April 16, 2007

In the Cards

Thanks to the Internet, we now have entire relationships that exist only in email, and some of our best friends are screen names (2tired, milf365, etc.). But in an ironic twist, it's also the best way to craft your most intimate, hand-printed sentiments – you know, the kind that includes envelopes and stamps. When even the trendiest stationery store lets you down, you can always find something original online. Here are two sites that prove it.

Toronto-based TearDrop creates custom invitations and announcements with whimsical line drawings and unaffected charm. Designs cover all the big life events – showers, weddings, babies, parties and birthdays for kids of all ages. There's also a range of save-the-date cards, perfect for the overbooked way we live. You choose the particulars – papers, text, ink colors – for a truly unique message that lasts.

Another fun choice is Bumble Ink, a Bay-area outfit that produces clever cards with character. Adorable critters adorn textured heavy stock and present your info with style. Try a cheeky birth announcement like "It's a chick" or a shower invite featuring bees, butterflies or a bun in the oven. Also worth a look is their large collection of original pre-printed cards for birthdays, thank yous, and of course, happy holidays.

Order a couple custom paper cards and break out a fancy pen. It's guaranteed to look better in a scrapbook than a printout from Evite.

Available online at teardropweddings.com and bumbleink.com.

Friday's UrbanBaby Daily: White Nights

Recently Discussed on UrbanBaby Message Boards: "Do you think there's a 7-year itch?"

Interested in advertising? Email info@urbanbaby.com

Subscribe to UrbanBaby Daily | Unable to read email?