Wedding Inspiration Behind Our New Letterpress Nautical Design (Emma & Colin)

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A coastal wedding is one of our favorite types. In one of our newest wedding invitation designs, Emma and Colin, we sought to capture the essence of a nautical nuptial. As we found out, injecting a nautical feel into a design is difficult to do without going overboard (ha!). Our intention was to create something very refined and mature with an understated elegance. So where did we draw our inspiration from?

Inspiration behind the Emma + Colin suite

SETTING THE SCENE

Emma + Colin’s wedding we envisioned to be an airy affair, very beach chic, occurring midday right near the water. We imagine the bride to wear an impeccable white gown with a simple but elegant neckline and a breezy skirt to catch the wind off of the ocean. The groom and groomsmen all wear coordinated boat shoes and khakis with sport jackets. All the wedding day decor are in shades of sea glass and driftwood. The bride and groom love sailing together (they met at a marina bar) so they have a sailboat guestbook.

In the wedding invitation design, we looked specifically to Martha’s Vineyard for chic coastal details. The romantic softness of the eastern coast landscape and ethereal colors all served as significant visual inspiration in creating this suite. We chose bright, crisp typography inspired by a boat stern – where the boat’s name is masterfully painted. A subtle blind pattern brings to mind the waves of the sea and the charming wooden shingles on many of the beach side homes. Graphic elements are balanced with an artistic sailor stripe envelope liner. We are so excited to unveil the entire Emma + Colin design soon.

Take a peek at our Pinterest board for more inspiration behind the design!

 

BEHIND OUR NEW BRAND: Interview with the Director

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In continuation of our 18th birthday celebration, we have interviewed our Director, Katie. We are so appreciative for the new perspective she brings to the team as our leader. Her clear vision and encouragement has empowered the evolution in our new brand identity – and we wanted to share her take on where PAGE STATIONERY is headed and what inspires this change.

Katie, Director of PAGE STATIONERY

PS: What was the main inspiration behind our new logo and brand identity?

Katie: My thought was to hit the refresh button. Eighteen years is a very long time for a company and what better time than on this anniversary for an update. I wanted the look to spring forward and speak to where the company is going: a fresh modern take with a sweet nod to our stationery roots.

What do the new brand colors remind you of?

Navy is classic, solid and traditional.  It’s one of my favorite colors, I’ve always gravitated toward navy in my decorating, wardrobe, and design.

Bright coral, well, is just the happiest of colors. It complements the navy. It says “look at me!” It’s a fresh take on all the neon hot pinks that we are seeing being used in the industry. It’s the evolution of the old Page Stationery red – softer, brighter, and more modern.

With the new logo and brand in place now, what direction would you like Page Stationery to go with the overall aesthetic?

We are excited about what is possible and what could be next. We are firmly rooted in our traditional design but feel we can branch out and offer a new take on what we do best and that is clean, crisp, sophisticated letterpress product and invitation design. Our new website complements the new identity. Everything we touch will start to take on that fresh, crisp, clean, bright look – and feel.

What should everyone look forward to seeing from Page Stationery in the future? What are you most excited about?

Everyone should definitely look forward to more stories of product. Having a retail merchandising and buying background, I firmly believe that we need to offer our shops stories of product that they can buy into. This will allow them to easily create “moments” of merchandise that surprise and delight their customers. We want to be more purposeful with what we are creating and above all we have to love everything that we design or it doesn’t make the cut.

Being letterpress and stationery nerds, if we don’t love it then who else would? I am most excited to see how we come together and tap into the team’s collective creative energy. And how we will #TurnThePage on an epic 18th year in the business.

What is your favorite new letterpress wedding design? Why?

Summer + Elliot is my favorite. It’s so rich and luxurious. I am a major typography nerd too and so I love a good font choice and this one really speaks to me. The combo of a navy cardstock and gold foil is unbeatable! Plus, wait till you see that envelope liner we have named ripples! I mean… I die.

What are the sources of inspiration behind each of the letterpress wedding designs?

This falls mostly to our designers to answer but what I can contribute is that we wanted to speak to the obvious: what type of bride were we not addressing with our current designs; what we are hearing from our shops as to what engaged couples are asking for; and how can we add in a little more modern, fresh design that is ahead of the trend.

