The Knot! The only pieces of stationery you really need... article featuring KK Bloom

It came today! Got an early copy from the publisher! The Knot Texas Fall issue is out! Pick up a copy to see our feature starting on page #109!

Austin Wedding Planners new business card

When Jeff from Austin Wedding Planners came to us needing new business cards, he didn't know what he wanted other than it needs to be completely different than what he had, and he wanted it sexy. Black and silver is always a sexy combination, but we wanted to raise the bar a bit. We used a gorgeous paper called 'Skin' of the curious collection by Arjowiggins.
Skin is a sensual material. Invitingly soft to look at and touch. Skin is not only spectacularly beautiful but has an unusual feel and a unique finish that will not scuff or show fingerprints.
After designing a new logo, we had the card offset in a metallic silver ink which works better than a foiling for such fine detail. The exciting part is, we also had the design metalpressed and are awaiting those as we speak.

Fun with Fonts!

There are plenty of places to download fonts from online. Be weary of some free downloads, some many have tracking worms that come with them that you may be unaware of. Some of my favorite trusted foundries to purchase font families are www.myfonts.com and www.p22.com. A wealth of resource! This series comes from my fonts, as I love that they include thumbnails of how the font looks in real world application. Happy font finding!

P22 type foundry: Specimen Book

OOOOO, so excited! Just ordered the P22 specimen book. P22 completed its first major specimen book. It has taken 2 years to produce and includes all the fonts from each P22 division, up to and including the newly released Stern font by Jim Rimmer. The book is 258 pages divided into 5 sections. It is indexed and shows off the fonts in a variety of settings as they were intended to be seen- in print!

Meat at the grocery store

I couldn't help but post this. It is not really stationery related, but it's printed on paper so maybe that counts! A friend of mine sent me this with the comment "Folks, Just remember as you read this, this person probably drives AND votes! And unfortunately breeds !!!!" Truly boggles the mind.

Inspiration from Tavern on the Green, NYC

My eyes always agaze for inspiration, NYC is in no shortage of such an appeasement. Meandering about central park early evening, a bit parched, spotted an adorable solarium thought I'd stop in for some water and a glass of wine. Turns out it was Tavern on the Green! I wanted to go crazy with my camera but there was an event taking place, so I snapped shots where I could that gave me inspiration for future designs. The horse hit home with me as the style is my favorite, calligraphia. The stained glass peacock was illuminated with bountiful colours that had my designer brain racing with possibilities.

New buttons for Laura Hooper Calligraphy!

We were excited when Laura Hooper asked us to design her new button as badges for websites. Here are the final 2!

KK Bloom Go Green Series, FSC

I've been hearing for a while now since 'going green' has become popular, that there are many Grades of Green, many claims of green, and unfortunately many claims of green that are blatantly untrue and horrifically misleading. I will be doing a Green Series to bring to you knowledge of truth, after research and confirmation from different sources that the Green information I'm providing in my series is true, correct and link sources to that information for you to have the full knowledge as well.

This series starts with FSC. You see the logo on many, many products, how many of us know what this means other than, oh, its a green symbol, all good? FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. I encourage you to visit their site as it is way too much information to post here.

ISEAL: More information about ISEAL code at: www.isealalliance.org/code

If you have more questions or comments, please feel free to leave them, think I hit enough links to FSC. If somehow you missed any: http://www.fsc.org/

Bloom RkkS akkcessories!

As one of the lines we will be adding to our re-launch, a new accessories collection. Not only will you be able to choose from our in-stock collection, you will truly be able to customize it to your taste!

From one of our pieces, you can choose the metal and color of the mold, choose the color and grade of rhinestone and even add natural stones, or faux pearls! Buckles, closures, broaches just to start the line up.

In addition to our in-stock collection, we are currently in the process of developing our own exclusive line of accessories designed by head designer KK Bloom. These pieces will also be able to be customized.

This is just one line of new additions that will be up on our site in the months to come. Is there a popular shape, or current theme you'd like to see? A selection of butterfly's or monograms?

We are open to suggestions as we would like to bring a stunning collection to you. Our line will grow, but will not compromise on quality!

Laser Cutting on Synthetic Papers

Yupo synthetic papers are relatively new, however we are interested in trying them with laser cutting. The problem with using cotton fiber papers is that the laser leaves a burn around the edges of the cut. Reason being is they are natural fibers. Yupo is a synthetic stock but it is made with 100% recycled materials. Yupo became an industry leader in the production of synthetic papers and found that a world market eagerly awaited its creation. Currently the largest manufacturer of synthetic papers in the Western Hemisphere. Well let you know how it stands up to laser cutting.

GMUND Savanna Collection

A new release this year is Savanna from GMUND Papers in Bavaria. My title for world's greatest papers!

A paper as exciting as Africa! The SAVANNA collection comes in warm earth shades and robust wood colours.

