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Elūm Valentine

1.30.2020

We are hopeful romantics here at Elūm. We believe in red roses, tender kisses, long or short engagements, shared dreams, shared lives and true love. We’d like to hold a big Greek wedding where everyone gets to catch the bouquet. We believe that everyone, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation deserves to be loved and treasured and that with the right person, every day can be Valentine’s Day. It’s in the small everyday acts—cooking dinner, exchanging texts, a hand on the small of our backs as we walk through a door—that true love truly shines. Valentine’s Day allows us to shout at the top of our voices “You are my one and only!” We’re down with that. And lucky for you we are professional celebrationistas (totally a word, right?) who are here to help you slay it on the big day. Read on to discover our Valentine’s dreams.

Our offices in San Diego are an hour’s drive from the World’s Avocado Capital in Fallbrook California so you know we’re going to combine our love of avocados with our love of Valentine’s. Our Truly Avo Half Card is wholly guacamole and packed with heart-healthy nutrients. Now if we could just get a side of toast!

Is there anything more romantic than camping under the stars? A camper van, a campfire, a soft blanket and you. We’ll lie side by side, holding hands, watching the Milky Way. If we’re lucky we’ll see a shooting star and make a wish. Our wish would be to stay forever in this moment with you. We created Our Binge Watching Stars Card to capture all the infinite possibilities of a night sky and two people in love.

 

You don’t have to be a unicorn to be magical. Hedgehogs manage it without rainbows or spirally horns. Hedgehogs are so extra they even have their own cafe. It’s in Tokyo which is a long way to travel for Valentine’s. However we thought we’d create our very own hedgehog hug right here at home. And here’s how we know hedgehogs are magical: When they blow bubbles they turn into hearts. #HedgeHearts

 

If your partner believes the most awesome sauce is soy sauce, that rice was made to be sticky and life has no meaning without wasabi, then our Sushi Cuddles Card is for you. Reserve a table at his or her favorite sushi place this Valentine’s, grab an Uber, don’t tell your love where you’re headed, and then hand them this card halfway. Sushi surprise! That’s how we roll in California. #CaliforniaRoll

We like to think of our Valentine Kits as slam dunks. They are everything you need to spread the love far and wide this Valentine’s. With twenty-four cards in each kit and twenty-four adorable favors, you can send a Hundo P cuteness to teachers, coworkers, family members and just about anyone who catches your fancy.  Our kits come in Football, Space, Wildlife and other fun and delightful themes. You can pick them up at your local TjMaxx, Marshalls or HomeGoods. #ValentineInABox

Warning: Receipt of this card does not guarantee its sender will actually be wearing fancy undies. She reserves the right to switch them out for granny pants without notice.

Now we’ve got the legals out of the way, let’s not forget that Valentine’s Day extends all the way to Valentine’s Night. #OohLaLa

We celebrate Gay pride, facial hair and love here at Elūm! We are pro ‘tache. And will defend your right to sport a ‘tache even when you’re drinking a foamy mug of beer (though we may hand you a napkin when you’re done!). We believe in inclusion and fusion and everything that brings us closer together not farther apart. And we proudly design, create and print cards that celebrate all the milestones of same sex love.

Is your honey glued to her phone? Is your bae beside himself when the wifi’s down? If so you may need a Valentine’s card that speaks their language. It’s a special language, first spoken by engineers in Sweden. It’s called Bluetooth. You may have heard of it. This year we’ve created a card that translates Bluetooth into the universal language of love. #TakeThatShakespeare

Okay, we admit it. We’re artists and designers, not writers. We get blushy and tongue-tied when it comes to love. Barry White helps. He wrote the romance playbook: Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Baby, Just The Way You Are, You’re My First, My Last, My Everything. If you’re like us, however, and have something to tell your loved one but can’t seem to find the right words to say it, our No Words Valentine can help. Because sometimes love is as infinite as the stars and to write it down is to lessen it. #BigLoveNoWords

I told you we’re romantics! How do you plan on showing your love this Valentine’s?

Summer Birthday

6.27.2019

Drowsy days by the pool, hot dogs and lemonade at the ballpark, sunburn and sandy feet at the beach: Summer is officially here! Over the next three months these lazy, hazy days will be filled with the birthdays of people we care about and love. Cancer, Leo and Virgo: you are the signs of Summer. Born on dew-drenched mornings, white hot afternoons and sultry nights, Summer babies we heart you! You are water, fire and earth. Your special day is approaching and we’ve got your friends and loved ones covered with our Summer Birthday Card Guide. Let’s take a look at your stars and match them with a few of our own!

