Inspiration for The Birch Collection

Yesterday PRINTLine released the first few products from The Birch Collection. I'm not quite sure what sparked the idea for these designs, we don't have any birch trees here in Brazil, but there is just something about the tall, straight trees with their signature marks that is so pleasing to the eye. I had in mind a fall/winter wedding with cool silver and rich red colors.

I am also loving the color grey and how it combines so naturally with other colors, and has such a cool feeling about it. A very different property than working with a warmer color such as brown. As I worked with the tall lines and thin branches I introduced some other elements from nature, a simple bird shape and heart shaped leaves. With the complexity of a birch tree pattern you don't really need too much other "stuff" in the picture. 

It always amazes me how colors work together and how changing one color can have a dramatic impact on the whole image. While I created this collection using greys and maroon/red tones I am making it available on Etsy with 6 different color combinations - orange, pink, purple, blue, green, and the original red scheme. Just for comparison's sake - look at these two examples of our Birch Wedding invitation in two different colors - a totally different feeling in each one.

So far this collection includes a Save the Date announcement, a Wedding invitation, an RSVP card and matching Envelope Wrapper. Coming soon are some decorative circles and tent cards to use at the main event. 

Here's a peek at the collection so far:

Of course, these designs can be adapted to any sort of event. We are always happy to work with you to create the perfect product for any occasion. 

The First PRINTLine Party

We are very excited to share some photos of our PRINTLine products in use. The Bee Collection - Baby Boy debuted at a Baby Shower, held in São Paulo, Brazil, so many of the products were customized in Portuguese.

Without further ado:

The welcome station at the entrance with a view to the room. 

The table was set up with note cards to leave a message for the

parents-to-be, a box for cash gifts (the couple is moving to another country

so they couldn't accept a lot of big gifts) and a place to enter for a door prize.

Tables were covered in blue and brown paper, topped with a

centerpiece with a blue or brown bee and using our decorative 2" circles.

Shown here is "k" for Kevin - the baby boy to be born in a few months.

Our "It's a boy" Banner - using the name only. A darling little crib adorned
with blue and brown blankets and stuffed toys added a sweet touch.  

All the goodies, labeled with our tent cards and decorative 2" circles.

A few of the decorative 2" circles were further customized as labels. 

Cupcakes with toppers crafted with lollipop sticks and blue and brown cardstock for the backs. 

A blue and brown garland that was hand-made from styrofoam balls took the colors from the printed decorations. 

Some details - decorative circles used on a glass vase with rocks,
stone and which branches - and a tent card labeling the drinks table.

Our DIY Printable decorations were easily matched with available staple party decorations - table coverings, blue and brown striped crepe paper and glass vases. They also used rocks, stones, white branches and flowers to complete the decorations. 

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into some of the ways PRINTLine products can be used. 

What's in a name?

When I first decided to open a shop on Etsy to sell my designs, I was thinking about all the celebrating we do in our lives; births and birthdays, holidays, marriages and anniversaries and other professional and personal milestones. I thought about how we mark time and look forward to hitting some of those often life-changing events; becoming a teenager, graduating, getting married, growing our families, fulfilling personal goals, as well as celebrating the achievements of others.

When I was in boarding school, we would often cross off the days in our school planners as they passed by, looking forward to the end of term. In University I would do the same thing, anticipating the end of classes and a change of routine. As my wedding approached, the dates on the calendar were crossed off, bringing each day closer to that red heart marked on June 11. A few years later, I felt as though I had a few too many days to wait for the late arrival of my first son.  

Other lines we draw to mark time are less permanent - especially those lines in the sand that have our hubby rolling his eyes at our sentimental notions...

But what does all this have to do with PRINTLine? Well, our products are designed to help you mark those special occasions with fresh, creative and inspiring designs that you can personalize and print from home. Taking the time in the small details helps commemorate those occasions in a way that will last a lot longer than a discarded calendar or lines in the sand. We hope our products will help you celebrate and remember those occasions long after they are over.

The next time you have a special date to circle on your calendar, come on over to PRINTLine!