I think my daughter and I will make this craft or this craft today – Happy V-Day!

I spent a little time last night checking into some of my favorite blogs. It seems that I’m not on the computer as much during the summer, and get behind on good posts. I saw that Studio on Fire just printed some new colorful business cards for Madison’s Cricket Design Works and they look pretty nice. More here…

Made chemical free in Spooner, WI, this wood paper can be embossed, converted into packaging, die cut, laser cut, silk screened, and even printed through your desktop printer. Only water is used to make the paper and there is no wood waste from their process. Also, when a tree is harvested, it is divided up and distributed to several different wood manufacturing businesses such as plank lumber, furniture, cabinetry and of course paper, which leaves about 10% of the tree for veneer manufacturing. Even though the company only uses 10% of the tree, they plant a tree for each log they use to create the wood paper. Broadway Paper carries four different kinds of wood paper. They have a thin and thick cherry and birch in sheets of 8.5 x 11 and 24 x 30 in stock, though any size sheets are able to be ordered.

Allison of The Social Type was recently featured on the Minted blog. Originally from Madison, Allison graduated from UW-Stevens Point and took her designing skills out to San Francisco. She teams up with friend Jessica to create fresh greetings and stationery that often win the Minted design challenges. Read their interview here.

I ordered this Clint Eastwood is Danger print for my guy for his Valentine’s Day present. It will be perfect in his stark white office. I also love this ‘Stache Clash Deadwood from Ole Rattlesnake, but hate to encourage his facial hair growth. Lindsey, or Ole Rattlesnake as she’s called, is a UW-Madison student working on her M.F.A. in printmaking. You may have seen her web-famous “Mustachio Nut” poster, but although it’s now sold out, I’m sure this bright gal has more up her sleeve… keep those prints coming!

Paper lovers, there’s a new store on Madison’s west side that’s worth checking out. A great little boutique called The Paper Deli that sells stationery, greeting cards, gifts, office accessories and even custom designed invitations. Need a last minute holiday card or gift? Stop by their store on Old Sauk Rd.

Have you ordered your holiday cards yet? Only 21 days left until Christmas! Lori at Marzipan is offering Studio Wisco fans 20% off now through December 31st! Yes, you heard it, 20% off your order – just enter “WISCO” when ordering. She not only has tons of designs to choose from, but she’s also a Wisconsin gal. And in addition to cards, she also has some new products such as bookplates and alphabet magnets. Check out Fin + Roe and Shades of Violet.

I normally just cover our fridge with all the beautiful holiday cards we receive. But this year, I’m tempted to display them in this Card Chandelier from Pottery Barn. What a great way to show off the assortment of designs without having to use a roll of tape or box of magnets. Then, in the off-season, I could hang photos or flowers above the dining table. Check it out here or visit Pottery Barn in Appleton, Madison or Wauwatosa.

Another talent at Bella Figura is Jamie Karosos. This Stevens Point local was awarded the 2008 Design*Sponge Scholarship out of a field of 2,000 applicants. Her design style is overwhelmingly unique, full of energy and a sophisticated playfulness with hand-drawn imperfections of joy. Inspiration for her designs come from pattern, her heritage, porch sitting, list writing, the cyclical nature of everything, interconnection, adjectives, stitches, camping, and rummage sale-ing. Check out Jamie’s Joyful Yarrow and Buttonpom designs here.

Calligraphy + Letterpress = Classy Invitations. Bella Figura, a sister company to Smock, creates and prints modern calligraphy wedding invites. While their designer, Debi Zeinert resides in Port Washington, WI, their wind-powered letterpresses are in up-state New York. Their environmental printing techniques and attention to detail make these invites extremely unique and perfect for your next classy event. Check them out at bellafigura.com.