CANCER
June 21 – July 22

Ruled by the moon, drawn to water, creative, tenacious and deeply loving, Cancers are the nurturers of the zodiac. Family and home is everything. You are loyal and giving and sometimes generous to a fault. If you’re hurt you withdraw into that world famous shell. Summer will find you at the beach, with warm sand beneath your feet and waves tickling your toes. Your horoscope promises a summer of special events, travel and personal growth. An old friend will come back into your life, finally giving you the chance to meet your squad goals. Famous Cancers include Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Chris Pratt.

If you’re sending a card to the Cancer in your life, it’s good to remember their ruling color: white. Cancers are healers, gentle-souls and givers. Touch their hearts by sending a simple but beautiful card with a handwritten message inside.

LEO
July 23 – Aug 22

Leos are the best kind of trouble this summer. Passionate, charismatic and playful, you will be first in line to sing karaoke, belly-flop into the pool, and hit the dance floor doing the Triangle. You are the life of the party and the queen (or king) of hearts. Hogging the limelight can be your downfall, and occasionally you need to remind yourself to share it. June and July will find you following your passions: traveling, eating out, and hitting the movies. Your horoscope predicts family love! And if you’re considering shaking up your workout routine, August is a good month to get started. Famous Leos include Demi Lovato, Jennifer Lopez and Barak Obama.

The Leos in our lives crave laughter and fun. Their ruling planet is the sun and their element is fire. You bet we have them covered on their birthdays!

VIRGO
August 23 – September 22nd

With their feet on the ground and their head in the clouds, Virgos are the perfect storm of dreamers and doers. Helpful, kind, thoughtful and modest, you make the kind of friends who want to keep you around for life. You’re stylin’. You organize the most magical parties and love getting lost in a good book. Summer will find you combing flea markets for vintage treasures, hiking nature trails and walking your dog in the park. You’re a perfectionist, which is both your strength and your weakness. Sometimes you work yourself too hard. This summer will bring you closer to your family and present chances for you to heal old wounds. Famous Virgos include Beyonce, Zendaya and Keanu Reeves.

Virgos are drawn to beauty and whimsy, and with Mercury as their ruling planet they’re always looking at the stars. Make their day with a unique birthday card with vintage charm.

Happy Birthday, summer signs! We wish you the most amazing and special day this summer. #zodiaclove We don’t want to forget our fall, winter and spring babies so here’s our quick take on what’s in store for you this summer.

LIBRA. Hang on to your hats, this summer is set to be lit! Expect the unexpected and be prepared to use all of your amazing social skills to get by.

SCORPIO. You sexy Scorpios are on target to have some serious adult fun this summer! Keep an eye on your financials and be sure to invest in some racy lacy lingerie.

SAGITTARIUS. This is your summer of love. Connect more deeply with your partner by planning a special getaway. And if you’re a single Sagittarius, there’s never been a better time to mingle!

CAPRICORN. Smart and sassy Capricorns can expect to go on a journey this summer. Taking time to meet new people along the way will bring surprising delights and some insta-worthy moments.

AQUARIUS. A dynamic new person entering your life will make this summer unforgettable. If you can meet the challenges of the summer and roll with its changes, you’ll emerge stronger than ever in fall.

PISCES. This is a life-changing year for you. Your hard work and dedication is finally paying off. Take time to kick back, hang with your entourage and smell the roses!

ARIES. This is an important summer for someone you care about deeply and you’ll need to support them. You and your bank account can expect some extra love in July.

TAURUS. Exciting changes are coming this summer. Embrace them, but keep the details off social media until you’ve given everyone in your circle the heads up.

GEMINI. This is the summer to chill. Relax and take some well-deserved me time. Recharge your creativity with summer must-reads and day trips with family and friends. A party invite in August is not to be missed!

Whatever your sign have a fire summer! Enjoy the heat, stay cool, and don’t forget to keep those memories alive with our Zodiac Daily Journal (available exclusively at Anthropolgie). #elumzodiac We have all the stars in our eyes!

Sending Thanks

1.25.2019

The Holidays are over and it’s a New Year. Time to pack up the decorations, get organized, and set goals for 2019. Maybe your auntie gave you an Instant Pot for Christmas and you’ve decided to prepare healthy meals from scratch. Maybe Granny splurged and gave you an Apple Watch for Hanukah and you’re resolved to walk ten miles a day—using your watch to track them. Whatever your goals and resolutions are, you need to add an extra one to the list: giving thanks.

