a paper city

It's HERE!

2010-11-12T05:14:00.001-08:00

Finally, finally, finally ready to announce the new home of Paper City Design! A fresh new look for the website, my portfolio, a NEW BLOG! and... at long last, an etsy shop!

Phew.

It's been a long ride my friends but hopefully this is just the beginning. Now let's head on over and check it out shall we...

Also, this does mean that this may well be the very last post here on apapercity so please update your bookmarks & feeds so you don't miss a minute of this new journey!

peace + love,

Katie

Girls in Boots

2010-11-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

You know you're in Texas when not just a few girls show up to a fancy event in dresses and cowboy boots (& look really hot in the process!)

Gawd, I miss my friends.

(I was out last week for Lacey + Jay's wedding. It was lovely. I ate a LOT of Mexican food.)

top photo by me, all others by J.

Amish Country

2010-10-21T08:49:00.001-07:00

We took a weekend jaunt to Pennsylvania to visit our friend Leanne a few weekends ago. We stayed in her family's beautiful house in the country, ate food made by Mennonites, went apple picking and of course imbibed in a few tasty beers in Philly with the boys.

Such a great way to take in the fall weather—thanks for an awesome time Lee's!

Sister-Sister!

2010-10-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

My sister, Kendra, just started a blog—& guess who was recruited to design her header? (that'd be me)

Head on over to The Lone Star to check it out!

Congrats hermana, I can't wait to see how this exploration goes!

House Projects

2010-10-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Two furniture projects I tackled recently.

The first, a stool J found on the side of the road was in terrible shape—and I almost got rid of it calling it a lost cause. It's an odd-bird to begin with but with some primer + yellow paint that I had laying around and fabric I picked up at a flea market months ago I've come to love it! At 5'3" I've desperately needed a kitchen stool for a few years now but couldn't bring myself to purchase a vintage beauty (aka rusty stool found in an abandon garage) for a hot $65 at the local antique shop!

The second was a much greater undertaking. J purchased this arm chair from American Council from the Blind in Lubbock as his desk chair in grad school. It was the ONLY piece of furniture besides our bed and side table that made the move to Brooklyn. It's comfortable, sturdy & not too big. But the unattractive orange vinyl had split and it was looking a little worse-for-the-wear. I really wanted to recover it with a great pattern and I'd been super inspired by Native American or Mexican blankets. Their really durable and a dime-a-dozen... in Texas. After weeks of searching I had seen a few at the Brooklyn Flea but they wanted $40+ for them. (I'm pretty sure my mom has 6 sitting unused in her linen closet at home) We were strolling through our 'hood one weekend and J spotted this one laid out with stoop sale items over the top of it (Brooklyn term for garage sale... we don't have garages here). The seller wasn't intending on selling the blanket but was happy to take $5 for it! After doing some research on how to make my own piping—then ordering the proper foot for my sewing machine I was good to go!

I'm not going to lie. It wasn't easy. But it wasn't too difficult either (I just don't let anyone look too closely!)

Love is Waiting SHOP!

2010-09-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

My friend, Heather, and her husband, Aaron, are in the process of adopting a little boy from Ethiopia! Heather is a super talented designer and Aaron, a super talented musician. They just launched the Love is Waiting Shop to help fund the expensive process of bringing their little guy home forever.

Check it out & support the Hale's on their journey!

Absolutely beautiful work, Heather!

Warmbelly Brews: Empire Saison

2010-09-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Warmbelly Brews brewed this beer at the beginning of the summer—possibly my favorite of their beers so far.

I drew the Empire State Building on this label while sitting in the King's County Courthouse looking out the picture window at the Manhattan skyline (and the Empire State Building) while I was serving jury duty. I also hand drew the letters while sitting many long hours there as well.

They have an ESB (currently sitting in my closet...) that will be ready for sampling this weekend. J wrote the ESB recipe himself with some inspiration from the West Coast beers we had on our trip so as he says, "it's gonna be a hoppy boy!" As soon as they taste it and name it I'll be whipping up some new labels!

grappolo d'uva

2010-09-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Dug up some old Italy pics for a project I've been working on.

It's been fun actually getting to use them for something!

It's September.

2010-09-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Two photos from our trip out west.

Big things coming my chickens... just don't go gettin' your panties all tangled now... it's closer than you think!

36 hours

2010-08-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

gloriously spent with the most difficult decisions being whether I wanted to swim before the next meal, after, or both.

The only "to do" list involved drinking cocktails, clearing the table from amazing meals and changing out of a wet swimsuit. Our friends generously shared a weekend visiting parents in a perfect cabin on Lake Champlain.

thank you Delhagen's for such a relaxing weekend!

Kendra + Stephen: Invites

2010-08-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

Not sure how these slipped through the cracks as I posted a sneak peek & the programs for my sister's wedding but managed to forget the invites!

Here they are, better a little late than never! I used a pearlescent paper for these—it was fun to do such a simple set and really let the texture of the paper be the hero.

*Stay tuned, Paper City Design is getting a big makeover and we're getting close to launching a shop!

Art by Amanda Boyd

2010-08-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

J and I just purchased an original piece of art (Herman, pictured above) by our friend Amanda Boyd. She's super talented, super fun & I think you would really like her!

She and her husband are relocating to Kansas City. right. now. and she has spent the summer creating some pretty amazing things. You can visit her shop to check it out. I can vouch that her craftsmanship is impeccable and the work is so lovely in person.

THE BEST PART IS, she's doing a give away! Quick, go find out how to win a free print!

Thanks Amanda, keep up the great work!

Amanda & Will's Wedding Invites

2010-08-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful couple, such a beautiful wedding, it was an honor to do their invites!

They got married in July at Treehouse Point and it. was. gorgeous. and a so much fun!

Congrats you two—I hope you're enjoying some post-wedding down time.

Dos, Due, Deux

2010-07-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I started this little ol' blog. I had no idea what my life would be like in 2 weeks from that time much less 2 years. crazy. I'm in that same spot today... it's hard for me to picture where I'll be 2 years from today. Bring it on!

*photos taken in Seattle on our trip. Seattle is a wonderful city, incase you didn't know.

