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ELŪM DESIGN & PRODUCT SHOWCASE

1.01.2018

A small sampling of our design expertise and excellence in manufacturing fine paper and lifestyle goods.

In-house creative team

We do it all. Our award-winning creative team comes from a variety of backgrounds, giving us the ability to create original artwork, concept new products and develop functional and beautiful packaging solutions that are sure to meet any of your needs. We never settle for ordinary and you shouldn’t either. Everything we make is crafted with care and we always sweat the small stuff. We promise to always deliver thoughtfully designed products that leave an impression.

Letterpress printing

Elūm is the gold standard in letterpress printing. We’re proud to be one of the largest letterpress print shops in the USA. We use the finest print-making paper, mix custom inks, edge-paint by hand and add a finishing touch with shimmering hot foil-stamping. We wake up every morning excited to run our fingers over a batch of 100% cotton rag paper fresh off the press. Our pressmen have over 90 years of combined experience and have printed over a million letterpress cards.

Overseas manufacturing

We have sky-is-the-limit manufacturing capabilities. If you can dream it, we can make it. We have meticulously chosen our overseas partners to ensure you get high quality materials at the best possible prices. We foster strong relationships and open lines of communication between our team and our vendors. If for any reason our current partners are unable to meet your needs, we are capable of sourcing factories that can deliver exactly what you’re looking for.

Elūm was founded on high quality letterpress printing and we still stay true to our roots today. Our award winning letterpress products are custom designed and expertly hand-crafted on vintage letterpress machines at Elūm in San Diego, California.

letterpress stationery
PIECE TYPES
· Greeting cards: A7, A2 {b}, A9, 5.75″ Square
· A1 & A2 boxed notes, folded or flat
· Invitations
· Gift enclosures {e}
· Edge-painted boards {a}
· Coasters
· Table numbers
· Signs & art prints {f}
· Escort cards
· Advice cards

PRINTING OPTIONS
· Ink and foil stamping
· Custom mixed ink colors
· Foilsshiny {a, c, f}, matte, glitter, holographic and more
· Special inks: color changing, glow-in-the-dark,
neon & metallic

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
· Edge painting {a}
· Packaging: acetate box with printed inserts, clear cello sleeve with optional printed slip sheet
· Card displays {e}
· Coordinating envelope options

PAPER OPTIONS
· Cotton rag paper {b,d}
· Ultra-thick stock, up to 1/8″ thick {a, f}
· Colored papers {c}

Extraordinary gifts deserve extraordinary gift wrap. Our wrap is printed on high quality paper with a wide variety of stock and special finishes. Here at Elūm, we pride ourselves on creating unique, custom wrapping paper designs for any and every occasion. For all your wrapping paper needs, we’ve got you covered, literally.

gift wrap
PAPER OPTIONS
· Matte or glossy
· Textured finish
· Holographic {a}
· Kraft {b}
· Stock: 80-100gsm
· Continuous roll wrap

PRINTING OPTIONS
· PMS or CMYK printing
· Special inks: shiny metallic {c& ultra bright neon inks

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
· Stand alone corrugate carton displays
· Available as sets
· Packaged with coordinating custom washi tape

decorative gift toppers
PIECE TYPE & MATERIAL OPTIONS
· Bows: made from paper {b}ribbon, fabric or felt
· Ribbon & trim {a}: Hundreds of designs and materials available in single rolls or packaged as sets
· Toppers: tissue paper pop-ups {a}, felt animals & more

gift tag
OPTIONS
· Material: fabric, burlap {b}, felt, coated or uncoated paper {a, c}
· Pre-strung or packaged with twine {c}
· Self-adhesive stickers
· With decorative grommets that reinforce tag structure
· Sets {c} or singles
· Packaged with coordinating washi tape
· Special finishes: tip ons, glitter, foil, flocking, 3-D pull outs / movable pieces
· Packaging: multiple options such as boxed or peggable cello sleeves

Available in unique shapes and sizes with a wide variety of special finishes and custom designs, Elūm nesting boxes are a cut above most other gift and office storage boxes. Great for the holidays, as an accompaniment to a desk collection or simply for everyday gifting.

nesting storage boxes
DETAILS
· For gifts {b, c, d} or office storage {a}
· Purchased as nested sets, sold individually
· Thick paper wrapped gray board construction

