Grandma Bessie

I am getting ready to ship these  HPD Bridge score pads to a woman who is buying them for her grandmother. I have never met Bessie but based on this order, I would like to!

 

 

Hello People!

We were thrilled to see the shout out actress Jennie Garth gave to Hampton Paper Designs in the current issue of People StyleWatch. When being asked, "How do you beat stress during the Holidays?" Jennie responded "I have gift labels pre-printed by Hampton Paper Designs. It definitely makes the wrapping process easier."

 We are so delighted! Thank you Jennie!

Jennie used the Santa image for the "To: From: Santa Stickers"  for her kids, Luca, Lola and Fiona.
Also shown are a few other great options.

 Click HERE to see this Image and order. Just include text selection at check out "To: Your Child's Name and From: Santa. Font shown is Rockford

 Click HERE to see this Image and order. Just include text selection at check out "To: Your Child's Name and From: Santa. Font shown is Rockford

Click HERE to see this Image and order.  Just include text selection at check out "To: Your Child's Name and From: Santa. Font shown is Rockford

Paying it Forward.

I received an email from an HPD fan in Texas who contacted me to find out how I created the backdrop for the candy table we had for my son Jackson's Firetruck Party. While I would love to take credit, it was actually my friend Kristy from Sweet Nothings who came up with the idea and got this fabulous brick wallpaper. I emailed the woman back and told her that it was wallpaper and I was happy to send it to her. After she found out she would have to buy and entire roll, she took me up on my offer. And so one quick trip to the post office and it was on its way.

I was so happy to help someone else create a fabulous party for their son - love the idea of paying it forward (and recycling!). And I would never pass up an opportunity to post a photo of our favorite fireman Curtis!!

Teacher Gifts

If you have kids in school, chances are you are in need of a few teacher gifts. My top recommendation is our 4 by 4 note pads in acrylic.  Make it more personal by asking you children help you select the image for their teacher, librarian, gym teacher, counselor, art teacher, music teacher and anyone else at the school that you want to say "Happy Holidays!" to.

We just received this new Red Apple image which has been a very requested item for just this reason!

Other great options include:

 

 

 

These photos are from last year - before I had my photography lesson so please excuse the photo quality.

 

  We used Personalized Round Dot Stickers for the gift Tags.

Black Friday Sale. Save 25% on Everything on our Web Site.

One holiday down, and one to go!

Whether you have gift giving or holiday preparation on your mind, Hampton Paper Designs is here to help. Save 25% on everything on our web site, one day only, Friday, November 23, 2012. Enter promo code* "HOLIDAY". You can choose any image out of our portfolio of over 350 for any stationery product in our collection. Proofs are always complimentary upon request. If you need help with the wording on a card or a suggestion on a gift idea, please let us know.

May We Suggest....

Gift Ideas:

2013 Desk Calendars

Parent Notepads

Teacher Notepads

Journals

Sketchpads

Fill in Thank You Notes

Large Canvas Tote Bags

Baby Blankets

Decorative Baby Pillow

 

Holiday Preparation:

Photo Cards

Fold Over Cards

Return Address Labels

Place Cards

Stickers for Packages and Gifts

Gift Enclosures

Small Round Candy Stickers

Place Mats

Holiday images can be seen here. New images can be seen here. Looking for inspiration and ideas See our e-catalog here.

Please let us know how we can help you get ready.

* Discount cannot be applied to previous orders and is applicable on orders made directly on our web site only. www.hamptonpaperdesigns.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Aunt Jan on the left, my mom on the right, me front left, Mimi and my sister Meri on the right.

As yet another Thanksgiving Day approaches I have somehow managed to take a quick trip down memory lane. While you can't ask for a better holiday than Halloween (knocking on doors for free candy? I love who ever thought of that one) it's really Thanksgiving that holds some of my fondest memories.

Every year my Great-Grandmother Mimi (Marie Bendel) sent my mom and her sister (Aunt Jan) plane tickets for all of us to fly to Monroe, Louisiana to visit for the holiday.

This is back in the 70s and 80s and at that time when you boarded a plane, you were welcomed. If I recall correctly, we mostly flew Delta. Let me tell you as a young girl, there was nothing more special than being served a Coke on an airplane. (I put it on the flimsy tray and promptly spilled it every year). I always traveled in my favorite dress.

When we arrived to the house, (this was the smaller house that Mimi moved to when they sold The House on Loop Road) we were welcomed with open arms. I really cant ever remember my great-grandmother say "no" or mentioning something was "off limits" in her house for my sister, Meri and me.  Meri and I stayed in her bedroom which was special for us. Meri on the 2nd twin bed, me on a cot (oh the joys of being the youngest). Mimi had a chaise lounge in her room that was always filled from top to bottom with toys. At night Mimi said The Lord's Prayer and we joined her.  If someone got hurt, Mimi said to put the tears in a cup. I cant remember why (something about not wasting the tears) but I do remember on occasion a small Dixie cup with a few tears on her dresser.