Times

2010-07-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Just started going through some of the photos and I'm overwhelmed about where I should start. Here are a few random selections from our adventures. I am back in Brooklyn whether I want to be or not. J is somewhere on the Olympic Peninsula with our friend Taylor—they're on a bike tour and J will fly home from Portland in about 9 days or so.

I'm out.

2010-07-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

We are leaving for Portland in the morning. We'll be there for a few days then to Seattle for a lovely wedding in tree houses. Then maybe Vancouver, San Juan Islands, Mt. Hood, Cascade National Park... only time will tell. I'll have a pack on my back and boots on my feet. I won't be back until the end of July or somewhere there-abouts. I don't have a return ticket. Besides the fact that my apartment is a wreck right now and I have 100 things to do as I write this I'm starting to feel more free.

I'm going to sit by the water all day, read, draw, write some, laugh and dance with some of my favorite people. And maybe come back to Brooklyn someday. Did I mention that I'm not taking my computer? Liberating.

Cheers! xo

*photo from last year's trip to Long Island

Justin & Cara's Wedding Invites

2010-06-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Finally able to post this wedding set that I made for Justin & Cara. They got married this weekend under a tree in Belize—they send me a photograph of the tree so I could make the silohouette on the front of the invites... so perfect, sweet and romantic!
Everything on the inside was hand lettered—just incase you're a type-nerd like me and need to know these things.

If you've been following the news you know that hurricane Alex paid a visit to Justin & Cara's wedding on Saturday (pretty sure he didn't RSVP!) We haven't heard from the newly weds or any of our friends that made it out there yet but if we know them it was an amazing time anyway!

Congrats you two & if anyone reading this has heard from them please let us know that everyone's okay!

*Just heard that all is well, thank goodness!

Warmbelly Brews: Road Trip a Belgian-Style Triple

2010-06-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

J and Jeff brewed their second batch of beer. (see the first one here) This is a Belgian-style Triple and it's quite delicious. The labels are entirely hand-lettered by yours truly.

Stoop-Sale finds

2010-06-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

Here in Brooklyn we don't have garages or yards (well, most of us don't) so we don't have yard sales or garage sales. But we do have stoops. So we do have stoop sales. I spotted these little gems at a sale 2 weekends ago and still can't get over that old ink packaging!

The gentleman I bought them from said they were his son's and that I should just tell him what I would pay for them. I got the whole lot for $3. Three. dollars. I've often eyed lino cutting tools at art supply stores but just can't stand buying the plastic kits they make now. Expect to see some lino prints coming soon!

And then there's this beauty... the couch J spotted on his way home from his Saturday morning bike ride. (it's a lot less orange and a lot more yellow in real-life.) Oh, and did I tell you? We moved. yes. again. For the last time in NYC. no more. But our place is bigger, cheaper and in the same 'hood. And quieter. We wake up to the sound of woodpeckers. I'm not kidding. Good-bye honking horns, we've moved to the country! (or at least that's what it feels like...)

First Aid Kit

2010-06-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted about First Aid Kit before.

We saw them preform at the Bell House last night and it was phenomenal! They are incredibly talented. I highly recommend listening to some of their new tunes on myspace—go ahead and skip down to 'Ghost Town' at the end, so good!

*I can't figure out why the video is only embedding the left-half!? Any suggestions? sorry about that.

Rebecca & Aaron's Wedding Invites

2010-06-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

I loved creating these romantic wedding invites for my dear friend Rebecca and her husband, Aaron. They were married in St. Paul's chapel in Lubbock, Texas—such a sweet place and one of my personal favorites!

Since the chapel is so small they needed invites to the actual wedding and then a set of invites to the reception only.

Congratulations Rebecca & Aaron, I wish we could have been there!

Memorial Day in Massachusetts

2010-05-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely and relaxing time in Massachusetts with friends. (O, how the Atlantic coast speaks to my soul!) Such a nice time that I almost forgot that I'm knee deep in a portfolio site redesign, the job search and to make things slightly more exciting... moving. again. Don't worry it's only about 9 blocks away. Wish me luck!

1 million Memorial Day kisses to my sister and all of the service women & men out there. Thank you.

*I'll be posting some invites that I never got around to as I shoot them all for my new site. Bear with me and stay tuned!

Kendra + Stephen: Programs

2010-05-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

I gave a little peek of Kendra + Stephen's wedding invites awhile back but now that the wedding is over I'm excited to share a few more details! I designed their programs and made some little cards that sat by the guest book and on the buffet table to let the guests know what all the food was.

The wedding and reception were at a beautiful mission-style church in Fort Worth, Texas. Kendra literally looked like she was standing in a beam of light with her blonde hair & white dress in the early Texas sun!

Thanks Kendra + Stephen for letting us be such a big part in your wedding. We love you!

*I will post details of the invites soon.

Warmbelly Brews: Snow Day Stout

2010-05-11T13:03:00.001-07:00

J & our friend Jeff have been doing some homebrewing the past few months. They started on the first snow day of the year (they're both teachers) with an eggnog milk stout. The first time I tried it it tasted like Robitussin (but I was very sick at the time...) I tried it again about 3 weeks ago and it was so yummy! Nutmeg-y and not too dark for a day in late April.

I designed some handlettered low-fi labels for their first batch that they dubbed "Snow Day Stout." Next up on their roster is a triple ale and then a big batch of a spring saison but they have to taste them before they name them so we'll see what the guys come up with! I'm really excited to be a small part of this fun collaboration!

Cheers!

Part-Time Music

2010-05-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something else I have been meaning to share for awhile...
My dear friend, Bryant (who I have known for 13 years!), writes a great blog called Part-Time Music. He asked me to create a new blog header for him and when I took a look at his flickr account I was blown away at the library of great photos he has on there. It was so nice to tap into his personal archives while working on this project.

I highly recommend checking out his music blog, he'll introduce you to something new every week, I can guarantee it!

Secrets Burst: A Reunion

2010-05-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with my friend, Katie, on a poster for the final reading of the Secrets Burst writing group. This group of friends and colleagues has been writing and sharing their work together for a few years now and much of the group has or will be dispersing across the U.S. — hence their "final reading."

I was in Texas busy with my sister's wedding last week so I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot to post this until now (as the reading was actually last week...) many, many apologies to Secrets Burst and anyone that would have liked to attend!