Writing Thank-You notes is one of the most precious and powerful habits we can develop as humans. A Thank-You note warms the heart of the person who receives it. It acknowledges their kindness and thoughtfulness and strengthens the connection between you. Thank-You’s on social media or spoken over the phone can be touching and wonderful, but nothing can replace setting ink down on paper. A handwritten note creates a personal heirloom that shows how much you value the recipient. Auntie can’t put a tweet on her mantlepiece and show it proudly to visitors, and no matter how hard she tries Granny can’t lovingly place a Facebook message in the keepsake box she stores under her bed.

We’re big believers in expressing gratitude at Elūm. We know the idea of writing Thank-You notes can seem daunting, that’s why we make so many fun and whimsical Thank-You cards. A beautiful card printed on repurposed cotton rag paper with a simple and heartfelt message inside will never go out of style or be replaced with technology. It represents time and thought. Its arrival in the mailbox creates warm and delightful anticipation, and a loved one can hold it in her hand and think of you. Around here we believe that’s some pretty powerful mojo.

Last month an estate planner wrote to advice columnist Dear Abby. In her letter she spoke of the consequences she witnesses to folk who fail to write Thank-You’s to relatives. Time and time again she sees grandparents and family members disappointed that their generosity has gone unacknowledged. After taking the time to pick out a thoughtful gift or send a small check to help cover expenses, wouldn’t you want to be thanked?

At Elum we think of Thank-You’s as a celebration not a chore. We break out a box of gorgeous Blackwing color pencils, arm ourselves with hand-carved owl and peacock stamps, and fire up McFadden & Whitehead. Ain’t no stopping us from sending thanks, no way! We’ll wrestle you to the ground with our special unicorn moves for even trying! #unicornrumble

We have two rules for writing Thank-You’s: Keep it Fun. Keep it Real.

The fun part is using your creativity to pick and personalize a card. We think you can’t go wrong with a twinkly rainbow of stars or a big beaming sun or an old-school smiley face. Choosing a card that makes your recipient smile always puts you one step ahead! Next crack open those pencils and doodle and decorate to your heart’s content. If you’re thanking Auntie for her Instant Pot, how about sketching one inside the card? If your creation doesn’t end up looking anything like the product shot, no problem. Take your colored pencil and write underneath My Instant Pot, clearing up any confusion. Don’t forget this is a person who loves and knows you. They already know you can’t draw! Stamping, coloring and doodling is all about creating a personal keepsake for your recipient. If you love butterflies, draw butterflies. If Auntie loves owls, stamp an entire parliament of them inside your card. #parliamentofowls

Writing your message is where the Keep it Real rule kicks in. No thesaurus, no cut-and-paste. Just a couple of sentences from your hearts to theirs. The simple and easy trick to sounding like your true and authentic self when writing a Thank-You is to imagine the recipient is standing right in front of you. Write down exactly what you would say to them.

Auntie, I love the Instant Pot. Thank you! I’ll be thinking of you every time I cook a healthy meal. Miss and love you, Ashley.

You don’t have to be a great writer, you just have to speak from your heart.

Dear Granny, I put your photo on my Apple Watch so whenever I check the time I see your face. Sending you kisses for every hour of the day. Love and thanks, Jess.

Expressing gratitude is one of the most rewarding and beautiful things we can do as humans. As the suffragette Margaret Cousins said, “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”

CLICK TO SHOP OUR THANK YOU NOTES

YAY! Elum Won in 5 Categories at the 2017 Louie Awards

5.30.2017

It’s always an honor to be recognized by the Greeting Card Association for our letterpress cards but we’re over the moon about winning in 5 categories at the 2017 Louie Awards. We couldn’t be there in person to accept the awards but the talented team at Elum took time to pose with their winning card designs and explain a little about their inspiration.

Ali Kurzeja: Potted Plants 

2017 Louie Award Winners : Ali K

Winner: Potted Plants  |  Category: Friendship / Encouragement > General > Above $4.00

“My design was inspired by visits to my best friend’s home. She houses a collection of plants that create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Whenever I see a row of potted plants I think of her and our times together laughing on the couch surrounded by her indoor garden.”

We love this sweet design and color way. The sentiment is so versatile; perfect for a birthday, Valentine’s Day or just to tell a friend they’ve been on your mind.

Shannon Lamb: Cutest Couple & Sports Car

2017 Louie Award Winners : Shannon Lamb

Winner: Cutest Couple  |  Category: Congratulations/Special Occasion > Above $4.00

“This card is a youthful and modern take on an engagement or wedding card, designed with strategic foil stamping to make the marquee lights shimmer. I wanted to create an enthusiastic card because I’m an equally enthusiastic wedding-goer.”