Thank you Katie for sharing.

Keep checking in on us for more behind-the-scenes this month!

BEHIND OUR NEW BRAND: Interview with the Graphic Designer

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Anna, Graphic Designer of PAGE STATIONERY

Our business is 18 years old this month – and what better time than now to reinvent our look. Catch the inside scoop from our Graphic Designer, Anna, as she shares her favorite details of our brand refresh and the concepts behind the new letterpress wedding invitation designs.

PS: What was the main inspiration behind our new logo and branding?

Anna: Before we started the re-brand, we sat down together as a team to discuss all things Page (including goals, passions, values). During these initial conversations as a team, we discussed and revised our mission statement. The end result — “To create an inspired collection of traditional and modern, bright, artfully designed letterpress & digital stationery. To offer the best service, selection, and quality. And to be a constant source of surprise and delight for our customer.” As a design team, I think this phrase was our main point of inspiration.

What do the new brand colors remind you of?

The traditional Page (navy) with a pop of new modern fun (coral).

With the new logo and brand in place now, what direction would you like Page Stationery to go with the overall aesthetic?

Page Stationery is known for it’s beautiful timeless design, superior production quality and friendly customer service. These are still the cornerstone of Page, but I would love to see Page step outside the box and take more design risks. Our new mission statement says it best. We should be “…a constant source of surprise and delight for our customer”. We can’t wait to share our new and upcoming surprises with you!

What should everyone look forward to seeing from Page Stationery in the future? What are you most excited about?

There’s a lot to look forward to including new patterns, expanded product line and new, bright colors! I’m most excited about the new fresh wedding designs.

What is your favorite new letterpress wedding design? Why?

I love the “Cabell and Samuel” wedding suite. There’s a sophisticated look and feel about the typography, but a very unexpected color palette (bright pink and bright orange paired with gray). As always, my favorite detail of the suite is the envelope liner. Liners are such a great spot for the bride and groom to let their personality shine through.

What are the sources of inspiration behind each of the letterpress wedding designs?

For custom wedding designs, I always pull inspiration from the couple, their story and their wedding vision. Although these designs are not based on actual couples, I still had all of these components in mind. For example, why would Emily and Nicholas choose Hawaii for their destination wedding? Where did they meet? What are their jobs? What’s their style?

  • Cabell & Samuel – This suite was made with the Bohemian Bride in mind. It was inspired by the minimalism of a warehouse and the intricate details of a Persian rug. I wanted to create a suite that was clean and modern, but with an unexpected bohemian twist.
  • Emily & Nicholas – This suite was made with the West Coast Bride in mind. Originally inspired by vintage botanical prints, the tropical foliage and flowers transformed into the main source of inspiration. The non-traditional ink colors and modern typography set the tone for the destination wedding weekend!
  • Emily & Colin – This suite was made with the Beach Bride in mind. It was inspired by the Northeast coast. There’s a classic beauty about destinations such as Martha’s Vineyard – the calmness of the waves, the soft pastels, the warm salty air.
  • Melissa & Nathan – The suite was made with the Timeless Romantic Bride in mind. It was inspired by candle lit dinners, deep jewel tones and fall foliage (all the essential components to a romantic intimate celebration).

Thank you Anna! Keep up with us this month as we reveal more of our new designs and products.

BEHIND OUR NEW BRAND: Interview with the Creative Director

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In celebration of our 18th year in the stationery business, we have turned a new page in our aesthetic! To share a bit about our fresh new art direction, we have asked our design dream team about the process behind creating our sweet new logo, brand new product, and the newest additions to our letterpress wedding invitation designs. This week we kick off the blog series with an interview with our Creative Director, Stephanie. Read on to hear all about the creative process!

Stephanie, Creative Director of PAGE STATIONERY

PS: What was the main inspiration behind our new logo and branding?

Stephanie: We are turning 18 this year and felt it was a great time for a fresh look. The new sketchy envelope in our logo represents both our products and custom line and speaks to the root of what we do.

What do the new brand colors remind you of?

The new colors perfectly represent the Page style. The navy is classic and we’ve paired it with a cheeky coral to show all sides of our personality. The colors are happy, delightful and sophisticated.

With the new logo and brand in place now, what direction would you like Page Stationery to go with the overall aesthetic?