As always, thank you Katie and Secrets Burst for letting me be apart of the fun!
See the poster that I did last year here.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T07:05:00.001-07:00

J and I officially became urban gardeners this weekend with the purchase of 5 gallon buckets, dirt and some seeds/plants. All thanks to our amazing roof.

*cherry blossom photos from a trip to D.C. last weekend to visit my dear friends Beth and Lauren, thanks for a lovely weekend out of Brooklyn ladiesl!

J+C Invites

2010-03-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another set of wedding invites went out with today's mail!

*Just a peek! will post details later...

Gathering Place

2010-03-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

When I was in college I screen printed this coffee table that I picked up at a thrift shop. It was a lot of fun to make and I got a few good years of use out of it before we moved to Brooklyn (unfortunately there's no space for a coffee table in our apt). For those that are having a hard time it says "Gathering Place," which is, of course, what a coffee table is.

This table is currently homeless. My sister took some photos of it for me before she moved to Florida so I could try to find a new owner for it. It's a little rough around the edges (as you can see!) but the design has been sealed on the top and won't scratch off. It is also very sturdy.

If you are in the greater Lubbock area and would like to give this table a good home (for free!) please email me at: kd.mcnamara85@gmail.com

roof: part one of what is likely to be many

2010-03-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Russ came to Brooklyn and stayed with us for a week... among many other things he made me laugh hysterically every day & he figured out how to open the door to get on our roof (which may or may not have an "emergency exit only" alarm on it but it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal...right!?).

One thing that I am learning that I absolutely cannot live without is access to an outdoor space on my home. Be that a roof top, front porch, backyard, decent sized (i.e. not SRO and must hold more than 1 chair) balcony—fire escapes of average size do not count. I could, perhaps live with either a nice park directly across the street or, in my most blissful, if not wildest dreams—a beach. If the weather is decent I just need to be outside but I don't always want to be "out" walking around the 'hood. Don't get me wrong, Prospect Park is a dream come true and a quick 8 min. walk from my door but if I want to have a little aperitivo it's, well, illegal besides the hassle of packing and toting food, drink, cups, blanket, book etc. All of that to say, thank you, dear Russell for giving me what, after 5 months sitting in a 350 square-foot apartment, feels like my freedom!

These shots were taken (while working on our taxes on the roof) with the fancy camera that I'm learning how to use properly... obviously having some issues with the fading evening light but in a weird way all of these look cool even if they aren't remotely representative of the light at the time!

Wedding 1 of 4 (sneak peak)

2010-03-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

Working on four weddings this year, here's a peek at the first. For my darling sister. Kendra and Stephen had to beat me down with sticks to do something simple and monogrammed for them (they're a little more classic that I like to be). But in the end we are all happy!

Dear Spring, you are very lovely but please don't play cat and mouse with us this year. We even got some Sunday-afternoon roof time in... but we need more to lift our spirits!

hibernation

2010-02-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

This year I'm trying the hibernation method of making it though the long winter. One thing I came across the other day that fits my new mantra is: "As often as you can, try to turn artificial lights off. When the sun goes down, put away your phone, turn off your computer, turn off your lights, and sit quietly." yes, I think I will...

Though I would like to say that I don't open my computer in the evenings but it's not true. I've been working on some really fun projects though that I'll share soon(ish).

I've also been working on learning how to use one of these fancy babies. All of the above photos were taken with it within the last month or so. The last image was taken on a Saturday morning by J, so nice I could resist sharing it!

Late afternoon hike

2010-01-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

A beautiful hike in the snow on Saturday. How do you get sore arms from hiking? Fall. More than a few times. On the snow & ice like a 4 year old. And then laugh hysterically about it every time (even when it hurts... especially when it hurts)!!!

I only got to take a few quick shots before my camera went dead but I probably wouldn't have had time to really have fun and get some good ones since we came out of the trail head right as it got too dark to really see... phew! I was secretly more than a little nervous that we would get caught in in dense woods after dark.

Belated Christmas...

2010-01-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

I put these little e-vites together in a rush back in December for a last minute holiday party J & I had at our apartment. Just thought I would share before the holiday thing got to stale.

We still have our tree up. I couldn't bring myself to take it down before J got back to NYC and it's been such a busy week that it just hasn't happened yet.

We're going to New Paltz in the morning to do a little hiking with some friends (like last year!) I can't wait—it's giving me the motivation to make it through this looong week!

Kendra's Bridal Shower

2010-01-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

I got to play hostess just before Christmas at my sister's bridal shower. Of course my main duty was to take care of the invites while the other hostesses did a great job with the food & decorations!

I screen printed (with my yudu, of course!) the doily/snowflake pattern onto grey stock and ran that through my printer for the black text.

I also made some simple recipe cards that people filled out and brought to the shower to help Kendra & Stephen start a good collection of recipes from their loved ones.

Now... to get cracking on those wedding invites!

Welcome to 2010!

2010-01-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

Home for the Holidays (sort of)

2009-12-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

I've been baking, sewing, making, shopping, wrapping, listening to Christmas music and reading lately. Not a lot of blogging as I've avoided the computer at all costs. I'm still okay with that... maybe one day I'll return to regular posting or maybe not.

I'm leaving for the motherland this evening. My sister graduates from Texas Tech University in the morning and I'll be there to see her walk across the stage. I'll spend a few days in Texas and then meet J in Mississippi for Christmas with his family.

Merry Christmas to you all, xo!

photo of our lovely little tree last night

Gettin' ready

2009-12-08T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are here—the only reason I can get into winter! Now, if only NYC could get some of the snow that everyone else seems to be getting. (Just for a day or two... then we can be finished!)

Out of control.

2009-11-18T06:09:00.001-08:00

Eventually I'll post something besides un-edited, shameless photos of the fall... Until then...

Really, you should enjoy it while you can... before you know it it's going to be a gloomy frozen tundra. Though it can be beautiful in it's own way (for about a week!) I rarely go take walks though the park to enjoy it!

Already missing October...

2009-11-02T06:30:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Halloween, NYC Marathon, daylight savings time—weekend! whew!

Happy 23rd Birthday to my darling sister! (23!? I can't believe that's right!?) I hope it's a good one and we wish we were there! xo!

