June 2009 Computer Desktop Calendar Wallpaper + iPhone Wallpaper

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iPhone:

Already Time to Plan for the 4th of July! Here’s A Free + Fabulous Patriotic Party Planning Guide…

With Memorial Day barely under our belts, it’s already time to order invitations for the 4th of July. {Which leads me to wonder how summer lucked into all the patriotic holidays.} Regardless, the mere thought of warm nights mixed with fantastic friends, fireworks + an enormous sense of pride for our country gets me excited for the next holiday.

Even more so when we connected with Dawn of Partybluprints.com. Not only does she have a fabulous blog with lots of great party tips, she gave us a huge gift in the form of a wonderful {and free} patriotic party e-guide detailing all the steps to throwing a fabulous patriotic party. {Including red, white + blue-inspired invitations from RedStamp, of course!}

Staring in quantities of 10 {for only $39!} make your 4th of July get-together a little more fantastic this year with personalized invitations + a great Party Blu-Print.

FREE SHIPPING :: Say HI To Summer | Memorial Day Sale

If you are anything like me…your head is spinning with all the events you have on your plate. Father’s Day {June 21st}, Graduations, End of Year Teacher Gifts, Birthdays, Hostess Gifts for Summer BBQs… To help, THIS WEEKEND enjoy FREE U.S. STANDARD SHIPPING on all orders $50 or more. Just use promo code MEMSHIP. And have a wonderful weekend!

Top Teacher Gift Idea :: When You Have LOTS of Teachers to Gift

Most of the year, I love that my son has a computer teacher, a music teacher, a Spanish teacher, three classroom teachers AND a fabulous school director. But when it comes to end-of-year gift giving, it becomes a bit overwhelming. I like the idea of giving them each something that is totally their own, yet on par with the other gifts. So, this year…I’m giving petite personalized notes that I can tailor in font + color for each teacher.

For example…I know Ms. Brooke LOVES pink…so I picked Peony / Pink ink in Adelia Script + Peony Pink envelopes. And Ms. Beth {the music teacher} loves sheet music…so she’ll receive Black and White notes in Bickham Script with white envelopes. You can pick by personality OR by area of expertise. Need some ideas? Here’s a sampling of all the different options available ::

Wide Rule Personalized Teacher Stationery, Petite Flat Cards
Starting at 25 for $29

One Thought Note #27 :: On the Mend

In hopes of inspiring more handwritten notes, I occasionally share the notes I write {and the easy 3-part mix} behind each note.  Handwritten notes are a snap to send when kept light + focused. The ensuing praise? Amazing.

Recently, a friend with 3 small children had leg surgery. Although she is amazing + already on the mend, I wanted to send something cheerful. So I sent my version of flowers and a card. Paper flowers are great because they last forever, don’t require constant attention, and are super useful for someone who has to delegate her responsibilities while she gets back up on her feet. {Literally.} 

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: Surgery
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: Quickly on the mend
3. Reveal what comes next :: Getting back up on your feet

Stationery :: Fresh Blooms Fold-Over {it’s free with any order} + Yellow Pom Pom Noteblock by Snow & Graham $16

Hi Polly_ Just wanted to send a little something something your way to let you know I’m thinking about you. Kate told me about your surgery + your amazing recovery. You are an inspiration. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Feel better soon! Love_Erin

One Thought Note #26 :: The Perfect Milestone Birthday Card + Greeting

In hopes of inspiring more handwritten notes, I occasionally share the notes I write {and the easy 3-part mix} behind each note.  Handwritten notes are a snap to send when kept light + focused. The ensuing praise? Amazing.

I send a LOT of birthday cards, so I love the chance to mix things up with a card that doesn’t scream BIRTHDAY.  This one is PERFECT for any birthday. Especially a milestone birthday, from 30 – 100!Letterpress printed on European paper, the sentiment is thoughtful, yet open. Which makes it a great card to have on hand for any occasion {support, get well, birthday, friendship, congratulations, best wishes, etc. etc.}

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: Best friend turning 40
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: A very happy birthday!
3. Reveal what comes next :: An upcoming visit

Greeting Card :: Youth Is A State of Mind by Page Stationery :: $5.25

{Youth is a State of Mind} …which is why you will forever be 21! Happy Birthday, Matt! Wow…the big 40 has got nothing on you. We love you lots, wish we could be there to give you a great big hug & can’t wait to see you later this month. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! *heart* Erin & Chris

Best Way To Say :: How to Word the RSVP When You Need a Firm Response

Summer party planning is upon us.  So I thought I would share an invitation wording Q&A that came to us via email this weekend.

