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!

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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!