Thursday, March 20, 2008

Fine Stationery

I love fine stationery. I could browse the aisles of a fine stationery store for hours. Clean, simple, elegant, and high-quality are a few of the words that come to mind. Then I turn the items over and glance at the price... not quite in the budget. So I set out to create my own clean, simple stationery set using Papertrey's high-quality products. I usually make stationery for my sister, Whitney. She is the only person I know who actually uses the cards that I make for her and I love to replenish her stock!

One thing that sets fine stationery apart from other stationery is a lined envelope. I started creating my lined envelopes with the Everyday Blessings Collection of patterned papers. I cut a piece sized to fit inside the envelope. Slide the patterned paper inside and trace around the flap. Make a small mark on the patterned paper where the crease in the envelope flap lands. Use your scoring tool to score the line where the flap folds down over the envelope. Adhere the lining inside your envelope making sure the score lines up with the crease in the envelope. I prefer to use a liquid glue to adhere the lining inside the envelope.





After lining all of the envelopes I gathered them together and created a band to hold the group of them. I think that gives it a very finished look.
















Next I created the flat monogrammed cards. I used Borders and Corners Monogram Edition and the Trajan Monogram Alphabet both stamped in Papertrey Spring Moss ink. I added different patterned paper strips to each card. The smooth, heavyweight cardstock makes excellent high-quality stationery.












It wouldn't be fine stationery without custom envelope seals. I started by punching out scalloped squares using the Marvy Uchida Extra Jumbo punch. I stamped the monogram onto each square in Spring Moss ink. Then I inserted them into my Xyron sticker maker and pulled them through to create a sticker seal on each. Just peel the backing off and you have quick and easy envelope seals!











I used the Square Box with Lid to create storage for the envelope seals and postage stamps. I cut each of the envelope seals apart, but left them on the sticker sheet. I used the Borders and Corners Monogram Edition again and the Simple Alphabet to create a label for each box.














I purchased a wood box from the aisle of unfinished wood products at Michael's and painted it with white acrylic paint. I kept the outside of the box plain white and covered the inside with more patterns from the Everyday Blessings Collection. You can see the two boxes used to store postage stamps and envelope seals on the right. The envelopes are underneath the monogrammed cards. Thanks for stopping by tonight! I hope you're inspired to create some stationery of your own!

Fine Stationery Q & A

Q: What size is the stationery? What size are the envelopes?

A: The envelopes are standard A2 size. The stationery is a flat card, it does not fold at all. The Spring Moss piece is 5.5" x 4.25" and the Select White piece is 5.25" x 4".

Q: Did you stamp the monogram and cut it out to adhere over the pattern paper strip? Or did you stamp the cardstock and just make the strip meet the edges of the image?

A: I stamped the monogram directly onto the white cardstock and then cut and adhered the paper strips to meet the edge of the image.

Q: For the flat monogrammed card, did you use two pieces of regular weight cardstock? Are they scored in the back?

A: I was able to get four pieces of stationery out of one 8.5" x 11" sheet of cardstock. The stationery does not fold so there is no scoring. The note would be written directly underneath the monogram on the white layer. Both layers are cardstock weight. I used Papertrey's Spring Moss and Stamper's Select White.

I'm so excited that you enjoyed the fine stationery project! Hopefully I have answered your questions, but if you still have questions, leave a comment and I will add to this post!

Labels: ,

87 Comments:

Blogger Lori Craig said...

I'm so happy to be the first to say that I LOVE THIS PROJECT! Happy Easter, Taylor! Hugs -

8:57 PM  
Blogger ScrapbookDBA said...

Love the attention to detail ... what a differnce it makes!

Thanks for sharing,
Kimberly

9:04 PM  
Blogger mimihas5 said...

Your set is absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing your wonderful idea with all of us.

Mary

9:14 PM  
Blogger Kathy said...

How beautiful is that!!! WOW!! Thanks for sharing this. I have to try it....

9:20 PM  
Blogger Barb Schram said...

WOW...this is so cool. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

9:21 PM  
Blogger Tandra said...

WOW!! Definitely classy!!! great presentation!!

9:22 PM  
Anonymous kimmiek said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing Taylor.
I will give thisa try. Tell me though is the paper backed on cardstock and how does that fare in folding a letter/note??
It's late, I must be missing soemthing. What size are the envies?? TY for sharing this wonderful design and idea.

9:35 PM  
Blogger Deborah said...

Your sister will surely appreciate this gorgeous set! Have a nice Easter weekend! Deb

9:37 PM  
Blogger Laura said...

Absolutely beautiful- what a great gift!