The first wood embossing in the paper industry that really has the character of wood!
- Eight warm shades of Africa, - Matt and structured surface

- Four colours with an authentic wood embossing

- Matching envelopes

Revere

Oh where ever do I begin! The NSS had quite an exquisite array of paper stock this year. I'm just going to start with some of my favorites and post more as we go!

Cartiere Magnani: Revere

ri-vir' [v]: to regard with respect tinged with awe

The Magnani paper mills nestled in the foothills of the small town of Pescia in the Tuscany region of Italy. Its history dates back to the early 15th century- 1404 to be exact. At Magnani, old world skills and craftsmanship are still exercised only to be enhanced by 21st century modern paper making technologies.

Revere was not a range of paper that was created overnight; but rather a dedicated project that was 2 years in the making. This undertaking was performed with one goal in mind: To create a line of papers suitable for all printing and drawing techniques at an affordable price without compromising the quality and integrity of what is expected of a 100% cotton deluxe sheet. The result is a fine art paper range of superior quality, consistency and versatility.

With complete sensitivity to the environment, Revere is manufactured utilizing energy generated by their own mill water turbines, and is composed of fibers sources from tree-free 100% cotton linters. The range is naturally acid-free, neutral pH and chlorine-free to ensure the tests of time.

(Tree free, acid free, pH, and chlorine-free information taken from technical manual, not independently verified)

Out of pocket for the week! Off to the NSS

Off to the New York Stationery Show. Very excited about the possibilities I will find, innovative papers and resources. Textiles and manufacturer's, I have been looking forward to this since last years show. Not a seasoned pro on the show just yet, but as my second year attending, I have a better handle of where to go and what I am looking for. The supply side is my main hit, but a few vendor's I am looking at on the Stationery Side. Have a few requests to keep my eye out for a few things, Laura, have my eye out, taking your list with me!

So, I'll be out of pocket for the week to come, but will be elated to post and share my great new finds. My greatest anticipation is what GMUND papers from Bavaria is bringing out for this season. Putting them out there as my all time favorite papers, first day of the supply side, I'm making a B-line to them!

Additionally outside of the show, I am meeting with a couple of international manufacturer's that call NY home, so more than just the show, I am on the prowl!

Vintage 3 Points Ranch

Great request for a western theme, but vintage feel. Think we brought it to life with a revamp of an old poster with new info! Lucie's Events did a brilliant job pulling the whole production together. That definetly is a must view blog: http://luciesevents.blogspot.com/

The new face of KK Bloom

We are beyond elated to announce our new brand logo! Over the last couple of years, our company has really evolved and we didn't feel our original logo represented where we are now. The final design is done and I'm in love with it! Now the daunting task is re-designing our website up to par with our new look. It's going to be a little slow as I'm not the web master I'm still all about the print. So, bear with us as the new site evolves and hopefully I can get our blog up to speed as well as how I would really like it to reflect my company as well. Please feel free to leave comments.

Plumes!

I love calligraphy styled art, and plumes happen to be one of my favorites. I ran across some beautiful graphic examples and wanted to share. In my search for some fun tidbits of info on them, I ended up at wikepedia. Kind of like in the 'olden days' when so many words by definition were followed by: "as defined by Webster's."

Plume may refer to:

In fashion:A prominent bird feather often used as an ornament Hackle, an ornamental plume on a uniform headdress.

In music:A song by the The Smashing Pumpkins on their album Pisces Iscariot.

In science:A term used in dentistry to refer to the debris made from use of hand piece during cavity preparation.

I prefer to roll with the in fashion definition, so for your viewing pleasure, alas... plumes!

Cake Art!

Paloma's cakes are more than insanely delicious. True art. As a graphic designer herself, she has the eye for phenomenal design and color. What a perfect transition to an ace of cakes! Not sure myself how she did it, I still cut fingers whenever I use my exacto knife, so hat's off to you. It is always hard to pick a favorite design as I have so many. I chose this one because I love the diversity across all the different sides, the colors are a plenty and still are cohesive. Beautiful! http://cocopalomadesserts.com/

A Western Morris Wedding!

A Stunning Couple indeed! This beautiful event took place at Villa St. Clair, event coordination by Elite Weddings, and photography by Jennifer Lindberg. Truly great class and taste as well. Crane ecru was letterpressed for the invitation collection. For a very unique menu, we had custom dies made in the shape of a star and had a six page menu tied with a ribbon! Offset printed on an ecru stock as well, it was a great addition to the star western theme that began with the logo seen light on the dance floor. -The proposal- The night we got engaged was the best night of our lives. Brad caught me completely by surprise. We checked in one of the biggest rooms in The Driskill Hotel then took a carriage ride with a horse named "Star" to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and had a great dinner. We took a carriage ride back to the hotel where Brad had the room covered in Lilies and candles. He got down on one knee and said the coolest words I will ever hear. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man to spend the rest of my life with.

KK Bloom does first Thursday!

We are having a big 'First Thursday' this week. For those of you that don't know what that is... It is where business' on West 6th St. stay open after hours to smooze with neighbors, clients and friends. There will be live music, munchies and beverages. Stop on by! The Fun begins at 6:30!