Louella Court

Words...

{author: christina, senior designer}

...are beautiful.

Inspirational Letterpress Posters!

{ posted by Jen James, designer/illustrator }

Here at Two Paperdolls, we typically use our letterpress equipment to make flawless impressions using polymer plates. Polymer is amazing because it allows us to use an antiquated technology in a new way, bridging the gap between the days of movable lead type, and the needs of today's modern bride. It's also what makes it possible to show our clients so many custom design options before their project ever goes to print.

On the other end of the spectrum, printing with movable wooden type creates gritty textures that are "happy accidents," rather than planned design elements. Take a look at these lovely posters made by traditional printmakers that print the old-fangled way. These images were taken from artist Brad Vetter's portfolio site, and were printed at Hatch Show Print in Nashville, Tennessee. Also check out this informational video about letterpress and it's history. Of course there are other great traditional letterpress studios across the country, but this one holds a special place in my heart because they welcomed me for a six week internship last summer, letting me dive right in to 130 years of letterpress history.

Maybe our pressman Scott will let us shoot some footage of him printing up some invitations!

 

Look into my eyes.

{author: christina, senior designer}

Eyes are probably one of the most beautiful parts of the human body. An "entry way into ones soul" people say. I came across these images taken by photographer Suren Manvelyan this morning and was blown away. Other than the textbook explanation of how we see...I still have no understanding of why our peepers work they way that they do.

What I do know is that they are truly magnificent close up, like landscapes from another planet.

GRID

{author: whitney, web development/design}

I love sites that let their grid show. Some have a button to show it off and some have it right out in the open. This is a great site by an amazing designer!

Take a look!

{visit site}

a little introduction...

Fact: If I had to write a personal ad about myself, it would go something like this...

"Creative nerd seeks a young minded, old soul to stay up late and share a bowl of cracked green olives. You should be mindful and accepting of who I am and I will do the same for you. You must know: I am obsessed with spreadsheets and furniture that I can refinish. I love numbers like I love oatmeal and I am committed to photo documenting my life. I think cell phones are unnecessary and I heart sending snail mail. My flip flops are simply extensions of my feet and I want to metaphorically surf around the world - You in?"

Hi. I'm Brandi. The newest Paperdoll.

I am ecstatic to be a permanent part of the Two Paperdolls team as the VP of Finance + HR. Although my background is in corporate finance and payroll, I truly enjoy the balance of being an artist and a math nerd.  Come to think of it, your eyes have actually already met me. For most of 2010, I have been looming in the background peering my head out through my images...I have been the lens behind the product photography here at the dollhouse. These dolls can certainly turn an idea into some pretty astounding design delights!

Although I AM a math nerd - I also love being creative and last year, I began fusing my love of Philadelphia, my photography and my collection of abstract paintings. Take a look at what happened!

Make today great by simply doing your best. ~Brandi

Sculptor: Cal Lane

{ posted by Scott, the letterpress guy }

Cal Lane, a prestigious and very skilled sculptor. She works mainly in metal,
and her primary tool is a welding torch, which she uses to cut ordinary objects into pieces of art. 

 

 

   

 

 

 
 
 
 You can see more work on Cal Lane's website.

Hoot Hoot

{ posted by Nicole, director of sales }

Babies seem to be EVERYWHERE these days... Check out these "owl themed" Save the Date and shower invitations for Denise and Ryan's baby shower.  The colors are ANYTHING but traditional - and that is why we LOVE them!

The mom-to-be did wrote a little blog post about the day, check it out!

Not Your Typical Dusty Library

From the time I was young I have had an obsession with rust. As bizarre a thing this is to be obsessed with, I find it quite beautiful. The different color patterns it forms have always intrigued me and play a huge role in the color schemes of my personal art.

When my teacher Brian Dickerson heard of this fixation he told me I must check out photographer David Maisel's work called "Library of Dust." David traveled to what was known as the Oregon State Insane Asylum and hit the mother load of subject matter. It was here he found the "Library of Dust". In this room he found approximately 3,500 copper canisters that hold the cremated remains of patients spanning a time frame of about 90 years. Each canister has patina'd in its own unique way while the remains react with the copper. Each different and telling its own story.

I find this collection ghostly but leaves me strangely at peace. Take a look at some of the images he caught!

Utterly Cute!

I would love to pack my lunch in these adorable lunch bags! They are re insulated so they'll keep your food and drinks cold. BPA-Free, and cute animal faces that will make you want to pack your lunch!

Skinny Ships

 

One of my favorite illustrator/designers is Richard Perez, who goes by the moniker Skinny Ships. His type-based illustrations are so much fun, but really show restraint and aren't over-done. Maybe it's the outrageous slab serifs or the gritty texture in the backgrounds...whatever he does, I like it. Here is a peek at some of my favorite of his drawings, but check out his flickr page to see more!

     

  All photos from Richard's website