9:46 PM  
Blogger Dawn Easton said...

Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration! Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend

9:46 PM  
Blogger Monica-FC said...

what a lovely idea for a gift. birthdays, cristmas and ETC>

9:53 PM  
Blogger Rachel said...

I wish I was your sister! This is such a good idea.

9:54 PM  
Blogger Lynn Mercurio said...

This is absolutely stunning Taylor and a very special personalized gift. Have a wonderful Easter!

9:54 PM  
Blogger Granna said...

I, too, love stationery and know how special it is to receive and to give. I love the quality papers and love the way you did the envelope seals. Those touches are the ones that take this project to a level above the ordinary. Wonderfully crafted. Thanks for sharing.

10:06 PM  
Blogger Karen said...

Gorgeous!

10:13 PM  
Blogger Barb W said...

This is so beautiful! I wish people would write more, instead of just e-mailing! I love getting 'pleasant mail' delivered in my mailbox and receiving a pretty card makes it even better! Thank you for sharing your wonderful work with me, these will make fabulous Mother's Day presents. So classy!

10:16 PM  
Anonymous Becca said...

Taylor, this is so crisp, clean and classic and of course you have executed it perfectly. Thanks so much for sharing another superb project with us!

10:21 PM  
Anonymous Sara in WI said...

What a fantastic gift idea, too. (Although I'll just have to try the project out first for myself...to test it, you know.) Thanks for the inspiration, Taylor!

10:48 PM  
Blogger Debbie Olson said...

Whoa, Taylor! This is seriously amazing, even for you! :-D It is SO elegant, classy--beautiful!

10:58 PM  
Anonymous Kathy said...

What a lovely gift idea. So elegant!

10:59 PM  
Anonymous Sencie said...

Wow!!!! The finished product is amazing!!! The stationary is beautiful and I love how everything fits perfectly in the box!!!!

11:23 PM  
Blogger Justine said...

Thanks for such great inspiration!!
http://cardiologycardsfromtheheart.blogspot.com
I would be honored if you would take a peek at my blog and give any comments or suggestions.
Thanks,
Justine

11:39 PM  
Blogger Penny said...

Elegant, classy and a totally gorgeous project!

1:21 AM  
Blogger Meda said...

You did ane xtraordinary job on that stationary!

2:38 AM  
Blogger Melissa Craig said...

This is really beautiful! I have tried lined envelopes before and they turned out terrible!!! Yours are perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.

3:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love to look at staionary too!! I love this set you truly are an inspiration. Thank you.

Blessings,

Beth
boynecitygrl

3:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Simply elegant and beautiful. Great gift idea.

Jlynn

3:38 AM  
Anonymous CherylQuilts at SCS said...

What a gorgeous stationery set! I love the detail. It sure is a beauty, and I love the PTI "goodies" you used!!

4:02 AM  
Blogger Kittie said...

Taylor, This is such a gorgeous gift. I have three sisters that I am always trying to come up with gift ideas for. Your work with these products is so elegant and reminds me of when stationary and cards were a much bigger deal...I mean...before the age of email and when people actually purchased stamps and wrote letters and notes.

4:22 AM  
Blogger Kathleen said...

Taylor--LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! I can't actually do this!!! I love it when I see an project that I can actually create!! Thanks for all the pictures.....now to buy all that PTI paper....someday!

4:49 AM  
Blogger KimberlyG said...

What an absolutely divine gift! You've created something so beautiful and elegant here! Have a Happy Easter! :D

4:52 AM  
Anonymous Wendy (songbirdwc) said...

Amazing project! It's actually one of those real "wow" gifts that I saw and said "I HAVE to make that!." Usually I copy and "intend" to make projects from blogs.... but this time... wow! I can't wait...

Question.... are the flat notecards exactly sized to go in the envelopes, or do they fold? I'm presuming standard A2 envelopes but.... could you give us dimensions??

Happy Easter!

4:59 AM  
Blogger HeidiQ said...

absolutely gorgeous!!! i love the idea of using the xyron for making custom seals...thanks for the inspiration :)
happy day!!

5:27 AM  
Blogger Susan said...

This is definitely a "wow" project! I do have a question. Did you stamp the monogram and cut it out to adhere over the pattern paper strip ... or did you stamp the cardstock and just make the strip meet the edges of the image? I couldn't tell.

5:29 AM  
Blogger YouInkIt said...

Whoa! You have totally outdone yourself with this project! It's beautiful!

5:30 AM  
Blogger Ann C. said...

This is just a lovely gift for someone special - classy & elegant!

5:44 AM  
Blogger Joy said...

