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A haute mama client recently asked for something playful & cute for her daughter's custom birth announcement. This coordinating calling card will come in handy while making new mom-friends on the playground or at the new playgroup, when shuffling through the diaper bag for a pen is not an option.
Leaving a pre-arrival letter with a basket of treats in their hotel room is a special way to welcome your out of town guests. The booklets pictured above included a personalized cover, itineraries & activities and were bound with coconut bark. We designed and printed this couple's letterpress laua'e invitations and wanted to continue the contemporary-nature styling into their wedding weekend.
With old friends in town yesterday, we had a great excuse to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Kahala. The relaxing old Hawaii charm of the Veranda lounge makes it the perfect place for a visit with friends (and is one of my favorite spots for leisurely business meetings).
Served on elegant Bernardaud china, the savory menu selections include traditional tea sandwiches & tiny quiches and who can resist the sweets - lovely miniature fruit tarts (pictured above), scones, cupcakes & pastries. The teas are wonderful and the plantation style setting makes me want to move right in. Afternoon Tea at the Kahala is served daily from 200 to 530.
For a couple who chose the North Shore of Oahu to call home, the Mokuleia Polo Field was the perfect place to host their wedding with it's natural beauty and character. The groom, an avid surfer, and the bride, a yoga instructor and high school teacher, wanted a casual, laid-back wedding that represented their low-key lifestyle and personalities.
The ceremony aisle was made of coral found along the beach and ended in a sacred circle where the spiritual ceremony was performed by a long time friend of the couple. As the bride entered, in a hand made gown made of vintage fabric, she stopped to perform a hula calling her groom-to-be to "come to her". The breaking of the glass completed the ceremony as a nod to the bride's jewish heritage. Mazel tov!
A "retired" surfboard of the groom's was used as a guest book. A string of old family photos strung on hemp wire greeted the guests at the entrance to the tent as they were served garnished signature cocktails of (what else?) Mai Tais! All the floral and greenery that decorated the reception from the tent legs, centerpieces, food stations (catered by Wahoo's Fish Taco which is where the couple first met 6 years ago in CA) to the umbrella poles was cut and picked from the couple's land just a few miles down the road. Their eco-consciousness continued throughout the event by their use of bamboo plates, bamboo leaf paper food trays and recycle bins to name a few.
As the dancing got underway, lauhala mats, blankets and floor pillows were brought out for the guests' comfort to relax and lay back "Hawaiian Style". Stefanie Riedel of Absolutely Loved Photography, was there to capture every moment of what turned out to be a day that was everything the the bride and groom had hoped it would be.
A Noteworthy Guest: Nichole Shin of Nichole Weddings & Events, LLC has been planning weddings and events in Hawaii for 7 years. Her expertise, attention to detail and passion sets her apart from the rest. Mahalo Nichole! -Noteworthy Impressions
Who said one-color letterpress couldn't be luxurious? My rendering of one of Hawaii's most famed flora was inspired by the bride's beloved Vera Wang Suite at the Halekulani. Five layers of cotton & metallic papers, hand drawn flowers and deep letterpress impression create a fresh interpretation of the plumeria invitation we're used to.
This scarf is slightly more functional than it is useful in Honolulu, but it's just so fun! Hong Kong designer Little Factory creates laser cut scarves from microfiber suede as well as bold-print fleece blankets. The scarves sold out quickly after their June introduction but are expected for restocking next month in new colors.
via notcot.
The Made in Hawaii Festival is a fun family event held at the Neal Blaisdell Center each August. Not just a craft fair, it's a great place to eat, shop for gifts and goodies, or even enjoy some entertainment. The festival features locally made products including everything from Kapuakea Bakery baked goods (try one of their ginger pumpkin bread samples) to prints by renowned artists like Peggy Chun ("The Moana" pictured above).
The festival runs today, tomorrow & Sunday (Fri/Sat 10-9, Sun 10-5) at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Bring cash and consider leaving the stroller at home.
"Disposable tableware for spiritual enrichment"
Tokyo-based Wasara manufactures paperware including plates, tumblers, wine & coffee cups, bowls and serving plates from reed pulp and (bagasse) sugarcane waste. The organic shapes are almost too beautiful to eat off of and can you imagine tossing one?
Wasara products will be available at the end of this month. Can't wait!
via swissmiss.
San Francisco artist and letterpress printer Maia de Raat of Dandylion Press draws beautiful sea creatures by hand before printing them with her vintage Vandercook Letterpress. If you stare at them long enough, the prints seem to come alive.
A selection of note cards are currently available at Maia's Etsy site and I'm hoping that she'll create another gorgeous letterpress calendar for the holiday season. (I'll let you know!)
A recent editorial photo shoot brought together Honolulu Magazine's 2008 Best Event Planner Beth Bowlen Harbottle of Social Butterfly, Nichole Shin of Nichole Weddings & Events (another amazing coordinator), Yvonne Floral, Visionari, Les Saisons and Bradley & Lily Fine Stationery. Beth & Nichole inspired a luxurious combination of Asian and European influences with graceful touches of capiz and hints of gold.
When asked to create a few stationery pieces for the shoot, I designed a pattern reminiscent of koi fish scales to reflect the circular patterns found throughout the décor as well as shell-tipped chopsticks for the table's letterpress menu and corresponding letterpress invitation suite. The coloring of Yvonne's florals and the iridescence of the shell accents inspired me to hand sew tiny blush glass beads onto natural linen for one unique table number!