SIZE & SHAPE OPTIONS
· Sizes: ring box to large office storage
· Custom box shapes {b}
· Die-cut lid edges {c}
· Nesting tubes also available

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
· Closures: magnetic, velcro, tied {a} or custom
· Printed box interior {d}
· Metallic paper wrapped {a, c}
· Textured lamination {d}
· Special finishes: foil {d}, glitter & flocking {b}

 

Our gift bags are designed with style in mind. From thick uncoated paper that creates a high end look and feel, to cost effective options that can be beautifully accompanied by our decorative tissue papers. Every detail of our gift bags is thoughtfully considered. We love adding a unique finishing touch, from die cut edges to specialty handles and finishes like holographic, gold or silver foil, glitter, flocking, tip-ons and tags. Whatever you’re looking for we are happy to help you curate it.

gift bag
MATERIAL OPTIONS
· Paper: coated or uncoated {i}
· Stock: premium thick or cost effective light weight
· Canvas / fabric

SPECIAL FINISHES
· Foil: metallic {a, b, l, n}, sparkle & holographic {g, h}
· Glitter
· Soft textured flocking
· Dimensional tip-ons
· Specialty handles: ribbon {c, f, k}, yarn, nylon {a, b, g, h, i, j l, n, o}, PU, pompoms & more
· Custom die cuts {f}
· Textured finish {i}
· Embossing {d}

SIZE OPTIONS
Elūm gift bags range in size from jumbo bags {c, j} big enough for a small appliance or throw blanket, to extra small, to fit a gift card or jewelry box. Also available in specialty sizes such as treat bags and bottle bags. {a, g, m}

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
· Bag sets of 2 or more {l, n}
· Attached tags
· Clutch style gift bags with flap & Velcro closure
· Adornments like ribbon, tassels, pompoms and googly eyes

tissue paper
OPTIONS
· Printed
· Foil stamped {e}
· Custom designs
· Various sheet sizes
· Various sheet count

Here at Elūm we’re always ready to party. We have partnered with amazing overseas vendors that allow us to exceed standard party product quality and create custom designed collections that feature vibrant colorful printing, shining special finishes, die cutting and much more!

decoration
PIECE TYPES
·  Cups {g}
·  Plates {b}
·  Napkins {d}
·  Straws
·  Cake toppers
·  Cupcake & cake stands
·  Table confetti
·  Paper table runner
·  Paper place mats
·  Serving trays {f}
·  Candles with color changing flames

OPTIONS
·  Custom packaging
·  Sold in sets {e}
·  Custom designs for any theme or occasion
·  CMYK or PMS
·  Foil stamping

table setting
PIECE TYPES
· Hanging prisms {a}
· Garland / banners
· Party balls
· Party hats {c}
· Photo booth props
· Confetti
· Treat & favor bags
· Treat cups

OPTIONS
·  Custom sizes
·  Custom shapes
·  Custom packaging
·  Sold in sets
·  CMYK or PMS
·  Foil stamping

Elūm excels at the design and manufacturing of custom desk and stationery products. Our capabilities cover the entire spectrum of office goods, from journals, notepads and notecards to paper clips, pencils, pens and washi tape. We’ve designed full stationery and desk collections for clients like Papyrus and HomeGoods and stand alone products perfectly tailored to seasonal merchandising for stores such as Anthropologie and Paper Source.

journals & sketchbooks
BINDING OPTIONS
· Exposed bound coptic-stitch  {a}
· Spiral bound {b}
· Book bound {c, g}
· Perfect bound {d, e}
· Stitch bound {f}

COVER OPTIONS
· Coated / uncoated heavy paper {a, f}
· Paper wrapped gray board {b,c}
· Cork {d}
· Wood {e}
· Faux leather PU {g}
· Glitter PU

SPECIAL FINISHES
· Foil stamping {a, bc, g}
· Textured finish {a}
· Spot varnish
· Emboss / deboss

INSIDE PAGES
· Soft textured artist sketch paper {a}
· Custom printed with clever wording and unique inside details
· Lined, grid, graph or combination
· Color washed paper