*THUD*

Taylor, I loooooooooooooooooove this. WOWIE WOW! You rocked this my friend. I can't stop staring at it.

5:50 AM  
Anonymous Peter Hopkins said...

Hi Taylor. What a beautiful presentation. I'm always searching for inspirations and this project will get me started on some new things. I especially like the sticker-maker, which I had not seen before.

5:56 AM  
Blogger Pinky Roth said...

Wow, this is over the top and drop dead gorgeous! You are a genius and I would love to receive something like this from a friend or whatever. I love this idea!

Pinky

6:09 AM  
Blogger Polly Peirce said...

What a lovely gift!
Your presentation is simply stunning in its simple elegance, definately this is something anyone would be delighted to receive.
It's something to aspire to!dnamiv

6:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You did such a lovely job- the
stationary and packaging! For
the flat monogrammed card, did you
use two pieces of regular weight
cardstock? Are they scored in the
back?
Thanks for sharing such a great
project.

6:12 AM  
Blogger Kim Muhl said...

Wow, what a gorgeous set and such attention to detail! I love it so much, great job!!

6:24 AM  
Blogger Diane said...

Beautiful set. I too have a question on the size of the stationery. Is the white paper backed with spring moss cardstock? Do you score the stationery for easy folding (didn't see any score lines)?

Thanks!
Diane

6:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a lucky sister you have!! This is an absolutely amazing and beautiful set of stationery--and so well presented! Another great "Taylor Expression".

Barbara (Oldstmpr)

6:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is great! I think i'll do this for a Mother's day gift!
Kelly Braund

6:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I too browse the fine stationary aisles! There was a great stationary store in town that I would go to just to look at the paper and pens :)

This is a fantastic idea. I will have to try to re-create it as a gift for my sister-in-law for her birthday.

Thanks for another great idea!
Hugs,
Charmaine

7:25 AM  
Anonymous Nancy Koskovich said...

Wow!!! I'ts beautiful! When I think of PTI I always think a cut above the rest! Have a blessed Ressurection Day!! Nanci

7:29 AM  
Blogger Beth Norman said...

Beautiful, beautiful paper set. Your sister is going to love it. Like you, I have a sister who uses all the cards I send her. In between the ones I RAK her with, she orders them from me too. This would make a nice present for my sister. Thank you for the inspiration.

7:40 AM  
Blogger BethH said...

Simply Adorable! I love it. So elegant, crisp and neato. Thanks for sharing!

7:48 AM  
Blogger Kim Marie said...

oh my oh my oh my.

Elegant and wonderful!

You sister is so blessed!
Kim Marie

8:09 AM  
Blogger debbiedee said...

Taylor, this is soooo classy! I love it! From as early as I can remember, I loved stationary. I loved to write long letters to my g'ma and friends. This gift would be every girl's dream, young and *older* alike. Ü I can just imagine this sitting on a dresser or writing desk waiting to brighten someone's day with a written letter from a loved one.
Okay, enough of the long post (LOL!), but this brought back so many memories BEFORE e-mail. Makes me want to go HAND write a letter to a loved one. Ü

8:32 AM  
Blogger Trudi said...

This stationary is absolutely beautiful! I've been thinking of making a stationary set for my mother and you have inspired me! I may enjoy it enough to make some for other family members.

8:38 AM  
Blogger Sandy Knecht said...

Beautiful Project. The person who gets that set will be so thrilled. It is so pretty, I wouldn't want to use it.

8:41 AM  
Blogger the whimsical butterfly said...

I am so inspired by this project and irritated at the same time that I might just have to go and buy the box TODAY! LOL...just kidding... wow, Taylor, I haven't been THIS motivated to go make something that's NOT a card in a long time...Thanks SO much for sharing...this is BEYOND GORGEOUS!

8:42 AM  
Blogger Geny (Mommy Geny) said...

Love this set, it is so beautiful and professional! Great job!

8:54 AM  
Blogger Deanna said...

WOW, this is gorgeous Taylor! Even more so because my last name is Woodland... :)
Deanna

9:10 AM  
Blogger reflections:0) said...

This really is gorgeous...:0)


reflections:0)

9:13 AM  
Blogger Niki Estes said...

Great stationary set! Love that box!

9:15 AM  
Blogger Claudia said...

What a beautiful set! Also, congrats on being the Papertreyink Newsletter topic today! Have a very happy Easter.

9:18 AM  
Blogger JenC said...

wow! i'M BLOwn away by this. AWESOME!!
thank you for sharing. This is just wonderful and wonderfully executed too.

9:45 AM  
Blogger travelingmama said...

Taylor, this is absolutely stunning. wow. Your sister is a blessed girl!

