KK Bloom Couture Papier

Style Me Pretty Little Black Book Blog feature

2010-01-22T12:17:00.001-06:00

Lucies Wedding and Events at Vista West Ranch with KK Bloom Couture Papier invitation suite was published on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book Blog! Congrats Wendee and Chris! Photography by Anne Marie Weddings.

Back from Beautiful Siam!

2010-01-22T00:09:00.001-06:00

I am back from my annual buying trip and cannot wait to post all the beautiful new textiles for 2010! Apparantly the forwarding voice mail for our 800# did not work while I was gone, as to the many, many voicemails that have been un-returned. My apologies in advance, and will be working diligently to return all of your calls ASAP! Happy New Year!

Annual buyers trip

2009-12-26T21:25:00.000-06:00

I am off again on my annual international buying trip. Going straight to the manufacturers to find the best textiles to be found anywhere. Our office will be closed until January 21st, 2010. I look forward to posting all about the trip! Have a wonderful New Year!

Beautiful new 'akkcessories' weve added

2009-12-21T16:50:00.000-06:00

Oldie but goodie

2009-12-18T07:25:00.001-06:00

I'm archiving all of our photo shoots, and ran across one I never posted. It's timeless as most letterpress is, and on 100% rag cotton, always leaves a good impression

(pun intended)

Oh pardon my french......

2009-12-17T10:09:00.001-06:00

A couple in france asked us to design an invitation for a dinner party they are hosting... my french is a bit rusty, as I'm sure there will be some corrections. However, I am really excited about the design layout. This will be printed on the oh so luxurious 'skin' black paper stock, and foil letterpressed.

Pink, Pink, Pink!

2009-12-16T07:38:00.002-06:00

I don't think the generation matters, brides like Pink! This collection was all about Pink, and I love working with one of my favorite paper stocks: Sommerset Velvet. It has such great texture and an amazing luxurious touch. Close attention was paid attention to the details on the various pieces. From the program that was hand woven with eyelets and ribbon, to the embellishments on the invitation.

Fun with layers

2009-12-15T18:32:00.000-06:00

Simplicity is elegant, add in layers to a dual sided invite offset on

tree free paper.... success!

Holiday coupon

2009-12-14T17:39:00.000-06:00

Pick up a copy of this month's rare magazine to get our coupon for

50% off thank you cards.

Interview with an up and coming Austinite!

2009-12-07T13:42:00.000-06:00

Devil's in the Details!

2009-12-04T19:28:00.000-06:00

In any project you do, you can always go just a step beyond to make your custom collection a true one-of-a-kind. For the rare holiday collection, we had custom postage made. A great place to have custom postage made is zazzle.com. Be sure to include custom postage while compiling your budget as in some cases the cost of the custom postage stamp is almost double the face value and doesn't include shipping.

For the back of the envelope as a finishing touch we used the rare logo and had custom stickers made for a great seal.

Holiday Foil Letterpress at its Finest!

2009-12-02T17:24:00.000-06:00

Oh the anticipation of waiting for these to arrive today was exhilerating! This is my favorite holiday collection that I've ever done. I'm so glad I have the best letterpress printer in the country as this could be a registration nightmare. The card is 2 color letterpress foil and 1 deboss.

The envelope is also 2 color foil letterpress, with an offset liner printed on a silver stardream.

You can really see the detail of the foil and debossing.

Pantone Color Report for Spring 2010

2009-12-02T08:14:00.005-06:00

New York fashion week was held September 10-17th. The highlight for me during fashion week is awaiting the Color Kings of the Universe: Pantone, to release their color palette for the upcoming season! Well its, here! I don't have front row at any shows, but awaiting pantone color reports is like candy in my Christmas stocking without the calories! One message I do like to note to my clients though, no matter what the popular colors may be for the upcoming season, roll with what works for you. You don't always have to follow trends, but you can be a trend setter as well!

Yummy thank you cards!

2009-12-01T17:59:00.000-06:00

On our oh so favorite paper, Gmund Savanna's wood grain embossed, these thank you cards were the perfect finish to a great collection.

Complimentary Photos from 1+1 Photography

2009-11-24T06:39:00.001-06:00

Brandon McKelvey from 1+1 Photography was at the Rare Magazine bridal show taking phenomenal photos of different booths and sent along these 2 shots he took of our booth. I love the glass shot that reflects the menu's on the table. Check out their beautiful work: www.1plus1moments.com

Check out our new website!!

2009-11-23T06:39:00.001-06:00

We are excited our new website is live! As a company and as a brand we felt we have grown so much in the last two years we needed our image to reflect that growth. From the announcement of our 3 new subsidiary brands to our growth into the international market. Bear with us as we tweak the site and finalize the galleries. To be able to design a CMS (content management site) in the design we were able to do, our web designer has put in unrelenting hours in pulling off coding that was beyond custom. We welcome any feedback you may have.

Thanks for a great weekend!

2009-11-22T21:58:00.001-06:00

A big thanks to all our friends that came to our Birthday Bash! It was a hoot!

