Smock Design Contest Winners

I’m honored to have been asked to be the guest judge for the most recent Smock Paper Design Contest. The contest is a semi-annual celebration of Smock’s favorite retailer customizations, and this time around I had the chance to choose my favorites, too. Let me tell you, it was very difficult to pick my top three because there were so many lovely letterpress creations, and I’m so excited to be able to share the winners with you! And now, without further ado…

First Place : Salutations in Charlotte, NC

Letterpress Wedding Invitations

This invitation suite is simply gorgeous —delicate, romantic, and oh so elegant. I absolutely love the palette, which is subdued and very nicely balanced, making this a design that would appeal to both men and women. And the patterned pocket fold presentation really makes this suite special. I would feel like I had just received a lovely gift if I received an invitation to this wedding.

1st Runner Up : Luxe Expressions in Atlanta, GA

Letterpress 40th Birthday Party Invitations

This letterpress invitation is so vibrant and fun, perfect for an ’80s themed celebration. The design is versatile and could be used for so many different types of occasions, but I love it as a 40th birthday party invite. The message it sends is, “I’m turning 40, I am completely fabulous, and you are going to have an absolute blast at my party!”

2nd Runner Up : Judy Paulen Designs at Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan

Elegant Letterpress Wedding Invitations

This suite oozes class without being staid, and the fantastic color choices and patterns give it a very modern feel. I love the playfulness of the language on the reply postcard and rehearsal card, too. And the incredible, colorful patterned envelope liner is a detail that just had to put this invitation in my top three.

You can see more images of the winners and get more details and information about the individual suites over at Smock’s blog. Thank you, Smock, for the opportunity, and congratulations to the winners!

images from Smock Paper

Minted Customized Wedding Invitations

Minted Custom Wedding Invitations
Minted Custom Wedding Invitations

Minted is a snazzy new online store whose mission is to “discovery great stationery design everywhere and deliver it to [our] customers with their personal touches added.” They have design selections from some of the finest independent stationery brands, known for their artistry and fine printing techinques. Brands include Louella Press, Egg Press, Mr. Boddington’s, Peculiar Pair Press, Paper + Cup, Oblation Papers, and Ceci New York.

Minted Custom Wedding Invitations
Minted Custom Wedding Invitations

What excites me most about Minted is their design challenges. These challenges offer up and coming designers a chance at greater exposure to the public, and the winning designs will be printed and sold on Minted.com.

Their first design challenge, centered around photo save the date cards, was inspired by three real couples from the super popular Wedding Bee Network. The challenge received 80 entries and created great buzz for all involved.

Minted’s second challenge focuses on photo holiday cards. The prizes are $1000 for 1st place winners; $250 for 2nd place winner; and $100 each for 3rd, 4th, and 5th place winners. The top 5 designs will be featured and sold on Minted.com, with the winning designers receiving 4% of net sales of the products sold, in addition to the cash prizes. Pretty sweet!

images from Minted