something unexpected.  Every time I wrap a gift or make a card I make every effort to avoid the traditional envelope. I want every detail of a card I create or a gift I wrap to be seen in its entirety. We spend so much time and love trying to find the perfect card to go along with our gift or capture whatever moment is going on in the life of the person receiving our card, only to then cover it up by a solid and plain envelope. Why?

So, I encourage you to skip the envelope the next time you give a gift. Just tuck the beautiful greeting card into the top of the ribbon on the gift and let it sing in all of its glory. Or come up with a way to omit the envelope all together, by putting something new in its place such as a gift tag, or something that could be substituted as the envelope.

For example, a couple of weekends ago Adam and I drove to a little town called La Conner up in northern Washington to do some antique shopping (one of my all time favorite things to do…you find the BEST stuff!)  While rummaging through one of the adorable antique shops I came upon a large basket full of old empty/never used seed packets. You know the packets you buy that hold the seeds of either vegetables, fruits, or flowers so that you can plant them in your garden?

I immediately fell in love with the bright colors and vintage look of the empty packets and bought as many as I could before Adam cut me off. I thought the packets would be a lovely addition to a birthday gift or housewarming present and the perfect substitution for the traditional envelope. I couldn’t wait to get home and attach one to a gift with my greeting tucked inside.

Here’s a few pics of the adorable seed packets that I picked out. Keep an eye out for my use of these nontraditional  “envelopes” in my next blog! : )

Spring in Seattle

I love Seattle in the spring. Not because of the STILL overcast skies, or drizzling rain day in and day out, but mostly because all of the beautiful flowers start to bloom.

This is my 3rd spring in Seattle and what I notice most is the daffodils. I have NEVER seen so many daffodils in my life! They are absolutely perfect and grow in most every yard I run past on my morning runs. Oh and there are even itsy bitsy daffodils that grow here! I never knew they could be that small! They are so cute!

This spring I have been inspired to not only take pictures of these beautiful blooms but also create wrappings and cards that have a “spring” feel to them.

Here’s some pics of my inspirations as well as some of my creations that come from these inspirations. Hope you enjoy!