Subtle Glances Letterpress Blog

Antique Shopping!

On this last trip out to Kansas City, the River Market Antique Mall was top on my to-see list. This place definitely did not disappoint. I could spend HOURS here, but unfortunately I only had a few. Check out a few of my favorite finds at this amazing store which was a surprise around every corner.  

 
 

Have a tall frosty at Shotwell's Bar

We had the pleasure of printing these vintage style business cards for Shotwell's Bar in San Francisco. These cards were designed by Joshua Pfeffer and were letterpressed on a 100% recycled stock.

Travel Inspired Wedding

We're working on a wedding inspired by the concept of travel. The couple met while traveling overseas, so naturally, they wanted their wedding to be a melting pot of the many places they've been, seen, and all of the great company that they've had along the way (not to mention that they met at culinary school!). These images really helped inspire us in this theme of traveling a la vintage inspirations.

We'll be posting photos of the invitation prints shortly. 

Holiday Cards 2008

We did it! After a little (just a little) procrastinating and a lot of work, we've completed our holiday line for 2008. Check out our Etsy site for photos and purchasing. We have 3 designs available in box sets of 6. If you want larger quantities, just contact us.

I know its not even Thanksgiving yet, but the feel of the crisp air and sunshine reminds me that winter is on its way!

inspiration

Well it's definitely been way too long since our last post. Mainly because SG decided to take a little inspiration hiatus (and vacation) in Spain for the last 2 weeks. Besides all of the great food and getting used to taking daily siestas, we found some great architectural inspirations perhaps for some upcoming greeting cards! Here are some great pattern inspirations that we stumbled over from classic architectural masterpieces.

Anyways, many things are going on in the studio right now since our return. We've re-started work on our long awaited website. This is still in its beta version as we learn a little more about flash, we'll be updating this again in the future. Hopefully our beta site will be up soon though! This week we've completed our 2008 Christmas card designs and will be running some sets of long awaited greeting cards. Stay tuned! We'll be posting our new line in a few weeks at our Etsy Shop.

Simplistic Elegance

A lot of the invitation jobs we've taken thus far have all been pretty unique and personalized. This past one we recently printed was just plain simple, but classy. It reminded us that sometimes the simplest designs really bring out the beauty of the print and letterpress.

Do-It-Yourself Projects by Matthew Mead

I found a great site that has several Do-It-Yourself projects by Mathew Mead. Some of the Do-It-Yourself projects are low budget and can be incorporated into any special event. Below are a few projects that we found inspiring and can be used as a center piece or even wedding favor.

Ikea Lanter (top left)
Start with a plain black lantern and choose white, beige, or a pastel spray paint. Add our downloaded papers for a look that you won’t soon forget. Use two sheets of paper back-to-back against the outside of the glass. Double-sided tape will hold things in place. Paper all four sides of the lantern, including the door. Hang multiple lanterns over a dining table, spread around a great room, or place strategically on a porch for just the right amount of romantic ligh

sweet treat bags (top right)
Make delectable summer party favors using our  downloadable tags and wax paper bags. Fill these with cookies, candy, salt-water taffy, and other yummy summer treats. Give to guests at showers, tea parties, weddings, etc. Cut the edges with pinking shears for an heirloom feel or use other shaped scissors for an innovative decorative edged look.

paper beverage carrier (bottom left)
Instant picnic! What a great gift! Leave this on a coworker’s desk as a special treat or make up two and invite a friend to join you in the park. There will be happy memories galore to create when you make and give this nifty carrier. Best of all, it’s so simple and inexpensive. Recycle a paper beverage carrier using paper and a tag from our download section. We used double-sided tape to attach the paper. Our version includes a soda, a sandwich, an apple, a flower, and silverware. A cloth napkin adds an elegant touch to this literal “lunch-to-go.”

light up the night (bottom right)
Add some crystal sparkle to your summer evening with this precious candle holder. Purchase colored jars at the craft store and make handles for them from bailing wire. Next, adorn the handles with beaded garland in your choice of hues. Add sea glass in a coordinating color and a glass votive, and, voila! You now have a beautiful candle holder to brighten your party or give as a gift.

vintage inspirations

I've always been a fan of vintage art, clothing, home furnishings, etc. But what really is "vintage". Seems almost like a cultural phenomenon of the last few years to define someone who is in touch with the "unique" things of the past and not just another sheep in the herd. To me, "vintage" has the connotation and atmosphere of romance, well-used, something with history, elegant, but rustic. I know Anthropologie is a very mainstream brand, but every time I walk into their stores I'm just inspired by the patterns on their clothing, textiles, and fabrics. It's rich with "vintage" qualities, if you will. It's really amazing and gets me inspired to design!

Here are a few of my favorites.

Another blog that I stumbled upon recently really has some great content to it. Bella Cafe shows some really great finds in patterns, really old romantic stores and shops! It just makes me want to travel and find all the obscure cute little places.

I suppose this is enough of a break from procrastinating on business cards...they're coming soon we promise!