We hate to say goodbye, but in order to make room for new designs, we’ll be discontinuing our Shimmer Bowery, Soda Pop Shop, Cotton Candy, and Bubble Gum sets on March 1st.

Get ‘em while you can – and save 25% with coupon code LASTCHANCE! (You’ll see the discount applied after you enter the code & update your cart.)

2011 was awesome. With your support, Magpie Paper Works blossomed from a tiny, part-time passion into the most delightful little adventure a gal could dream of. In February, I tipped my hat to coworkers, deposited my last paycheck and jumped headfirst into solo-entrepreneurship to transform my Etsy shop into a real-life studio! 51 amazing couples, 3 cats, 1 darling husband and countless new friends came along for the ride. It’s been such a joy and I could not have done any of it without you.

Thank you, friends.

p.s. We’ll be back Monday – see you soon!

p.s. Isn’t this the most adorable retelling of the nativity story ever?

Texture and simplicity. Pared-back honesty. Warmth. Love.

Hand-lettered, rough kraft envelopes opened up to reveal a simple, hand-painted gold star. Gilding makes everything better.

My digitized calligraphy was printed onto French Paper’s amazing Cordtone stock. This paper is totally unique – it’s surface is something like a cross between burlap and felt. Really tactile. Because trees are precious, the cards were designed flat to cut down on paper waste.

This was definitely a labor of love – lots of hand work went into each card. When I finished, my post mistress couldn’t believe I’d done it by myself! I dropped off quite a stack.

I really loved how the gold popped against the creamy, textured paper. My only ‘meh’ about things this year was the crummy selection of holiday stamps available at the post office. I ended up ordering a set of evergreen stamps online. USPS, are you listening? Next year please put out some holiday stamps that aren’t overtly religious and/or tacky. Bonus points if they involve kraft paper.

Hope everyone enjoyed the cards and is getting ready for your special December holiday! Wishing everyone out there a very merry season and a most delightful new year.

p.s. Sara & Dave are real, darling people which is why the address you see here doesn’t actually exist. Sorry, internet snoops!

Oh Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest. I spend entirely too much time flirting with you, and I adore every second. Who knew black swans and grass fronds could be so beautiful together?

Just a quick reminder that the studio will be closed for the holidays from December 19th to January 2nd. We’ll be busy little stationery elves: working on current orders, taking inventory, preparing fantastic new items for 2012 and of course, baking a ridiculous amount of sugar cookies.

Please do note that any orders placed after the 19th will ship beginning Monday, January 2nd. Possibly with cookies.

Every December, thousands of crows begin to assemble in huge communal evening roosts outside the studio. Before they settle in for the night, there is a cacophony of calls – I like to imagine they’re gossiping about the day’s events. Tonight, they were right on schedule.

It’s a strange way of welcoming winter, but for us, the first roost of the season is an event not to be missed. How do you mark the changing season?

The deals begin bright and early at 12:01 AM on Monday, November 28th in our shop! We can’t wait to see you there!

Happy Thanksgiving, Lovelies! In addition to preparing our AMAZING Cyber Monday specials (more on that first thing Friday morning) today finds me putting the last touches on a Thanksgiving feast:

- Bacon-Wrapped Turkey with Pear Cider Gravy
- Cornbread Hazelnut Stuffing
- Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
- No-Knead Bread Variation with Oats
- Gingersnap Crust Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Cinnamon Whipped Cream
- Appleton Estate Rum Toddy’s for the Grown-Ups (sorry kids)

Wherever this feasting day finds you, I hope you have a delightful holiday + a full belly when all is said and done. See you Friday!

These two lovebirds handcrafted a totally amazing, autumn-inspired day filled with meaning and joy. From exchanging favors for donations to the Los Angeles Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemans’ Fund, to including Mike’s grandfather’s vintage Chevy truck (lovingly restored by Mike, his brother, and his father) to sprinkling red teacher’s apples throughout the floral arrangements – the day was truly their own. And filled with love! We were so honored – and ridiculously excited – to help them spread the word to their guests.

Jenn, Mike, what can I say – you two are love, personified. Thank you for sharing your spirits and your wedding day with Magpie.

Special hugs to Jordana Hazel, of Hazelnut Photography, who captured their celebration perfectly and who generously provided these beautiful photos. You can see more on her blog, and view the entire gallery on Style Me Pretty. L.A. brides and grooms – if you’re looking for a photographer as sweet and real as you are, Jordana’s your girl. Go book her now before someone else does!

Jenn & Mike chose the Yellow Fern Suite, available in our shop, as well as coordinating thank you cards. They also commissioned a custom monogram & stamp kit, which was used throughout their ceremony.

More lovely folks: Venue: Maravilla Gardens | Floral Design: Greenwich Floral | Bakery: Stone Ground Baking Company | Photobooth: Magbooth | Transportation: GLC Limo