The National Stationery Show is just 2 weeks away! There is still so much to do in a short amount of time, but I thought I’d share a little sneak peek at our pre-show mailer that was sent out last week. Our retailers (and hopefully future retailers!) received a navy felt pennant, screen printed with our booth number, as well as a letterpress printed card with all the important details. It included little ditties about how B&U is a finalist in the Rising Star category of the Louie Awards (think Oscars for the greeting card world!) We were also finalists in 3 categories of Best New Product in 2012 and 2013. Check back after the show to see if we won… as well as releases of all the amazing new product.

Instagram photos via Kohli Flick of Trohv, Gus & Ruby Letterpress, Oh So Beautiful Paper, and Shindig Paperie.

“You’re a Rare Bird” seems like the perfect sentiment for the mom in your life… or even that special someone that you just want to know you’re thinking about how wonderful they are. Nothing sounds more like dad than “Handier than a Pocket on a Shirt”, as they always seem to be tinkering away and fixing something. “Smarter than a Tree Full of Owls” is the snug fit for the new graduate, all the way from kindergarten to college.

We are also excited to announce a few new colors that will be making their debut at the show in May. Please note the new green will be replacing our previously used pea green color. We just think this one is so much more cheerful… a perfect happy green for our happy campers and more!

Be on the look out for all the new goods, with our mom, dad, and grad cards available March 15, and the new wares for NSS rolling out starting in late April. Thank y’all!

New year, new website! I am beyond excited to be able to share what I have been working on so hard for the last six months with my oh-so-patient programmer (and former professor!), Devin O’Bryan of O’Quarry Interactive. This site has been a labor of love and it feels wonderful to be able to finally share it… and all of the goodies within including my collection launched back in May at the National Stationery Show. I hope to add an online shopping function later in the fall, but for now head on over to the stores page to see where you can pick up some Belle & Union writings, wrappings, and wares. So take your boots off and pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and enjoy the Southern goodness.

But I have to interrupt the silence for some very exciting news! Belle & Union was named a finalist in the Martha Stewart American Made Awards. The voting opened yesterday… and is ongoing through September 27th. You can vote once per day… and we would just be tickled pink if you would!

http://americanmade.marthastewart.com/profiles/meg-sutton-1247

Belle & Union Co. is a labor of love, a union of many things… first and foremost being my husband and I. Josh hails from north of the Mason-Dixon line, and I am a Southern gal to my core. The quaint city of Savannah brought us together, but we always hold strong to our respective roots. He is the master pressman and I am the chip weasel behind the computer, or doodling at my desk. Together we bring you writings, wrappings and wares with charm… a medley of goods brimming with old-fashioned American wit and wisdom.

Introducing the Belle & Union Co. twenty twelve collection, consisting of 32 letter pressed greeting cards, boxed notes, jotters, notepads, recipe cards, screen printed tea towels and gift wrap. Retailers, come visit us at the National Stationery Show at the Jacob K Javits Center in New York City, Booth #1753.

I have to say thank you to my patient and understanding friends and family, especially my three ducks, for hanging in there through the late nights, tears and countless revisions. Josh, we’ve come a long way with this little idea of mine… from skepticism to pure unconditional love and support. I miss you so much and wish you could be here to share all of this with me. Mom, you may still not understand the crazy ideas I talk about, but thanks for always being willing to listen, and help me figure out how to make things happen even when part of me has lost hope. Liz, I don’t think there are enough words for me to say thank you for all the pointing, clapping and quacking… but most of all for introducing me to this special place in the design world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Photography by Mary Britton Senseney.

The theme was a picnic wedding with hot air balloon accents… set in a picturesque backyard along the water. I wanted the stationery to feel light-hearted and reflect the picnic vibe, and incorporated custom patterns that were reminiscent of picnic blankets. The response cards were particularly fun, as they would allow the guests to participate by coloring in the balloon that matched their response. Custom game coasters add to the low key vibe, and encourage guest interaction with one another. Look for another Lovely Day inspiration shoot in the next issue of Savannah Weddings, releasing February 1.

Photography by Jade + Matthew Take Pictures. Styling by Elizabeth Demos.

The logo is based on the idea of a swirl of frosting, something every good dessert needs. Because Melanger means to mix or blend, we used the whisk as an icon. Cupcake liners make a sweet pattern and background for hand rendered drawings of all the goodies that she offers. In order to help save on cost, we created a system of labels and tags where she can use custom stamps to denote the product being contained. Below are a few photos of the branding and packaging.

Melanger is based in Houston, Texas and is available for homemade baked goodies as well as dessert bar styling for your next event. For more info, visit here.