SIZING OPTIONS
Available in custom or standard sizes. Large oversized sketchbooks to portable pocket sized notebooks, perfect for traveling.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
· Sold in sets {f}
· Printed inside cover
· Book plates
· Unique, custom designs and clever cover messaging
· Elastic band or tie closures
· Tassels and other adornments

document storage
MATERIALS
· Faux leather {b, c}
· Sturdy paper {d}

SIZE OPTIONS
· Standard sheet {b}
· Business card {c}

PRINTING OPTIONS
· PMS or CMYK {d}
· Foil stamping {b, d}
· Double sided {d}
· Custom designs
· Lined interior {b,c}

accessory storage
MATERIALS
· Faux leather
· Silicon
· Paper wrapped gray board
· Fabric
· Sequins

PIECE TYPES
· Sorting trays
· Pencil cups
· Pencil bags {a}
· Document sorters
· Accessory cases {a}

planner
OPTIONS
· Custom inside pages {e}
· Special finishes
· Thick wire binding {e}
· Laminated tabs {e}
· stickers {e}

gift set
PIECE TYPES
· Erasers {c}
· Pencils {b}
· Washi tape {a}
· Boxed notes
· Paper clips {e}
· pins {g}
· Pen in gift box {d}
· Greeting cards {g}
· Lunch box notes {f}
· Rubber stamps
· Sticker sheets

desk kits
PIECE TYPES
· Desk accessory kits {e}
· Post card kits {f}
· Craft / activity kits
· Pen pal kits {g}

memo pad
PAPER OPTIONS
· Soft textured thick paper stock {b, c}
· Custom printed
· Kraft paper
· Regular notepad
· Self-adhesive sticky   notes {f, h}
· Perforated pages {a, d, e}

SIZE & SHAPE
· Variety of sizes and  shapes, from standard 8.5″ x 11″ pads to small  page-markers
· Die-cuts {g}
· Layered dimensional {g}

SPECIALTY OPTIONS
· Hard cover {a}
· Edge painting {b, c}
· Gilded edges
· Magnetic backing

PENCILS
· Lead {a} or colored tips {b}
· Standard or custom sizes
· Available in sets or individually

PENS
· Fine tip {c}
· Available in custom colors & patterns {c}
· Made from high quality materials
· Gift boxes available

PAPER CLIPS
· Custom shape and sizes {d}
· Variety of colors and finishes available
· High quality wire thickness

ERASERS
· Custom shape and sizes
· Variety of colors available
· Custom printing {e}
· Sold in sets or individually

PUSH PINS
· Custom shape and sizes
· Custom colors and designs
· Wood {f}, metal, or plastic
· Sold in sets

WASHI TAPE
· Custom designs {g}
· Metallic and neon inks available
· Available in sets

We know holiday is the most important season to many retailers, which is why we spend a ton of time each year researching future trends as well as seasonal classics. We are always willing to create new and innovative piece types to set you apart from other retailers or design custom collections that fit your specific seasonal motifs, all while delivering the same amazing quality for each of our products that you’ve come to expect from Elūm.

We love collaborating! We want to work with you to make all of your stationery product dreams come true. Contact us to learn more about working together, request product samples, see our current open stock items or with general inquiries.

Keep up with all our #noteworthymoments on social media. See our latest product lines and collaboration and get exclusive behind the scenes sneak previews of new designs from the Elūm team and upcoming projects.

To request samples or learn more about working together contact us:

[email] info@elumdesigns.com  |  [phone] 800.536.ELŪM  |  [web] elumdesigns.com

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD OUR DESIGN & CAPABILITIES SHOWCASE PDF
Elum_Capabilities_2018_digital

6 Must-Haves For Your Summer Stationery Travel Kit

7.18.2017

Here at Elum we know summer is all about being on the go. You’ve got to make the most of the few fleeting months of good weather, right? Whether you’re at a BBQ, sipping a poolside drink or jet setting around the world, the fast pace of summer can be a lot to keep up with. That’s why we’ve curated a stationery travel kit—to make sure you never miss a beat all summer long. Stay organized, capture your brilliant thoughts and never forget a birthday, wedding or thank you along the way.

Here’s what we’ll have packed in our stationery travel kit this summer.