Spot lights on the Rare Magazine Show

2009-11-19T19:08:00.000-06:00

Some highlights of the pieces we displayed at our booth at the Rare Magazine Bridal show last Sunday. It was a great turn out and a ton of fun! Super big thanks to Aimee from lizzebelle event planning for helping us with our event.

beautiful cake works from a classic!

2009-11-18T06:18:00.004-06:00

Are you kidding me? Wow! Talk about bringing a classic to life...... well paloma makes this one happen for sure! Look at the insane detail on this one! And... I've tasted these amazing cakes myself.... beyond yum! Aside the love of the flavors of paloma's cakes, I'm a big fan of her artwork. Coco Paloma Desserts clearly has a designers background! I personally have used her for different occassions, so yes I am biased, but it's a check plus, plus from me! Not only that, I am a freak of nature: I don't like chocolate, so Paloma has always delivered amazing flavors for my palette!

Awww how romantic! Wine labels proposal

2009-11-17T08:55:00.000-06:00

I can't wait for the photos of this impending proposal! Here's the plan (not worried about the impending bride-to-be searching bridal blogs as not a bride-to-be-yet) I took a photo of the area where the couple first met, made some adjustments to look like a wine label. Going to have several labels printed and applied to the ladies favorite red wine.

The gentleman has arranged dinner very near the spot of the photo/label to propose, have the waiter bring out a 'pre-picked' specialty wine for the lady, all night. Each time a glass is refilled, or another bottle ordered hinting towards the label. If she figures it out before dessert, a fresh glass of wine will be poured and the waiter will slip the ring in the bottom of the glass with a very short pour.

If she hasn't noticed the label by dessert, the waiter is going to bring a dessert tray with 5 ring boxes in a circle with an un-opened bottle of wine in the center and just set it on the table. Hopefully at that point, she has figured it out, and tradition will ensue.

A black tie affair

2009-11-16T09:49:00.000-06:00

This piece was for a private black tie event. Offset printed on one of my favorite paper stocks: Sommerset Velvet.

A colorful collection

2009-11-13T10:39:00.001-06:00

I love when a bride wants to do a 2-sided invite. Really allows for some color and design to pop right out of the envelope! For this collection we were working with several colors in their palette. Pinks, and a baby blue with brownish-burgandy.

Rare Christmas Cards

2009-11-12T08:26:00.003-06:00

When rare magazine asked us to do their holiday cards, we were thrilled! I thought a modern take on a christmas tree with a vintage font was the perfect way to go! This is going to be a beautiful piece, printed on a Strathmore stock, we are doing letterpress and foiling. Were hammering out the details on the envelopes... should we do a classic return letterpress on the flap, or go all out and do a full on designed custom printed envelope. I'll post the pics when they come in.

Green rsvp cards

2009-11-11T11:21:00.002-06:00

This wedding was very earthy, lots of green going on. This rsvp card was printed on a tree-free recycled card stock with soy inks.

check out our featured listing on wedding chicks!

2009-11-10T13:28:00.000-06:00

Mary Amandas spectacular wedding event! One of my all time favs!http://www.weddingchicks.com/tag/kk-bloom-invitations/

Digital Crayons

2009-11-10T09:09:00.001-06:00

Laura Hooper did this great map for us, and as we are updating many new things for the company, sooo thought I'd get my digital crayons out and play color in the lines for an updated map for the shoppe.

New business cards.... finally

2009-11-09T08:20:00.002-06:00

How could we not use letterpress for our new cards, I'm addicted to letterpress. These cards are double sided on a brown chipboard, nice and thick, and letterpressed! Yummy!

Feast with features!

2009-11-08T09:54:00.005-06:00

Mmmm... loving this seasons color combo, just call it orange and gray, or tangerine and slate or what ever you want to label the colors, is making for some beautiful pieces. This collection is a menu, escort card, and an embellishment on the front of a silk folio for just the menu! Can't wait to use this collection at the rare show at laguna gloria, NOV 15th, don't miss it! I have some sweet swag bag pieces, and individual hand-outs!

More Rare Swag

2009-11-06T08:33:00.000-06:00

At the Rare Magazine bridal show November 15th, we will be handing out these unique cards. Made of chipboard, they are debossed, and letterpressed.

The envelope is custom printed on a linen stock especially for the Rare Event!

NYC carousel invite

2009-11-04T10:05:00.000-06:00

New York city, endless inspiration, especially central park. This private Gala to be held in NYC very own central park around the famous carousel. I took many photos for inspiration and finally found one that was perfect. I turned the photo into an illustration on canvas background that will be silkscreened on the back of a clear 6x6 plexi-glass, and the front will be silkscreened with the information for a rather 3D effect.

To top it off, it will be sent out in a custom embroidered silk box...

Rare Weddings Event!

2009-11-03T17:05:00.002-06:00

VENDOR SHOWCASE

Join us as we celebrate our bi-annual wedding event, Rare Weddings Fall 2009. Come experience this distinctive bridalaffair, which brings together anything and everything an Austin bride could want for her wedding. We’ll host a unique selection of Austin wedding vendors from bakeries & florists to photographers & venues, while providing complimentary food samplings & cocktails.