I am here.

2009-10-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Far from bored or idle— just not much to blog about this fall. I'm okay with that.

Friends are coming to Brooklyn today for the whole weekend. I made some Halloween masks for J and I.

Enjoy to fall before winter sets in!

Settling into Fall

2009-10-21T04:25:00.001-07:00

I went to D.C. this weekend to spend some time with two dear friends, we had a fantastic time and I'm already missing them both terribly!

After over a month of denial that it's no longer summer I'm finally accepting and settling into fall. I really do love fall on it's own but it feels like a sentinel for winter which I'm never excited about.

I've been spending the cooler, darker evenings at home—cooking and working on a series of projects that the frivolous summer did not have time for.

*and yes, Lacey is touching Kennedy (what a nut)! Happy (early) Birthday Lace!!! xo

Canyon Echo

2009-10-09T05:06:00.000-07:00

After living our new apartment for 3 1/2 months we've finally decided that we are going to paint the bathroom and in a moment of inspiration (maybe?) we decided on a color in about 4 minutes. I'll be heading to the hardware store first thing tomorrow for a bucket of Canyon Echo. I'm hoping it makes our closet-sized bathroom feel like a canyon... though I'm not holding my breath.

Have an inspired weekend!

Jessica & Windsor's Wedding Invites & Programs

2009-10-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I designed a wedding set for Jessica & Windsor. Jessica came to me with a pretty clear vision. Both of them are musicians but while she is über feminine, classic, all about flowers, organic lines etc... Windsor is modern, clean lines & all about symmetry.

Jessica presented me with the idea of a "city park" something that has a orderly feel but retains some of that organic whimsy and of course flowers. Jessica & Windsor also share a love for Italy and spent their honeymoon there. I developed the pattern based on cobblestone or brick-layed streets and paths in a city part or in an Italian palazzo. I still wanted to get something handmade in there so we wrapped the cards in hemp and use a wax seal to hold it all in place.

Jessica did a great job of finding the wax seal & embellishing the envelopes herself.

The photos below are of the programs that I designed at their wedding. Below photos by Lauren Walker.

Photos from a Train

2009-10-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

When we went to Philly we took a train. I think the trip back was like a therapy session for me! I just stared out the window at all of the trees & waterways. When we would get to a town or station there would be dilapidated buildings with broken windows covered in vines, rusty structures & bridges. The kind of things that speak to my soul!

*something about these images feels a little bit west Texas to me. Maybe it's the color...

Canning Confession

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I like pickles.
I know some people that would die of shock if they heard me say that. But let's be clear. I like my pickles. They're pretty delicious and I might have eaten a whole jar by myself for a snack. While I was making dinner.

They took a good 3 weeks before they were ready. The pickled okra are fantastic as well—also a 3 week wait. I tried to eat some okra (just to test them) before the 3 weeks and they were really tough and I couldn't really bite through them.

We're in vinegar heaven.

a photo for this day.

2009-10-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Brandi (who I have never met face to face though I'm happy to be getting to know) a few weeks ago requesting a photograph of my shadow during an adventure. This is what I sent to her. I should play with J's tripod more often, it was really fun!

General Washington, Ben Franklin & the gang!

2009-09-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Philly this weekend was wonderful. We saw lots of historic landmarks and the weather could not have been more perfect (on Saturday, at least). I think my favorite was Elfreth's Alley, the oldest, contunually residential street in America.

It all looked so colonial, I felt like I was Felicity. (Yes, the American Girl. Yes, I read all of those books as a child. All of them.)

After a day chockfull of history & walking when I spotted General Washington's Tavern Porter at the Foodery I was all over it. (Who knew I was so patriotic!) Turns out it's (supposidly) from General Washington's original recipe & awesome. It was brewed maybe 15 miles away from where I was at the time and my next trip to Philly will include a tour of Yards Brewery.

*A big thanks to Jeff & Leanne for showing us around Philly!

Chicago to Philly!

2009-09-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I never shared any photos from our weekend in Chicago almost a month ago! (whoops!)

We're heading to Philadelphia this evening for the weekend with some friends.

Enjoy the warm weekends while they last!

Fingerprint: Call for Entries

2009-09-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

Fingerprint is such an inspirational book. When I'm designing I'm constantly trying to get that little touch into my designs to keep them from looking too "computery" even if I don't have the luxury of screen printing the piece... or sewing it, stamping it, etc.

Entries are due October 15th and are FREE! You can download the entry form here or here.

via mint and HOW.

Canning: part 3

2009-09-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

I finally had some friends over for a little canning party on Saturday. It was a lot of fun and we ended up meeting at the Greenmarket in Grand Army Plaza to pick up some fresh goods before hand. We made these spicy okra, these spiced pickles and another batch of more traditional pickles via a mix that Caitlin brought. We also ended up with too many okra for what our original mix made so we decided to make some okra with the spicy pickle mix. I'll let you know how everything turns out!

The zucchini pickles from 2 weeks ago are really amazing, by the way. They are very mustardy, which I love. We still have a big jar left but I can't wait to make more.

We had every intention of making jalapeño jelly as well but found fruit pectin to be a little difficult to find that afternoon. I got some and we're all set to try our hand a the jelly later this week. (I'll share the recipe then!)

today

2009-09-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't feel right ignoring today. My thoughts are with all New Yorkers, men & women in the military, and Americans—my heart goes out to you.

Back to School!

2009-09-09T03:47:00.000-07:00

J gets kids at school today. No more long summer evenings just working on the apartment & hanging out with friends (or reading Moby Dick which still isn't quite finished!). Now the evenings will be spent calling parents & grading papers but that gives me time to work on some of my own side projects!

Good luck J, & to all of the teachers & students this year!

your mom's a pickle! or, Canning: part 2

2009-09-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Over zealous and unprepared. That's what happened when I went to the farmer's market on Sunday afternoon. I wanted to do some canning this week. I had some old salsa & peanut butter jars but apparently those aren't safe for true canning. (the kind that lasts for years...)

