Reflect on 2010 ~ Welcoming 2011 - Happy New Year!!

Before we step foot into the new year, we think it's worthwhile to take a few minutes to look back at 12 months that zipped past us so fast that it didn't feel like a year went by! Let us reflect on our joys, sorrows, achievements, disappointments, or if we managed to fulfill any of our resolutions we set at the beginning of 2010.

Let's start with Mel:-

The year 2010 for me has been a life changing one; I achieved a new status to live up to- MOTHER. From the time my husband and I got to know that we would be parents in the early part of the year, till we finally met our Lil' Princess on 29 October 2010, the year has been more meaningful than we could ever imagine. The nine months of pregnancy I must say was challenging, physically as well as emotionally. And then came labour and delivery after which I appreciated my own mother a whole lot more having gone through it myself! But by the minute Baby Halimah came out, the morning sickness, the waddling with huge tummy, labour pains and anxiety were just but a distant memory...

Even after two months of motherhood the surreality of it all still lingers (even after seeing a panda in the reflection!)... it's amazing how a small being can bring out so much love... Despite the crying, soiled diapers, sleepless nights, everytime I look at her (especially when she's fast asleep) my love for her grows...

I've started on a scrapbook for her and hopefully will continue throughout her growing years... Enjoy the pictures of the completed layouts so far!

For me, 2010 is the year I got hitched! The husband and I flew to Santorini and Paris (2 of the most romantic spots in the world) for our wedding photo shoot. It was truly an experience. Although no one knew us there and vice versa, wearing the wedding gown and walking around the streets trying to look loving was really uncomfortable! We drew countless stares, congratulatory smiles, handshakes and even some compliments! But all in all, it was fun, and the photos turned out fantastic! Check out some of our non-wedding pics here.

On top of that, I also moved out of my parents' place and into our own home. The 'moving out' part was more emo than the 'getting married' part, I must confess. I miss my old room till now, sob sob (yikes, is this a problem?!). Read my post about the new home here.

I must say, judging from the events which took place for me in 2010 (Santorini, Paris, new home, got married, etc. etc.), I've got to work doubly hard to make 2011 even more fulfilling!!

Pics for all to enjoy!!

Santorini, Greece

Paris

And lastly, something both of us are truly proud of: Buttons & Ribbons Paperie!

We started our humble little business back in April this year, and everything's been smooth sailing so far. Although it's only been 8 months, we've come a fairly long way since our first orders and we're ready to embrace more orders in 2011!

Happy New Year Ya'll!!!

Love,

X'mas giveaway - Thank you!

We would like to thank all of you who have submitted descriptions of your most memorable X'mas gift. The first 5 entries will be receiving the mini X'mas card sets in your mail soon! Please continue to support us and do look out for more giveaways in the future :)

We here at Buttons & Ribbons Paperie, would like to wish all of you, Happy Holidays!

Love,

One date - Two celebrations

A recent order from a customer for a dual celebration card (3rd year anniversary and birthday).

The customer requested for a brown and pink colour theme card, with both their initials.

Names are blurred out for privacy.

I'm all for dual, 'triple and above' celebrations, I see it as convenience and cost-saving (we can have 'all-in-one' presents and dinners). Dates do not have to be exact, as long as they are quite close, rule of thumb: plus minus 1 week.

Some of the celebrations throughout the year which coincide, in my case:-

1. Mother's day and my mum's birthday

2. Birthdays of grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, the husband and Rocco (my dog)

3. Dad's birthday and National Day (not that we really celebrate National Day, but it's nice to have a public holiday!)

4. Our anniversary (the husband and I) and Mid-Autumn festival (we do eat mooncakes, that counts as celebrating!)

5. X'mas and bonus (a true cause for celebration!)

What are some of yours? Share with us!

Love,

{wedding wishes in blue and silver}

"Hey, thank you so much for the card you made for us! So pretty!!"

An sms I received a few days after my friends' wedding. A simple message like this, made my day =)

My well wishes for the newly weds, tucked in a baby blue money holder, sealed with a silver ribbon....

As we approach the end of the year and welcome 2011, get ready to expect many more weddings, birthdays, engagements and other celebratory events coming your way. Why not order a personalized money/voucher holder or greeting card, for a change? A little gesture like this, goes a long way. =)

Love,

X'mas Giveaway!

When I grow up, I wanna be a rockstar!

When you were 16, who/what did you aspire to be when you grew up? I was quite the nerd, I wanted to be:-

Martha Stewart - Baking, cooking and crafting guru, sans the insider trading jail term.

Oprah - Who doesn't want to own an entire media empire, be worth billions, to have celebrity friends, and, have the power to give away cars?!

Accountant - Look how well that turned out!

We must admit, times are different. Young ones these days are more liberal, creative and they have got a world full of opportunities! 16 year olds today probably want to be:-

Katy Perry

Taylor Swift

Rihanna

Adam Lambert

whole cast of Gossip Girl

I mean, who can blame them, even I wanna be a flashy celebrity!

This card was made for a girl turning 16, we heard she is quite the rocker, even at this young age! We used a grey denim background and added elements of pink and purple. We hope this card does represent the rockstar that she is or dreams to be deep inside =)

Love,

{hello world!}

My dear friend and other half of Buttons, Mel, gave birth to baby Halimah last month (how time flies, she's already 1 month old!). It feels like not long ago, we were still pranky JC students, now Mel's a mother.....so surreal and hard to believe!

The few days before Mel gave birth, I was on my toes as well 'cos I had to complete my gift for mommy and baby, and I didn't know how soon it was going to happen! Thank goodness, I was able to finish up on time for the delivery =)

The perfect 'mommy + baby' gift tray. It contains stuff mommy loves as well as stuff for baby's needs! Baby theme scrapbook materials for Mel and an adorable teddy blankie (and other baby essentials) for Halimah. I used a wooden tray instead of a basket, which I felt is too common. In order to prop up the items, I made steps with styrofoam and lined them with pink felt.

I wanted to be unique, instead of making a conventional card, I made little wooden 'lollipop' signposts and wrote my personal messages at the back.

New Mom!

New Baby!

The finished product! Adorable? I had so much fun during the process of making this hamper, despite the tight timeline. Hmm, maybe I perform better under stress?!?

Baby Halimah and her gift! How cute!

To Mel: "Congratulations on this beautiful beginning of a new chapter of your life!"

If you would like to have something like this made for your loved ones, whether it's for a new baby, or just a gift to cheer someone up, talk to us! Send us an email at buttons.ribbons.paperie@gmail.com, we will be able to personalize and customize to your requests =)

Love,