Fat and Sassy vs. Skinny

Written communication is one of the best ways to capture someone's attention, especially when it arrives by way of a unique greeting or note card. Petalos di Pauli creations feature unexpected botanical embellishments like chunky gerbera daisies that speak "Happy Birthday" and blank note cards bearing Swarovski crystal-studded miniature blooms.

In the studio, we refer to designs that have fluffy flowers or require protective padding as "fat and sassy" due to the extra girth of the resulting mailing envelope. For best results with mailing cards with delicate embellishments, you'll need to protect the design by inserting the padding that comes with the card between its front and the envelope.

Fat and sassy cards may require additional first class postage if the envelope thickness is greater than ¼ inch. When in doubt, we recommend having it measured at the post office to assure a successful delivery.

Some fat and sassy designs have "skinny" versions that are still eye catching but omit design elements, like pearls or crystals, that would require special handling and surcharge (extra postage). If you see something in our On-line Boutique that you'd like to have skinnied, we are always happy to take custom orders.

For more tips on creative social expression, sign up for my newsletter "Petals & Pearls by Paula."

Cheerfully Yours,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Happy Earth Day 2010

"Earth Day is the first completely international and universal holiday that the world has ever known.  Every other holiday was tied to one place, or some political or special event.  This Day is tied to the Earth itself, and to the place of the Earth in the whole solar system."

- Margaret Mead, 1977

Today is Earth Day and we at Petalos di Pauli are sharing some great ways to make the Earth a "greener" place, while also having some fun.  

Grow an avocado tree!

If you eat avocados, it's easy to sprout the seeds into air-purifying, carbon-fixing houseplants.  Its easy (even your kids can do it!) and instructions abound on the Web.  Here are some we found on howtodothings.com.

1. Find a ripe avocado. Avocado pits are most likely to grow if they come from a ripe fruit. When you eat the avocado pear, clean off the pit and then soak it for 48 hours in warm water. If you can keep the water warm (in a propagator or on top of a heater), then the pit will grow more quickly.

2. Find the top. Most avocado pits are egg-shaped, with the bottom broader than the top. Some are rounder, but the top is always smooth and the bottom, wrinkled.

3. Find a container. If you want to see the roots grow, you will need a clear container, such as a tumbler or a jar. Otherwise, a plant pot will do fine.

4. 'Plant' your pit. To see the roots grow, you need to suspend the pit above water. Find 3 or 4 toothpicks or hair grips and push them into the pit gently, until they will just support its weight. Then fill the container with warm water so that the bottom of the pit just touches the water. If you're using a plant pot, then bury the pit in potting compost so that half of the pit is still above the soil.

5. Keep warm. Warmth is the key to getting an avocado pit to grow. The ideal temperature is around 70 F. At this temperature, the pit should start to grow in around 10 days. At cooler temperatures, it can take 5 weeks.

6. Keep watered. Keep the water level in your container topped up so that the pit is just touching the water. If you planted your pit in compost, then keep it moist - putting it in a plastic bag will help.

7. Keep an eye out for growth. The first sign of life will be root growth, which will not be visible if your pit is planted in compost. Only when the roots have started to grow will the pit send out a shoot. If the water goes cloudy and starts to smell before this happens, then your pit will not grow. If this happens, it probably wasn't fertile to begin with, and you should start again with a fresh pit.

8. Pinch out the main shoot when it is 6 inches long. This is to help make a bushy plant rather than a tall tree. It may leave your avocado with no leaves, but don't worry - it will grow a new shoot and new leaves in about a week.

9. Re-pot. Your avocado plant can survive on just water for several weeks. When the roots are well developed, plant the avocado in potting soil in a small pot. It will be happy there for several months.

10. Move into a final pot. When the avocado looks too large for its pot, or unhappy, it is time to replant it in a 10-inch pot, which will be its permanent home. It will probably be 2 feet tall before this is necessary.

