Personalized Easter Goodies!

Before you head out to shop for your eggs (either to hide or decorate!) or run off to gather goodies for the kids' Easter baskets, check out what More Than Paper has for Easter.  We have notecards, address labels, gift stickers, decorative stickers to make a quick greeting card,  brunch and egg hunt invitations, placemats, plates and more tableware! Here is a small sampling of some of our favorite Easter products. 

Love these products like we do? Find them at More Than Paper, from top to bottom, left to right.  1) Foldover note card by Prints Charming  2) SRM Quick card stickers  3) Bunny Rabbit Plate by Spark and Spark  4) Address labels by Prints Charming  5) Easter baskets notecard by Robin Maguire 6) Easter Brunch invitation by Inviting Co.  

If you celebrate this holiday, what are your plans? What are your family traditions? We'd love to hear what you and your family are doing to celebrate either here on our blog or on our Facebook page!  Stay tuned this month for great recipes, crafts and other traditions for Easter and Passover!  

Passover Greeting Cards

Passover begins April 14th and More Than Paper has you covered with beautiful, truly artistic cards.  With greetings such as "may you have much reason to rejoice this Passover and all the days that follow" these warm sentiments and beautiful works of art are surely special to send to your family and friends this Passover.  Below the sentiment, you can personalize your family message and name with up to three lines of text. It's a wonderful time of year to send greeting cards -- and we have a fantastic selection! 

Choose from Moses parting the Red Sea,  Adorned Seder Plate (artwork by Jennifer Kroik), or The Family Seder (artwork by Malach Zeldis).  Also great choices are Elijah's Cup (artwork by Michael Muchnik), another fabulous Seder Table (also by Malach Zeldis), and lastly, The Passover Celebration (artwork by Judith Joseph). 

We think these cards are so beautiful, you will treasure them and so will all of those that receive one from you!  Right now, when you order 100 or more cards, More Than Paper will give you return address printing in black for FREE!  Shop all Passover greeting cards and more Passover items at More Than Paper here. 

Bee Stationery

Maybe it's because they make sweet honey, maybe it's the threat of a sting, but bee motifs seem to be popping up everywhere in our stationery and gift industry.  At More Than Paper, we think this trend is buzz worthy!  We love the sunny yellow color paper these little insects seem to be appearing on all over, too.  Each designer seems to have a different take on the bee -- from vintage artwork to cutesy characters, there is a bee for every style! 

Find these great products at More Than Paper and around the web below.  And let us know what you think of this trend... is it "buzz-worthy?"  We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

1. Bee Address Label by Stacy Claire Boyd 2. Bee Invite by Boatman Geller  3. Blue Bee Notecard by Boatman Geller 4. Rectangle Bee Address Label by Little Lamb Designs 5. Bee earnings  6. Bee Pillow found on Etsy  7. Bee Stamp by PSA Essentials

Geek Chic & Literary Stationery Trends

Over the last few years, "geek" has become cool.  From Kanye West to Justin Timberlake sporting large wide rim glasses and suspenders, vintage typewriters being sold in big-box home decorating stores, and just about everyone going ga-ga for technology, we are seeing "geek" pop up everywhere.  We see a lot of literary references, too.  We've curated geek and literary items from all over the web and More Than Paper to show these trends! 

Embrace the big glasses, books, and typewriters!  Find these products here!  Stamp your geek glasses on your envelopes and make your mark in your books.  Remind yourself how cool you really are when you sip your chai tea latte, or as you dash to the subway to work. Recall the nostalgia of writing on a typewritter when sending a handwritten note with your fountain pen!  

1. Flat Typewriter note by Boatman Geller  2. Silver Name Necklace  3. Paperback book "Geek Dad." 4. Fountain Pen  5. Book Purse  6.  Ceramic Coffee Mug  7.  PSA Essentials Book Personalized Stamp 8. Stamper With Glasses by More Than Paper. 

Tell us what you think of this trend -- are you geeking out too? 

Letterpress Stationery

More Than Paper carries a wide selection of letterpress stationery, a method of printing that has regained popularity in the stationery industry.  Letterpress is the original form of printing in which text and image appear in relief.  If you've ever felt it, you will agree that letterpress paper has an incredible tactile feel.

