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...

Color Inspiration - A little dust, A little rose.... Enter: DUSTY ROSE!

Although delicate & demure, Dusty Rose begs to inspire!  Perfectly romantic... this color melts hearts with it's allusion to Victorian Vintage.  Such elegance, such tradition.  It's one of those colors that is subtle enough to act as your complete design base, yet also carries enough feeling to suggest a simple accent here and there.  If you haven't already been swept off your feet... a little Dusty Rose is sure to set the tone.   

Images courtesy of Style.com-Elie Saab, CakeCentral.com, UrbanOutfitters.com, DSMeeBee, Joanna Hendrie Events & Fetes, Hatunot, Orange & Blossom

Color Inspiration...Chevron!!

I shouldn't have to explain that Chevron is the HOT HOT HOT summer pattern in weddings and events this year! If you don't know this, you must have been under a rock the past few months!! :) Chevron is absolutely everywhere this season, and we aren't complaining. I love a good simple graphic pattern! And the unique and different ways it is being used is just inspirational. It's so the HOT thing, that I had to make two inspiration boards this time, and still I left out some pretty amazing stuff! These are my faves!  Enjoy!

Images courtesy of: cloud9bliss.com, detailsevents.wordpress.com, emmalinebride.com, gourmet-galley.com, heathersglen.com, honeyholden.blogspot.com, my-wedding-concierge.com, spokanebrideblog.com, stylehive.com, theweddingpost.net, weddingchicks.com, www.baconhandmadeneckwear.com, venuesafari.com, 

As Babies Spring... We Are Delighted To Announce!

Spring! Normally a season full of wedding celebrations this year contradicted the norm, instead the blessings of new babies filled the air. Here at The 2u Collection we are honored to pay tribute to these new bundles of joy! Often we are approached by those closest to us, family and friends, as they introduce their new additions into our universe. When my cousin presented me with the opportunity to announce baby Willett to our loved ones, I was more than willing... I was ecstatic!

Inspiration came easily, expressed was the desire for an Elephant Theme. I so wanted to give them something clean and unique with a strong impact. Playing with colors, shapes and love we came to finalize a design that would do great justice to this glorious event.

The announcement of Liam Joseph Willett was mounted on a base of Black Linen Paper where the Sky Blue, Ivory and Teal color pallet would naturally POP! The colors acted as a modern extension of traditional baby boy options, to create a customary yet distinct feel.

The double sided announcement featured an original design, with 3D Mama (Ivory) and Baby (Sky Blue) Elephant finished with a carefully hand-tied bow done in Teal Satin Ribbon. 

On the flip-side was a printed declaration and precious photo presented on Ivy Watercolor Paper. Delivered in a hand-written Sky Blue Envelope, these beautifully pure announcements were received with sincere delight and adoration.  

Here at The 2u Collection it is our pleasure to create special touches not only for those closest too us, but for all who have an occasion to commemorate. The effort put forth in such designs extends to all who we serve and it is with great satisfaction that we  do so.

Why is social stationary so important?

In a day and age where everything has gone viral it is more important than ever to keep a sense of personal communication with friends and clients alike. I was inspired just yesterday to write this blog when I received a thoughtful thank you note from a dear friend of mine. As all of us can attest, the mail is constantly full of bills and reminders and when a personal hand written card is received it is really stands out. 


Where have all the old traditions and the days of the Vanderbilt's gone? The internet has many benefits but with those benefits also comes the overall downfall of personal communication. We have become enabled to communicate with people on such an impersonal level.  That is why personal stationary is so important can be such a unique surprise in someone's mailbox. 


Notes are never necessary, but from a business standpoint there are occasions where a note will truly set you apart. If a former client refers a new client to you, an email would be good but a personal thank you note would be better. If two recent college graduates interview for the same job and one sends the interviewee an email thank you and one sends a handwritten note in the mail, who do you think is going to get the job? The answer is simple, the candidate that sent something postmarked. Why? Because people today are so internet reliant that when a physical piece is receievd it shows that someone is truly going above and beyond. 

See the above picture for a note I send as a thank you note to colleagues of mine. Using something unique and eye catching is a great way to stand out. I've received lots of positive praise on this piece, it's simplicity and message speaks for itself without being anything other the top. I could have easily saved time and money sending such thank you messages via email but sending this instead really puts me in a category all my own. And you should be doing the same, both personally and in business. The next time you sit down at your desk to email, tweet or Facebook an important message to a loved one, friend, colleague or client, think again and do something they'll remember. 

Everyone associates us with doing large scale weddings and events but often times we are called upon to do personal stationary, letterhead, thank you notes and other similar stationary items. The next time you want to stand out among your clients, colleagues or friends let us work on something for you. Letterhead is no longer just a piece of paper with your name and address it has evolved to a personality driven representation of who you are. Let us design something for you!

Inspiration Series-Photographer Shira Weinberger

I am often asked how I fight through creative block and what inspires me. So, here is an installment of my Inspiration Series. 

I've found that sometimes to break out of a NON-creative funk, it's best I go look at some work of other artists I admire. Being a traditional artist as well, It's fun for me to see what other artists use as their outlet, although I paint, and sketch my primary outlet for my art is through graphics, type and paper.  Sometimes to see how other creative minds put out their ideas, and the creations they create will jostle my own creative juices. All photography images courtesy of Shira Weinberger

Today's installment is about NYC Expressive Contemporary Photographer Shira Weinberger. I had the pleasure of working with Shira in October of last year on our Gotham Hall wedding in New York City. In a city full of photo opportunities Shira definitely makes the best of them. It takes a special person to be able to capture a couple's most intimate moments and she is able to do that and more. She is able to capture images that really convey the raw emotion of the moment and that is truly a creative gift. 

Enjoy the photos and may you be inspired as well. 

All photography images courtesy of Shira Weinberger

Rustic Bridal Shower... Yes Please!!

We always love a challenge, and being someone who loves the outdoors, I always love it when I get to create something earthy and organic with an elegant flair. Our client, Jennifer, came to us because she said our designs were the most creative she found out there!! We love to hear that, and love her for the wonderful compliment! (and she was just amazing to work with) Jennifer is also the best friend of Mother of the Bride. She has know the bride her whole life, and wants to host the shower of the bride's dreams. She explained to me, that the theme was rustic, natural and organic and she wanted something unique and earthy that would WOW the guests and still have an elegant flair!

My inspiration started with materials. What could i use that was earthy and different, and would still be elegant enough for a bridal shower. I started brainstorming and decided mixing metallic and linen paper with some rough texture would do the trick.. Enter... Muslin!! 

The invitation came in hand stamped Muslin Bag, and mailed in a Brown Kraft Envelope. We had a custom rubber stamp made, with the graphic and then hand stamped the muslin bags with brown ink.  Client loved the Muslin Bags so much, she purchased extras to use them as favor bags during the event!

 Project was printed on Ivory Linen, and is closed with a chocolate brown satin ribbon belly band with a champagne metallic accent piece. The contrast of Muslin, Metallic and Linen papers, and satin ribbon really created a unique rustic and stylish feeling. 

Love this pattern detail on this linen paper. The texture, just makes you want to touch it!  Anyone who follows me, or knows me, will tell you. "I have a paper problem!" I love a nice tactile piece of paper or texture!