Sneak Peek: Lasercut Invitation Cut from Recycled Cardstock

I usually publish designs for my Etsy shop on Etsy before I share them here on the blog, but today I will be doing things differently. I have quite a few people waiting for these images and since a blog post takes less time to publish I've decided to give you a sneak peek of a new invitation/save-the-date, while I still get my ducks in a row for the Etsy listing!

This invitation will be available in two sizes: a taller card to fit a DL envelope and a shorter card to fit a C6 envelope. The taller card will be perfect for wedding invitations with a longer text while the shorter card will be perfect for those who want to keep the text on their invitations short and sweet. The shorter format is also suitable for a save-the-date card. The same design can also be converted into table numbers and menus. I recommend the taller card for a menu and the shorter card for table numbers.

I am in the process of streamlining my paper options for my invitations this year, but I will talk more about paper in a follow-up post. What I can tell you so long is that I've added a stunning natural white cardstock to my standard stock and the good news is: it's recycled! The paper was delivered yesterday and I am over the moon! The paper is eco-friendly, but so pretty and versatile! I love the fact that I can use recycled paper without having to sacrifice quality and style! 

The recycled natural white paper is matt with a little sparkle! It's not a shimmer paper as such: but rather a matt white paper sprinkled with delicate flecks of silver. The silver isn't really noticeable, until you tilt the paper at just the right angle to catch a beam of sunlight. The paper reminds me of those pretty white pebbles with the flecks of mica that you will find in nature. The paper looks beautiful with kraft paper too: rustic chic personified! If you do prefer shimmer paper you can still choose your favourite from quite a few pretty shades!

I hope to have the Etsy listing for these invitations ready within the next day or two. In the mean time you are welcome to e-mail me with questions: almostamsterdam{at!}gmail{dot!}com.

New in my Etsy Shop

These map sleeves/pouches are now available in the Almost Amsterdam shop on Etsy. They are perfect for boarding pass or travel-theme celebrations and will convert the simplest of flat invitation cards into something special. You will find them here.

I make these sleeves by die-cutting them from quality artist's paper, digitally printed with an antique map of Europe. Each sleeve is assembled by hand and has a lovely vintage look and feel. Need help with the creation of your invitations? You are welcome to e-mail me or convo me via Etsy.

Dutch, Naturally

I've stayed up quite late last night. While watching Grey's Anatomy I was cutting and folding some of these mini envelopes for my Etsy shop:

These little envelopes are made from quality recycled kraft paper and very versatile. The paper that I use has a lovely natural look and feel and is eco-friendly. This makes these mini envelopes the perfect choice for those who love quality stationery and the planet! Despite the fibers which brings the paper to life, the paper has a lovely smooth surface which is easy to write or stamp on. The envelopes are perfect to hold a love note, small gift, a business card, escort card, or other little treasure. My favourite use is to fill the envelopes with a few bird seeds or paper confetti for weddings.

I was still in "envelope making mode" this afternoon when my little envelopes were featured in an Etsy treasury called "Dutch, Naturally". There is something special about seeing your items as part of a collection put together by someone else, so this really made my day!

You can find the Etsy treasury here. Thank you for including my paper goodies in a lovely treasury, Miellyn!