FASHION SHOW

We will also feature an out-of-the-ordinary bridal fashion show, which will showcase not only bridal attire, but also wedding-related attire for the ladies who attend all the wedding festivities from the bachelorette party to the reception. Additionally, Austin’s most notable jazz performer Mandy Lauderdale & her Quartet will present the fashion show in her most renowned eclectic style. Prepare to be engaged & enthused by this wildly RARE Fashion Show.

DETAILS

Enjoy 50 of Austin’s best wedding vendors, and visit each booth for a chance to win a wedding grand prize package.

Rare Weddings Fall 2009 will be held on Sunday, November 15th at Laguna Gloria from 6:00 to 9:00pm. The Fashion Show will start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 online or at the door.

Must be Menu month!

2009-11-03T07:05:00.001-06:00

A popular color scheme this fall is a tangerine and charcoal. Here is a menu we just finished with just such a scheme!

Rare Swag Bags

2009-11-02T07:20:00.001-06:00

Rare magazine is having an upscale bridal show at Laguna Gloria on November 15th, and we are doing a booth this year. We are putting together a gorgeous piece for the swag bags. A custom hand-made silk favor box in charcoal and tangerine with a little snap lock on the front. I designed a custom letterpress coaster to adorn the front specially for rare's attendees for a special discount with us.

Inside has 4 letterpress coasters for each branch of our company.

Feverishly working on getting all 300 done!

Hot new fonts!

2009-11-01T09:39:00.001-06:00

Love, love, love fonts! There are some hot new fonts over at myfonts.com, always love sharing a find.

This font, declaration, from P22 is a hot seller right now and beautimous!

wedding programs

2009-10-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

Don't have a large budget for last minute wedding details like programs? A quick and inexpensive direction is letter size paper stock, no custom cutting and you can print them at home. Add as many layers as you'd like, be sure for the cover to use a heavier weight paper stock for some rigidity. I recommend a 120# cover stock for the outside, and any text weight for the inside. For that little added touch, punch two holes in the center fold and add ribbon! There are a lot of different shaped hole punches, stars, hearts etc, but if you are going to use a ribbon it is not usually noticed.

NEAWP convention... pics are in!

2009-10-29T06:36:00.003-05:00

Oooh that was quick, getting photos in from last night's event at the Driskill Hotel! What fabulous photography of the details! Thank you to Anthology Photography for the great shots! Laura Sartoris

Anthology Photography

4800 Burnet Suite 410

Austin, TX 78759

http://www.weddingphotos.com/

512-535-2600

NEAWP convention (very last minute menu)

2009-10-28T09:30:00.002-05:00

Whew, very last minute menu's done! NEAWP convention dinner menu's at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, TX. Direction: square, with some type of flourishes and a modern floral, with 2 pms colors on white matte stock, need: ASAP! 11:30pm final approval night before: printed, hand-cut, delivered! Not always a favorable suituation, but can deliver, as I almost never sleep! Hope the photographer got some great detail shots of our menu in the beautiful environment!

The wedding coordinators wedding!

2009-10-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

These dinner menu's were a great compliment to the mis-matched patterned plates, with a different pattern napkin for each menu!

Thank you to Annemarie Photography of austin for the quick beautiful shots!

http://www.annemariephotography.com/

NEAWP Open to the Public, get your tickets NOW!

2009-10-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Get your tickets now!

You are cordially invited to participate at the lavish and historical Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin! You don't want to be the only one not seeing COLIN COWIE in person do you? Tuesday, October 27th, 2009!

Hurry up, get your tickets now! www.associationofweddingprofessionals.com

Starting at 8am, a jam packed day of information and professionals! Nuptual Essentials Association of Wedding Professionals first annual convention.

Syle me pretty's very own Abby Larson with blogging tips, a myriad of professionals for your amazing day! Hurry, get your tickets!

A very custom embellishment

2009-10-23T08:32:00.001-05:00

Part of our collection of truely customized pieces, this piece brings the epitomy of custom, love, heart and family collection together. Traditionally, this would just be labeled as an estate piece. (An estate jewelry piece you find at an estate auction that has no meaning to you personally)

Well, this piece has substantial meaning to the bride. It is the broach her grandmother wore on her wedding day. We were able to re-produce the piece for the collection that went out for her very own special day. What a memory, and what a piece! Adorning a stunning 6x9 silk box, this piece is beyond words.

update for final passport

2009-10-21T10:00:00.006-05:00

Ahhh, the final touches on any collection... makes it come to life! The piece that we posted for this passport invitation was finalized with a 2" white silver dollar adorned with a navy blue ribbon, inside the custom silk screened tin, and metallic offset print. From this chicago bride, tears for me... with the thank you voice mail she left. Ahh begins it, and ends it, why I love my job.

Stardream beauty!

2009-10-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

Mmmmmm.... love that stardream stock is so popular with my clients right now! It's a bit of sparkle meets a bit of chic meets elegance. There were a few 'go rounds' with this invite, but it rounded back to the basics of the save the date that was made for this collection. Classic, timeless!

Snappy favor cards!

2009-10-19T10:00:00.004-05:00

I am so thrilled about how these favor cards turned out on the Gmund savanna paper (wood embossed) If it's not in your budget to letterpress, adding texture is a great way to go! We did 4 different designs for some added pop.

