You Were Right!

I know you love hearing that. If you predicted that I would repaint the kitchen you were right. For some reason the Benjamin Moore Amulet AF 365 was just a bit too green in certain light. Even my painter said it was too green! So, after another round of testers including Summer Harvest 206, Barley 199, Cornsilk, 198, America's Heartland 197, Golden Lab 178 ... we finally settled on Yellow Bisque 200. I think we got it right this time!

It's not a complete loss though, I did find out you can mix any color in Benjamin Moore's Aura paint and I must say the Aura paint is really rich and true. It cost a bit more but for some reason I scored the contractor price of $49.99 per gallon instead of $61.99. Now I know to ask for the better price!

Don't worry, the fun doesnt stop here as I need to repaint Jackson's room too. I think I used the wrong green! More details and photos to follow!

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree

I stalked this Charlie Brown Christmas tree for months at Pottery Barn. I finally scored big paying only $6.99 (originally priced $79.00) two weeks ago. I am thrilled as it's the inspiration for 2 new products I am working on for Christmas (I know you are thinking its only the beginning of March!).

One of my best and fav clients Laura has inspired me to create ornaments for next year. I am working now on several prototypes. In additon, I would like to create a Hampton Paper tree skirt with embroidered images. I cant decide exactly how I want this to look - all the same image embroidered around or the same theme like holiday or something fun and different like the nostalgic images for a kids tree. My friend Nicole puts a tree in each of her boys rooms. I love this idea!

The options and the actual process are what make it so fun. Stay tuned to see protoypes as they become available. And of course, let me know what you would like to see offered by Hampton Paper!

There is a Thief Among Us

Hampton Paper Square Dot Stickers with Shamrock

This jar was full....

Suspect # 1: Jackson: Age 4, Lt Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, Winning Smile

Suspect #2: Thomas: Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, Blue Braces

I have been preparing for a photo shoot for 2 upcoming holidays, St. Patrick's Day and Easter. If you have ever participated in a photo shoot either for your small business or just for your family, you know a ton of prep work is required. I started working on St. Patrick's Day first - pulling together the supplies needed which included green skittles. Over the course of a few days, I noticed the skittles were vanishing from the jar. A week later, they were almost gone. We have two suspects we are currently investigating. If you have any information please contact HPD HQ immediately.

Featured Personalized Sq Dot Stickers 27 for $18.00

Because I Cant Wait!

Kathi on one of her many visits this year with Jackson. So exciting when she arrives with bags full of fabric!

Kitchen "Before"

Kitchen "Before"

Kitchen "After"

Kitchen "After"

As many of you know, I recently moved and have been wanting to include you in all the "before", "during" and "after" photos because its just so fun to see the transformation.

After months of planning and review of what feels like hundreds if not thousands of rugs, fabrics, paint colors and wallpaper, several trips to the DC Design Center, Coe & Son Carpet and well as the Pine Mine in Kensington and many meetings with interior designer Kathi Haley in my home, we have made some decisions!

The first thing I wanted to share is the EXTREME MAKEOVER in the kitchen. I am 100% convinced the jarring red caused me to eat more. I will keep you posted!

Color inspiration came from the beautiful carpet we chose for the den from Coe & Son Carpet.

The paint color Kathi suggested is Benjamin Moore Amulet and you can get the sample sheet for $4.99.

I love the way this color changes from dawn to dusk and from the kitchen where is appears more yellow to the den where is picks up the red from the carpet and appears more straw!

Next for the kitchen is a large round 60" pedestal table from EddyWest. We splurged on the table but saved on the chairs and are having them made at The Pine Mine in Kensington. The napolion side chair is only $230.00 (you know this is a steal for a chair!)

Stay Tuned - more before, during and after is on the way. We have a lot to do in Phase 1. Wait till you see Jackson room (currently bright pink!) transform into what must be considered the most perfect sage green on the planet.

I hope you enjoy the transformation!

Jackson's 4th Birthday: Firetruck Party Revealed

Invitation to the Event

Favor Table

Hershey Bar + Hampton Paper = Smiling Faces!

Dalmatian foot prints greeted the kids and led them to the party.

Close up of yummy candy at candy bar

Party Favors- personalized art- firetruck for boys

Party Favor -personalized art- Dalmatian for girls

Candy boxes full and ready for the ride home

Cookies with our images - so fun

Jackson and me

Jackson and Fireman Curtis

Hampton Paper cupcake toppers debut

Cake By Aunt Barbara - a perfect replica of the invitation

Wish time!

I bet he wished to be in kindergarten soon!

Pin the Tail on the Dalmatian Game

Jackson and friend try to increase their odds on placing the tail in the right spot!

Hot Potato with the Dalmatian dog. So fun!

Still trying to locate the box with my name

Candy Table

Note: make lollipops available immediately - some kids had a difficult time waiting till the end of the party!

Marshmallows hand dipped in white chocolate - so delicious!

Yes, thank you notes went out on the following Monday!

Thanks so much for your patience! I know you have been anxiously waiting for the photos from Jackson's 4th birthday. It was a HUGE success by all accounts - everyone enjoyed themselves and we felt fortunate to be surrounded by so many family and friends for Jackson's big celebration.

A special thanks to:

Kristy Patterson from Sweet Nothings for putting together the most amazing candy table. It was literally the talk of the neighborhood!

Krista Salmon from Kiki's list - Party Planner extraordinaire for her expert planning tips and advice. It really too the creativity to a whole new level!

James Woo from James Woo Photography - you captured every detail to perfection. Thank you.

Curtis Patterson - a REAL fireman who took time from his busy schedule to not only join the celebration but educate Jackson and his friends on fire safety and the importance of not being afraid of a fireman dressed in full uniform if he enters your house to help you.

To all our family and friends, it wouldn't have been the same without you. Thanks!

If you are interested in any of the paper products, all can by found at Hampton Paper Designs. We welcome the opportunity to help make your child's birthday party special and unique. Let us know how we can help!

Invitations: 10 for $40.00

Fold Over Note Cards: 24 for $60.00
Favors: Personalized Art in Mat 1 for $30.00 (volume discount available - contact us)
Stickers for Cupcake Toppers 24 for $18.00
Stickers for Candy Boxes 27 for $18.00 (Candy Boxes from The Container Store)
Stickers for Candy Jars 24 for $18.00
Candy Bar Wrappers (avail in May)

Wrapping Paper (available in May)
Pin the Tail on the Dalmatian - I had this made at Ritz for $30.00. We can use any image.

The Weight of Paper

I adore all things paper (remember I was a big investor in Paper by the Pound in the 80s) so its probably not much of a surprise to learn that I love a beautiful paper weight as well. We are just releasing this new option. So Hampton Paper --- any image is available and it can be personalized as well. HPD Paperweight $30.00

Hampton Paper's Blue Period

Framed Art $60.00

Personalized Notepad in Acrylic $40.00

Personalized Invitations 10 for $40.00

Gift Enclosures 8 for $10.00

Personalized Notepad in Acrylic $40.00

Fold Over Note Cards 8 for $18.00

Personalized Correspondence Cards 24 for $40.00

Personalized Return Address Labels 30 for $12.00

Cookies 24 for $96.00

Like Picasso before us, we too have had a blue period. It's hard to be feel down when you see the detail and vibrancy of these images. Which is your favorite?