Rejuvenated

In case you didn't notice, I have been gone to far away places with my two favorite boys. Well, not really too far, but it was far enough for us. We took a short trip over to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for the entire week - a much deserved first official family vacation. It is always nice to get away, recharge, ponder new ideas and rest up for a fresh start. This trip has timed nicely as I am finishing off a busy summer with Rhett, attending Stationery Academy and wrapping up details for a busy fall wedding season. 

After leaving Stationery Academy, I felt invigorated to take my business to the next level. I'm toying around with so many ideas and just trying to fine tune the direction. First up will be creating a whole new blog full of fresh ideas, inspirations, spotlights on my favorite work and stylish snippets from my day-to-day life. Next up, only time will tell. From an online store of luxury personalized paper & gift goodness to hosting cocktail party design sessions at our local paper shop, the ideas of flowing! I would love to know if there is anything you would love to see for my custom paper & branding company EMMA J DESIGN, everyday paper line TWIST PAPER or just me! Drop me a note emily@emmajdesign.com - I love to see client's ideas come to life. 

More dazzling things to come - stay tuned.

Invitation Etiquette

Over the years, I have assisted party hostesses, brides and wedding planners with invitation etiquette and wording. In order to spread the word about invitation etiquette, I have created this handy guide to wording, dos and don'ts. Feel free to share, pin or study for your next event!

Custom invitations are available through EMMA J DESIGN.

INSPIRED: Invitation Designs for Twist Paper

As a part of my presentation at Stationery Academy, I challenged attendees to make a list of their top 10 most treasured items. These items could be a painting, piece of antique jewelry or their favorite tunic. Using these items as inspiration, designers needed to create invitations or stationery centered around elements of their favorite things. The end result? A collection of truly unique designs that are the best representation of their signature style. I put myself to that test every time I work on a collection for Twist Paper. Twist needs to be the best representation of me and my style so instead of looking for what other designers have created, I use my surroundings as inspiration. This is the best way to stay true to yourself without being jaded by others in the industry. It's funny to see trends come and go. While it is important to stay current and fresh, you need to create beautiful designs that are truly unique and stand out from a crowd. I designed chevron for Twist over 3 years ago because I really loved chevron and have for years. Now, chevron is everywhere you look. In the words of Whitney English Kolb, be a trendsetter, not a trend follower. 

Here are the inspirations for these popular Twist invitations - each one was created with something I love in mind. True to form, they have been very popular because they are unique and my signature style.

Our custom Christmas Cards!

I wanted to do something simple yet fun this year for our holiday cards since we will soon be sending out Rhett's beautiful letterpress birth announcements. My wonderful friend, Sarah Buck from Sarah Buck Photography, photographed us with baby bump and so we featured one of our favorite shots on the front. Of course, Dallas and Bailey had to adorn the back along with a special present wrapped for Rhett. I mailed them in charcoal grey envelopes with red liners and addressed them in white. Enjoy! 

New Twist Paper Blog Feature : Emily Loves...

Fall is in the air and Thanksgiving aromas are starting to fill up our home. We have a few new features up our sleeve over at Twist Paper and first up, "Emily Loves..." - my favorite inspirations for your fall table. Add the Twist Blog to your readers so you can stay up to day with our favorite entertaining and decor ideas! Lifestyle with a Twist!

2011 Holiday Photo Cards + Invitations {Twist Paper}

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Or at least around here it is! At Twist Paper, we are busy bees working on showcasing our holiday designs for photo cards, invitations and accessories. Here are a few of our favorite new designs for invitations and photo cards. Go to www.GetPapered.com to place your order! Also, like us on Facebook by clicking here! 

NYC National Stationery Show Sneak Peeks for Twist Paper

All of the paper gurus from English Paper Company are headed up the big apple for the National Stationery Show to sell and promote lots of fabulous new designs from Twist Paper!

Here are a few of my favorites from the everyday collection:

and from the holiday collection...

South Magazine Editorial : Twist Paper + emma j design

I was so thrilled to participate in the latest issue of South Magazine, Savannah's creative and stylish publication! It all started with an idea over lunch with the uber-inspiring Erin Wessling from South. We pulled it together with the talent of Savannah's leading industry peeps. Thanks to everyone who make it possible! I'm just ecstatic over the final result! Run out and pick up this coffeetable-worth book before it sells out!