10:05 AM  
Blogger StamperSharon said...

Fabulous project, Taylor -- love your boxed note cards, they're better than anything you could find in a store!

10:08 AM  
Anonymous Cindy H. said...

Wow, what a stunning set! It's so gorgeous! I love the simple elegant style. Your sister is a very lucky lady!

10:09 AM  
Blogger liannallama said...

This is a top-notch project! It rivals things I see in fancy stores around here selling for an extravagant amount! Wonderful job!

10:13 AM  
Blogger Julia Aston said...

This is just beautiful! I too, love stationary sets - love this wooden box and your great idea for the monogram seals! so clever! I have all these materials so you can bet I'll be making a similar set soon!!

www.createwithjulia.blogspot.com

10:38 AM  
Blogger Sarah/WAstamper said...

Beautiful!! TFS!

10:55 AM  
Anonymous Emilie said...

Taylor, I just discovered your blog while surfing on the Internet. I just LOVE your simple and elegant style: keep up the good work and thank you for all the inspiration you provide!

Emilie

12:19 PM  
Blogger In Em's Closet ~ The Closet Crafter said...

Taylor,
This is BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks for continuing to inspire.
Emily (inemscloset on PTI)

12:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Taylor - this set is *to die for* exquisite! Wow!

-Jami

3:27 PM  
Blogger Tanja said...

Gorgeous! I can't imagine receiving a beautiful handmade gift like this. It's amazing!

5:20 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

This is BEAUTIFUL, Taylor!! I could stare at this all day, it's so pretty!

Hope you have a Happy Easter this weekend!

6:24 PM  
Blogger C70 said...

what a beautiful gift idea!!

Happy Easter!!

6:54 PM  
Blogger Kathy M said...

What a fabulous gift idea. I was going to make some monogramed stationary for a co-worker as a wedding gift. Thanks for the presentation and lined envelope idea. It is perfect for a classy wedding gift! What an inspiration you are!

Easter Blessings to you and yours!

7:26 PM  
Blogger kverzani said...

What a stunning gift idea... Who wouldn't absolutely love receiving this? I can't imagine how much time you put into creating this...Gorgeous!!!

8:53 PM  
Anonymous Erin Bassett said...

Love this!!!

12:42 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

WOWZERS! This is one of THE classiest projects I've seen from ANYONE in a LONG time! Just BEAUTIFUL! LOVE it, LOVE IT, L-O-V-E I-T!

8:13 AM  
Anonymous diane mcvey said...

WOW!!! UNREAL!!! I love that, and so will she...gorgeous! And so creative! YOU ROCK!!! :D

11:03 AM  
Blogger Juanita B said...

BEAUTIFUL, CREATIVE, and STUNNING! I would want to write letters just because EVERYTHING is gorgeous. TFS your wonderful talent with us.

11:25 AM  
Blogger Kristy said...

These are beautiful! I also would like the answers to the some of the above questions, if you have time to post a response or reply to itskristy at gmail dot com.

"Tell me though is the paper backed on cardstock and how does that fare in folding a letter/note??"

"What size are the envies?? For
the flat monogrammed card, did you
use two pieces of regular weight
cardstock? Are they scored in the
back?"

Thanks for sharing!

6:42 AM  
Blogger Angel W said...

I'm sitting here ooohhing and ahhing. Wish you could hear the joyful peeps from me. Love your design and Happy Easter, taylor!

2:29 PM  
Blogger Leonie said...

This is so so so beautiful!! I love it and it is great to give away (or receive)! I really love it and it is something totally different with stamping and paper, great idea!!

Go on doing things like this and showing them to us! :)

~ Leonie ~

1:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Taylor,

your stationery gift set is positively stunning. Bella, bella. Your sister is very fortunate.

Terri Conrad

12:31 AM  
Blogger Jody said...

This is exquisite!

6:55 AM  
Blogger Bluemoon said...

Nothing short of FAB-U-LOUS! I love the lined envelopes, but wondered about the name of the paper you used, it's really nice and elegant. ??
Also where would you find one of these monogramming sets and are they expensive?

Thanks so much for sharing your talent. :)

10:55 PM  
Blogger Erica said...

All I can say is, your sister is a very lucky girl to receive such a beautiful gift from you Taylor! If you want to make some for me too, I promise I'd use it ;o)

11:18 AM  
Blogger Monique said...

WOW---I mean WOW, that stationary set in the box was so creative and classic. You never cease to amaze me:)

2:04 PM  
Blogger Mel M. M. M. said...

Just stunning! Thanks for sharing your amazing talent & for your hard work. :0)

11:47 AM  

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