Ceremony cards, old school style!

2009-10-17T11:59:00.001-05:00

Who says your ceremony cards can't be fun? Whoa nelly, not here! Part of the Melissa S collection these ceremony cards compliment the program poster, for the old cowboy theme.

Now thats a poster!

2009-10-16T17:12:00.000-05:00

Melissa didn't want to hand out programs, as she felt most people read them for 5 minutes and throw them away. So we brainstormed for the perfect solution! A GINORMOUS poster! 36"x48" to be exact! What a perfect way to display your wedding party information all night, and a fun reminder of your special day to hang somewhere fun at home later. I just got it delievered and can't wait to see the look on her face when I give it to her!

Birthdays!

2009-10-11T17:28:00.004-05:00

Birthdays are always fun when you can get a cackle of ladies together for a night on the town! This invitation was a chic mod combination for a sophisticated crowd.

Impressive printing!

2009-10-08T18:08:00.011-05:00

You know you have an impressive printer when you can pull off 2 color letterpress and 2 color thermography with insanely tight registration! This collection did just that! The client wanted Crane's 268# stock, which posed a challenge to the printer as well. Letterpress can be printed on large rollers, thermography cannot. So we duplexed 2 stocks to give the desired weight for an end result that was beautiful.

In this close-up view you can really see the details off the letterpress and the thermography.

The rsvp card on my favorite Crane 268# stock also has 2 color letterpress and 2 color thermography.

Who says your rsvp has to be traditional. We carried the theme of the collection to this envelope for a fun feel.

Belly band o' fun! The couples favorite song is a Paul McCartney song, so we used an excerpt on a great textured linen stock, and pulled it together with a custom sticker on the back.

For some additional information and some great color pop, we used business card size info cards announcing a shuttle from hotels to the venue and back.

Make your rehearsal dinner invites fun for guests!

2009-09-22T17:17:00.010-05:00

So many are afraid of labels on invitations of any kind. These are fun and beautiful with a printed label and hand calligraphy!

These fun pouches hold the rehearsal dinner invitation, nestled in a beautiful blue tissue paper, and printed with a navy blue Texas symbol

Nestled inside the pouch this great invitation on a great flexible canvas stock.

Wendee and Chris!

2009-09-15T17:18:00.008-05:00

The guests have their invitations, so we can finally do a post on Wendee and Chris' invitations! The silk box is a unique open fold, fushia and navy blue. The outside is wrapped with handmade silk paper and adorned with a horse shoe for good luck. Green tissue paper is tucked around the edges for shipping.

The box itself is wrapped with double-sided satin ribbon and we used a custom printed coaster for the embellishment to reflect an element on the invitation.

The inside is lined to nestle the custom printed/calligraphy envelope with a custom silk-screened napkin to nestle for a keepsake!

Thrifty fonts

2009-09-07T12:08:00.001-05:00

wendee and chris

2009-09-02T20:01:00.004-05:00

I'm chomping at the bit not to post the insanely beautiful invitation for wendee and chris, but they asked me not to post any pictures until all the guests received them in the mail! After 3 days of production assembly all I can show you is a quick shot of the boxes in the mail today! A true labor of love on this collection.

Stay tuned.... for the big reveal!

Sparkle Thermography

2009-09-02T19:45:00.003-05:00

Thermography is a printing process applied to offset printed materials,which causes the printed matter to be raised from the papers surface.

Sparkle thermography, also known as polysparkle, is thermography with metallic 'flecks' added into the powder.

For this custom invitation we did it really made for a beautiful effect!

Save the Date

2009-08-29T18:49:00.003-05:00

This save the date is part of L&D collection. This is going to be on a wood veneer panel and painted white then distressed and silk-screened.

Outside the envelope!

2009-08-26T18:43:00.003-05:00

This is for a fun Hawaiian themed wedding with a relaxed perception. They didn't want a formal approach for the invitation which is a passport type, and housed in this fun tin. We had the tins silk screened with the same navy blue that has a reoccurring appearance throughout the collection. The save the dates, were an airline ticket with custom printed jacket housed in a navy blue Stardream no bend envelope.

Custom printed linens

2009-08-21T22:55:00.003-05:00

Whew, hitting the prize on this collection. For Wendee & Chris' invitation, we are doing a silk box, and the laura hooper calligraphy envelope housing the beautiful collection is a tadd smaller than the inside of the box. I asked Wendee, tissue paper, raffia, no, no. So! I came up with a great idea to nestle the group inside. A custom printed 20" x 20" linen. The envelope collection will be wrapped with a hand made type of tissue paper, wrapped with a midori ribbon and a mini-horse shoe embellishment (yes a real horseshoe!) and nestled into this fab silk-screened linen! ooh, I'm so excited!

Rehearsal Dinner Invites

2009-08-21T08:26:00.003-05:00

I just love when a client approves the first round of design! Let me tell share that joy more so when it is an event planner for her very own wedding! I know I'm behind on my photo shoots of pieces in their environment, but love this design, and thrilled its a go. This rehearsal invitation will be in a silk-screened pouch inside a little box with custom label, and some surprise extras! (rsvp number blurred for obvious reason) Some tid-bits on this, it's going to be quite the event as a whole from many style me pretty's little black book vendors nationally!