J starts school (his second year of teaching!) next week, we're leaving town on Friday for Labor Day weekend in Chicago — this translates to: busy week, not a lot of time for frivolity or canning adventures. In an attempt to not loose the zucchini I got I decided to do these zucchini pickles tonight. The farmer's market didn't have summer squash so mine are all zucchini. I also haven't picked up the proper jars yet so I'm hoping that since these are going in the fridge and will be consumed within the next few weeks that we'll be safe from some of the frightening food poisoning that I've been reading about. I have to say, the process was simple and so were the ingredients and they smelled amazing! I can't wait until we get back from Chicago to try our pickles!
On a somewhat unrelated note, we got a surprise in the mail earlier this week. Our dear friend, Winston, has returned to Texas (after living in NYC for the past 6 years) to start a farm. He sent us some good ol' Texas dirt & a Lone Star bottle cap. I put it on display in a mason jar with the letter he sent us and the Bob Hope stamp off of the package for our own little Winson time capsule of sorts. Thanks Winston, we miss you too!

*p.s. my 6 year old camera may have bit the dust. I've been using J's camera for over a month now, it's not going so well. Any recommendations on an upgrade. Something better but not super fancy?

Fashion Illustration // Garance Doré

2009-09-01T03:10:00.000-07:00

I have a secret obsession. I love fashion illustration. I suppose I hate to admit it because the figures are so distorted, nothing like "real women" in the least bit. Then there's the fashion industry as a whole with the eating disorders, "air brushing"/photoshopping... the negative psychological affect that it's had on such a huge percentage of our population and beyond... the over all facade can be rather sickening... that's not even starting to talk about the sweatshops & 3rd world labor prices... & these are just the humanitarian concerns. The guilt goes on an on... (well, I'll get off my soap box now, my apologies. & I do realize that this is not every person or company in fashion, there are some good-guys out there too!)

What I was really meaning to say is that I've been keeping some of Granace Doré's illustrations (& beautiful photos!) in my favorites for months. Ms. Doré has just released some of her writing and illustrations for Gap's 40th Anniversary series. Beautiful. I stopped buying "graphic tees" awhile back (except for this one that I recieved as a Christmas gift from J!) in an attempt to appear a bit more professional. That said, I would pick any of these up in a heartbeat!

This last image is just because I love that tattoo. I've been itching for another for quite sometime now and fell in love with this image!

*all illustrations & photos by Granace Doré.

Part 1 of (hopefully more than 1!)

2009-08-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

I've been doing my research, scouring the farmer's markets and NYC Greenmarkets... I've been reading and collecting recipes and tips. This year will be my first adventure into canning. My Grandma Decker's basement always had a rack of shelves under the stairs (& I'm sure much more than that when she was raising her 13 kids on a North Dakota farm!) with homemade sweet pickles, jellies, jams, and other delightful preserves that she or my Grandpa had grown.

I'm thinking that I'll be doing some of these summer squash & zucchini pickles (I'm notorious for hating traditional pickles.) Some more traditional spiced kirby pickles for J. Possibly some peaches and this recipe for spicy okra. My Aunt Connie has a Jalapeño jelly recipe that I'm trying to track down at the moment as well.

I've never tried anything like this before and I found the How-to section of Fresh Preserving to be the most helpful resource so far.

If you have any recipes or advice please do share. I need as much help as I can get!

*typography adapted from a recent article on Home Canning that I worked on for my day job.

The Welcome Wagon

2009-08-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

We saw The Welcome Wagon play at The Bell House last night. They were awesome. I can't even say much else. I've searched for a good video on YouTube all morning but keep coming up short of something worth posting of them so instead I want to send you post haste to their myspace page to hear some of their music. I hope it brings some joy to your afternoon.

sea glass makes my heart hurt... in a good way

2009-08-21T09:47:00.001-07:00

I learned about sea glass for the first time when I was 18 years old and living/working on Martha's Vineyard for a summer. It now holds a special, nostalgic place in my heart next to beach grass, rusty cruiser bicycles, Paris in the rain & the Llano Estacado (these things are mostly unrelated).

sigh.

It's been another grueling week. But I'm praying that we can make it out to the beach sometime this weekend.

*photo taken at the lovely house we stayed at on the North Fork.

A little more illustration, because it's good for the soul!

2009-08-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

While perusing Julia Guther's site (see last post) I came across this beauty. I'm a sucker for folk art, anything hand drawn, mountains, goats...yakks... I'll stop there for now but this illustration really caught my eye amidst all of her other really great work.

Seeing Guther's illustration made me think of this outdoor piece that made my heart skip-a-beat earlier today here. I love the colors they used, a little unexpected and reminecent of autmn. We're working on Halloween/fall photoshoots this week so mentally I'm being forced to change seasons a little sooner than I want to. Even though it's sweltering (I'm talking sweating while you sit still, breathing steam all night!) in our 4th floor walk-up apartment but I'm not quite ready for fall. This Texan can take the city's cement heat-bubble!

Illustration + Music + Paper = giddy!

2009-08-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love these illustrations for many, many reasons. I'm posting them especially for J (& his partner-in-crime, Jeff), who have each bought at least a record a day all summer—I'm pretty sure. What are two teachers out of school for the summer to do!? When I got home from work today he had a Billie Holiday 7" wrapped in tissue paper for me, sweet surprise from a man who is not known for his gift giving! Thanks J, xo.

*cut paper illustrations by Julia Guther.

**Morr Music, is the label that Mum is on, J just got us tickets to their show in October, so excited.

Annie & John's Reception Invites

2009-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Two of my dearest friends, Annie & John, got hitched in an intimate ceremony this spring. They're having a laid back reception in September & I got the opportunity to bust out the yudu for their invites. It was a learning process since yudu isn't quite like the screen printing I've done in the past though it's very similar.

John found these lovely envelopes in pine to complete the project.

When I was working on sketches for these I felt like I kept missing the mark. Then Annie sent me some of the wedding photos and her dress was absolutely amazing. When I asked Annie how much she "hearts" the pattern on her dress I believe her exact answer was "one-million hearts!" that's when I knew I finally had something that was going to work great for them. I used the vine-like beading on the dress as my inspiration for the invites. I love finding that perfect marriage (no pun intended) for a design, something that really fits the personality of the project & people that I'm working with.