The origin of letterpress dates back to the 1400s.   Digital and offset printing (which are the primary methods of printing today) were perfected in the 1950s and 60s, so letterpress printing presses across the country closed up shop.  Over the last two decades, a revival of letterpress has been seen.  Boatman Geller has an incredible line of letterpress stationery for all occasions that we are showcasing today.

Reserved for special letters and correspondence, these fresh letterpress designs are perfect for spring and summer. These cards and notes make great beach house stationery.

Boatman Geller also carries a selection of letterpress stationery perfect for men.  Simple designs and limited color palates, we like these options for everyday correspondence.  

Does you husband go on a lot of golf trips with friends?  Reserve these for special thank you notes for a weekend hosted by his friend, or handwritten invitations to a golf game. 

If you are investing in letterpress stationery, it's a good idea to stick to a design that can be used for all occasions.  We like both of these -- a flat note and fold over note. 

You'll have to feel it to believe it -- but in stationery, there's nothing more special than a letterpressed note. To learn more about the history of letterpress printing, read this article and shop More Than Paper for thousands of stationery styles and printing methods. 

Sale on Personalized Plates by Boatman Geller

More Than Paper is thrilled to be having a sale on all personalized Boatman Geller Melamine Plates!  It's a Plate Palooza!

These 10" plates are a fun addition to your table! Dishwasher safe, great for kids or casual entertaining,  save 30% OFF on all styles from March 18 - 31, 2014.   

From nautical to madras, chevron to quadrefoil, there's a pattern and style for everyone.  There are even ones for holiday!  If you've always wanted these for your table, now is the time to stock up!  At 30% OFF, each plate is $18.20 (MSRP $26.00.)  Which style is your favorite?  Here are 5 of our favorites (though it's so hard to choose!)

 

There are SO many styles to choose from!  See all of them here.  Check out the great designs for boys and girls, too.  They make a great gift for birthday's!  From the sports enthusiast to the fairy princess lover, Boatman Geller personalized plates are perfect for kids!

 

 

 

Take advantage of this great sale! Head on over to More Than Paper to shop all styles now! Be sure to let us know which one is your favorite here on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today it seems everyone is Irish!  Kids headed off to school in all green and adults everywhere sporting this emerald shade. With corned beef and cabbage cooking on the stove and soda bread in the oven, it's a holiday tradition to celebrate even if it isn't part of your heritage.  

We know that many will be hosting family and friends tonight to feast on traditional St. Patrick's Day food (see our recipes here!) The tables are set and now you may want to decorate.  We went on the hunt for some free art printables that would be great to hang. Here are some of our favorites-visit these websites to download each and to bring some Irish spirit into your home tonight! 

Free Printable Set from We Heart Parties

Irish Toast Free Art Print from 36 Avenue Blog

Irish Blessing Art Poster from Five Art Home

More Than Paper has hundreds of personalized St. Patrick's Day products from which to choose! Visit More Than Paper to find personalized plates, address label stickers, blank stock paper, mugs, cocktail napkins, belt buckles, pillows and over 20,000 other products.  

Happy St. Patrick's Day from everyone at More Than Paper! 

Stationery Trend: Rainbow

At More Than Paper, we love reporting on trends we are seeing in the stationery industry.  This Spring, we are seeing a lot of vibrant, bold colors and the full spectrum of the rainbow.  This color palate is appealing both for children's stationery and for whimsical adult stationery.  Check out some of our favorites for this trend!

So whether it's for your kids thank you notes and correspondence (peace signs, hearts and new trend: comic sugar skulls!) or it's for your own casual letters and notes, this spring choose this spunky and fun color palate. 