Custom Favor Boxes

2009-08-20T18:37:00.012-05:00

The great thing about custom work, is literally customizing your options! These are some of our newest favor boxes just in.

This is one of my favorites! It is an adorable 4"x 4" silk fabric with locking closure. Can be made with handmade papers with silk entwines as well. Pick your color, pick your fabric or paper!

These are great for Eco-friendly events, leaves made right into the handmade paper!

This is another versatile favor box, paper or fabric. And not just limited to silk!

LUXE video post

2009-08-17T23:17:00.002-05:00

We are thrilled to have a new video post... Feedback is always welcome!

Staff Spotlight!

2009-08-14T12:52:00.004-05:00

We would like to introduce you to our newest staff member, Philip Shore, as our calligraphia artist. He masterfully created the ‘L&D’ calligraphy logo seen earlier on our blog. He also was the mastermind behind our new logo. Finding Philip was an exhaustive process, we began our search for a specific type of calligraphy artist and had hundreds of applications, but it was his style and this beautiful art that put him over the top for us.

Our creative collaborations have evolved and they have opened us for personal and artistic growth in working alongside one another. I feel the potential for KK Bloom's clients to capitalize on our new relationship will be quite an added value.

Philip adds: “I was trained formally in hand lettering with an India ink pen and an X-acto on vellum by a true master calligrapher. Maybe one of the last generation of artists to be taught so. Ergo, why I now have a love of the art form even though it is now mostly performed on a computer. Award panels are always freaked out when I submit a design, not knowing what to do with hand lettering in these days of the computer font.”

Aside those talents, Philip’s extensive background include both a graphic designer and an art director in both major agency and design studio environments. He has a BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia, and is affiliated with AIGA and the Type Directors of New York, as well as many awards from such industry hitters as Print and Creativity Magazine to list a few.

Some of Philip’s clients have included Turner Broadcasting, Coca-Cola, Macy’s and The Atlanta Braves, but we are glad to now have him on our team! There are a lot of calligrapher’s out there, but none I’ve seen that has the talent with hand designed Type and art quite like his. He is a pleasure to work with and his creativity is boundless, welcome Philip Shore.

Trend setting colors, make your own & be the trend setter!

2009-08-13T09:27:00.001-05:00

So frequently when conversing with a new client, the question comes up... "What is the color of the season?" I do posts on Pantone's season trend setting colors, but one very important thing to keep in mind is: it is your event, so it needs to reflect you.

The thing about a trend setting color is, it started somewhere and everyone else is following in suit. So, it is popular and everyone is using it. Don't forget that you can be that trend setter and just follow your own inspiration with your own color palette. You never know, you might just set a new trend set with your idea for the perfect color palette!

New 800#

2009-08-12T21:33:00.003-05:00

We have added an 800# for additional personalized customer service! As our business expands beyond the Texas and US borders, we felt the need to provide our clients with a toll free number to reach us. 1-800-219-4371 to reach KK Bloom Couture Papier!

Custom envelopes with calligraphy!

2009-08-11T16:43:00.004-05:00

Rounding out a really cool invitation collection with a custom envelope is icing on the cake (mmm cake!) This beautiful calligraphy is done by none other than Laura Hooper. Waiting for them to arrive today was like waiting for a cake, couldn't wait to open it up and dive in! Hey Laura, send me some cake too next time, hee hee. Well, the collection is complete but we are going to wait to shoot it at the actual wedding among all the beautiful and glorious decor.

When sending out your invitations, don't forget to send them to your vendors as well. Such as your photographer and always to your coordinator! This is event is produced by Lucies Events.

More L&D monograms!

2009-08-06T20:36:00.004-05:00

This really is going to be quite an exquisite collection. For May of 2010 in the Big D! (Dallas, TX) There are going to be 4 monograms for this suite, you've seen the first which was masterfully hand calligraphy created, well here are the next 2 that have a more modern twist. There is one more yet to be finished, and there will be color variations, and the bottom one will be laser engraved into their wood save the date!

New boxes, just in!

2009-08-06T18:06:00.008-05:00

I am constantly on the prowl for new and exciting shapes and textiles to add to our BOXO Bloom line. This is an additional version of our gatefold invitation box. It can be custom made to any size and has a perfect fit when closed. (I must have opened and closed it 20 times because of the fun snap close) This box does not have padding, I felt the lines were so clean it did not need the padding that our other gatefold invitation box has. We can do any color or combination of colors and even dye the silk to match your exact color.

OK, a break from work, but only for a moment!

2009-08-05T23:03:00.003-05:00

I did an earlier post about fun things to do with my new brand logo regarding my ginormous feet and what to do with them, post: fun with feet! Got a few emails from fellow friends and vendors asking if it was just a fun post visual or did I actually get them. Well, I did actually get them, and have grand ideas for a photo shoot with them, but I'll add that photo shoot to my endless list of things I need to get done for myself for fun. In the mean time, here is a quick shot of my fun shoes. Doesn't everyone need a little bit of fun? It's kind of like the first time you buy a brand new pair of white tennies, they are only bright enough to appear brand new white for a day or so, so I'm awaiting the perfect flat shoe tennie moment to debut them.