*One day I'll share my yudu tips and the problems I ran into. I should also mention how glad I am to have the new apartment (nothing spacious but no longer a 450 square foot studio!) for lots of future yudu projects!

Charley Harper Coloring Book

2009-08-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

I've been a little MIA lately but I'm trying to remember to take time to enjoy the city in the summer rather than sit behind the computer for 15+ hours a day. We've been doing a lot things in the new apt as well, it's starting to come together. Slowly but surely.

Today we took a little office-adventure to Kate's Paperie and I found a Charley Harper coloring book. I just couldn't say no. Now the dilemna is do I color in it, keep it to look at, frame them... send it to one of my friends with a kids as a gift? Now I'm thinking I should have picked up a few...

North Fork

2009-08-03T04:08:00.000-07:00

Last weekend J & I took a trip out to the North Fork of Long Island. Cold, salty ocean water & beach grass speaks to my soul. I'm still waking up every morning wishing that I was there!

I'll probably share more photos later, I've been sitting on these for about a week now but haven't gotten to sift though the others.

a paper city turns 1 today!

2009-07-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today marks one year of my first blogging venture, a paper city. I can remember, one year ago today, while living with people I had never met (friends of friends)... sitting alone in our new city at Tillie's Cafe with my laptop and creating a paper city. With just over 200 posts in 365 days I'm modestly pleased with it. It kept me creatively fulfilled during my 3 1/2 months of unemployment. It gives me a place to share my design endeavors & my adventures with J in our new city with the ones we love.

It's certainly a hodgepodge of things and has drifted away from purely design but I love too many other things in this life not to share. I'm also a firm believer that people, especially creative people, are constantly drawing inspiration from all the things in their lives. So while I may not always be posting about my new favorite illustrator, I'm trying a new recipe or discovering new music.

Thanks to you readers (all 4 of you!) for sticking around & making me feel like I'm not alone!

*photo by revivify.

Summer Fest 2009

2009-07-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

1. I love food. I love shopping for it, preparing it, smelling it, eating it!

2. I love finding new seasonal, delicious recipes to make with J and share with our friends and family.

3. I love sharing these ideas with others... like minded or not. Maybe I can help them see that cooking at home doesn't have to suck. Or that eating seasonal isn't really a burden, it's a blessing!

4. I love MattBites. I find Matt to be insightful, hysterical & a real source for inspiration as an at-home cook & especially because I'm a designer for a food magazine! His food photography & his husband's styling skills are some of my all-time favorites.

All of these things said. I'm really excited to keep up with Summer Fest 2009 to learn what other bloggers and foodies are doing with Summer's bounty! (They'll feature herbs, stone-fruits, beans-and-greens, & a whole week dedicated to tomatoes... yes please!)

*Do yourself a favor and read Matt's post on herbs in cocktails. I already bought my rosemary to make a Rosemary Salty Dog. A Greyhound is one of my all time favorite beverages but I rarely drink them anymore having moved on from vodka + juice combos. I can hardly wait to get home and mix things up with a new take on an old friend!

getting away

2009-07-24T08:09:00.001-07:00

J & I are going "out of town" to a little place on Long Island this weekend to celebrate a little milestone in our lives. Think: hammock, ocean, jacuzzi, grass, beach, books, sand, outdoor shower, lake & wine. ahhh.

July has been something close to madness but it is our life & I love it, have a lovely weekend.

*photos taken last weekend on the Williamsburg Waterfront... I love those crazy boat-planes!

Hand lettering

2009-07-22T04:42:00.000-07:00

I've had this funky colorful alphabet by Mike Perry in my inspiration folder for awhile now. He rarely disappoints.

just a peek!

2009-07-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Some "work in progress" shots of the new apartment.

J get's all of the credit for the painting of the grey shelves and 98% of the grunt-work on everything else...including shlepping heavy furniture on his shoulders from across the 'hood all by himself! Thanks J!

Williamsburg Waterfront

2009-07-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

We saw the Dirty Projectors play yesterday. Man, those girls can do some crazy things with their voices!

Got some great deals on vintage furniture this weekend but it was so nice to get out of the ever-evolving new apartment yesterday evening for a fun date-night in Williamsburg with J! (excuse my run-on)

Happy Monday, back to the grindstone!

Fans, in the sky!

2009-07-17T06:27:00.001-07:00

A few shots of wacky fans strung on wire at a Bastille Day street fair last weekend in Brooklyn. We're getting settled in the new apartment and as always, it's a process! Will post a few pictures eventually.
Have a beautiful weekend!

lantern lovelies

2009-07-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, J retuned home after a visit to his Motherland. He brought one of the lanterns from our wedding with him. I think I've mentioned this before but since we got on a plane to NYC about 10 hours after our wedding most of the stuff from the wedding is still in Mississippi... I think my dress ended up at my Aunt's house in Dallas!?)

When I said that I wanted my best friends (bridesmaids) to carry lanterns instead of flowers some people thought that I had lost my mind. (The lanterns also doubled as centerpieces with other votives.) About a week after I bought all of the lanterns I received this Anthropolgie catalog in the mail with beautiful lanterns on the front and back covers. I was instantly affirmed in my decision and proceeded to carry the catalog around with me for a few days because the photoshoots in Morocco on the inside were just sooo lovely!

I even used the pattern on the glass from the lanterns as the inspiration behind the pattern that I created for our wedding invites!

South Mississippi

2009-07-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

A few shots shots from our trip.
photo 1. Hercules. A plant that made gun powder during WWII, most recently a paper plant, and is now closed.
photo 2. (left) mural on the outside of the New Yokel Market in downtown Hattiesburg. One of my favorite cafes anywhere. (right) Farmers selling their produce on the side of the road on the Fourth of July.
photo 3. (right) Cadillac Corner.
photo 4. The evening of the 4th at the McNamara's home.

catch up!

2009-07-07T12:39:00.001-07:00

26. That's how many days it rained in NYC in June. Portland, eat your heart out. These were taken on the roof our last night at our first Brooklyn apt. I thought the sky was showing off for us, our last sunset with such amazing views of the city!

I'm about a week behind on life since we rushed out of town last week. So even though we've been in the new apartment for a little over a week it only feels like about 3 days...

*these photos lost a lot of color when I uploaded them... if you can believe! Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions about how I can avoid that?

we've been out...

