Filed under: Making Memories - March 07, 2010 @ 22:44 - Trackback Url
I am so excited about the launch of our FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved paper for our cards. It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a while and actually took more work than I anticipated to impliment. The FSC is justifiably strict with the use of their logo and we obviously wanted to get it just right.
I have always been very proud and very excited about the experience we give our customers, and indeed the joy we get to share with them. By moving to FSC approved paper it gives me an even greater sense of purpose and pride in our beautiful cards. How fitting to celebrate the birth of your child with a product that helps to protect their future.
As parents we have a lot of responsibility to ensure our children have a wonderful future ahead of them. And collectively, all the small things will make a difference. Using a cloth carrier bag, taking the bus and filling your green box each week. We are just glad we add our bit to your list of doing something for the future.
Filed under: Making Memories - February 22, 2010 @ 17:05 - Trackback Url
I don’t know how planning Baby Boy’s first birthday has turned into a replay of organising my wedding. Okay, maybe not that bad but I am somehow stressing about giving him the perfect day when I know, logically, he won’t even remember it. I’ve changed dates three times and still haven’t finalised the venue (although I’m hoping my booking is still valid).
He really has a little personality now. When he is happy he is so excitable and funny. He has a big goofy smile and you can tell he is really enjoying himself. And, when he is not so happy, he also knows how to express that. So, even though I keep telling myself the party is more for my husband and I than the kids, my sincere focus is on making sure we see his big smile that day.
But it’s all the little things that I’m focused on- the font on his party invitations, which photo to use, making sure there is a matching thank you card. I doubt if he’ll ever be terribly interested in these details but there’s something in my mind that makes them important. We love him so much and even something as simple as a personalised party invitation feels like it has to be perfect.
Filed under: Perfect Thank You - February 19, 2010 @ 13:23 - Trackback Url
I never thought I would be one of those people who signs the card “Love Baby Boy” but I have completely become that mommy. I find myself writing thank you cards for playdates and pretending that I’m Baby Boy. “Thanks for playing with me today. I really loved your fish tank.” And, every time I do it I feel completely cheesy and tell myself that next time I’m just going to send a normal thank you note.
But, the next time comes and I here I am, looking for the crayons so I can write a thank you card. Is this normal? Is his sweet little baby talk making me completely sappy? I think the answer is yes. He is just getting to that age where he is really expressing himself. When he is excited his hands and feet flap so hard I think he’s trying to take off. And that’s why the cards have to be from him.
Because, whether it’s Oma’s birthday or wishing Papa Happy Valentina’s Day, I can see that he has so much to express. He may be a baby physically, but his heart is filled with so much joy and excitement, that needs to be shared with all of his favourite people.
Filed under: Perfect Thank You - February 17, 2010 @ 16:58 - Trackback Url
Yesterday Baby Boy and I had a wonderful playdate with two of his favourite girl friends. Yes, he is a complete flirt already! It was raining cats and dogs so it was great to just have a change of scenery and enjoy some new toys, while I enjoyed catching up with the ladies. And, although the playdate was very informal and relaxed, I still wanted to say thank you. Not because of any other reason than it’s nice to show appreciation- even for the small things.
And I decided, life is too short not to make those personal touches. Whether it’s a note scribbled on the back of a receipt or a personalised thank you card, I think we need more personal touches in this world, not less. Because let’s face it, we all get enough bills and marketing material in the post. When there’s something that doesn’t fall into those two categories it can make your whole day better.
It’s not a quick as a text message or email but it somehow means more because it’s not as convenient. Hand writing the note, finding a stamp and taking it to the postbox all shows how important saying thank you meant and how important the person you’re thank is to you.
Filed under: Announcement & Card Design Advice - February 13, 2010 @ 17:15 - Trackback Url
There is something about firsts. First Christmas, first word, first smile. So this Valentine’s Day we are excited to be celebrating Baby Boy’s first. Now, he doesn’t actually realise it’s his first, or that it is a special day, but I take pleasure in making it special for him anyway. He may even get to have his first taste of chocolate.
So when choosing our birth announcement it had to be just perfect because it was the first time our friends and family would meet Baby Boy. It was his first introduction to the world. And it was so wonderful choosing the colour, selecting the photos and making his birth announcement another wonderful first.
Eda Le Shan describes a new baby as a dream of possibilities and I couldn’t agree more. The whole process of becoming a parent is a miracle. When that little angel finally arrives you truly believe anything is possible for them. Mostly it’s dreams of happiness- running barefoot in a green field on a warm summer’s day or splashing in a cool, clear brook – but it’s also so much more than that. It’s a genuine belief that they can do anything they dream of.
So when you’re creating a beautiful card to announce their arrival you want it to not only reflect your joy but to also celebrate the wonderful life this little person has ahead. It’s a invitation to participate in that life and make sure all of his dreams come true.