Find these shown items here:  1) Thank You flat cards by Boatman Geller  2) Address labels (matching folded notes available too) by Prints Charming 3) Rainbow Hearts Camp Postcard by iDesign 4) Polka Dot Party Letterhead by Paper So Pretty 5) Bright Multi Color Diagonal Stripe cards by Prints Charming  6) Comic Sugar Skulls Bunk Notes by Devora Designs 7) Rainbow Fish Camp Postcard by iDesign 8) Colorful Name - Rainbow Folded Note by Little Lamb  9) Peace & Love Rainbow Camp Postcard by iDesign

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter is one of our favorite holidays.  After a long winter, Easter in the Spring just brings such promise! We love pastel colors, seeing the joy on our children's faces with all that candy, a delicious family brunch, and of course -- our annual egg hunt! 

If you are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt, be sure to check out ideas found here on Pinterest!  More Than Paper has a large selection of adorable Easter Egg Hunt invitations, perfect for setting the stage for your event.  Here's a look at some of our favorites!

Which one is your favorite? We love them all! The colors, the eggs, the bunnies -- they're all so cute.  Stay tuned for more Easter Egg Hunt ideas this month.  Let us know which invitation is your favorite here or on our Facebook page! 

Summer Camp

The experience of sleep away summer camp as a child is unparalleled.  No place on earth is better at teaching independence, creating life long friendships, connecting with nature and the real world. At More Than Paper, we have had the fortunate experience of attending summer camp, and now we are sending our children.  Though it was difficult to send our "babies" off to camp the first summer, in our hearts we knew what a benefit and incredible opportunity we were giving them.   Here are 5 reasons why: 

1. Camp is the place to make lifelong friendships.  To this day, we keep in touch with at least half of our bunk.  Bonded together in the wilderness, learning to cooperate, sharing responsibility, and becoming a unit in a bunk during critical early tween and teenage years does something for kids.  Now with modern technology, it's easier then ever to keep in touch with camp friends during the rest of the year. 
2. Speaking of technology, it's a time to completely unplug. Most camps require campers to check their cell phones.  That means no texting, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine.... you get the point. Whether it's 2 weeks, 4 or 7, a ban on the tech is a chance for kids to get back to reality and to learn to socialize the old fashioned way - talking face to face! 
3. Kids move!  At camp, your day is blocked out into chunks of activity.  From soccer to swimming, archery to the ropes course, kids are on the move.  No couch potatoes, video games or T.V. here! 
4. For many city kids, camp is a quite respite. (We knew many New Yorkers who had trouble sleeping with the quiet the first few weeks. They missed the busy street noises!)  It also allows kids to truly explore nature and feel peace. 
5. The independence and responsibility campers learn is incredible. Our parents told us we aged at least 2 years after our first summer.  Kids learn to trust their instincts, make good decisions, and build their character.   Children will learn to problem solve and that they are responsible for their actions.   These are lessons that cannot be taught in the same way by the parents.

More Than Paper believes that camp is more than just what you do during June, July or August.  Going to camp is an experience that molds kids and gives them lifelong skills.  

We're excited for this season!  In preparation, we have a sale going on camp products by Pen At Hand. Choose from personalized laundry bags, address label stickers, fill-in bunk notes, stationery, note pads, and more.  Click here to see all camp products and here to see all Pen At Hand products on sale. 

View all Pen At Hand Camp Sale Items Here! 

Share your camp experiences with us here, or on our Facebook page!  

Spring Cleaning!

It's warming up and spring is in the air.  For us spring means longer days, outdoor festivals and events, playing in the yard, and evening walks.  It also means it's time for a good spring clean of our house!  Though we try to keep up with it all year long, about once a year, we do a massive deep clean.  More Than Paper consulted with the experts at Martha Stewart and a few of our favorite housekeeping blogs to bring you some deep cleaning tips!

There are three things you need to do before you start your deep-clean: 

1. Declutter your home.  All those things that have been building up on counters and desks, sort them and put them in their proper place. 
2. Put things in storage.   Seasonal decorations should be put in storage.  Heavy sweaters, coats, hats and gloves should be put in bins and in the attic, basement or garage.  Perhaps rotate out toys in the play room, putting away items that your children no longer play with. (Bring them out in a few months - they will feel like "new" toys!) 
3. File your paperwork.  If you are like many who let it pile up, don't start a deep clean with papers, mail, and important documents everywhere.  Get organized first! 