Photographer, Angela Hopper

Stylist, Project Runway Contestant, Mitchell Hall

Paper provided by emma j design + Twist Paper

Makeup: Glow

Trunk: Vintage from my Grandparents Dress: Vintage

New Twist Paper Stationery Release!

Headed to the Atlanta Market next weekend to showcase the new Twist Paper release in the new Social Trends Showroom. Stop by and say hello! (8th floor building 2 #812B/856B) Melissa and Carrie are planning a 'Meet the Designer' Event so I'll keep you posted! Here's a sneak peek of some new stationery designs - they will soon be for sale on www.getpapered.com as well.

Twist Paper : Excited about 2011!

I'm thrilled to be finalizing the final collections for the spring release of Twist Paper! I'm been so inspired by home decor, bold fabrics, savvy typography and interesting color combinations. I can't explain how lucky I feel from the success of Twist this year. A big thanks to the peeps over at Whitney English for bringing my visions to life and handling my customers with such grace! I couldn't ask for better representation!

It's interesting to see how much life can change in a year. It seems like ages ago now, but it was just in January that I decided to leave Swoozie's as their Senior Designer to pursue emma j design full-time. It's been the most satisfying venture thus far and I can't believe it too me so long to make the step!  It was a huge door to close, but opened up many more doors of opportunity. As a designer, it's been so rewarding to guide my own creative journey without being watered down by other opinions and limitations. It is great to see how much one can excel without being held back. I'm such a lucky girl to see how much the nation has embraced Twist Paper. Ironically and thankfully, my presence remains in Swoozie's since they carry Twist Paper and many of the other products I design for Buckhead Betties and Peking Handicraft (Twist Party in-stores Spring 2011). Thank you!

Let's toast to a successful 2010 and I look forward to 2011!

Here's a little sneak peek to spark your interest!

Twist Holiday Cards!

It's that time of year! My pandora has changed to my favorite Frank Sinatra Christmas station, I've made my first purchase of peppermint coffee creamer, the emails have started arrive inquiring about holiday cards and I'm picking out my annual baking and drink recipes for gifts! These wonderful traditions spark the selection of holiday cards! This year will be the first year all of my holiday cards are online for purchase and I could not be more excited! Here are a few of my favorites this year - all come with coordinating party invitations, gift tags and address labels.

All available for purchase at your local Twist Retailer and online

www.getpapered.com  |  www.lemontreepaperie.com

Also, a few of my favorite holiday party invitations!

Local Savannah Retailers pick up Twist Paper Products!

SO excited to announce that 3 retailers in Savannah will be carrying the Twist Paper line!

Feel free to stop in anytime to check out the new line and place your orders for Holiday Photo Cards and matching accessories! Tell them I sent you! 

Introducing Twist Paper:

{ DOWNTOWN }

La Paperie

409 Whitaker Street
Savannah, Georgia 31401
No 912.443.9349

www.lapaperie.net

{ MIDTOWN }

Merry Times

5521 Abercorn Street

Savannah, Georgia 31405

No 912.354.6314

{ ISLANDS }

Polka Dots

107 Charlotte Road, Suite E

Savannah, Georgia  31410

No 912.898.3730

www.polkadotssavannah.com

Not only will they be carrying the imprintables that you can quickly order invitations and stationery in the store, but they are carrying...

Holiday Album

{Great for Holiday Cards, Invitations, Gift Tags, etc}

Baby+Child Album

{Birth Announcements, Birthday Party invitations, Gift Tags, calling cards}

Accessories Album

{Calling Cards, Gift Tags, Stickers, Melamine Plates, Placemats, etc}

My Office on English Paper Co. Blog

Hi fellow bloggers! The girls over at Whitney English recently asked me to submit photos of my office as a part of their 'desk' series. Here's a recap, but head over to the blog for more information! CLICK HERE to visit the blog - be sure to add it to your daily reads for new releases, party ideas and promotions!

Chevron Pattern Notecards + Stationery ; Twist Paper

Check out these trendy-patterned notecards for Twist Paper! Available in 6 color ways, there are plenty of options for any personality! Click here to place an order!

Trellis Pattern Stationery + Invitation spotlight

Check out the newest additions to Twist Paper stationery!

Click here to purchase.

Click here to purchase.

Click here to purchase.

Click here to purchase.

Click here to purchase.

For your Holiday Party! Click here to purchase.

Twist Paper : Baby+Child Album available for pre-order!

Check out the sneak peek of the new Twist Album on the English Paper Company Blog!