Winner: Sports Car |  Category: Father’s Day > Above $4.00

“Sometimes a man in a car full of kids sports equipment is way sexier than a man in a Ferarri. For all the men driving from soccer game to soccer game with a car full of sports equipment who traded in their Mustang for a Station Wagon; we love you.” This card was designed for Marcel Schurman, sold exclusively in Papyrus Stores. 

We’re obsessed with Shannon’s adorable, graphic illustration style and witty copywriting.

Samantha Kurtz : Fancy Pair

2017 Louie Award Winners : Samantha Kurtz

Winner: Fancy Pair  |  Category: Most Humorous

“This card was created for couples who embrace humor and love a good laugh. When you love someone any pair is the fancy pair!”

Every person in our office laughed out loud when Sam presented this card design. It’s by far one of our most popular designs.

Samantha Kurtz & Shannon Lamb Collaboration : Koi Box Notes

LouiWinners-Ali-3Louie Award Winners : Samantha Kurtz & Shannon Lamb

Winner: Koi Boxed Notes  |  Category: Everyday Boxed Sets > Above $2.50

Because we’re such a small studio we often get to collaborate with one another on designs. Sam and Shannon teamed up to create this gorgeous letterpress Koi boxed note card set. Shannon designed the original pattern as an accompaniment to the Reverie Desk Collection and Sam adapted the pattern in a new color way to create this incredible set of cards. Letterpress printed with three inks plus a rose gold foil stamp to capture the shimmering nature of a koi in the water.

Sending a great big thanks to the Greeting Card Association and Louie Awards! You can check out the rest of the amazing winners from the 2017 Louie Awards here.

13 New Ways to Tell Someone You Love Them

1.13.2017

We’ve got a brand new batch of loving letterpress Valentine’s Day cards that have just joined the Elum line. From heartfelt sentiments for your friends to showing off your fanciest pair of granny panties, we’ve got something for everyone.

Check our our latest creations below and learn about some of the inspiration behind the new designs.

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“This design is a play off of a classic Valentine’s Day card, a minimal all over iconic pattern and two colors of foil on black paper give a really traditional message and iconography a trendy modern twist.” –Samantha K., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“When my boyfriend and I met we really connected on our shared passion for adventuring. We do a lot of traveling and are pretty outdoorsy but more importantly we appreciate all of the normal, everyday adventures that we get to share in our day to day lives.”  –Shana F., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“When I was designing this card I was thinking of perfect pairings. In my mind no two flavors go together better than wine and cheese. I am not a big romantic so  I will definitely sign my name under Cheese but I do think we all should treat our lovers like the fanciest bottle of Wine – cherish every moment we spend together.” –Olga G., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“Netflix & Chill! Just kidding….this card was actually inspired by the message of another Elum card called “Lazy Sunday.” The message from that card, “Some of the Best Times of My Life Have Been Spent Doing Absolutely Nothing With You,” has always resonated with me because sometimes it’s the simpler, quieter moments that I cherish the most. “Lazy Days” is tailored to the person who knows that the bond created by a good movie night on the couch is a truly special one.” –Shannon L., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Card from Elum

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“I’m a crazy cat lady so this card was inspired by my real life desire to always be surrounded by a million cats, and of course my cat, Ramona.” –Shana F., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“I just illustrated the scientific facts.” –Shana F., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“I have a friend who always tells her favorite people that she “loves their guts.” I’m  obsessed with that sentiment because it’s all about literally loving someone inside out, even the gross parts. It feels so genuine.” –Shana F., Designer

13 New Lettepress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“I originally started with the inside message of this card “You’re Such a Treat” and was going to pair it with illustrations of various sweets. But when I started drawing, I got stuck on a doodle of a S’more and decided to run with it. The end result was this punny little Valentine’s card.” –Shannon L., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Dat Cards from Elum“This design was inspired by visits to my best friend’s home. She houses a collection of plants that create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Whenever I see a row of potted plants I think of her and our times together laughing on the couch surrounded by her indoor garden.” –Ali K., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Cards from Elum“Because we all know that when you’ve been with someone for so long this is the fancy pair!” –Samantha K., Designer

13 New Letterpress Valentine's Day Greeting Cards From Elum

What’s the all-time best way someone has said “I Love You” to you? Tell us in the comments below and give us some inspiration for our next line of love cards!