Blog, Ink Meets Paper

Inspiration: Aluminum Christmas Tree Card

Posted on by Allison Nadeau

Jamie and I are big fans of midcentury modern. We live in a 1959 ranch house and appreciate the clean lines of a modern dwelling. Several years ago Jamie found an Evergleam aluminum Christmas tree on eBay (major score!). As recent homeowners, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a modern Christmas tree, so the Evergleam Christmas tree has been with us for several Christmases now.

Evergleam

 

With that in mind, our aluminum tree card has a special place in our hearts. Not only does it have a bit of nostalgia with our families (I have a photograph of my mom around the age of 10 standing next to her family’s aluminum tree), but it’s the vintage tree that we pull out each year and decorate. We love how well designed it is– it doesn’t matter the branch, it just fits according to the trunk hole. And we love that a single-color ornament can make such an impact.

Blog, DIY

DIY: Walnut Ornaments with Wishes for the New Year

Posted on by Allison Nadeau

Fruits and nuts were used as ornaments on some of the earliest Christmas trees, and this project (by Allison for the Charleston City Paper’s holiday DIY series) provides an updated twist with the addition of a hidden message — and it also makes a thoughtful gift. Hang this walnut ornament on your tree and enjoy it throughout the holidays. But when you’re packaging up decorations at the close of the season, gently crack open the walnut shell to reveal a wish for the new year.
Gilded Walnut Ornament

 

Materials Needed

• Whole walnuts in shells
• Knife
• Liquid gilding and/or craft paint
• Paintbrushes
• Twine (Mac & Murphy has a great selection of colors)
• Scissors
• Pen and paper
• Glue gun and glue sticks

Walnut Ornament Materials

 

Instructions
1. Gently crack open the walnut along its seam to split it in half (a table knife works fine for this).
2. Scoop out the walnut pieces so you’re left with the two shell halves.
3. Brush liquid gilding or craft paint onto exterior of each shell and let dry. (optional)

Walnut Ornament - Applying liquid gilding
4. Cut paper into thin strips and write a wish for the new year.

Walnut Ornament - Handwritten wish for the new year
5. Roll up message and place it into one half of the walnut shell.

Walnut Ornament - Message tucked into each shell half
6. Loop and knot a piece of twine and place it into the other half of the walnut shell, allowing loop to hang out of the top of the shell.
7. Carefully place a bead of hot glue along the edge of the shell.

Walnut Ornament - applying hot glue
8. Press both halves of the walnut shell together. Wipe away any excess glue.
9. Hang and enjoy your ornament!

Walnut Ornament with Hidden Wish for the New Year

Blog, Event

$5 to $50 Gift Market

Posted on by Allison Nadeau

We participated in the North Charleston Artist Guild’s first $5 to $50 Gift Market this December. The two-day market was held at The Meeting Place along East Montague Avenue in the old village area of Park Circle. Jamie and I both had  a great time. Since it was indoors, we didn’t have to worry about any trouble from the weather. I also loved the bazaar-type feel of the market. It was small and intimate without feeling cramped, and attendees could wander through the various vendor spaces.

The Meeting Place in Park Circle

Both days had great turnouts, and it was nice to have people drop by our table specifically to pick up cards from us. I also love that I’m seeing familiar faces stop by too.

5 to 50 Gift Market

 

5 to 50 Gift Market

 

Our INK MEETS PAPER display:

INK MEETS PAPER Gift Market Table

Our holiday card section, complete with a miniature aluminum tree:

Miniature Aluminum Tree

Blog, Event

Holiday Maker’s Market at Mixson

Posted on by Allison Nadeau

Local artisans. Food trucks. Live music. Neighborhood people and friends. Gorgeous Charleston weather. The first Maker’s Market, hosted by Mixson, was definitely a community gathering. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Mixson in the past, so we jumped at the opportunity to participate in the Maker’s Market– we love the energy they bring to Park Circle.
Tents and food trucks lined the big lawn in front of the Mixson barn.

(Photos by Yve Assad for Mixson.) 

Holiday Maker's Market

Mixson Barn

We loved talking letterpress with everyone who dropped by, and we also unveiled our 2011 holiday collection.

 

INK MEETS PAPER Holiday 2011

INK MEETS PAPER Letterpress Cards