Q :: How do you word it when you need a definite RSVP?

A :: My suggestion is to include a respond-by date to prompt people to take your request more seriously + provide reasonable guidance. Simply include a line that says “RSVP by June 15th” or whenever you need the response by to best plan your party details.

Keep in mind, you might still have one or two invitees who miss the deadline. But if you include a date on your invitation, it’s more than ok to pick up the phone and/or send an email shortly after that date to prompt their response. {This is also an important consideration when you set the date. My suggestion is to give yourself a couple of extra days to allow for follow-up.}

I hope this helps with your party planning. Please email me at erin@redstamp.com or comment below with any wording/etiquette questions. You can also find me on Twitter :: @redstamp_erin. I’d love to help!

Shop :: Invitations | Memorial Day/Patriotic Invitations | Summer Party Invitations

And speaking of summer parties….We are thrilled to be apart of PartyBluPrints.com’s FREE Patriotic Party Eguide. Lots of great tips on everything from invitations to food to music! Party planning at it’s finest + easiest. {Thank you PartyBluPrints!}

One Thought Note #25 :: What a Wonderful Visit!

I wrote this note to thank friends for a wonderful visit. They really went out of their way to make us feel at home while staying in their home. So nice!

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: An overnight stay with a friend
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: The whole visit! Tried to cover the highlights {specific events are great to inlude!}
3. Reveal what comes next :: A visit to OUR home

Dear Karen, Ted, Liam, Owen & Evan_We had such a wonderful time at your gorgeous home! You guys really went all out…everything was beyond perfect. From the bball game TO the steak TO that amazing dip I couldn’t stop eating TO the glow sticks, thank you so much for taking the time & effort to make our visit one we’ll treasure always. Next time…our turn! xo _ Erin, Chris & Will

One Thought Note #24 :: Happy Birthday to an Old Friend

In hopes of inspiring more handwritten notes, I occasionally share the notes I write {and the easy 3-part recipe} behind each note. As long as you build your note around one thought + keep it light, handwritten notes are a snap to send! The ensuing praise? Amazing to receive.

This note is to a good childhood friend who I was reminded of the last time I visited our hometown. If you are looking for a good reason to get back in touch…a birthday or anniversary is the perfect excuse for a quick note.

1. Revisit what prompted the note :: A hometown birthday
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange :: Seeing the remodeling work her husband worked on — he just launched his new business
3. Reveal what comes next :: Would love to get together next time I’m in town

Letterpress Printed Card :: Morning Glory Birthday Card by Snow & Graham {$3.50}

Melissa_Happy Happy Birthday! How are you? It’s been a while, so I thought I’d just drop you a little hello — birthdays are a good reason to say hi, right? How’s good old GPointe? Last time I was a The Hill I saw Dan’s work…so glad that is going well. Next time I’m in town, I would love to get together. Take care…Have a great birthday! Erin

Mother’s Day Inspiration :: Gift Wrap + Picture + Frame = Gorgeous Present for Under $20

Kara, one of our oh-so-talented designers, just showed us this fabulous little gift she is giving to her mom on Mother’s Day this Sunday. So creative, we wanted to share.

The gift wrap is one of Kara’s mom’s favorites, so it was the inspiration for the design.

{Oh…and the whole project cost less than $20!}

WHAT YOU NEED ::

• RIBBA Frame from Ikea :: $9.95 {but you could substitute any white frame…Target has a great selection!}
• Wildflowers Gift Wrap by Waste Not Paper :: $6.50 / 2 sheets (Or choose your favorite gift wrap)
• Photo by Kara Kurth of Kurth Photography {yes, she’s a photographer too!} :: $2
• Scissors
• Glue :: Kara’s Choice is Mod Podge, but any glue or double-sided tape will do

HOW TO ::

1. Place the inner mat 1″ from the top + left-hand side of the wrap, cut wrap 1 inch larger than mat on all sides.
2. Glue wrap to mat. Mode Podge shown but glue stick or 2X stick tape will work just as well!
3. Cut + fold wrap around the picture opening. Fold extra wrap around all the edges of the mat
4. Tape photo to inside of mat and place mat in frame

THE FINISHED PRODUCT = GORGEOUS!
Of course, it helps to have amazing subjects!