1.) JOURNAL

Elum Monstera Leaves Spiral Journal | Summer Stationery Travel Kit

There’s a better way to capture your memories than with a selfie stick (seriously, put it down). Take a little time each day to recap your summer adventures in a journal. It’s a great way to unwind at the end of a fun-filled day or pass the time while you’re catching some poolside sun. If you’re having trouble choosing just one method of keeping memories, a travel journal can also double as a sketch book, a scrapbook, a place to house a collection like pressed flowers or to write down the recipes for all your favorite summer cocktails.

 

2.) WASHI TAPE

Elum Flamenco Flamingo Washi Tape Set | Summer Stationery Travel Kit

Washi tape is the perfect complement to your travel journal. It can attach maps, ticket stubs or Polaroids to accompany your brilliant thoughts. It’s also great for gifting. Use it to attach gift tag, dress up plain wrapping paper or as a colorful replacement to ribbon on gift wrap. It’s the perfect way to dress up a card’s envelope. You can even use it to make an easy DIY book mark, personalize your phone cord (so none of your friends or family accidentally walk away with it) or use it for party decorations.

 

3.) LIST PADS

Elum Lightbulb Magnetic List Pad | Summer Stationery Travel Kit

Summer always seems to fly by so it’s easy to see how things fall through the cracks. Stay uber organized all summer long with a handy list pad. Make a grocery list for your upcoming party and create a checklist for your suitcase so you don’t leave your toothbrush behind (again). It’s also really convenient if you need to leave instructions for your dog sitter, a friendly note to someone parked poorly at a festival (I mean, come on! Finding parking is hard enough and now you’re going to take up TWO spaces?) or maybe even to leave your number for that cute bartender, hey you never know!

 

4.) MINI NOTES

Elum Je T'aime Letterpress Mini Notes

Be ready for whatever occasions summer has in store with a set of assorted mini notes. They may be small but they’ll leave a big impression. Say thanks to the host of a BBQ, leave one for a friend who needs some motivation and have a back up plan for forgetting your Aunt Lisa’s birthday. These little letterpress dreamboats are pint-sized and perfectly portable.

 

5.) BOXED NOTES

Elum 'Ello Letterpress Box Notes

Rediscover the art of the hand-written note. A more meaningful way of staying in touch than sending a Facebook message. The recipient is sure to get the warm-and-fuzzies when they realize you took the time to pen a hand-written letter. You can start correspondence with a new pen pal and look forward to getting something other than bills in your mailbox. They’re also a luxe alternative to a post card on your travels.

 

6.) PEN OR PENCIL

Elum Summer of Stationery Jet Setter Collection

Maybe the most important part of our stationery travel kit is a dependable writing apparatus. Without a pen or pencil you won’t be able to write down your brilliant thoughts, sign your name on a greeting cards or compose a hand-written message.

Want to win one of our Summer of Stationery Travel Kits? Head to Elum’s Instagram and keep an eye out for details.

Is there anything else you think would be super useful in a stationery travel kit? Tell us about it in the comments below!

 

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!

Available Now at HomeGoods & T.J. Maxx : Tailored Lady Desk Collection

10.18.2016

Exclusively at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx : Tailored Lady Desk Collection The Tailored Lady Desk Collection is a new pretty-in-peach designer desk accessory line by Elum, available now at HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx. Created for boss babes that strive for perfection every day at work but know how to kick off their stilettos and have fun after hours.

Exclusively at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx : Tailored Lady Desk & Stationery CollectionInspired by the perfectly tailored lines of a pencil skirt and a combination of subtle and bold symmetrical patterns. The peachy-pink, glimmering gold and bold black colors make this collection the perfect combination of feminine and professional. See some of our inspiration here:

Exclusively at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx : Tailored Lady Desk & Stationery Collection

(Pictured in Above Inspiration Board: Black and White Outfit 1, Paris and Berlin Pattern, Black and White Outfit 2, Bow Mug, Start Somewhere Quote

Gold BowShe’s a Dreamer QuoteIzola Candle, )

Of course the most important trait in any boss lady is her sparkling personality. To capture this we incorporated witty messaging in shiny gold foil to balance out the collection. Exclusively at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx : Tailored Lady Desk & Stationery Collection Bold color blocking and coordinating patterns used throughout this line make these desk and stationery accessories a mix and match dream come true. You can buy just one piece as a bold statement or do a total workspace overhaul with the entire collection.