Once you have decluttered, filed, and put things in storage, you are ready to really clean the house. Here's a fantastic checklist that we found on It's Jello.   One of the biggest tips we got from Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook is that you can do a lot of the cleaning with soap and water.  Don't reach for bleach right away when soap and water may do.  Read more about using harsh chemicals and cleaners!  It's also very important during a deep clean to properly clean your air vents since that's where mold can build up, cleaning them is very important for your health. 

Download this free checklist here. 

If you find that a list this long is intimidating, check out Clean Mama.  We absolutely love her "31 days to a clean house" approach, where you do a little each day.  In a month, you have truly accomplished a deep clean.  If you love free printables like we do at More Than Paper, Clean Mama has lots of checklists and kits to organize your weekly cleaning routine, monthly routine, and deep cleans. 

Of course, if you want a cute, personalized apron to wear while cleaning, More Than Paper has you covered with this one by Pen at Hand.  Sure -- it won't clean the house for you but it you'll definitely feel special in it!  Personalize it any way you choose. 

How do you stay organized and keep your house clean? What are your top tips? Share your ideas with us here or on our Facebook page! 

Spring Decorating

Today we are sharing ways to freshen up your home for Spring.  A few simple updates with your throw pillows, an area rug, a lamp, and or maybe a splurge on a couch can really give your house a fresh feel this season.   We love to decorate at More Than Paper! 

We are continuing to see the trend of neutrals with a pop of color here and there and we are seeing a lot of gray, yellow and turquoise color combinations.  Here's a look we are loving for Spring: 

Ready to shop for any of these pieces for your home? Find these products here.  1) Couch from Pier  2) Personalized throw pillow by Devora Designs available at More Than Paper 3) Artwork  4) Coffee table 5) Decanter Lamp 6) Personalized wall art by Checkerboard available at More Than Paper  7) Personalized throw pillow by Devora Designs available at More Than Paper  8) Area rug

What's your spring style? Do you have your eye on anything this season for your home? Share your decorating tips or your wish list with us here on our blog or visit our Facebook page!

St. Patrick's Day Recipes

We used to think of Irish food about the same way we think of English food -- it's mostly boiled potatoes and other veggies with tasteless slabs of boiled meat.  (That's the rap on it, isn't it?)  But then a few years ago, we tasted the most mouth-watering corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day and the most delicious Irish Soda Bread.  Now we wish it was St. Patrick's Day every month so we could find an excuse to make this classic Irish meal. What makes it so yummy?  Tried and true secrets of the meal can be found here today! 

The big secret to making tender, mouth watering corned beef is really no secret. It's cooking it "low and slow" all day long in a crock pot.  You will need: 

• 1 Large onion, peeled and cut into pieces
• Corned beef brisket with spice packet (spice packet included when you buy the brisket)
• Water - enough to cover the entire brisket in the crockpot 

The directions are not earth shattering or complicated.  Just place the beef, contents of spice packet, and cover with water.  Turn the crock pot on LOW and cook all day -- between 8-10 hours.  The longer you cook it, the more it falls apart and melts in your mouth.  Look for a piece of brisket with a good bit of fat on it. (We didn't say it was healthy, just delicious!) 

Some people make the cabbage along with the beef, but we think that's a mistake.  To make the cabbage, you will need: 

• Large head of white cabbage -- chopped in chunks 
• 2 Vidalia onions or sweet onions 
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar 
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. pepper 
• Water to cover all the ingredients

Assemble all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.  The cabbage and onions turn very soft. Drain in a colander when you are done and serve under the corned beef.  Serve with spicy mustard. 

Last up, and unfortunately the most complicated, is the Irish Soda Bread.  We do have a good family recipe at home but were intrigued by this "pull apart" Irish Soda Bread from Martha Stewart this month.  Try it with us this St. Paddy's day and let us know what you think! Here's our family tip:  all Irish Soda bread, no matter how moist, needs butter.  The more butter the better.  Really, it's just an excuse to practically eat butter.  Follow the link here for the recipe! 

So there you have it!  A traditional Irish meal for St. Patrick's Day -- one of our favorites. Share your ideas and recipes with us here.  We'd love to hear what you are cooking up!