11. Pruning. Your avocado wants to grow into a tree, and you will need to keep pruning it to keep it bushy and manageable. Simply cut back shoots that are too long.

12. Ongoing maintenance involves feeding with liquid feed every two weeks when the avocado is actively growing. Every 3 or 4 years, replant it in the same pot with some fresh potting soil. Your avocado will need plenty of light and water plus an occasional misting and dusting.

Looking for some other ways to be "green"?  Here are a few websites we discoverd:

• Our company can provide some great "green" choices for your wedding or special events.  How about invitations printed on sustainable  paper sources?

• Find a local brewery and take a tour or pick up a selection of brews to enjoy at home. http://www.beertown.org/

• Making is often greener than buying.  One great site for inspiration and how tos: http://www.instructables.com/

• Got new or lightly used running shoes you're looking to unload?  One World Running will send them to runners in need around the world.  (If they're deemed too worn, shoes go to Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program instead, and wind up paving a playground.)  Learn more at http://www.oneworldrunning.blogspot.com/

• http://www.babyplays.com/ is the Netflix of toys.  Yes, the shipping comes with a CO2 price tag, but on the balance, its green: Renting toys instead of buying them means less plastic in the world.  (And in the landfill.)  No wee ones in your life?  The subscription makes a great gift.

Images by Maria Keays and emdot via Flickr, used under a Creative Commons license. 

Fresh Garden Mint Is Perfect for Steeping

What a rainy day in Southern California today! Days like this make a hot cup of tea even more enjoyable. While I have not yet incorporated mint leaves into a greeting card (give me time), this prolific botanical does make regular appearances inside my Perfect Steeper, a loose tea steeper so brilliantly designed that I've given it the official THINGS WE LOVE stamp.

My garden provides a perpetual supply of mint, and I often offer the just picked leaves to clients  who visit my studio. But when I'm not brewing a pot I prefer to use the Perfect Steeper. I also use it when I'm on the go and enjoy drinking it right from the tumbler at meetings and when traveling.

The Perfect Steeper can be purchased from our On-line Boutique. Click on THINGS WE LOVE.

Why I'm just like this snail

While tending my garden, it occurred to me how much I have in common with this little flower pot. Both our previous careers involved working in an office! My buddy here dispensed tape. And I dispensed information and implemented software for businesses. Now we both get to work outdoors, and we both have a fondness for all types of succulents.

While the garden is a common denominator, there is another trait I share with the snail; we both honor the pace of a tedious and complicated process. People have commented that they would never have the patience to accent flowers with tiny glass marbles, or spiraled wire stems. And the thought of filling an order for hundreds of custom cards wrinkles their forehead.

Growing from hobby to full-time business has imposed a limit on the time I spend clipping, pressing and gluing with my own hands. But when I do, I find those tasks to be therapeutic and somewhat grounding, and a good time to get some thinking done.

What kinds of things do I ponder? Eco-friendly ideas like, how I could use Zebra Grass for gift wrapping, or ways to re-purpose a ceramic snail tape dispenser that no longer serves a need. I must confess, I simply adore the outcome of that one!

It just goes to show you, one never knows what life has in store. This seemingly meaningless tape dispenser produces such beauty in the world.  That is my hope for what my business brings to people everyday, through the process of designing or giving a botanical work of art, or being the happy recipient.

Thoughtfully,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist and
Creative Thinker

Our Madame Chocolat Greeting Card

What is more luxurious than fine chocolate? This Petalos di Pauli handcrafted greeting card was designed especially for Madame Chocolat after owner chocolatier Chef Hasty Torres raved about an invitation design in my portfolio. Hasty wished for a similar design but one that would bring chocolate to mind.

We made this card hers by bringing in Celadon Green that colors the walls of her Beverly Hills chocolate factory and boutique. We layered papers of the same metallic cream and brown hues that her fans will recognize as signature Madame Chocolate packaging. Finally, we used designs from Hasty's exquisite truffles as our inspiration for the cover and interior design.

