Fontastic Birthday Invitations!

I treated myself to a couple of fonts recently and I couldn't wait to put them to good use, especially my new cursive fonts. Ever since I began practicing my hand-lettering, I've been more drawn to calligraphy style fonts, such as Bulgary by Artimasa.

I have a pretty hefty font wish-list, but after seeing the many different looks you can achieve with Bulgaria by using the glyphs palette in Illustrator (as seen in the image below), buying this one was an easy choice. It's clean, legible, fun and sophisticated at the same time - not an easy combination of characteristics to achieve, so hats off to the designer for a job well done and font well designed!

And thanks to all the amazing font designers out there! You guys make our job as graphic designers MUCH easier by providing us with the tools that allow us to shine in our craft.

~ Dio
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Under the Sea Fill-In-The-Blank Invitations

Introducing the latest addition to my line of printable stationery, under the sea invitations - just in time for your upcoming summer parties! I'll soon add a template of this design to my Zazzle shop where you'll be able to customize them on-screen and purchase them already printed. Until then, you can print as many as you need for one low price, when you purchase this print-at-home PDF download from my website. The invitations measure 5"x7" and fit perfectly into A7 (5.25"x7.25") envelopes.

~ Dio
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Paper Coasters: Kokeshi, Hand Lettered, Doodle Art

Zazzle had a 30% offer on paper coasters that I just couldn't pass up, especially since I recently created a few using some of my latest designs. So I used the coupon code to place an order and check out the quality, and you know what? Zazzle never disappoints! I absolutely love the way they printed! The colors are very rich, and though I've seen thicker coasters, these are still pretty sturdy and slightly larger than others carried at popular dining establishments and bars.

I especially like how the ink sparkles a bit when the sun hits it a certain way. You can kinda get a glimpse of it when looking at the blue coaster in the picture above. I'm so happy with them, that from now on, I"m going to make sure I include coasters on all my special events stationery collections.

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Ballerina Invitations

Finally had a chance to make some stationery out of the ballerina illustration I created a few months ago! So far I've added stickers, note cards, greeting cards and this customizable ballet recital invitation that can be turned into a birthday party or baby shower invitation just by changing out the wording.

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"Pool Time!" Birthday Invitations

Thanks for stopping by again. Even though I haven't had much of a chance to update the blog lately, I have added some new items to the shop, such as this "Pool Time!" Birthday Invitation.  I took the day off on Friday and treated myself to a Spa Day with a friend. It did wonders for my mood and creativity!  I'll be sharing more latest work soon.

Have a wonderful week!


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Hassle-free DIY Cupcake Flags

So you're a "do-it-yourself" kinda gal who wants to make cupcake flags for an upcoming event BUT you don't want to use the last of the ink on your printer (it's expensive), and you don't want to make a special trip to the craft store to buy double-sided tape, glue sticks or an entire ream of paper. You're also having trouble with that printable file you downloaded from the internet. Don't worry! In this tutorial, I will teach you...

How to make food flags using only 3 items: 
Scissors  |   Toothpicks  |   Bumper Stickers

Yes, you read correctly, bumper stickers.

Instructions
1. Browse my collection of "bumper stickers" at PaisleyInParis.com and make your selection. Each sticker yields 22 food flags. Orders usually ship within 24 hours.

2. When they arrive, cut into strips along the pre-printed trim lines.

3. Fold the strips in half.

4. Peel the stickers, place the toothpick in the center of the crease, close and viola!

Optional: You can cut out a small triangle from the edge of the flags, or keep the straight edge.  They look cute either way. Use them on cheese platters, fruit salads, and cupcakes. These food/cupcake flags are also water resistant, so they won't tear or smudge during the party.

Speaking of fruit, please excuse me while I enjoy a bowl of freshly sliced oranges. Oh, but wait...

Can't have my oranges without Tajin fruit seasoning. Try it - you'll love it too!


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"El Chavo del Ocho" Birthday Cake

My amazingly talented high school BFF made this fabulous fondant cake last weekend for a kid's birthday party. If you grew up in, or around, a Latino community you'll quickly recognize this face from the popular Mexican sitcom "El Chavo del 8" (chavo means kid in Spanish). All the children in the show were played by adults, and Chavo (shown below) was the main character, a mischievous 8 year old orphan, who frequently hid in a barrel that sat in the patio of the apartment complex they lived in. The show featured family-oriented humor, depicting odd and funny situations the neighborhood kids got themselves into.

About my friend, now. She's been saying for the past year or so that she won't be baking anymore. "It's too much work" "I love it, but I don't like washing the dishes when I'm done" and "This is the last one..." Thank goodness she only says that in between gigs. Ha, ha! She's self-taught and so very talented. It would be sin a to keep all that talent to herself, right?


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Monster Bash Invitations

New at PaisleyInParis.com,  a new variation to my Monster Bash invitations.

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Calling all Little Monsters - It's a Monster Bash!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I got some much needed rest and had some time to add a new design to my shop. See the invitation below? Not only was it inspired by all the little monsters in my family, but my design will also be part of my nephew's birthday party decor next month. You know what that means? Banner, cupcake toppers, door sign, labels, postage and more monster stationery fun coming up - yay!

Have a great week - filled with monstrous fun!

