Movin on, up and out

My new web site is finally finished!

Move on over to www.papernestdesigns.com

Getting Settled

What a summer! I'm feeling settled, energized and inspired. A combo I've been waiting for all summer! Woo hoo! We are in our new home and new things are happening. Stay tuned for a new web site, new name launch, new products and I have some folks I'm excited to introduce you to!

Shell Desktop Wallpaper

I've been dreaming of the beach and searching for shells...

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Do It Yourself Bird Seed Packets

Here's a simple bird seed packet to create for a wedding or party favor. I purchased the clear cellophane bags at hobby lobby and then recycled some old paper and used these fab bird stamps and viola! Another fun idea would be to put wildflower mix in these little bags and stamp on some flowers or use a cool floral print for the paper. I have also created small treat bags for a baby shower recently and put chocolate covered pretzels in them with a paper design that matched the rest of the shower decorations. Happy creating!

Graduation Announcement

Looking for a unique way to invite your family and friends to your graduation party? Contact me for a custom made photo announcement.

The Art of Gathering Local Style - TODAY

Come out today, May 2, to The Art of Gathering Local Style. From 11am to 1pm come and get fabulous ideas for your next event whether it be a wedding, birthday party or graduation party. The event is located in the DeVos Communications building on Calvin's campus. Stop in and visit my table along with other folks that will be there such as a photograher, baker, jewelry maker, dj/videographer, a fair trade shop and more. Come out and support your neighbors today! I hope to see you there!

Save the Date - May 2

Come out next Saturday to The Art of Gathering Local Style. From 11am to 1pm come and get fabulous ideas for your next event whether it be a wedding, birthday party or graduation party. Local artists will have their work on display and Elissa from Local First will be coming to talk about why going local is important. Come out and visit me at my table next Saturday at the DeVos Communications building at Calvin College. I hope to see you all there!

Eco Cottages

Photo from http://venicebeachecocottages.com/LeBebe.html

How adorable are these eco cottages out in Cali? I just think they are so adorable and decorated so fun. It would be such a treat to stay in one of these little urban retreats. I would never want to leave for sight seeing! Also what is so cool is that 3% of the revenue from each stay is donated to charity. Read more about it and check out the galleries...

Happy Birthday Noah!

Front of announcement



Back of announcement

I have so much fun celebrating my little nephews birthdays. My favorite part is blowing out the birthday candles and watching their excitement and expressions. I need to make a shout out to my sister-in-law for that amazing home made race car cake!

My fourth love of Boston

My fourth love of Boston is Modern Pastry. Wow do they make amazing pastries. It was like I traveled back to Italy all over again. But what I was even more excited about was the pastry yarn!

My third love of Boston

Innovative and creative store names and signs is my third love of downtown Boston. There were so inspiring and refreshing.

My second love of Boston

My second love of Boston was all the adorable apartments and alley ways. Elicia and I would peer down the short alley ways lined with black street lamps and gaze in awe at how stinkin cute they were. Then I'd realize it is actually someone's front door and how stupid we must look just staring at it with stars in our eyes and a deep breathe would leave my mouth after I realized I was holding it. We wandered on to find the next one and the next one like little girls at a candy shop!

My first love of Boston

My first love of Boston was the Freedom Trail. I wish I had days to roam up and down it. The brick path turns a corner and just picks up on the other side of the street. You don't even need a map! You can just follow the brick road to the next treasure of American history and peek into all the adorable apartments and store fronts as you wander along. Totally fabulous!

Reflecting and Dreaming

I traveled to Boston a week ago with 17 college students and one fabulous friend, Elicia, for a week of service-learning. The trip was stretching in all directions and I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience. Trying to figure out God's purpose for my time there and what I'm supposed to do now that I'm back in the comforts of my home. The students refreshed my soul, the physical work made me realize how old I am and a week focused on social justice made my heart heavy and my eyes wider. Laughter was the medicine for our bones and souls as we went through the week. I said to Elicia, "Come on! Sign up to lead this trip with me!" and little did she or I know what was in store for us. How God would open our hearts, hands and eyes to His world through the inner city of Dorchester.

One evening we were able to get downtown Boston and I'm excited to share some of my Boston finds this week on my blog. I adore downtown Boston and can't wait to return. Talk about a place to start a stationary/invitation shop! Lets just say I had fun roaming the streets dreaming...ok and picking my jaw up off the freedom trail as I would come upon adorable shop names and signs.

Bridal Shower Invitation

There's a New Lawyer in Town

Nathaniel and I sat next to each other in German 101 back in the day. Who would have thought I'd be designing his logo for his new law firm. Funny how that works out after college...