Custom artisan calligraphy monogram

2009-08-03T23:23:00.007-05:00

Previously, we did a post about the initial (no pun intended) monograms our master calligrapher hand crafted for a client we are working with for the L&D collection. Through several revisions, our client has approved, and we are in love with the final result! Again, this is an artisan craft by hand calligraphy. Initially the vision of the client (for this monogram) is to have it made into gold metalpress; what a dazzling application for this one-of-a-kind monogram! There are actually going to be several monograms incorporated into this amazing, extensive collection; this is the premiere. Time for happy dance!

Event escort and table cards!

2009-08-03T18:36:00.006-05:00

Directing your guest to their tables don't always have to be numbered. For this wedding, the bride and groom were moving to switzerland after the wedding and wanted to reflect some of their favorite things about the Suisse. Ironically they were moving to Lausanne which is my favorite place in the world and where I have spent much time myself. So for each table we did a different graphic, ski's for one, the country outline on another and so on. The image was layered with a beautiful gold stock and tied with a sage ribbon on the back.

For the escort cards, each card had a swarovski crystal and the image of the table they were to sit. The stunning pictures were taken by Diana M. Lott Photography. Event produced by Clink Events.

Metalpress, not just for invitations!

2009-08-02T17:45:00.011-05:00

Metalpress: insanely luxurious! Metalpress is a patent pending new printing process that uses actual metal finely cut with a laser and adhered to different substrates. We designed this business card earlier and had it printed with a metallic ink on a sexy stock called 'skin' while we were waiting for the metalpress pieces came in. Once we receive the metalpress, we hand apply each piece to the substrate.

As of now, the colors of metalpress are a glossy silver, matte silver, glossy gold, matte gold and gunmetal grey.

Savanna collection: Belly Band

2009-07-28T19:15:00.003-05:00

Part of the Melissa S. savanna paper collection, got the belly bands in today! As the invitation, rsvp postcard and belly band are all on the savanna papers, for the accommodation cards we are printing on Neenah Classic Crest. Texture is great in a collection, but you don't want it to be an overwhelming factor. The classic crest is an uncoated cover stock and has superior print qualities.

Cigar Bar Photos!

2009-07-27T19:31:00.003-05:00

This is a follow up post for the L&R Wedding Event for one of the cigar bar signs designed for the event. The monogram we designed was carried through to matchboxes to make an adorable and eye catching station. Lucies Events coordinated the production, and photos courtesy of The Nichols Studio.

Style Me Pretty: inducted into the Little Black Book

2009-07-22T21:04:00.005-05:00

We are elated, ecstatic, and honored to be among the coveted elite chosen by Abby. Officially a VIP vendor on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book of Vendors! We are listed in Texas, Austin under invitations. Our clients are international, but love to call Austin home.

Beautiful invitation box and accessory

2009-07-21T17:50:00.002-05:00

Just finished this collection for one of our new custom invitation boxes with stunning rhinestone accessory!

Savanna Invitation

2009-07-20T20:32:00.004-05:00

As the GMUND Savanna paper collection we are designing for Melissa S. evolves, we are excited to post the invitation. Looking forward to posting the collection as a whole.

New Feature Listing...

2009-07-20T19:40:00.002-05:00

Invitation Stationery Edging

2009-07-19T23:18:00.009-05:00

There are many different options aside just printing available for invitations and stationery. It is critical that if possible you can keep them all in one 'house.' The short of it: if you letterpress at one printer, thermography at another and edging at yet another company; the likely hood of it all is your risking each process at each step. Having an expert that combines all well, with decades of experience... key to a great reputation!

We work with the premiere printer in the country, and so thrilled that they have announced they have added edging to their repertoire! Keeping it all under one roof: key to 100% success rate!

Custom monograms!

2009-07-15T19:43:00.004-05:00

In the digital world we live in today, custom can mean different things to different people. To us, it rings in the truest sense of the meaning. So often I see monograms that are really just typefaces thrown together. They are still beautiful, but not custom in the sense of one-of-a-kind.

We have on staff a master calligraphy artist, that brings hand crafted artisan workmanship and perspective that is the epitome of custom. A calligraphy artist goes a step beyond the hand lettering, it truly is an art form in and of itself.

As a vector player, sometimes even I forget the amount of time required to achieve a master's mark by hand. This series was just submitted for an LD monogram and shows the versatility we can provide. Like any icon, I believe it has to work in black and white before you can introduce color. I'm old school that way. We will be introducing our master calligraphy artist in an upcoming post!

Accommodation cards

2009-07-13T20:16:00.005-05:00

This is part of a developing collection we are working on that has been so much fun. Part of the collection is being printed on the embossed wood grain stock by GMUND called savanna. One thing I like to point out to my clients when working with embossed papers, not every piece of the collection needs to be on the same stock. Especially when a piece is going to be smaller than the invitation with smaller typefaces. You will lose legibility in the embossed grain.