Page is going to constantly evolve, but right now we’re ready to infuse some character and charm into our classic look. We’re experimenting with a new color palette and we’ve developed an extensive group of custom liners we’re confident will wow you! Stay tuned!

What should everyone look forward to seeing from Page Stationery in the future? What are you most excited about?

Expect the unexpected! In the future we will still stick to our classic roots, but with a twist. We’re thinking further outside the box with our product and custom designs. In particular, look for our new cleverly curated custom letterpress holiday designs. My favorite is the happy trees! You can’t help but smile.

What is your favorite new letterpress wedding design? Why?

Oooh…tough choice! I love the new nautical inspired design with the blind impression of the waves. It’s a really soft, sophisticated (and still beachy!) look that will literally make waves.

What are the sources of inspiration behind the letterpress wedding designs that you created this year?

  • Summer & Elliott: This couple wants to exude modern elegance. The suite is exquisite in gold & navy, inspired by peacocks, rippling water and all things gilded.
  • Ava & Weston: This is a chic, urban couple who want a less traditional look for their big day. It’s simple, understated and sharp.

Thank you Stephanie!

We have lots of behind-the-scenes stories and photos coming this month! Check back in with us for more!

WE’RE HIRING: Production & Fulfillment Associate

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Our Richmond, VA office is looking for a new production assistant!

Come work with our awesome team!

Come work with our awesome team!

You heard it correctly, we are hiring a full-time production & fulfillment associate at Page Stationery. Someone who can work Monday through Friday.

Production & Fulfillment Associate:

Full time

Job Description:

The Production & Fulfillment Associate drives order fulfillment and offers daily operational support to the press operator.  He/She is responsible for shipping and receiving, job staging, paper cutting, and plate-making. Reports to the Operations Manager.

Characteristics:

  • Detail oriented and focused on the importance of precision, accuracy and efficiency.
  • Love of product and letterpress printing.
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • Ability to cultivate a clean, organized work environment.
  • Willingness to go above and beyond to support the needs of the business.
  • Team Player.
  • Proactive, self-starter and willingness to learn and communicates well.
  • Uphold company policies and procedures with care.
  • Works effectively under pressure with a positive attitude.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Quality check on all custom printed projects, then packaging of orders for delivery to clients.
  • Interprets job specifications and clearly communicates with Operations Manager and all levels of employees to ensure job is properly produced and meets customer specifications, production schedule, and company quality standards.
  • Coordinates with Customer Service to complete orders in a timely manner; completes production of custom digital jobs while monitoring the press schedule of incoming digital projects.
  • Manages organization and inventory of stock room, production materials and shipping supplies.
  • Manages a high level of quality control for all products; inspects goods for printing errors/spots, wrinkles, or damages; inspects color matching of all job components; reviews all job specifications for accuracy.
  • Initiates and maintains accurate organizational records and information on all jobs. Identifies and communicates jobs where reprint is required.
  • Daily cleaning of work environment and production area.
  • Digital Envelope Press operation; matching color from other presses and ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Plate production: Has some experience in making photo-polymer plates from negatives provided; inspects for errors and potential problems; ensures plate-maker is maintained and serviced regularly.
  • Having consistent hand work and mathematical skills in precise paper cutting, edge-painting, envelope liner cutting, applying backers, decorative pockets, labeling and boxing of product.
  • Must be able to lift up to 40lbs with relative ease and be comfortable on feet most of the day. Must also be comfortable with heights and ascending/descending ladders.
  • Serves as the primary point person for all outgoing and incoming shipments and has clear organizational skills with all invoices and receipts.

TO APPLY:

Please follow these instructions:

  1. Send email to info@pagestationery.com
  2. In the subject heading write “Production & Fulfillment Associate”
  3. In the body of your email, please include
    • Your resume and cover letter
    • One paragraph on why you would be great at this job.

** Please note Stationery is spelled with an “E”

Why Our Moms Are The Best – Part 3

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Our Page Stationery staff mother stories continue this week with an extra special post about our Letterpress Production teammate, Gloria, Gloria’s daughter, and Gloria’s mother. This beautiful multi-generational story melted our hearts so much that we had to share it all. Read about Gloria’s mother, Marie, AND hear why Gloria is the best mom ever from her daughter, Jennifer.

