A Few of My favorite Things

I am really looking forward to time in the studio today. It’s one of those days where the garden and studio blend into one, and there is no place I would rather be.

No iTunes for now. Singing birds, wind chimes and falling water provide the perpetual soundtrack to my designing whims. All the players know their role and there is perfect harmony here.

Upon observing the promise of the day, I was eager to see my 3 ½ mile power walk to completion. And I confess, part two of my workout, my yoga postures, was a bit hurried in anticipation of what was to come.

One of my favorite rituals is to take on creative tasks after I have adorned myself with my treasures. So today I am wearing a top given to me by my friend Donna. It was hers before it was mine. She is a creative and spiritual being, also a fellow musician. I like that this colorful clothing has a history with her. I am sure that’s why it always feels so wonderful to wear it.

I’m also wearing a favorite ring that I purchased for myself. It’s sharing the right hand with a charm bracelet that was a gift from my mother.

My left wrist, also charmed, honors my husband and celebrates 3 years of being cancer free.

It’s time to stop writing and dive into the sea of  bliss that awaits. Although my studio is a hop, skip and a jump away from Disneyland. For me, today this is the happiest place on earth.

Joyfully Yours,
Paula Estes
Botanical Artist and
Fan of Rituals

Poppy Love

One of my favorite botanicals to design with is the poppy, a colorful, vibrant flower. Against paper they have the appearance of a fine translucent fabric, adding interest and beauty to a hand crafted note card or invitation.

I enjoy having poppies as members of my garden family during the first few months of the year. I get to witness the remarkable unfolding of each blossom, and sip tea in the multi colored luxury of their beauty.

Below are pictures of the very first to arrive last weekend. I stepped outside of the studio to welcome them and record the moment.

Prior to blooming , hairy stems supporting swollen
buds have a fascinating “from another planet” look.

You don't know what color flower you are getting
until it opens; usually white, yellow, orange or red.

The reveal is as awesome as a butterfly shedding its cocoon. 

Crumpled petals break through their shell and reach for the sky.

There’s more poppy love to come, from the garden and studio of Petalos di Pauli. Until then, take time to breathe and enjoy the miracles of each day.

Joyfully Yours,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Ceremony Magazine Features South Asian Creations

Petalos di Pauli is always thrilled to be among the vendors chosen to be featured in Ceremony magazine. The current Orange County issue features two offerings from our South Asian Wedding Invitation line.  Paula Estes, owner and designer for Petalos di Pauli, draws from her passion and expertise to create a uncommon blend of modern western and traditional South Asian cultures into her line of wedding invitations. Petalos di Pauli is known as the "designers of elegant, handmade stationery embellished with real botanicals for your special event." Paula's knowledge of South Asian customs and ceremonies, means that the cultural background of your event will be honored while creating a unique but traditional wedding invitation.

At Petalos di Pauli we specialize in custom invitations and stationery. The myriad of paper choices in a variety of textures are just the beginning of the design experience. We have over ten thousand design elements to help you create the invitation of your dreams.

Petalos di Pauli Custom Invitation

Often when planning a South Asian wedding, couples feel limited in their invitation choices. They may only know of a couple of local stores or websites that offer ethnic wedding cards. Petalos di Pauli's reputation for great customer service is complemented by Paula's passion and sincere desire to deliver a product that exceeds every client's expectations. You can come into our studio and hold samples of our high quality invitations, experiencing the excitement that your guests will experience when they receive your wedding invitation. We will help you put all the pieces together, including stylish presentations designed to hold multiple inserts.

Petalos di Pauli Custom Invitation

Petalos di Pauli Custom Invitation

Weddings are filled with tradition and history, whether it is South Asian or another culture. At Petalos di Pauli we strive to make your wedding invitations announce your wedding with all of the style and tradition that is uniquely yours. After all, at Petalos di Pauli, we have our traditions too. Namely, providing invitations that help fulfill your dreams for your wedding.

Letters and Kisses

What do a handwritten letter and a kiss have in common? Perhaps more than one might imagine. I’ve always felt that a kiss actually begins the moment you think about kissing someone, and that the prelude and wonderment of the gesture serves the purpose of extending that pleasure.

Likewise, the enjoyment of a card or letter starts with the wrapper, displaying my name in the unique handwriting of my correspondent.  And, like a kiss, I find the anticipation leading to the experience exciting and thought provoking. A mini mystery, if you will: a sealed envelope, delivered by a government agent, intended for my eyes only! Sometimes the color or texture of an envelope evokes a mood and can elevate my level of enthusiasm, with the stamp and postmark adding interest, depending on their point origin.

Clearly, I savor the experience of receiving old fashioned snail mail. With so many options for social communication, handwritten expression strikes me as a truly personal exchange. You might know people who have taken the task to the nth degree with, for example, a perfumed envelope and a lipstick kissed flap. For me, that person is Oma who used to send me cards whose envelopes were almost entirely covered with stickers! Although she died last year, I will always think of her with a smile, remembering the special way she brightened my days.

Of course, I also love being on the sending end of beautiful stationery, which in part lead to the creation of Petalos di Pauli. Over the past 7 years it has been a pleasure serving those who, like me, relish the experience of an almost forgotten art.

In closing, I'll offer a reminder: "Life is short" and encourage everyone to write often and kiss passionately. And may both expressions of sentiment leave lasting impressions on the people you love.

Paula Estes

Botanical Artist and

Promoter of Sentiments