Poppy Chic Designs

I bought these fabulous poppy hair accessories at Poppy Chic Designs on Etsy. For only $7 you can have some too! I can't stop wearing mine!

Lebone Educare Center

A few months back my parents traveled to South Africa with their church. While they were there the group took photos of all the children at the orphanage that the church supports. I then produced a bookmark for the church to hand out to their congregation to ask for financial support for these children and the educare center. This project was very moving for me as I stared into the faces of over 99 orphans.

Welcome to the world Kyle John

A few weeks back we welcomed a new little nephew into our lives, Kyle John.

Party Ball Stationary Set

I had a fabulous friend of mine, Megan, ask for a stationary set that matched her personality while at the same time looked professional with a touch of fun. A big request! We settled on a variety pack in the end so that depending on who she's sending the card to she can pick a style. I like to call it my Party Ball stationary set because Megan is a party of fun and laughter all the time. I always want to wrap her into a ball and take her with me! I also think that this kelly green fits her to a T. Megan, it was fun working with you on this project and thanks for giving me some sunshine during these gray winter days!

Best of Both Worlds

I must admit that I'm a packaging snob of sorts and will purchase products based off of the packaging. I couldn't resist these two items in Target yesterday. They popped off the shelf against all the other average soap packages. And I got the best of both worlds because the scents and sudsiness is as good as the packaging!

Both images taken from Method's web site.

Clothing that ruffles my collar

I love stopping by Rose la biche's etsy shop. I find her clothing so inspiring. I think her work is beautiful and so unique.

Photo taken from Rose la biche's web site.

Stella Rug

Oh how I love this rug designed by Michelle Mason. I'd like to wake up in the morning and land my feet on this piece of art. What a great way to start a day!

Photo taken from michellemason.

For the design-savvy parent

I have several pregnant friends and have been searching for some fun gifts and stumbled upon these little gems designed by 10 Swedish Designers. I love the bright colors and pattern options. It's so refreshing from all the pink and blue. They also have an uber cute stroller line.



Both photo from 10 Swedish Designers.

Peacock Note Cards for Sale

I just posted my latest note card design at my etsy shop

Amy Butler's Nolita

Oh how I'd love one of Amy Butlers Nolita bags for spring. I am so drawn into her designs. Last night I was in hobby lobby and out of all the papers I instantly went to her collection. Her paper book is 30% off at hobby lobby this week ladies! Snatch one up while it's on sale.

Photo from Amy Butler's web site

Free Desktop Wallpaper

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This design stemmed out of my love right now with peacock feathers. Enjoy!

It's all a-twitter

Since the world's a-twitter I thought I'd join in the fun. You can follow me at:

twitter.com/joylverheul

Dreaming Under Crystals

I'd love to have this gorgeous little piece of art hanging in my bedroom.

VIOSKI Sectional

This sectional jumped off the page at me when I was looking at home magazines at Schulers today. I had to sit and stare at it for a bit and take in the awe of the piece of art that was staring back at me. The sleek, modern design with the console table that fits perfectly inside is brilliant. I'm so drawn to the angles in this piece. It's flexible in that it could be used as a room divider, not only a sectional which I just love. In the midst of all it's design I still want to cuddle up and read a book on it. Check out VIOSKI's web site for more of his amazing work.

Image from VIOSKI's web site

One of Each Please

west elm reversible side tables




west elm faceted mirror side table



west elm moroccan drum table

Dreaming of Venice

I've been dreaming of a return trip to Venezia... in the mean time I may need to purchase an Art Shark print.

New Envirosax Design

Envirosax launched a new design called "candy". It's definitely candy to my eyes! I LOVE these bags. If you don't have a set purchase them and you'll enjoy grocery shopping so much more.

Russell + Hazel

I'm in love with this website. Talk about organizing. I'd love to fill my office with their amazing products. And all you brides out there they have a wedding section.

Organizing the Unorganizable

If I could only have a closet like the one above... but if you're like me you have a closet the size of a coat closet and you have to share it with your husband. Here are some ideas from the container store that I find inspiring and cost effective!


Sunshine and hopes of spring always get me in the mood for organizing. I think this organizer idea is brilliant! And even better it's only $6.99!


I've tried shoe racks upon shoe racks and they just don't work. The shoes fall off of them or slip between the rails. I really like this clear box idea and they're stackable. Only $1.99!




I love storing things in nice boxes. It just keeps the whole space nice and neat. I think these are great with the label. Plus the charcoal color is ageless instead of going with a trendy print.

Happy organizing!

Valentine Desktop Wallpaper

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