Cool Christmas Cards

I dropped the ball this year and didn't get out Christmas cards, tears. I think it is my first year not sending them in a long time ... maybe I will send sweet valentines? Here are a few Christmas greetings from some pretty cool cats that I wanted to share with you, aren't they awesome?! Check out Justin + the Hackworth family's card above!



I'm gaga over Allyson from Unruly Things illustration! So cute.



Suann from Simple Song said she created this card last minute, wow! I love the milestone annual report, a lovely way to update your friends and family.

Have you seen any clever ones around? Did you get cards out this year?

Rifle Paper

I can't believe how fast the holidays are coming up... love, love these holiday cards from Rifle especially the 12 days of Christmas card. It was great to see an article about Rifle and Anna Bond in Ez's spectacular Gifted magazine. Also have you seen their custom illustrated holiday card options? Tres chic.

Milk & Paper

Lots of goodies in the lovely French big cartel shop Milk & Paper.

Striped Bags // Gingham Tags // and these are cute too.

Connect the Dots...

Love this Connect the Dots Letterpress Thank You post card. (Thanks Hans)

Pretty Business Card

I love the simple perfection of Erin's new letterpress cards. Printed by Studio on Fire.

Paper Animal Puppets

To say our daughter is obsessed with all things related to animals would be an understatement. We are at the point where she is switching between acting out (with noises) a bear, peacock, and tiger all in about five minutes. (I am still trying to figure out if this is normal for a three year old -- do your kids do this?) These gorgeous Paper Animal puppets by Hong Kong based artist Furze Chan that I spotted in lmnop would be right up her alley, because not only does she love animals -- but also puppet shows. I am adding them all to my wish list pronto. You can find them at Little Paper Planes, but be sure to take a look at all of Furze's work on her website --it is all so beautiful!

Present & Correct

Lots of new lovely goodies in Present & Correct's shop. Isn't that Balloon Good Luck Card perfect?

Balloon Good Luck Card
Geometry Post Its
Paper Bag
Primary Card Set

Flowers in May

Fun and graphic prints all with lovely themes by Flowers in May. Thanks Emily.

Lesley & Pea

Enjoying these new bold and graphic lettterpress prints and uplifting sayings by Sussex artists Lesley and Pea over at Keep Calm Gallery.

(Thanks Lucas & Hayley)

Week no. 14

We're going on a road trip this weekend, leaving you with some things that made me smile this week, have a lovely weekend. Also, remember to enter the giveaway!



Breathtaking street paintings by Nuri Mora (via Mint).
Came across images of Françoise Hardy in a post from March seen at Lark About.
Minimal letterpress love by Bespoke Press shared by Chelsea.
Cloud Cookies by Fourty-Six Grace, seen at Contented Me (cookie cutters found here).

(photo above by me)

Rifle Custom Invitation

Uh-mazing! Did you see the invitation that Anna from Rifle custom made? The idea of embroidering and making them handmade then printing them is pure genius.

L Letterpress + Giveaway

*WINNER randomly selected and announced : Congrats Lauren! and thank you again L Letterpress.



A few months ago, I had the opportunity to personally meet with one of the creators and staff behind the L Letterpress at Lifestyle Crafts in their QuicKutz office building. I was very impressed with their back story and how they are wanting to extend the art of letterpress to be more accessible to the average Jane or Joe.



I don't think it will ever replace the nostalgia, impeccable perfection, deep impression, and process of my dear friends that have letterpress companies, but it can be an extremely useful tool for the at home designer crafter. I like to think of the L Letterpress as something similar to a Gocco created all the way back in 1977. (Are you familiar with what a Gocco is? If not read here). Seeing it in action, and they also gave me a machine to try myself I am amazed at the quality and how it has a similar look and feel to letterpress, but don't be worried letterpress businesses --- you will be fine.



They have a variety of plates to choose from, but what I really like is that you can also upload your designs to make your own custom plates which makes it a lot more versatile.

It is a pretty cool machine and I am very happy to be able to share one with you readers! Lifestyle Crafts is giving a L Letterpress Combo Kit and custom letterpress plate to a lucky Black Eiffel reader. (A nearly $190 value) You can find their product line here to purchase and I've also seen them at Paper Source, but you can also find them at select craft stores.

To enter: please leave only one comment below, no anonymous please and make sure your email address is accessible. Giveaway will close on February 15th. Winner will be selected randomly, contacted and announced on this post on Tuesday February 16th. (GIVEAWAY CLOSED & WINNER ANNOUNCED.)

(Photos from L Lettepress)

Essimar Papel

Pretty valentine cards by Essimar, and if you're in Chicago you can meet up with the artist Esther the 12th and 13th at Renegade Handmade during her Valentine-Making Workshop. Cool.

Rifle Valentine's Day Cards

Loving these beautiful Valentine cards from Rifle.

Sponsor : Hello Lucky giveaway

Are you in a last minute bind for getting your holiday cards together like me? Well if so, do I have a giveaway for you. Sponsor Hello Lucky is kind enough to offer a lucky Black Eiffel reader a set of 25 digital custom photo cards (a $95 value). Isn't that great?! All you have to do is go to their website and comment below on "which is your favorite Hello Lucky Holiday card design and why?" Enter by tomorrow night - Friday so we can get this in the works for you! Good luck.*

As a heads up for ordering other cards, Hello Lucky's regular service and shipping ends tomorrow December 11th (although there is a promo for free two day shipping ending 12-16 - freeship1209) and if you are really in a pinch you can order by December 18th for rush service. You can also get 10% by entering the code: BLKHOL09 at check out. Thanks Hello Lucky!

*Winner will be randomly selected and announced on this post.

The randomly selected winner is Jennifer Young. Thanks all!

Ski Sweater Gift Tag

This Linda & Hariett Nordic Ski Sweater Tag is the cutest thing I've seen so far this morning. It is especially charming to me at this moment because as I type this, it is snowing outside! Time to bring out the snow gear. I also like this bag and these holiday cards from Linda & Harriett. Happy Monday!

Letters Lubell

I am pleased to hear about this gorgeous eco-chic line Letters Lubell. The letterpress collection includes notebooks, note cards, recipe cards, gift tags and more and custom printing is also offered. Wouldn't those tags be cute on a colorfully wrapped present. My favorite piece is this one my goodness, do I love letterpress mixed with that design.

Rifle Paper Co.

I'm very excited that Rifle is opening their online shop today. There is a variety of lovey items from greeting cards to posters and more designed by the talented Anna. Go have a peek, it is really A-mazing stuff.

Sponsor Highlight : Seesaw Designs

Have you heard of Seesaw Designs? I hope you have! They are a full-service graphic design and letterpress studio in Scottsdale Arizona and I am delighted that they are a sponsor this month. They recently opened a online letterpress shop and everything is perfection, I really, really like every single piece! Have a look at all of their fine goods in their shop and that calendar --- swoon. Also their blog is one of my daily reads.

Blue Pool Road

Pitter patter goes my heart for the loveliness of this letterpress holiday goodie bag by Blue Pool Road.