WHAT GLORIA SAID ABOUT HER MOTHER

Your Mother’s Name: Marie Holmes

Describe your mom in three words: Amazing, Humble, Lovable

Best thing you ever learned from your mother: I learned how to be a great cook, hard worker and wise woman from my mom.

Top 3 reasons your mom is the Best Mom Ever:

  1. My mom is a godly woman who inspires everyone she is around.
  2. My mom is a strong because of the pain she has faced in life, but never complains.
  3. My mom always taught me to put God first and everything will work out in the end.

The love I have for my mom is eternity. I pray I will have the willpower as my mom does.

WHAT GLORIA’S DAUGHTER SAID ABOUT GLORIA

Your Mother’s Name: Gloria

Describe your mom in three words: Beautiful, Strong, Fearless

Best thing you ever learned from your mother: Trust your intuition. As with many mothers, my mother has an amazing intuition. She knows when something is up. She knows when something has gone down. And most importantly, she listens to these instincts. My mother has made me see just how important intuition is in a woman. God gives it to us for a reason.

Top 3 reasons your mom is the Best Mom Ever:

  1. Amazing cook, always could whip you up a meal.
  2. She loves adventure, loves to see new things, new places, and loves the fun.
  3. The unconditional love – no matter what is going on, my mom always shows love. She shows me what real love is all about.

 

Why Our Moms Are The Best – Part 2

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“Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” —George Eliot

With Mother’s Day just a few weeks away, we’re showering the Page Stationery staff moms with lots of love this month. This week we introduce the beautiful faces of Page Stationery Director Katie’s mother, Peggy; Sales and Marketing Manager Katelyn’s mama, Lore; and Web Designer Bryce’s mom, Beth. Find out why we are so lucky to call these women our mothers!

WHAT KATIE SAID ABOUT HER MOTHER

Your Mother’s Name: Peggy AKA “Momma Schaeff”

Describe your mom in three words: Strong, Generous, AMAZING

Best thing you ever learned from your mother: To be myself always, and to trust my intuition it will always lead you in the right direction. My mother always made it very safe for me to take risks, so I know how important it is to make others feel the same when I can.

Top 3 reasons your mom is the Best Mom Ever:

  1. She gives the best hugs! And I love her scent.
  2. Her strength and support never waivers, no matter what and with no judgment. (Especially, when I’ve gotten into trouble.)
  3. She makes me laugh and just being around her makes me happy. I mean I just moved 3,000 miles from a very sunny California life so I could get daily fixes of my mom! #peggyrocks!

WHAT KATELYN SAID ABOUT HER MOTHER

Your Mother’s Name: Lore (pronounced Lori), or Madre, or Mamasita, or Mamazon – she answers to many names!

Describe your mom in three words: Creative, Strong, and Loving

Best thing you ever learned from your mother: To see beauty in your everyday surroundings. She’s the first to point out a beautiful sunset, to revel in a hug, and to express her enjoyment in any given moment. She is an incredibly warm, caring individual with a deep appreciation for life. She’s taught me to observe those little moments – to actually feel gratitude. There’s an amazing by-product of focusing on the positive things in life: happiness. That’s not to say I’m always happy and don’t have hard times, it’s just that when a dark cloud forms, I’ve learned from my mom to step back to try to see the silver lining.

Top 3 reasons your mom is the Best Mom Ever:

  1. My mom is very down to Earth and intuitively empathetic. She can sense when a hug or an encouraging note is needed.
  2. She makes this pretzel bark that is OUT OF THIS WORLD, and basically is the best cook ever known in the history of motherhood.
  3. She is magnetic because not only is she sweet, she’s smart like a whip and has a bright sense of humor. She can talk about all kinds of things intelligently and she’s fun to converse with (plus she’s always got a glass of wine waiting for me)!

WHAT BRYCE SAID ABOUT HIS MOTHER

Your Mother’s Name: Elizabeth AKA Beth

Describe your mom in three words: Sweet, Goofy, and Thoughtful

Best thing you ever learned from your mother: How to give a thoughtful gift.

Top 3 reasons your mom is the Best Mom Ever:

  1. She pursues her dreams.
  2. She laughs at my bad jokes.
  3. She sends me notes.