Printing Workshops at SFCB

Interested in learning about letterpress? Want to try your hand at printing on a vintage Vandercook press? The San Francisco Center for the Book is the best place to start. Their talented team has come up with a great lineup of 2013 workshops and they are available for registry now! As owners of a Vandercook and letterpress lovers, we know how fun it is to crank your own prints.

Visit the SFCB online for a list of workshops, or stop by their NEW location at 375 Rhode Island Street (between 16th and 17th Streets) in San Francisco.

New! Save the Date Magnets!

Announcing! A brand new addition to the Hello!Lucky family. Now you can get all your favorite save the date cards (and some new designs!) printed on a magnet! We've had lots of people request magnet save the dates in the past, and it's been a work in progress, but we're delighted to finally have them available on our website. Our latest photo save the dates come with a yearly calendar to serve as a reminder for the event to come. (Shown above, Banner year 2013)

Just visit hellolucky.com, and under the wedding invitations tab click "save the dates." Scroll all the way to the bottom and there you will find all our most popular cards in magnet form!

Shop all our save the dates here!

Local Love: Photobooth SF

 Photobooth SF is a Tintype Polaroid-style studio located on Valencia Street here in San Francisco, offering beautiful vintage-looking photography. It's obvious we're big fans of anything vintage, so we fell in love with the idea immediately. It's nice to see something new and different pop up on the photography scene!

Aren't these moody photobooth images of our staff fabulous? They were taken by Photobooth SF at the Contemporary Jewish Museum last month for the Rit Lab event. For the event we brought stacks of letterpress prints and accessories to make one-of-a-kind photo frames and these images were the perfect addition.

You can book your sessions with Photobooth SF here or pop in their studio located in San Francisco's Mission district.

Photobooth SF 1193 Valencia Street @ 23rd. San Francisco, CA 94110 Open: Wed- Th 1-8, Fri – Sun 1-9 www.photoboothsf.com

Featured: Harper's Bazaar Arabia Bride

Do you remember this exquisite English countryside wedding of Lisa and Rory? It was recently featured (with a huge spread!) in Harper's Bazaar Arabia Bride with pages full of gorgeous photos, insider information, and all the classic details that made the event so memorable. We had loads of fun working with the charming couple, and are over the moon about the great publicity their wedding has received. Congrats Lisa and Rory!

New! Monthly Card Subscriptions!

To ring in the new year we are thrilled to announce our new monthly card subscriptions! It's easier than ever to write letters to friends and family and now you can get your favorite cards without lifting a finger. All you need to do is visit our subscription page, select how many months you'd like to receive three pre-stamped letterpress cards, and watch them arrive in your mailbox for only $12 dollars a month! The cards are all new or best-selling so you'll always be surprised. These subscriptions make great gifts for those who love to send hand-written notes, too. Order online today!

*Note this is only available in the US and UK.

Local Love: Tantrum

This year we're starting a new feature on the blog showcasing some of our favorite local shops, eateries, and spots in both San Francisco and London. We're kicking off with a unique vintage shop in Cole Valley called Tantrum. From the moment we first saw the circus themed window display and sign, to the precious stop-motion video of their shop, it's definitely a new favorite. Tantrum, located on 858 Cole Street, has a sweet collection of mid-century and vintage items for kids of all ages.

They not only carry awesome kids stuff, but one-of-a-kind housewares for moms and dads too! We're really digging all the rich colors in this photo.

We fell in love with them once we saw the sneak peek on Modern Kiddo, then when we saw co-owners Amanda and Michelle in these vintage get-ups and it kept getting better. They gave a fabulous Q & A and we can't wait to get our hands on some of their goodies.

Check out this stop-motion video of the space!

 

Tantrum from Paul Trillo on Vimeo.

They must have such a good time working together. Check out Tantrum at 858 Cole Street in San Francisco!

Welcome 2013!

After the holidays wind down and we return to our regular routine, we welcome 2013 with open arms. There are many events to look forward to this year, many resolutions to keep and many achievements to reach. As we look forward we always like to start off right with an organized, refreshed state of mind. We picked a few of our favorite 2013 wall and desk calendars from around the web to share with all of you. We're noticing a geometric theme in our calendars so expect to see a new trend! Happy New Year!