This card will remind the recipient that chocolate is wonderful… in any language! “Chocolat” is adorned with hand calligraphy, the word chocolate translated into a baker’s dozen different languages. The finishing touches included the elements that Hasty loved about my original design, a variety of real garden flowers, Swarovski crystals and other 3-dimensional ornamentation. I think Hasty's card turned out Delightfully Sweet!

I became a true fan of Madame Chocolat after attending one of Hasty's chocolate workshops. Words cannot begin to express the pleasure of that hands-on experience. There is so much to learn and love about chocolate. Her place is filled with chocolate delicacies I hadn't known existed and it turned out to be perfect for gift shopping just before the holidays.  If you love chocolate or just want to learn more about it, I recommend you attend her upcoming workshop this Sunday March 21st,  in celebration of American Chocolate Week. Let her know Paula sent you.

This CHOCOLAT card and other handcrafted stationery are available for purchase at the Petalos di Pauli On-line Boutique.

Happy American Chocolate Week!

Sincerely,
Paula Estes
Botanical Artist and
Lover of Chocolate

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.

Bloomin' News

We are thrilled to announce that Petalos di Pauli is featured as the cover story in the January-February 2010 issue of The Bloomin' News, a well know trade magazine published by the American Florists' Exchange/Los Angeles Flower Market.

The Bloomin' News featured Petalos di Pauli because of Paula Estes's unique use of botanicals in her stationery designs. Paula views the Los Angeles Flower District as an extension of her design "tool box," offering a wide assortment of flowers that translate into a rich color palette. The Flower Market provides Paula with the means to obtain botanicals that are difficult to grow in her personal gardens. When filling large orders for cards or complete wedding ensembles, the Los Angeles Flower District is an invaluable resource.

The Bloomin' News is published by the American Florists' Exchange / Los Angeles Flower Market every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November). The publication was started in October 1949 by the Southern California Floral Association, which operated the two major wholesale flower markets (Los Angeles Flower Market and Southern California Flower Market, the largest wholesale flower district in the United States) that, along with storefront vendors, today comprise the Los Angeles Flower District in the 700 block of Wall Street in Los Angeles.

To read the article go to www.BloominNews.com

Seven Simple Questions to Ask Before Buying Custom Invitations

Before you commit to custom invitations, here are 7 prudent questions to ask.

1. What design elements are available to work with?
2. Will I have access to a designer during the entire design process?
3. Can we begin working even if I don’t know exactly what I want yet?
4. What if I don’t see exactly what I want in your portfolio/gallery?
5. How many changes am I permitted to make?
6. What turnaround time can I expect?
7. Must we meet in person in order to work together?

So that you may know us, we've answered those 7 simple questions below.

What design elements are available to work with?
We have over 10,000 materials available for your consideration, leaving your options for creating beauty and distinctive edge wide open. Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, pearls and beads are just a sampling of embellishments available to fashion stunning new looks. And when it comes to adding color, we offer more than just paper and ink choices. Our palette includes a garden of vibrant botanicals.

The work we do is completely personalized and one of a kind, created expressly for you and your special event. We invite couples to introduce their own design elements, for example sequins or lace from an heirloom wedding dress. We encourage them to express their personal style and create a look that is exclusively their own. Invitations made of unexpected materials such as fabric, wood, metal, and even acrylic are all within the realm of possibility. During our consultation we will brainstorm ideas and figure out what items will suit you best for your design needs.

Will I have access to a designer during the entire design process?
We believe that the only way to achieve the perfect representation of you and your event is through collaboration and dedication. During the entire design process you will have an open line of communication with a single designer.

Can we begin working even if I don’t know exactly what I want yet?
Absolutely! The process of creating the perfect statement for your special occasion starts with getting to know you. Each project begins with a complimentary consultation either by phone or in person. Discussing your personal style and tastes can lead us to an overall vision for your celebration. So don’t worry if you haven’t chosen colors, flowers or even the style of your dress. We will work with whatever information you can provide us. We can show you a collection of sample work to help stimulate your thinking.

