Boats 'n BDays

In my "spare time," I design invites through my paper goods company, Bowtied Paper. For weddings, parties, birthdays, baby showers, high fives (just kidding, who needs a formal invite for those?!). 

Here's one I just did for an upcoming Palm Beach boat birthday party. Ahoy, matey!

-xo-

eb

Calligraphy Time for Bowtied Paper

On the side (and in all my spare time) I create custom wedding invitations under my side company, Bowtied Paper. While I've worked with a number of calligraphers in the past for invitations, I've always wanted to learn to master the art of calligraphy myself. 

So last week, I headed down to Boston Calligraphy where Liz Roessler teaches her "Lettering by Liz" course. You learn a little bit of history, the basics of how to hold the pen and posture, the tools and then are given two hours of blissful time to create and play. It was such a welcomed time to get away from creating on the computer. 

I'll be working on refining my craft so Bowtied Paper can reap all glories. 

If you're in Boston, you can take wonderful Liz's classes at her charming space in the North End. See her updated schedule here. 

Happy creating!

-xo-

eb

One of my favorite mottos, I saw this on a locket in NYC two years ago.

It's stuck with my ever since. Life is short and if you're not taking chances, you're not living.

I love naughty words in calligraphy. Definitely be prepared to see more :)

My life has been took a few major turns lately. Pretty big, life-changing turns. 

In these tough seas, I'm constantly remembering this...

Pittsburg Ain't the Pitts One Bits

I took a quick trip down to Pittsburgh for a work trip last week. We just landed a new client who's headquartered there. I have to say that I wasn't expecting much - but was incredibly and pleasantly surprised at the city. 

It's a very salt of the earth type of town; it's history is obviously built on old school industry - in 1911 it was producing half the nation's steel. This makes for some pretty beautiful architecture and creates an overall feel of Americana. Lots of interesting bridges dot the city skyline, it almost feels a little like Portland.

I was surprised how hip it is. There is a HUGE bicycle subculture. We stumbled upon a rad little bar that could have been plucked from the Mission. OTB Bicycle Café offers regional brews and burgers with peanut butter. Yay, that's a big thing around here. PB & Burgers. I've decided I'm a fan. Bikes and their parts decorate the entire place. I can't wait to go back. 

We caught a game at PNC Park. What a great ballpark. It faces downtown, the city buildings basically feels like they're spilling into the park. It'd be a great place to catch the 4th of July fireworks. 

The economy took it's toll on Pittsburgh, but it's proved to be a pick yourself up by the bootstrings type of town. It's now peppered with start ups taking advantage of inexpensive rent and a change of scenery. There's even a strongly supported rumor that Pitt is next on the list to receive an Ace Hotel. If that doesn't say hip, I don't know what is. 

All in all, I am now officially a fan. 

xo, 

eb

Beer me.

Arrrrrrrgh Matey - Go Pirates.

Sunny Steel.