Mimi, me (on left) and my sister Meri. Mimi had the dolls and these purses (love at first sight on both) on the chaise lounge in her room this year with a bunch of other toys.  The purses had a pocket in the front that had a little doll in it. This is circa 1976. I was in Kindergarten and I remember that outfit as my mom made me wear it on picture day. I hated it because I thought it made me look like a boy. Can you see Mimi is wearing an Izod dress? Meri and I thought that was sooooo cool.

We spent the holiday together as a family. Mom mom and Aunt Jan always brought projects to work on....needlepoint, sewing, cross stitch,knitting, crochet, macrame & latch hook (when it was popular). I remember one year my mom hand sewed these beautiful ornaments that were the "good" ones used for the Christmas tree in the living room.

The house was filled with love and warmth and the smell of delicious food. The housekeeper was an amazing cook and to this day I recall the taste of the unbelievable homemade rolls she made. I would give my last dollar for the recipe. The menu was the same every year- what I remember most is the  Waldorf salad, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy & "greens" (these were actually collard greens served in a small bowl and my sister and I promptly passed ours down to my mom and my Aunt. (If you havent' had the pleasure, they are very bitter and an acquired taste)

The house was filled with beautiful things - many of which I am lucky enough to have in my house today, including one of my most prized possessions, my dinning room table.  There was always Doublemint Gum (the big long value pack) in the desk drawer and boxes of Russell Stover Candy.  A bowl of large fresh Pecans was on the coffee table. Mimi kept Doublemint Gum in the car too and would have my sister and I chew a piece so we would stay quiet while she crossed the busy intersection to the toy store. Mimi kept these hard round candies that came in a tin in the drawer of the living room coffee table along with her playing cards. My mom has the table and keeps a small tin of candy in there too - touching to carry on that tradition.

Every year Mimi treated us to a shopping spree. Another dream for a young girl. We started at the toy store and were able to get "anything we wanted".

Next up there was this beautiful children's boutique call Kelso's Children's Shop on Desiar Street. Mimi had an account there and again we were offered the opportunity to get what whatever we wanted. (my mom being wise did set a limit for us). First up for me was a new pair of Mary Jane's. I love the shiny patent leather and the strap across the front. I got them every year.

When we arrived back at Mimi's house, I would wear them in the bathroom and dance making horrific black marks on the floor. No one ever said a word. The bathrooms had a gas heaters in them so you could warm up the bathroom when you took a bath. Heaven. Mimi always had a big box of Cologne that made the water so soft. Her bathroom drawer was filled with make up and soap that smelled like roses.

My Great- Grandfather, William L. Bendel was a doctor. He was well loved and respected and very active in the community. Even after he passed away, the community maintained the same level of respect and gratitude toward Mimi. She was always addressed as  "Mrs. Bendel" in a heavy southern drawl. Everyone in the town knew her and to say she was treated like royalty would be a gross understatement.

In the early 80s, Mimi took us to a local Wendy's. Upon arrival, she sat down at one of the tables. We kinda chucked and kindly explained to Mimi that this type of restaurant is "fast food". You order at the register and carry your food to the table. "No" said Mimi. "Just have a seat and someone will come by to take our order". We were a bit embarrassed. But sure enough with in 30 seconds someone came by "Good evening Mrs. Bendel....". It just shows the gratitude the community had for Mimi and my great-grandfather even after so many years.

On Thanksgiving day, Mimi, my sister and I would watch the Macy's Thanksgiving  Parade on the sofa, under a blanket with hot chocolate on Mimi's big Zenith TV. I remember the TV mostly because it had a remote control. At that time, no one had a remote control - you actually had to get up to change a channel. It was breaking technology.

Mimi also loved flowers. She had a "vase room" as we called it. As I mentioned in a blog here we would go out to her back yard and cut fresh Magnolia's and then go to the "vase room" to select the perfect vase. It was part of our tradition and we loved it.

The house was busy and warm. It smelled of delicious food. In the morning fresh bacon was made (yes, I loved bacon back then). It would sit on the stove in the kitchen and I remember everyone grab a piece right off the skillet.  Mimi's friends always dropped by to say "hello". Many were the ladies she played cards with every week. Some were long time friends and patients of my great-grandfather's who would just come by to say "hello", "Happy Thanksgiving" and to see how Mimi was doing.

If you have read this far, then I am thankful for you and your continued support of my blog and small business that continues to grow.

I hope you have the opportunity to create lasting memories this Thanksgiving!

Give and Give Thanks

To some of us, including myself, Hurricane Sandy seems like a lifetime ago. Once one of my good friends (JB) finally got power back, I had my handy man repair the leak in my roof and my dinning room ceiling, I  had heard the updates from my dad and his friends that had houses on the coast line I can admit I moved on. Until late last week.