1. Linda and Harriett Quilt Calendar 2. Kin of Kin Lunar Calendar 3. Darling Clementine Harvest Calendar 4. Frankie Press Calendar 5. Julia Kostreva Prisms Calendar 6. Leah Duncan Shapes Calendar

Real Wedding: Anna and Andrew

This dream DIY wedding takes homemade details to a whole new level. Anna and Andrew, both creative (and both musicians!), wanted to incorporate rich jewel tones and patterns into their Madison, Wisconsin wedding. With the help of some talented artists and some playful ideas, their save the dates and invitations were adorable and personal. Our Baroque Frame save the date card was the perfect amount of whimsy, and paired with a custom portrait by Ashley Goldberg it set the tone for the big event.

It's easy to customize our Big Day invitation! Anna and Andrew loved their custom portrait so much, they asked a friend to design the illustrations for their wedding suite. We love the initials inside the heart, and their bold red color palette.

All the floral bridesmaids dresses were customized to each lady, too. Each one was hand-picked by Soho Mode and matched the decor perfectly.

Even our Big Day programs were paired with a handmade ribbon baton!

They really went above and beyond with their decor. It's colorful, lively, and looks like a grand ol' time.

And what's a wedding for musicians without a little jam session?! The couple performed for the first time as husband and wife in front of family and friends and it was a great success.

Congratulations Anna and Andrew! For more photos, head over to Green Wedding Shoes!

Photos by Anda Marie Photography

Cloud Parade Launch

We hope everyone had a nice holiday! Though there's still plenty of celebrating to be done with 2013 fast approaching, we're taking a moment to welcome a brilliant new resource for brides! Cloud Parade is an online site dedicated to all things wedding. Fabulous vendors from all around are setting up shop to help make planning your wedding a cinch. You can create Clouds with certain themes or products you love, share with friends and family, and purchase every item all from one place! It's any bride or grooms dream.

As you can see above their site is quite charming, and extremely easy to navigate. You can browse by color, category, style, and even search your favorite vendors by name. Having a destination wedding with a teal color theme? You're in the right place. We're delighted to have our own shop at Cloud Parade, packed with our printable invitations and wedding thank you cards.

Cloud Parade from Cloud Parade on Vimeo.

They released an adorable promo video with all the information one could need to get started. We love anyone that can make wedding planning this easy! Visit Cloud Parade here and start your own free account now!

Real Wedding: Caitlin and Timothy

Caitlin and Timothy's sunny Palo Alto wedding has us dreaming of summer time all over again. With lots of golden yellow details and an elegant outdoor reception, it's warm and inviting and oh so romantic. Caitlin and Timm started out by sending guests these Heartland save the date cards. And who says you have to keep with the same card? They switched things up with a custom icon in our Big Day invitation suite.

We customized the invitation with a mason jar holding two yellow California poppies. The theme carries out throughout their wedding day, even into their homemade favors!

The gorgeous florals were done by Amy Burke Designs, and we love the darker orange pops of color.

It was love at first sight with this ceremony venue. The Stanford Memorial Church just glowed among the guests.

And how darling are these homemade favors? The California poppies made another appearance on the labels of each jar. We're dying for a taste!

Congratulations Caitlin and Timm! For more lovely photos, head over to Lori Paladino Photography!

Photos by Lori Paladino Photography

Wedding Design & Planning - Elisheva Basseri of A Bride's Best Friend www.a-brides-best-friend.com Venue - Villa Montalvo http://www.montalvoarts.org/rentals/weddings/ & Stanford Memorial Church Music - Ron Grandia www.rongrandia.com Hair & Makeup - Joey Chueng of JBeautique http://www.jbeautique.com/ Flowers - Amy Burke of Amy Burke Designs http://amyburkedesigns.com/ Rentals - Classic Party Rentals http://sanfrancisco.classicpartyrentals.com/ and La Tavola Linen www.latavolalinen.com Transportation - Lone Star Limousine http://www.lnstarlimo.com Caterer:  Melons Catering Dress Store:  Priscilla of Boston Shoes:  Valentino

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Last week Sabrina took her three boys to go visit Santa in Union Square. The city is so festive and cheery this time of year, so it's always a must to go see all the new decorations. Of course with Santa in the agenda, the twins were definitely on board. They stopped inside the Westin Saint Francis to get a view of the square. That tree was enormous! And with a birds eye view of the festivities below,  Alex and James were starry eyed with excitement.

