Correspondence with Flair

Recently we addressed the importance of keeping the handwritten thank you note alive.  As we worked on embellishing Invitations, Holiday Cards, and Thank You’s throughout this busy season a thought evoked… writing can be mundane BUT embellishing is always an inspiration for excitement, for both the giver and receiver.

So the next time you sit down to write a letter or feel uninspired consider the following ways you can spice it up… add a touch of character… and express your personal style!  You might find that looking forward to the details may awaken the purpose of your correspondence and even influence a theme.

Embossing Press

In creating various stationery projects for our coveted client Florida Hospital, we were inspired to design this embossing press featuring the Florida Hospital logo.  The result was a piece of class!  We loved the touch so much that we designed a piece for ourselves here at The 2u Collection and we just couldn’t stop pressing our logo onto all types of surfaces once we received it!! An adornment like this can be customized with a logo or graphic to fit most any need! - Check out theStampMaker.com - 

Envelope Enhancements & Pristine Packaging 

Envelope liners, wax seals, color corrugated shipping boxes and custom designed labels add a unique elegance to any mailing!

Courtesy of TheWeddingPhile.Blogspot.com

Gorgeous envelope liners can be found for almost any size at Paper-Source.com - From solid colors to fine prints, liners add that finishing touch... much like a fabulous lining on a tailored jacket or cuff!

Something as simple as changing the color standard on packaging can really act to catch the eye.  Give the brown box a lift and go for a bold color, or take it a step further and choose unique shapes and sizes.  Take a browse around USBox.com for a plethora of packaging!!

The timeless wax seal needs little explanation...  It's clean, elegant and speaks volumes as you seal each envelope with care and sincerity.  At Nostalgic Impressions they create polished & personalized wax seals that make us swoon!

A Pop of Color... A Taste of Texture

Colored envelopes and textured papers will change the entire feel of a correspondence piece while adding impact to that stack of junk mail! Even here at The 2u Collection our eyes spark and open wide when we catch a rouge within the pile... and of course, it's the first we chose to open and admire!!

Have you ever experienced that moment when writing or creating a thoughtful piece, where you just couldn't wait for the recipient to open?! Oh the anticipation!!! Well, there are times when the excitement is all too much and you boldly take an unconventional approach, much like that featured above. This client was so full of joy in announcing their new edition, that they simply had us print a lovely portrait right on the envelope -- Secrets Out!!

As we sift through the mail texture stands out to the touch!!  The columned paper featured above is sure to impress.  Play with different paper types and treatments to evoke a variety of feelings.  Neenah Paper is one of our favorite paper pros but check out Paper Mojo as well for decadent handmade papers!

Stuck & Stamped

Both of these are cute and quirky ways to add a bit of personal whimsy & cultural flare! -- You can layout, design a nice label & stamp or print right on the envelope.

Courtesy of IntimateWeddings.com

We just love this! Try buying stamps in small denominations and then placing them creatively on the piece to create a fun and traveled feel. Pick up stamps as you explore the world or hometown. Check out vintage and antique shops... alot of the time they'll have these treasures tossed amongst old photos and such!

Courtesy of GourmetInvitations.Blogspot.com

A custom ink stamp like the one we created above not only acts to adorn a mailing piece, but it can also be held as a keepsake and used time and time again on a variety of creative indulgences.  - OrlandoRubberStamps.com produced our design flawlessly!

In hopes that you are inspired to create!!  For more ideas visit us on Facebook at The 2u Collection

Playground Magazine - The Dying Thank-You Note

The 2u Collection just loves Playground Magazine! As fellow local entrepreneurs and independent business owners, we would like to show this fabulously fresh publication a little support and appreciation. Flipping through the pages of their latest issue, we ran across an article that hit close to home as Playground Magazine featured the importance of the Hand-Written Thank-You Note. Our stationary division more than agrees that this is a dwindling art that must NOT be lost. Sure, a card and a signature will cover the obligation, but there is something to be said about the increased gratitude that is exuded with a personalized touch.

CHECK OUT THE FALL ISSUE OF PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE to see their take & get some inspiration on expressing your own thanks! 

Paper Trends for 2012-2013

Don't make the mistake of confusing a fabulous trend for a fleeting Fad!  Here at The 2u Collection we are thrilled when we discover trending design touches that remain timeless even in their popularity.... Take a look at some of our recent favorites!

Delighted with Doilies!

We love this concept because it is classic yet versatile.  Use a traditional doily for a quaint finish to stationery bundles, invitation boxes and favors or translate the inspiration into lace cut envelopes, scalloped edging and accents.

Image Courtesy Of Etsy.com

Image Courtesy Of TheSweetestOccasion.com

Image Courtesy Of OnToBaby.com

Image Courtesy Of TheLane.com

Glimmering with Glitter!

A little sparkle will catch the light and dazzle the eye.... we are starting to wonder what it is we can't cover in glitz!  From confetti, to lettering and even glassware this touch is sure to twinkle.

Image Courtesy Of Etsy.com

Image Courtesy Of 2Bsquared.com

Image Courtesy of Wedding101.net

Embossed Embellishments & Monogram Madness!

It's your day and everyone should know it!!  Be bold with monograms that make a spotlight statement!  Keep them clean or add some flare with embossed embellishments.

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

Image Courtesy of AdvantageBridal.com

Image Courtesy of Jacqueline Events & Design

Paper to Petals

Watch paper transform into the unexpected..... Globes, bouquets, table settings and garland galore!