2009-07-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

We rushed out of town early last week after getting news that J's wonderful Grandmother passed away suddenly. I'm flying back to NYC now while J spends a few more days in Mississippi with his family. Mrs. Bobbie was a beautiful, exciting woman to be around and she will be missed.

*I wish I had some of the amazing photos from her younger days on my computer but this one taken at our wedding nearly a year ago shows her true colors! (photo by Hillary)

yep.

2009-06-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

*unknown source

moving: part II

2009-06-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

We're up to our knees in boxes. J's finishing his last week of his first year as a teacher (I can't believe it!). And I'm releasing another issue of the magazine tomorrow. A little stressed, we are. Here are a few more pretty photos from around the web for my new apartment inspiration...

J loves the art on the wall // I love the table.

Literally cannot get over this fireplace (no fireplace in the new apt, I just love this one!) & love the arrows hanging on the wall.

Have I ever mentioned J's record collection? He's obsessive & as he's out-grown his milk crates I'm trying to think of a better solution that can show them off a little more. again, via d*s.

Lastly, yes, this is a shop in Portland. But I'm obsessed with the utilitarian/clean/functional way the space is laid out.

Stationery for the new Mrs. Dutton

2009-06-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Jessica contacted me waaay back in January 2008 to do her wedding invites & programs after she saw what I did for our mutual friend, Lauren's invites back in 2007. (All of us go way back to the O.L. Slaton Junior High band... that's right, I was in band. I played the trumpet and we were awesome!) Jessica & Windsor's wedding was this past weekend & Lauren, the crafty, artist-supporting bridesmaid that she is had me design this stationery set for Jessica's wedding gift with her new name on it.

*Thanks Lauren for the fun opportunity & a thousand congrats to Jessica & Windsor. (I'll be featuring their invites very soon).

We're moving!

2009-06-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Next weekend we're moving across the 'hood. No big thing (not like last time!). Ever since we signed on the new place I've been nervous since we weren't supposed to move until August I hadn't mentally prepared myself to move out of our first home together. The small studio that we've grown to love. It took work but it's a totally livable spot and we've both grown and changed a lot in the last year in that one room.

Enough with the sentimental musings...We started boxing a few things last night and I can't wait to get in to the new space and paint, get a couch & have dinner parties!

*shots from around the web in my home inspiration folder on my desktop.

Fort Defiance

2009-06-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

I work in Red Hook, Brooklyn. (though not for long! DUMBO here we come!) It's on the water & once upon a time Red Hook was a port run by the shipping industry. Those days are long gone and gave way to decay, feral dogs and a Meth clinic. Those days too are in the past. Red Hook is thriving and growing with hot spots like Saipua, Baked, The Good Fork and the largest IKEA in the world (not that that's a good thing, but it's here). The newest edition to Van Brunt Street is Fort Defiance, set to open this Saturday. St. John (owner, mixologist) asked me to do a large chalkboard sign in the cafe/bar. He wanted it to follow the identity that by boss, Steve, did for all of the print pieces for the cafe/bar.

It was really a great hands-on project for a few reasons:

1. You can't get too perfect with a chalkboard (though I used pastels to grant myself some control).

2. With the opening being so soon I couldn't play around too much with different methods etc. it was a "get in, get it finished!" project. I loved that because I know I have a tendency to want to explore all of my options for weeks before I settle on how/what I'm going to do for a project.

3. The imperfect typesetting was exactly the look we were going for, like an old historical document where the kerning and printing is just a little off.

*Thanks Steve for recommending me for the job & St. John for giving me the opportunity!

illustration re-visited

2009-06-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

I designed this poster for a class project when I was at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. The design brief was that I was to design a public service poster similar to the ones the WPA did under Roosevelt's New Deal. Flat color was a must to make it possible to screen print – which was the most common method of printing posters at the time – and under 5 colors.

We recently ran an article in the magazine that I work on about ways to conserve water in the summer. As soon as I read the article I thought this piece of illustration would be great for the magazine. Here's that same illustration used in a slightly different context.

Now you're inspired to conserve water, right? This site is unrelated to the magazine but here are some great tips to help you save water, time and money!

sneak-peek!

2009-06-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've cryptically mentioned "projects in the works" & "new work to come..." in the past. Well, friends... I can't release some of them yet but here's a little teaser of of what's been going on in the studio of Paper City Design.

More photos with details to come (I promise).

Swoon

2009-06-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

Oh man, as a huge fan of street art this is beautiful!

for the love of boats

2009-06-10T04:40:00.000-07:00

A few shots from boats this weekend.
Above, Governors Island Ferry, and below, Frying Pan restaurant in Chelsea.

*the original shots were blurry (boats sway you know)... but with the help of my trusty Poladroid they're much better now! And a correction to my pervious post on the whereabouts of my Polaroid camera... lost. Left in Mississippi after the wedding but no one has seen it. total bummer.

Jazz-Age Lawn Party

2009-06-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

We went. It was so much fun to see everyone dressed up & dancing! Ah, New York in the summer...

rainy friday

2009-06-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

I think that calls for a good book and a glass of wine.

(i wish.)

J's old roommate (Kirk) introduced us to Malbec a year and a half ago when he picked up a bottle for us in Oklahoma as an engagement gift. We had it with dinner before J popped the question so I was relaxed and enjoying the mystery wine that just showed up while J was stressing out and couldn't eat! cheers!

*horrible blogger note: I did not take this photo, nor do I know it's source.

something old, something new

2009-06-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

(This has nothing to do with weddings.)

I saw the There Will be Brunch sign this weekend in D.C. and can't get over it. I know some boys that were (read: are) obsessed with There Will be Blood and the egg with a 'stache is just too perfect! – as is the hand drawn blackletter!

I spied the shoe shine sign on my way home from work yesterday in front of an old shoe shop in my 'hood. very iconic. It would look pretty rad hanging in a living room.

yep.

2009-06-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

We don't have a t.v. // we don't care about sports (not even a little bit) // we eat kale on pizza because it's our fav. (try it with walnuts and blue cheese, so good!) // we ride our bikes everywhere, even in the winter. // our first date was at Choo Chai. // we love to make bread together // we sometimes hate leaving brooklyn because manhattan is a rat race.