I have a client that lives in New Jersey. Like many of my clients I haven't ever met her but we have become friends via email.   We have been corresponding as I was helping her with a new order and when I hadnt hear back recently, I thought I would send a note to follow up.  Now this client does have small children and I know there is never enough hours in the day to get everything done so I know sometimes when I don't hear back right away she is busy being a mom.

Well, was I ever shocked when I did hear back mid week that she had just gotten power back  two days prior. I was in disbelief. Two weeks, no power, no school. (yikes) Again, per my note above I had sort of moved on because I had the luxury to do so. What I realized it that so many people including my client haven't had the opportunity and that the opportunity to do so may be many days down the road. So, while you look to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends remember to give thanks and think about what you may be able to give to those in need. I know I will.

Mardi Gras

Our clients who have contacted us over the past few years looking for images for their Mardi Gras celebration will not be disappointed this year! WOW is all I could think when I received these in the mail. Stunning.  Click here to see them on products on our web site.

 

Image Inspiration: Espadrille Ballet Flat

For the young fashionista, we added this new Espadrille ballet flat. Doesn't it look just like the adorable pair from Crew Cuts?

 

Thomas' Room - Revealed and Finished (almost!)

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you may know that we moved into a new house about two years ago and have been busy working on making it our home, room by room.

The bedroom for my 9 year old son, Thomas, was on the top of my list. You may remember a few blogs from last year where I shared some of the ideas I had found. As I noted, finding bedding and accessories for a boys room that isn't tacky is a challenge in itself. If you are a mommy of a boy, you know my struggle.

I shared a few posts with status updates and after almost a year, we are almost done.

Like so many projects, you have a vision in mind and hope and pray that after all the decision and money you end up with something you love.

Thomas room exceeded my expectations. Everything fit together perfectly, even the bedding which many people advised me against. (I know its a big formal for a nine year old boy, but is so elegant and classic and so my style I couldn't resist. In the end I had to go with my gut and I am so happy I did.)

If you are in the process of decorating for a boys room, I hope you find a bit of inspiration from this post.

  

These bunny prints from the 1940s provided the inspiration for the color combination. Thomas' favorite color is orange.

 Matouk Custom Bedding (Newport Pattern) with custom stripes in Orange. They have a lot of color and monogram options to choose from.  Totally custom and I love that I wont see it anywhere else!
The wallpaper is Ralph Lauren Colden Oxford-Blue . It's actually oxford fabric. We added crown molding for an nice finishing touch.

We recovered  Thomas reading chair with a Ralph Lauren Navy Blue indoor/outdoor fabric. Indoor/Outdoor fabric has come a long way. If you are looking a fabric for a boy or girls room, it's a great option as it cleans easily and wont fade. Matouk blanket on chair. Valence fabric is Ralph Lauren Rowthorne Crest Admiral.

Thomas has a huge closet so I felt it needed a little something to incorporate it into the room. I wanted to be able to open the doors and see a little surprise. Something that show no detail was left to chance.  I opted for this Ralph Lauren Pritchett Blue Stripe. Shelving is from The Container Store.

This Ralph Lauren Strand Stripe Tiger Lily fabric is what I had originally found for the bedroom but with only 5 yard left anywhere, I used it for the shower curtain. Its a great contrast to the nautical wallpaper, Ralph Lauren Rowthorne Crest Admiral.

Holiday Photo- Check!

Every year I think that getting a good photo of my boys for my Christmas card will be the death of me. Somehow during our very busy season the deadline creeps up way to fast and I am scrambling at the last minute looking for anything that may work. With young kids, they grow so much so quickly, its too obvious to use one from a few months ago.

 

I am so happy to report that we were fortunate to have had Tina from Tina Bazala Photography stop by a few weeks ago to snap some great photos and one that will certainly work for this year.

 

I tried to get the boys to wear button down shirts but they said "absolutely not" so I used back up of long sleeved green t-shirts from crew cuts. BOYS!

 

Here is a fun out take from the photo shoot. It was one of the last pictures and the boys had just had enough! 

 

Perhaps you recognize this door?

 

We would love to help you with your photo cards this year. Send us the photo, text and image and we will send you a complimentary proof.

 

 

House on Rose Grove HPD Image

The Third Wheel

We are so excited about the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, The Third Wheel released today. Perhaps we should have another DWK party!

SWISH!

Great mail day on Saturday. I received this new basketball image plus a bunch more!! Working on a Christmas Tree Ornament order this week and this is one of the images we are going to use for a little boy. Its going to be great!

Personalized Correspondence Cards

One of our first images, the Red Wagon, still a favorite. 24 personalized correspondence cards for $40.00. A great holiday gift idea.  More new images will be released next week.

 

 

Go Vote!

Regardless of the results at least we wont have to be subject to anymore campaign ads.

 

Make Your Own Calendar

Just shipped a Make Your Own Desk Calendar for 2013. This client chose our new playing cards for April. It looked amazing with the glitter!