Another important note I often let clients know... when they find a photographer's image they really want to incorporate into a piece; you have to get permission rights from the photographer. Ultimately the designer can get sued, but it can go further up the ladder to the client as well. Just a little FYI reminder. The photo Incorporated into this piece is by Steven Myers.

Morris Map!

2009-07-11T00:06:00.004-05:00

Always the best place to go for creative maps. Laura Hooper Calligraphy. Laura did a great job as usual for a fun wedding collection. I love design, but designing maps for me is kind of like matching socks, I'll even wash windows, just don't put a pile of mis-matched socks or ask me to do maps, I leave the latter to the expert. As far as socks, you'll regularly see me if I'm wearing tennies with mis-matched ones. Thank goodness I don't make a living making maps, or matching socks.

Fun with new logo

2009-07-09T21:22:00.003-05:00

I'm having too much fun with my new logo... ran across something fun to do with it, and need your votes! The cream and espresso, or pink and black? I have huge feet, so good thing they have women's size 11 option, eesh!

Handmade paper folios!

2009-07-07T16:46:00.004-05:00

We have lots of invitation folios, but not all of them are fabric. For this piece we used a beautiful handmade silk paper to drape the folio with a wrap adorned with crystals. The inside has a stunning gold foiled vellum, and a pocket to hold the invitation that was gold foiled as well.

4th of July Anniversary!

2009-07-06T19:34:00.013-05:00

This vibrant couple were married on the fourth of July 6 years ago. They do something extraordinary every year for their anniversary, and this year they invited friends.

On an island off the bay, fishing, surfing, wine and cigars, an all around weekend of fun.

Cards were made for the husband and wife for the guests to sign on the back.

New Box and Journal!

2009-07-06T18:19:00.005-05:00

This collection was a more modern approach to a luxurious couture box. Invitations went out in the circular pattern top, with a matching espresso silk throughout. The guest book was made to match the top of the box. The circle pattern fabric was used to match the linens that were custom made for the event. Custom journals and guest books are only offered in combination with an order from our custom couture box line at this time. As the line grows, we will be adding custom journals with box, without the combination order.

Bloom RkkS Akkcessories, custom broach!

2009-06-30T16:48:00.005-05:00

For this Rkks Akkcessories piece, the client had an antique broach she wanted to use with a braided ribbon and silk box. We were able to make the 250 she needed for the guests at her private gala.

Savanna Rsvp postcard

2009-06-29T21:58:00.002-05:00

We did a post on Gmund Savanna paper back in May after discovering it at the New York Stationery Show, and wow has this paper caught on like fire. This piece is done on the savanna wood grain embossed paper as well. For this collection we went with a postcard for the rsvp. The rich red really makes the embossed paper pop!

Boxo Bloom Guest Book with keepsake box

2009-06-28T22:50:00.006-05:00

As part of our custom crocodile and birds collection, we had custom guest books made with matching keepsake boxes. A great way to step out of the 'norm' and add another custom element to any collection.

With a ribbon inside the box, it makes for a great place to tuck your invitation collection inside to make your keepsake box complete.

For these particular guest books, we had enough pages for guests to write more than just thier names, but best wishes, thoughts and love for the couple.

Letterpress Cards for Laura Hooper Calligraphy

2009-06-27T19:18:00.005-05:00

Laura needed some give away cards for a show she was doing and turned to KK Bloom. Taking elements from the business card we developed for her was able to pull of this 3 color letterpress, double sided on the ever so popular Crane Lettra #268.

KK Bloom Exclusive Metalpress Collection

2009-06-27T18:07:00.006-05:00

For this metalpress promotional piece, we were able to bring together many elements to create a beautiful and modern collection. Starting with the tin box that was silkscreened to house the piece.

Stunning silk folio with swarovski crystal embellishment and midori ribbon wrap. The folio holds the printed piece along with several printed pieces of examples of metalpress.

Finally, the printed piece. 2 color letterpress, with metalpress in the center.

Boxo Bloom, custom invitation boxes

2009-06-25T15:43:00.007-05:00

In our couture collection of Boxo Bloom we utilize many fabrics alone and in combination with silks. Some boxes additionally have folios that nestle sweetly inside. Sometimes all in one pattern, and sometimes with several different patterns and colors.

We have even done a faux leather crocodile skin! Our couture line is designed on each individual collection. We also have a line of our standard thai silks, pic from one of our colors or we can custom die the silk to match your exact color.

Seating Rocks and Life size cutouts

2009-06-22T21:40:00.003-05:00

Always looking for a different way to do escort cards. For this wedding we used rocks that guests could write their own names on and place where they wanted to sit. To direct guests to what they were supposed to do we had life size cut-outs made.

For the photo shoot the couple held a blank poster board, that later had the actual poster adhered to the life size cut-out.

Save the dates

2009-06-20T17:47:00.004-05:00

Stardream paper stock has become very popular as of late. These 2 pieces utilized stardream in many ways. This save the date used an antique gold as a backdrop for the printed piece that was an ecru micah.

This piece used a stardream navy blue envelope to house a custom printed folder for a destination 'ticket' and sealed with a matching designed seal. This collection will be followed up with a passport invitation.