*via here.

Packed and ready!

2009-05-29T03:28:00.000-07:00

I'm hitting the road this evening. Off to DC (I've never been!) to see the lovely twins, Beth & Abbey. Looking forward to a girly weekend of cupcakes, wine & art museums. (not that those things are particularly girly...)

Have a beautiful weekend. (J, I miss you already! xo.)

*my favorite over-night bag (above). I can't remember exactly what shop I got it from in downtown Fredericksburg but I have had it for years now & I love it! It was made by women in Guatemala that repourposed their old dresses.

i need this.

2009-05-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

& here's why:
1. i love hot tubs.
2. i love the great outdoors.
3. i miss the boys already. (not sure why this is relevant other than the hot tub would be comforting...)
4. work is very busy & i'm not sure how i'm going to get everything finished in a reasonable amount of time. (again, irrelevant maybe other than for comfort and relaxation... throwing caution to the wind and drinking bloody marys.)
5. i'm going to D.C. this weekend to see the twins, I want to do nothing but eat cupcakes and drink wine with them... maybe while sitting in this fun hot tub...
6. i'm going to miss J this weekend. we haven't been apart since Nicole & Josh's wedding...

*via desire to inspire

Oh, boys!

2009-05-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Some weekend highlights in no particular order:

Staten Island Ferry, E.J.'s Luncheonette, Guitar + Rooftop, finding out that both Kirk & Trevor can play the harmonica!, Curry Hill, The Met, Harlem, Rucker Park, brunch on the roof, late night donuts & chinese takeout, marching through the streets of Park Slope with a guitar + harmonica + singing boys!

Much fun was had at our joyful reunion, most everyone is on their way home now & exhaustion is setting in.

happy long-weekend!

2009-05-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Some of the best guys in the world are here in bklyn visiting for the weekend. I have a feeling (based on much prior knowledge) that it's gonna be a wild one!

happy Memorial Day! xo.

*these are some of the boys' bikes about 2 summers ago...

another man's treasure!

2009-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Some of you may or may not know how garbage works in Brooklyn. There are no dumpsters or alleys so it goes on the side of the street (only on certain days of the week, of course). If you don't want a piece of furniture, old dishes, whatever, you just set it outside and some one is likely to scoop it up. This is how we came by our heavy wooden dresser, a great over-sized picture frame & other treasures. One time J found a stack of really awesome records on the street – our theory on that find was that someone's girlfriend must have been seeking revenge!

We found two 60s era Lady Baltimore pieces of luggage sitting out on the street a few weeks ago. They are beautiful and in mint condition. (no weird stains or smells are hard to come by in the vintage suitcase world!)

They are now home to my fabric & ribbon stash & all of our CD cases. I love Bklyn!

*ouch

2009-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

My pants got stuck in my chainring on my bike this morning. (yes, they were rolled up to avoid this...) The crossing guard for the school had to come over to rip my pants free because I was sorta trapped.

I'm totally fine, just some scraps and a bruised knee. O, and my pants are shredded now, I guess I'll have to turn them into shorts.

*Due to this morning's events I'm reconsidering any long-ish or flowing dresses/skirts + the bike for the summer (even though I'm not much of a short skirt girl.) This note from The Sartorialist, however, is encouraging.

Iron & Wine

2009-05-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

J got me Iron & Wine tickets for my birthday. The show was last night & it was so beautiful in a small theatre under the Williamsburg Bridge in Manhattan. He played this song last, (Trapeze Swinger) I had never heard it before but it made me weep.

They also gave us these beautiful letterpressed "commemorative tickets" so pretty!

Thanks J for an amazing night! xo!

Paris in the rain.

2009-05-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I listed Paris in the rain as one of the things that make me terribly happy. And with Wednesday's french-fetish that started to go too far I thought I would dig up a few pics of Paris (in the rain!)

Abbey (my partner in crime) & I went to the Rodin Sculpture Gardens & we haven't been the same since. It had a profound affect on Abbey especially who continues to talk with all sincerity about going on sabbatical in Santa Fe and learning to work in the medium. We practically wept while wondering though the rain & the larger-than-life bronze sculptures. I still can't look at the The Burghers of Calais (Les Bourgeois de Calais) with out getting choked up.

*Abbey, please don't kill me for including this pic of you... you let me walk around clutching your arm declaring that I was in love for the entire trip!

wrestling + typography

2009-05-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

pretty much the best thing I've seen all week.

*via seesaw designs.

a little hand lettering // French Milk

2009-05-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

Such a lovely book cover! I've been inspired by the simplicity of the hand drawn lettering and figure over the photograph for weeks. Nothing about it looks over-thought. & that blue just whispers french to me... Does light blue make anyone else think of France? I have a light blue dress & when I wear it I walk around feeling french! Like I drink fresh milk for breakfast eat lavender short-bread biscuits... (I think I'm taking this too far...)

*via A Cup of Jo

**More exciting content coming to A Paper City soon... I have projects a-brewin'!

a confession...

2009-05-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is my weakness. Especially on days like today when my fridge holds no fruit or things of quick, yummy, healthy nature & my lunch is a lame can of Amy's soup. I don't care what you say about Amy's other quick foods, some are quite good but her soups are lame, mushy & flavorless. (Obviously, we are over due for a trip to the COOP!)

So, what's a girl to do... lame lunch laking in flavor & texture with a bagel shop on the corner. Warm, toasted, cream cheese slathered (and I do mean slathered) goodness. I can't even wait to get back to the office before I tear into it getting scallion cream cheese all over myself.

It is important to note that this issue is severely compounded by the fact that I live in New York City.

it's here!

2009-05-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Guess what was waiting for me when I got home from work on Friday evening?! My yudu came in! (lucky me & lucky-clients-of-mine, I can't wait to use it on Annie & John's reception invites!) Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to use it this weekend. But we did catch the the Domino tag sale. It was quite picked over but we enjoyed the outing anyway.

I hope all of you Mommies out there had a relaxing Mother's Day! Have a beautiful Monday, darlings!

Marc Johns // illustrations

2009-05-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

oh man. Illustrations of 3 of my favorite things! (I don't think I even need to say anything else.)

*rad illustrations by Marc Johns.