Filed under: Making Memories - February 03, 2010 @ 22:11 - Trackback Url
I think it’s actually been coming for the last month but it’s suddenly hit me that Baby Boy is becoming independent. He’s recently discovered that he can stand up on his own (with the help of the side of his crib). Watching him clutch the side of his bed, so happy and excited about his new skill fills me with a distinct mix of pride and longing. Proud that he is developing but slightly sad with the realisation I am no longer needed the way I once was.
And it has somehow made me wonder, does my mother-in-law feel this way when she looks at my husband? Of course adulthood is a long journey from infancy, but I wonder if that feeling ever really leaves the mother, especially for those who have breast feed their child. While you are going through the sleepless nights and endless feeds it can be quite exhausting but now I realise what a gift it actually was and quickly it passed by.
I think it somehow must be especially true for sons, where that physical connection diminishes with time. The odd peck on the cheek is a far cry from the hours you spent holding him in your arms....I have to admit. I’m back to work part time and it just seems to make this precious time go by even faster. And I guess I just hope, in some small way, he’ll always be my baby.
Filed under: Announcement & Card Design Advice - January 30, 2010 @ 08:50 - Trackback Url
I have to admit it. My husband is actually Dutch. Now, he’s been in the UK for 8 years and I think he’s definitely adjusted to life as a pseudo-Brit but he is still quintessentially Dutch. And when it comes to new babies the Dutch have some of their own, very unique traditions.
When Baby Boy was born my husband's parents arrived a few days later with the most beautiful basket of gifts. Ten to be exact. In Holland, it's tradition for the husband’s parents to give 10 gifts to the family after the baby is born and the mother is meant to open one gift each day for the next ten days. It is such a sweet idea and a wonderful pick-me-up for those baby blue days. They also brought some wonderful blue and white sweeties to share with friends that came to meet the baby, which everyone enjoyed very much.
In Holland, when someone has a new baby they typically send their birth announcements the same day or possibly the next day. The cards are designed before the birth and the weight, date, etc are simply added on the day. And while you receive the announcement very close to the birth date, it is not common to include a photo. And it’s one thing my husband and I both agree on, we like the British birth announcements best. Wait a few days or weeks, get to know your Little One and introduce him. It's nice to not just share his name and birth date, but include those tiny toes or button nose.
Filed under: Announcement & Card Design Advice - January 29, 2010 @ 09:36 - Trackback Url
Are you struggling to create the perfect birth announcement? Are having a hard time finding the words to articulate the happiness that comes with welcoming a child into the world? Are you still trying to figure out how to explain that you can just watch your baby sleeping for hours at a time?
Don’t worry! This is all completely natural. Whether it’s the first born or number five, the magic that comes with welcoming that Little One into your family is indeed overwhelming. And it’s something that is very personal- even between a husband and wife, the specific range of feelings you experience can vary greatly and it’s not always easy to share them.
But when it comes to your birthday announcement, my best piece of advice is to keep it simple- make it personal. If your voice is “London’s rockin’ with baby Ozzie”, then go for it! Or maybe you feel more comfortable with “It is with great love and pride that we introduce Elizabeth Jane Taylor”. Just lovely! The trick to a great birth announcement is to make it your own. The photo of your baby will speak for itself, so don’t afraid to add your own voice as well.
Filed under: Announcement & Card Design Advice - January 27, 2010 @ 10:32 - Trackback Url
I think one of the best parts of the internet revolution is the fantastic personalised gifts you can find online. When baby boy was born we received the cutest fleece blanket with his name embroidered on it. It’s been used for everything from a make-shift bath towel to cosy picnic blanket and is definitely one of my favourite gifts.
I’ve seen lots of variations of personalised baby gifts, from monogrammed teddy bears to baby’s first story book. But I think personalised birth announcements and baby stationery have got to be the most original ideas I’ve heard in awhile. I don’t think I’d necessarily except it from a colleague or one of the ladies from my yoga class, but I can’t think of anything more touching than receiving bespoke cards to celebrate the birth of my little one from a close friend or family member.
I think it would be an extra special gift coming from your mom or sister. With the photo personalisation they could use one of your baby photos, together with your own baby’s. Or maybe they have a special candid shot that would make the perfect announcement card. Whatever the style or design, I can’t think of a better gift for a new mom and that gift of sharing the pride and love for her child with everyone.
Filed under: Announcement & Card Design Advice - January 23, 2010 @ 09:17 - Trackback Url
It’s funny how trends change. It’s easy (and often hilarious) to look back at old photos and just see how much your fashion sense has changed over the years. I particularly the love the photos where my socks, shoes, belt and scarf all match exactly. And just like fashion, Little One Prints is dedicated to keeping its designs fresh and modern. As we kick of 2010 we are excited about the new designs we will be adding to the site over the coming months, particularly in the areas of personalised christening photo cards, as well as party invitations.
There are so many wonderful moments in your baby’s life to share with family and friends the list of personalised baby cards is almost endless. I am most excited about christening cards because I know what a big step this is for families. Taking that stand before God, your family, friends and church community is a big commitment and one that is taken very seriously. Having the opportunity to formally share the moment is a wonderful gift and one that will be cherished for many years to come.