Inside the Westin was a beautiful tree so they stopped to scope out the ornaments and pick a favorite. But the real favorite was their visit with Santa. We think William will definitely grow to be a calm, cool, and collected little dude, since he's the only one posing for the photo! No matter the photo, it's always the memories we keep forever. Thanks to Macy's Santaland!

Hello!Lucky Employee Wish Lists

Our final group of employee wish lists come from H!L friends near and far. Iain and Hamad always send festive gifts to our San Francisco team, and Sabrina is always sure to send an extra holiday surprise to the two based in London. They're all wishing big this year!

Iain's ideal wish list items include quite a fabulous investment. He's dreaming of his holiday in a new home in Northern Italy, some furry friends to keep him company, and some cozy accessories in the winter months. Sounds dreamy!

1. Italian Castle 2. Irish Wolfhounds 3. Alpaca Bed Socks

Hamad is also dreaming of traveling the world and bringing along some essentials for the trip. We might have to join him on his journey to the most beautiful places on the globe.

1. A trip (first class) around the world 2. Tom Ford Fragrance 3. Smythson Soho Diary

Sabrina is wishing bright this year! Her colorful top three include some cozy accessories for hanging around home with her kids. She has great taste for bright colors and bold patterns so her wish list items definitely compliment her style.

1. Leon Baking & Desserts 2. J.Crew Liberty Pajamas 3. Erin Flett Cushions

Hello!Lucky Employee Wish Lists

This second to last wish list comes from H!L employees Laura, Leslie, and Lyndsey. If you haven't noticed by now, we have 5 "L" names in the same office space, but these lovely ladies each have their own charm.

Laura has been a huge help to us this past summer and holiday season. She has an infectious laugh and we adore her sense of humor. Her wish list items definitely suit her lively personality, and we want to come along for the ride!

1. Sidecar Motorcycle (to fit her dog Buzz!) 2. Free People Hat 3. Cricket Trailer

Leslie's love for Santa Barbara must have influenced her top three this year. She's always willing to dish out great recipes and has excellent taste. Her wish list items are big and small, and we really do want them all!

1. Handmade Bread Board 2. Crème de Violette 3. A Yurt in Santa Barbara

Lyndsey is wishing in white this year. Her top three items will keep her company - and keep her cozy - with a little bling to highlight her bright style and hilarious personality.

1. American Bull Dog Mix 2. Bow Ring 3. Cashmere Knit Throw

Happy holidays to all! We hope you get everything you wished for this year!

Real Wedding: Sarah and Mike

Sarah and Mike came prepared when planning their wedding. It's clear the lovely venue in Petaluma struck a chord for their decor, and especially their stationery. Designed with natural color palette and hints of purples and blues, their big day tied together seamlessly. Plus, they were a dream to work with.

The couple chose our Tuscany save the date card to set the tone for the outdoor event, and Sparrows for their wedding invitations. On the back of the particulars card we printed a gorgeous image of the venue, the Chileno Valley Ranch, painted by the bride's aunt.

For their day-of stationery, our Sparrows menu card accompanied each table setting. We love how they incorporated live flowers and plants into almost every detail.

Congratulations Sarah and Mike!

Photos by Zoom Photography

Hello!Lucky Employee Wish Lists

Our next group of employees dishing their top three holiday gifts is Lia, Anna, and Holly. Each of these ladies embrace their crafty side while constantly updating their personal wardrobe. With style, leisure, and decor in check, each of these wish list items are want-worthy this year.

Lia's weekend roadtrip inspired wish list captures her timeless taste, and her eye for perfect plaid. We can picture her hopping a train for a winter vacation sporting all her new gifts in style.

1. Orvis Satchel 2. Jack Wills Fairstorm Blazer 3. Nancy Mitford Highland Fling

Anna is constantly seeking out items for their beauty and function. With her wish list items wrapped up she'll be organized and stylish - at home and about.

