Happy New Year

It seems like just yesterday, we were celebrating the beginning of 2011.

Another wonderful year has gone by, and a lot has happened. Not only
did I design my first set of Wedding invitations in 2011, but I also
have been busier than ever this past year. This year has been
eventful, as I had started working full time, and was still studying
for my Masters. I am happy to say that I finished my Masters degree,
and have a lot more time to work on Uptown Stationery.

Although I am very happy with how 2011 turned out, I am looking
forward to what 2012 brings. This coming year, I am hoping to expand
Uptown Stationery with a new and improved website and a new line of
cards which I hope to debut within the next few months.

One of my main goals for 2012 is to give back. I have been trying to
locate a non-profit to send cards over to the Troops. Last year with
the help of friends, I collected 2,000 letters to the soldiers which
were brought the Washington DC USO during the Cherry Blossom Festival.

I am again collecting letters for this year’s festival, but I want to
start designing cards to be sent for the troops to then write to their
family. Coming from a Military family, I know how important letters
can be during a time of deployment. Since I think it would be fun to
get others involved, I am planning “Cards for Troops” parties
throughout the winter and spring, to get some friends involved in
designing the cards which will be sent over.

Do you know someone who is deployed? Send me an email :
Maureen@uptownstationery.com and we can put an event together to have
cards made and sent over!

I would like to end this post by saying that you to everyone who has
been supportive this past year. Uptown Stationery was on hold for a
few months as I studied for my exam, but I am back and full of ideas!
I am looking forward to 2012! Happy New Year!

Random Acts of Kindness

Just today, I got an email from my roommate about a neat idea for New
Years. I wanted to share it with everyone because I think it is
wonderful, and maybe it will inspire others to participate as well!
It is called The Birthday Project.

The idea originated from a woman, who on her 38th birthday did 38
random acts of kindness (RAOK). Her story and her random acts of
kindness can be found below.

http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/?p=1358

Do you have an idea for a RAOK? Post it below! I would love to hear
your ideas!

Uptown Updates

It has been far too long since I last updated my blog! As many of you know, I had to put Uptown Stationery on hold for a few months while I studied for my Masters Comprehensive Exam, which I took October 27th. Now that I officially have my Masters, and am finished with school (for now) I have a lot more time to work on Uptown Stationery.

Aside from designing cards and working on the Prescott Wedding, I have been busy these last 6 weeks! I wasted no time getting back into Photography; I had my first-ever Maternity shoot the weekend after my exam! (Becca is due in less than 1 month!) On top of that, I became a USO volunteer last week and am working on my application to
Daughters of the American Revolution. Additionally, I am still working on my book. It is coming along slowly, but hopefully I will be scheduling interviews come 2012 to really get it off the ground.

In regards to stationery, the Holiday season has been busy, earlier this week I finished a custom order for a good friend of mine, (photos coming soon!) and am currently working on a "Navy/Military" themed card set. I am looking forward to posting some photos of my recent work!

Correspondence Cards

I have a new favorite way to communicate. Correspondence cards! Obviously I did not come up with this idea, correspondence cards have been around for a long time. I have just put a fun new spin on them. Here is a sneak peak of a few I have started working on. I actually made these for my cousin as a birthday gift. She made me a beautiful painting for my new apartment, so I figured a new style of cards would be great for her! :) But shh, I am not giving them to her until this evening...I hope she is not online in the mean time. :)

Andy & Jordan's DC Engagement

I also love photography, and I had the opportunity to take Andy & Jordan's engagement pictures! Here is a snippet of a few of my favorites. More can be found on my photography blog! www.maureenmartinphotography.blogspot.com

America!

I LOVE the 4th of July! Actually, to be honest, I love every patriotic holiday! (Who doesn't?!) It is nice to remember the sacrifices that so many brave men and women have made throughout the years, and continue to make for our freedom. Here is a custom order I did for this 4th of July!

Like what you see? Let me know! If you have suggestions, I love those as well! Or if you would like to get a custom order started, my email is maureen@uptownstationery.

The Prescott Save-the-Dates

This is the first of a series of cards for the Prescott Wedding. I am extremely excited to be doing Mike & Laura's Save-the-Dates, Invitations, Thank You's & table settings. I went to college with both of them and am looking forward to their wedding! :)