What if I don’t see exactly what I want in your portfolio/gallery?
That’s fine! The purpose of the gallery is to give you an idea of the breadth and quality of our work and provide you with ideas for your project. Every aspect of a sample invitation set can be changed to fit your particular needs. We are capable of doing anything you need to do. Give us the parameters and we can execute it.

How many changes am I permitted to make?
There is no set limit of changes permitted. We promise that no design will go to print unless you are completely satisfied. During the design process you will have the opportunity to provide feedback and identify any modifications you want to make or new ideas you may wish to incorporate.

While excessive changes can affect the original agreed timeline, we are always willing to discuss your comments and will integrate your changes into a revised version that is submitted to you for approval. We want to make sure you get exactly what you want.

What turnaround time can I expect?
With custom design work, it is never too soon to get started, especially when embellishments start out as living flowers. Of course the more time we have to work with, the easier it is to achieve perfection. The timeframe we will ultimately agree to will depend on the complexity and scale of your project, anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months.

Must we meet in person in order to work together?
Although Email is not necessarily a requirement we find it useful when working with clients near and far. We are willing to work with clients using the method of communication that fits their lifestyle or circumstances. Design drafts and proofs can be faxed or sent via post. Other delivery methods can also be arranged at the client’s expense. If you are located in the Southern California and would like to meet in person, this option is always available.

Interacting over the phone and email makes it easy to work with anyone no matter where they are in the world. Some clients, although local, might not have the time to meet in person and this is where modern technology is especially handy.

Heather & Tony

Heather and Tony described their VISION for their wedding invitation as “elegant”, “simple” and “celebration”. Those 3 words would guide us to the perfect invitation to announce their romantic garden event.

The creation of H&T’s invitation started with a brief phone conversation, followed by a BRAINSTORMING meeting at my studio in Cypress. Heather came prepared with a magazine picture of a wedding cake that inspired color possibilities. She described her wedding gown and examined font samples that ornately displayed their first names, while I made notes of her musings and ideas that would help our design take shape.

Since the couple lived in a neighboring city it was convenient for us to meet face-to-face. During the first hands-on session they experimented with combining and layering different colored cardstock. The COLOR choices had been narrowed down beforehand to a collection that met their expressed criteria, including shades that matched and complimented the wedding cake picture. The atmosphere was relaxed and perfect for enjoying a complimentary bottle of champagne. Note: While bubbly is an "on-site only" benefit, paper samples are gladly sent through the US mail.

With Antique Gold and Crème Brulee colors chosen as the perfect combination, we moved to the next task of considering various SHAPES AND SIZES for the main invitation and enclosures. We also considered elements that might embellish and enhance the design. Note: This is a step in the process that is sometimes handled using CAD (computer aided design) drawings to illustrate various design and layout configurations. With simulated paper colors and life-like clipart I am able to produce design concepts that are realistic, easily modified and convenient for emailing to clients.

Looking at BOTANICALS was the next order of business. And when H&T placed a reddish-burgundy Powder Puff blossom against the Crème Brulee, they loved it! We styled a hybrid flower for the top of the invitation; combining the Powder Puff with red-trimmed Heavenly Bamboo leaves, then added a smaller group of leaves to the bottom corner. From there, the ink colors and other design elements fell into place. Note: Petalos di Pauli maintains a seasonal inventory of flowers, leaves and natural elements. We are also happy to process custom requests for special colors and types of flowers.

A year after the wedding of Heather and Tony I still consider Tony the most “dynamic groom” I’ve worked with. Today he still ranks first for being the most enthusiastic and active male counterpart participating in the custom design process. His enthusiasm was taken to the nth degree when he had the entire invitation ensemble matted, framed and hung in their living room for everlasting enjoyment.

Happy Anniversary Heather & Tony! Thank you for being so much fun to work with.