Adult reception

2009-06-20T12:14:00.005-05:00

Is there ever an easy way to say, leave the kids at home? For this collection we included a business card size fun way to say just that.

Letterpress Weekend Workshop

2009-06-14T21:08:00.007-05:00

What an exhilarating experience to spend a weekend working with a letterpress master. The time I spent, a willing sponge soaking information about the craft I use and adore so much. Most of the printing we utilize is letterpress and I wanted to know more behind it. Have read a ridiculous amount about it, but there is nothing like experiencing a time honored tradition first hand. Similarly reading a book about driving and never getting behind the wheel. This workshop I had the pleasant pleasure of working on a Vandercook press proof #4.

There is a plethora of information out there on this magnificent specimen, just sharing a joyful experience. This is a picture of a 'chase with furniture' that will make the impression into the paper that seamlessly flows atop its raised foundry. I revel in the process upon which the ink is applied to the rollers seen above in green that melds flawlessly together. (should have taken more pictures!)

A drawer of type. Combinations of metal and wood foundry makes for a designer's paradise. There was so much to choose from including designer polymer plates, it was tough to select for one 3 color print. Personally I felt the time to learn the process and ask an inordinate amount of questions was the path I chose instead of the actual design of the finished piece. As you will see below, my selection was a bit juxtaposed, not particularly a coherent thought. Regardless of the outcome, I learned to type set, I learned a myriad of terms to reflect much more authoritative now when I do speak with my commercial printer when referencing pieces we are collaborating on together.

This was my final piece. I opted for a Sommerset Velvet stock, and a kissed punch. The blue was the first plate set with a combination of wood/ metal foundry and imagery direct on the base with furniture. The second plate (green) utilized polymer plates on a magnetic base. The third and final plate (red) was assembled in a chase, where I learned how to type set with leading and registration. Look at me, I feel so fancy with all of my new terminology, to all the "Pro's" out there, hope I did you proud!

Bloom RkkS Akkcessories!

2009-06-12T19:40:00.004-05:00

Another division of KK Bloom emerges. Our customized accessories collection. The full line will be on our new website, hopefully to be finished soon! Our swarovski crystal embellishments to include brooches, buttons, closures and more. Customizing the color of alloy and color of stones. We also are developing a line exclusively ours designed by head designer and owner KK Bloom.

Introducing BOXO Bloom!

2009-06-08T20:33:00.003-05:00

Boxo Bloom is a new division of KK Bloom. Custom made presentation boxes and folios for one-of-a-kind collections. Silk, of course in stock colors, but we can also dye the silk to match your specific color. Satins, cottons designer prints and more, plus you can mix and match. Want the front one color or pattern and the inside another, done!
Also we aren’t just doing silk and fabric boxes and folios. Custom paper wrapped boxes as well. Different shapes and sizes and even custom shapes. We are also developing a line of handmade paper boxes and folios. We’ll have it all on our new site, coming soon!

KK Bloom Metalpress Collection new brand

2009-06-07T21:51:00.008-05:00

As part of our company's re-branding, new identity's are evolving for all our divisions. For our exclusive Metalpress Collection we wanted to keep the brand closely associated with our parent brand logo, so we used the most obvious part of it, the top of the tree. After about 30 revisions, nailed down the final design. We are proud to be the Premiere International Vendor!

HOW design conference 2009!

2009-06-06T15:44:00.003-05:00

Don't forget the upcoming HOW design conference is going to be held here in Austin this year, register soon!

Don't forget the favors!

2009-06-05T16:14:00.007-05:00

It is important to maintain continuity throughout your event. For this favor box, we used elements from the invitations to create a monogram for these boxes. Inside was a memory card for the bride's mother and grooms father, but also had a delicious chocolate bar from costa rica with custom labels.

These fun soda drinks are from my jones soda company, where you can customize the labels yourself, for these we added the couples photo and put some fun information on the label.

For some pop in the decor, we created this one of a kind custom backdrop. Using stripped cedar trees we treated the wood and cemented them into large beautiful pots. Made a cross bar out of another cedar log and draped a see through chiffon, then hung curly willow and crystals and finised it up with beautiful orchids.

Fun and hilarious!

2009-06-04T16:11:00.000-05:00

We do a lot of business cards as corporate graphic design is our background. This particular card was so much fun and a riot to work on. This professional had his straight up business cards, but wanted something fun to hand out to his friends as a type of calling card. We changed the number for this viewing so he wouldn't get prank calls.

In splendid style... Soiree Swanky

2009-06-03T17:18:00.009-05:00

KK Bloom is thrilled to be taking on such an amazing and opulent project! This Soiree will be lending itself to sparkling and spectacular panache. The swank is to be held at a private palatial residence in Virginia, presenting an edge to an unusual collection; this is going to be one for the books! Thrilled with this design approval from the client, it is a suspense we are going to keep you hanging with. This part of the collection, is not going to be printed! The mainstay color affront all the back drop colors is a bright fuscia. Stay tuned for what this is, and how the collection evolves.

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

2009-05-30T17:22:00.006-05:00

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!