Un-inspirational Quotes

"It Probably Could Get Worse" Letterpress Print | Starshaped Press

Inspirational quotes are everywhere these days, and that’s usually an awesome thing because the right quote at the right time can be everything from a pick-me-up on a not great day to an inspiration that helps one get through a difficult time in their lives. However, when you’ve seen the same quote 20 different times in one day by 20 different people – I’m looking at you, Pinterest – words that are otherwise uplifting can become trite and annoying. Inspirational quotes certainly have their place in my life and many of your lives, too, but you can have too much of a good thing.

I was relieved to find out that I wasn’t the only one who felt this way when Jen from Starshaped Press shared their new “Un-inspirational” series with me. These letterpress prints and cards are a little bit reactionary, in that they’re not all sweetness and light like most of the quotes that you’ll find around, and they speak to the fears and insecurities that all of us feel from time to time. Plus, they’re pretty darn funny, and laughter is an uplifting thing, so these quotes inspire something positive, too!

"There Are No Awesome Adventures Planned" Letterpress Print | Starshaped Press

"People Die Climbing Mountains" Letterpress Print | Starshaped Press

"Maybe It's Your Attitude" Letterpress Print | Starshaped Press

"You Can Be Replaced" Letterpress Print | Starshaped Press

images from Starshaped Press

Valentine’s Day Cards, Pt. 7

I’m wrapping up my Valentine’s Day card roundups with a collection of sweet, heart-themed greetings. And if you’re looking for oodles of additional Love Day card inspiration, then be sure to check out the rest of my roundups, too! Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Hand Lettered Love #15, Valentine’s Day Edition.

Heart-Themed Valentine's Day Cards as seen on papercrave.com

Above, clockwise from top : You Fill My Hearts | Fat Bunny Press; Sweetheart | Parrott Design Studio; Street Heart | An Open Sketchbook; I Heart You | Fluid Ink Letterpress; Many Hearts | Pistachio Press; Heart Love You | Cheer Up Press

images from their respective sources

Valentine’s Day Cards, Pt. 6

When I set out to put together a roundup of naughty valentines, I had no idea just how raunchy cards could get. Woah, baby, I wish I could unsee some of the things that I found!

After much searching (and blushing), I think that I’ve come up with a bunch of cards that are funny, racy, well-designed … and that don’t require an R rating. I hope that you’ll get as much of a kick out of these cards as I have.

Naughty Valentine's Day Cards as seen on papercrave.com

Above, clockwise from top left : Poetry | Matthew Carroll for W+K Studio;  Weiner | Wit & Whistle; Let’s Get Naked | Steel Petal Press; Be On You | 55 Hi’s; Doctor My Tardis | Igloo Letterpress; Take Your Clothes Off | Old Tom Foolery; I Want T-Bone You | Sparkvites; I’d Hit That | Pink Orchid Press

images from their respective sources

 

 

Kelsey Garrity-Riley for Red Cap Cards

Kelsey Garrity-Riley for Red Cap Cards

It makes me such a happy paper lover when Red Cap Cards introduces a new artist collection, and I was so excited to see that their most recent artist collaboration was with Kelsey Garrity-Riley, whose work I’ve admired since I first saw it a little while back. Her art is a unique blend of sweetness and nostalgic wistfulness that really touches a chord with me, and these darling cards are a wonderful addition to the Red Cap collection.

Kelsey Garrity-Riley for Red Cap Cards

images from Red Cap Cards