1. Illesteva Leonard II Safari Shades 2. Lucite Tape Dispenser 3. Chestnut Paper Origami Lampshade

Holly is a daily traveler from the East Bay into the city and all around, but she manages to still keep things chic. Her wish list items would make travel a breeze - including a dream trip to Tahiti for some sunshine!

1. Bryna Willow Clutch 2. Pendleton Painted Hills Umbrella 3. Trip to Tahiti

More employee wish lists to come!

Seasonal and New Year's Cards

Didn't get a chance to send holiday cards yet? There's no need to worry! Seasonal cards and New Years cards are the perfect way to send friends and family some holiday cheer, and there's no deadline! Lots of our cards were made to mail at any time - so even after Christmas has passed you can still strike those holiday cards off your to-do list.

Some are old, some are new. Some are pink, and some are blue! We've got cards in every style and for every taste.

Shop all phoho New Year's cards here, and letterpress holiday cards here. Enter code LUCKY2012 at checkout for 15% off your order of holiday photo cards through 1/6/13.

Shown above: Good Cheer Amazing New Year, New Year's Eve Parade, Happy New Year

Photographs by Edyta Szyszlo

Hello!Lucky Employee Wish Lists

The gentlemen that work in our studio all have their own interests and style, so we're extra excited to bring their wish lists to the blog today! James, Jon, and Stewey were sure to include their big ticket items - even a car made the cut! Check out their must haves below.

The holiday spirit knows no limit, so when we asked printer James what he was hoping for, he didn't hesitate. His top three items are unique but definitely suit his vintage-loving personality.

1. Subscription to Sausage of the Month Club 2. Sliver Canoe 3. 1964 Ford Ranchero

Jonathan is known for his love of beer - and his home brew skills never disappoint - so we weren't surprised that his wish list items include his favorite brewers publications! Plus, he threw in some practical printers accessories for keeping things clean around the studio.

1. For the Love of Hops 2. Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation 3. General Tools Pocket Protector

Stewey's mid-western roots have prepared him for any cold winter weather, and he'll need to bundle up when he heads home for the holidays! His wish list items are classic, practical, and will help keep him warm/attentive during the cold, dreary days.

1. Everlane Essential Belt 2. Starbucks Verismo Brewer 3. Everlane Scottish Scarf

Stay tuned for more H!L Employee Wish Lists this week!

DIY Neon Ornament Wall Decals

Christmas is literally almost here but there's still time to spread some cheer around your home! We're big fans of decorating with items already found around the house, and since we're paper geeks, this DIY is dear to our hearts. Looking back at 2012 it was definitely the year of neon. Remember the boys' second birthday party? And our new neon kids birthday party invitations? We thought we'd spend one last time this year indulging in our neon fix before another fabulous trend comes in 2013. These DIY neon ornament wall decals were inspired the hot air balloon decals made by Gosh and Golly shown in Sabrina's nursery. Full instructions below!

Materials:

Neon Paper, Silver Paper, Mug & pencil - or circle-cutter, Scissors, Glue stick, Silver wire or ornament hooks, Hot Glue + Gun, Glue dots or sticky-tac

How To:

Step 1. Trace your circles onto sheets of colored paper and cut out with scissors. This part takes patience, unless you have a handy circle cutter at home. They come in all sizes, but 4" is a happy medium. As long as your circles are all the same size it will work.

Step 2. Choose three colored circles and fold them in half.

Step 3. Glue the back of both sides of the center circle, then adhere to one side of the other two.

Step 4. Cut your silver paper into three 1" x .5" strips. Fold in half (hamburger style!) and glue one half of the back (hotdog style!) Then place at the top end of each of your folded circles.

Step 5. Cut your wire into 3" strips and fold the top .5" over with your finger. Or, if you have spare ornament hooks lying around, you can use those just as well. Place a small dab of hot glue on the back (flat side) of your paper ornament and set the flat end of the wire in place.

Step 6. When you're ready to display, place a dab of sticky-tac or a small glue dot on the back and you're done! Be careful when you remove the wall decals that you do not remove too quickly. With glue dots you can slowly peel of and rub the excess off with a finger, or twist to remove. Sticky-tac is probably more gentle on paint but the decals might not stay in place as long.

Happy crafting and Happy Holidays!