Elmo and Cookie Monster birthday cakes

My high school BFF is so talented. She baked and decorated these cakes for her nephew's birthday this weekend. They were yummy too!

Hmmm...wait a minute. Ha! The little cupcakes look like the ghosts from the Pac Man video games, don't they? Hee, hee.
You know what would have completed the party decor? These Sesame Street party hats I found on Etsy a while back. All too cute!
 
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Custom Water Bottle Wrappers

I’m very excited to inform you that I’m creating water bottle wrap-around labels for all my current stationery sets! The process will take me a few weeks, but eventually every invitation suite in my shop will have coordinating water bottle wrappers to complete your party décor!

Once purchased, your wrappers will arrive printed four per page. Simply cut around the edges and secure onto your water bottles with tape or a glue stick.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL DYI water bottle wrapper labels currently available at PaisleyInParis.com

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Crab Birthday Invitations in Nautical Colors

So happy to see that my little Red Crab Birthday Invitations have started selling this week. You know what that means; beach theme birthday parties are just around the corner – yay! ~ I’ll be posting a printable banner in my Etsy shop soon, in the meantime, you can view the entire collection here, complete with address labels, thank you cards and more.

 
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Invitations for a Safari, Zoo or Jungle party

Taking break from all the packing to absorb some creativity from fellow stationery designers. Today I came across a couple of cute invitations that can be customized for any Zoo, Safari or Jungle party theme. The bright colors of the card shown above really caught my attention. I like the square shape, which I feel really adds to the overall contemporary feel. My favorite part is that the text is on the back side, so anyone can frame this invitation and instantly create a bright and cheery piece of wall decor for any kids bedroom or play room! Great job to the designer over at the Peacock Cards* zazzle store.

Next below, is a cute little invitation by Little Bees Graphics*. This invite would be great for Safari or Jungle party theme as well!

The invite is set up as a Baby Shower invitation on her store, but if you click on the "customize it" button, you can change the text to fit your needs and customize for a birthday party.

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*Please see affiliate links disclosure on right panel.

Featured Invitations & Stationery Designers

If you can't find what you need at PaisleyInParis.com, there are several other fabulous stores to chose from within the Zazzle community! I've listed below a few of my favorite stores to browse, powered by highly creative and talented artists. Check back often, as I will continue adding to the list as I come across these little shops that stand out from the rest with their unique flair and fresh inventory.




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Sailboat Invitations

New in the shop, the Sailboat Collection! As simple as it may look can you believe it took me about 2 hours to draw that little thing? It would have been faster had I drawn it in Illustrator, but I really felt like drawing free-hand and using my color pencils. After several drafts and different color combinations, this is the one I liked best, so I scanned it in and created lots of goodies just for you! View the entire Sailboat Collection in my shop at PaisleyInParis.com

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Dinosaur Birthday Invitations

I spent a little time doodling this week, coloring things with my glitter pens that I love so much. I then scanned several of my illustrations to create a variety of stationery items now available in my stationery boutique at PaisleyInParis.com. Among my latest creations is this Dinosaur Birthday Party Invitation. Matching postage and cupcake toppers also available!

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Pink Whale Birthday Party Invitations

Summer is just around the corner and so are the pool parties and barbecues!
If you're planning and under the sea or beach theme party, these adorable pink whale invitations might be what you need. Click here to view all the matching items.


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Lion Birthday Invitations - Great for a Safari theme!

Hi there! Well, as you may already know, I'm a full-time working mom with a stationery business on the side. We're in the middle of "Season Madness" at work, which has left me with very little time for blogging lately. It's been fun, though. Lots of special events coming up, amongst them, a Theatre Ball that I will be attending next weekend. I've never been to a ball before, so it'll be fun to play dress-up, enjoy a work-date with the hubby and the most rewarding part of all, we'll get to see the fruits of our labor. So excited!
On another note, with spring around the corner, I thought I'd introduce you to my Lion stationery, perfect for those Safari themed birthday parties. Shown above are the invitations, matching stickers and postage, but there are a few other items available in the shop. From magnet favors to address labels and more. Let the fun begin with roar!

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Lollipop Birthday Party Invitations for Girls

A couple of days ago I wore some very uncomfortable shoes to work, so rather than getting up to walk around for a bit during my break time, I decided to stay in my office and doodle. I had been doing a lot of clerical work most of day so I took out my color pencils and markers with a mission to do something creative. Within 5 minutes this little doodle of a girl holding a lollipop was born. I thought it turned out pretty cute, so I scanned it and created Birthday Party Invitations, stickers, and an iPhone phone cover case amongst other items. View the entire lollipop collection in shop at PaisleyInParis.com


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Totally 80s Birthday Party Invitations

So excited for my sister's 80's theme birthday party! Every time I hear an 80's song, it takes me back to my childhood/early teens and the memories bring a smile to my face. Those were some fun times and funky fashions! Speaking of which, I'm going to start looking for the perfect outfit in the next couple of days. Hopefully I can borrow my step-daughter's hair crimper to complete the look. You know I'm going to be taking lots of pictures of this party! ~ If you're planning an 80's bash as well, check out these 80's Birthday Party Invitation I added to my shop. They're fun, colorful, and totally 80's! A great way to begin the fun and inspire your guests.

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