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

Image Courtesy of Outstanding-Occasions.com

Image Courtesy of Outstanding-Occasions.com

Image Courtesy of Ellinee.com

A good trend... fabulous!  We get even more excited when we can combine a few into a complete look!  Remember, that just because something is trending, that doesn't mean we can't refine and restyle it into a unique and custom piece!  

Keep and eye out to see what we at The 2u Collection have created with a bit of trend worthy inspiration...

Samira & Jesse’s Gotham Hall Wedding published in the The Knot Magazine

I am super excited to be published in the Summer 2012 Issue of The Knot Magazine- SPECIAL NEW YORK EDITION! They featured Samira and Jesse’s gorgeous wedding at Gotham Hall planned by amazing and talented Christine Godsey of Engaging Affairs.


Vendor List: Events Consultant: Engaging Affairs Venue: Gotham Hall Dress: Vera Wang Draping: Dazian Fabric Videography: I Do Films Catering & Cake: Thomas Preti A/V: ESP New York Musicians: Vali Entertainment Invitations & Stationery Elements: The 2u Collection Lighting: Jeff Ledford, Bentley Meeker Florist: Golf Srithamrong, Tantawan Bloom Hair & Makeup: Maria Licari Limo: NYC Royal Limo Bridal Hotel Room: Trump SoHo Groom’s Hotel Room: Radisson Martinique Photography: Shira Weinberger 

I am extremely proud of this! Stationery Images made it on 3 of the 5 pages!! Congratulations again to the Bride and Groom, and to all of the vendors who worked so tirelessly to create this amazing wedding, it really is one for the book of "All time best weddings!" (if there even is such a thing. LOL)

If you are interested in others posts related to this wedding, be sure to check them out!

You can read previous posts I've done on this wedding here (part 1) and here (part 2). You can check out THE KNOT LIVE show here, Samira was a guest and discussed her wedding, we even got a mention! Her interview starts at the 21:00 minute mark. Our invitations for this event were also featured in Central Florida Bride Magazine, you can read that blog here.

It's a Mad Hatter Thing... Baby Shower!

Parents to be... Robyn and Andrew Dixon having fun with hats!

Robyn and Andrew Dixon are not new topics to my blog. Not only are they close friends of mine, they have trusted me to graphically handle lots of milestones in their life! I was there when it all began, and I've designed their wedding, holidays, and now... their baby! 

Robyn came to us girls (pictured below) and said she wanted to have a Boy themed Mad Hatter baby shower! Of course we jumped right on it. We decided we since she is having a boy and will soon be outnumbered by boys in her house, we would give her one last girly, elegant party! With China tea pots and cups, fresh floral and many antique glass cruets-- the decor started to come together, as you can see above!

Of course we started with Invitations to set the tone, pictured above. To read the full blog post on the invitations, click here.

Hostess' and Mom to be getting in the Mad Hatter fun with our unique head pieces!! (L to R)  Amy Morelli, Robyn Dixon, Cara Sturla and Amy Baumgarten.  Never fear all, the Mommy-to-be is drinking NON-alcoholic wine!

As you can see, we went all out with the decor. In keeping with the Alice and Wonderland Theme, we created die cut metallic "Eat Me" and "Drink Me" tags. We had Rabbit's, Clocks, and Keys sprinkled throughout the event (a thanks to PLAYGROUND Magazine for their contribution of these things, they were designed by Ayla, you can find them in her Etsy Store!). In addition, pictured above, we created custom candy wrappers for the favors to commemorate the event, as well as Signage, for the menu, gift table, and fun photo station!

We also created a Wishing Tree, where guest could write their wishes for the baby's future, and hang them on the tree.  We also did something fun, when guests arrived, we had a "Mad Hat table", pictured below, We here at The 2u Collection had a blast creating these unique headband hats for the guests to wear throughout the day!

A few guests having fun with the wishing tree!

Much thanks to RW Chocolate Fountain Rentals for these AMAZING and delicious Mad Hatter themed Cake Pops! Be sure to visit them on Facebook, and see some of the amazing things they create with Chocolate!

  We also created this fun photo station with these great cutouts with the Mad Hatter/Alice and Wonderland theme! Thanks to PLAYGROUND Magazine for their contribution of these things, they were designed by Ayla, you can find them in her Etsy Store! The guests loved them, and they made for some great fun pics! And one last mention, pictured below is Robyn and Andrew's first baby... Charlie! She is a wonderfully, gentle, loving Westie! We couldn't pass up getting her involved in the fun as well!

It's a Mad Hatter kind of Affair!

This was such a fun project, not only is it for the Baby Shower of one of my good friends, it will also be appearing in the Spring Issue of PLAYGROUND Magazine. The theme is a Mad Hatter Tea and Lunch. Which I knew was going to be fun from the start. It's exciting as a designer, when you get to be fun and funky! As you can see from above to create "Fun and Funky" she chose Fiber Mark's Black Touché Paper, and embellished it with a Fun Patterned Ribbon and Black Feathers.

 As you can see on the flip side, we had fun with the copy, creating a rhyme to fall in line with the Mad Hatter state of mind. (Props to PLAYGROUND Magazine for this amazing copywriting)

We accented the die cut printed invitation with this amazing glitter damask black and white paper. It turned out sophisticated and fun. Congratulations to Heather on her upcoming "Bundle of Joy!"