The collection includes:  2 styles of foil-stamped box notes printed on textured ivory paper, reversible file folders with three coordinating patterns in each set of 9 folders, 3 pack paper journals with lined interior pages, week ahead clipboard with paper pad and clip folio with paper pad and elastic enclosure.Exclusively at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx : Tailored Lady Desk & Stationery Collection

If you think this limited edition collection will be the perfect addition to your briefcase, head to your local HomeGoods or TJMaxx, ASAP! These pretty and polished products won’t last long.

Would you like to see the Tailored Lady Collection available from the Elum website? Let us know in the comments below!

Ocean-inspired Bangles: Salty Blue Jewelry

10.18.2016

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryShe is the sea. As fierce as the waves crashing against the sand, as brilliant as the sun glistening off the still water, as mysterious as the unseen world beneath the calm surface.

Salty Blue Jewelry is designed for those who desire to hold onto a piece of the ocean and always keep it close. Tropically inspired with a chic urban elegance that can be worn on any occasion; these are the perfect accessories for a day at the beach or a night on the town.  

Each hand-crafted piece is made from natural raw materials, so no two are ever alike. Embodying the spirit of the ever-changing ocean and the uniqueness of the one who wears it, Salty Blue is a stylish reflection of nature’s beauty and a collective love of exotic beaches and foreign places. 

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryInspired by Hawaii, the bangle collection is an eclectic and sophisticated mixture of raw materials like semi-precious stones, shells, sea glass and pearls. They’re hand crafted with high quality, hammered wire that captures the same shimmer as the sun glistening off of the calm, infinite ocean. 

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryBecause Salty Blue Jewelry embodies the same high-quality, classic fashionability that has come to be expected from Elum,  we are excited to be the exclusive distributor.

The founder and creator of Salty Blue Jewelry, Zoe Berg-Pitt, recently sat down with us to explain how her ocean-inspired jewelry line came to life.

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryElum: What was the inspiration for Salty Blue Jewelry?

Zoe: An extensive shell collection and many visits to tropical beach destinations like Hawaii, Bali, Thailand and Australia. The shells I’d collected had special meaning from my trips so rather than tucking them away somewhere I’d never seen them, I decided to give them a second life as jewelry that can be part of my every day wardrobe. 

Over the years, I sold my jewelry to friends or through word of mouth, but as demand grew I saw its potential to be something bigger. After a trip to Bali last year, something clicked and I was inspired to turn my hobby into a business. My friend and I began bouncing names off of each other while sitting on Bingin Beach in Bali…that’s where Salty Blue was born.

My trip to Bali and desire to start my own business gave me a push to pack up my life in San Francisco (where I was living at the time) and land my feet in the warmer climate of San Diego. Here, the stars aligned and without even seeking it, the first house I looked at had an empty workbench already set up in the garage – some things are just meant to be

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryElum: How did you get started making jewelry? 

Zoe: I’ve been making jewelry since high school. In college my friend’s mom had a set up for soldering wire (drill press, blow torch, oxygen & propane tanks with regulators, etc.) and she offered to teach me how. When friends of mine asked me to make them jewelry, she was kind enough to let me use her workspace.

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryElum: Were there any surprises when you started making jewelry full time? 

Zoe: What I’ve found interesting over this process is that the jewelry appeals to all types of women. Initially, I thought it would only appeal to those who live in coastal towns but I’ve come to find that most women have a little bit of tropical flare inside them. The shells can be playful and feel youthful but are balanced out when paired with high quality metals which is what makes them such an eclectic product.

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryElum: What’s the most important thing about Salty Blue Jewelry to you?

Zoe: I am designing for women like me: the beach-loving, with a little bit of city attitude. Salty Blue is meant to have dual purpose in that it can be can be worn casually on a hot summer day or as the perfect vibrant accessory for a night out on the town. I find that most accessories are either one or the other and not all encompassing. I never take my bangles off and friends of mine who also have bangles say the same!

All the jewelry is also handmade from quality materials that are made to last but won’t break the bank. There is so much overpriced jewelry that doesn’t last so it’s important to me that  Salty Blue offers high quality products that women love and don’t feel they’ve overpaid for.

Ocean Inspired Bangles: Salty Blue JewelryElum: What are the future plans for Salty Blue Jewelry?

Zoe: We’re working on designing additional accessory lines and expanding our current line of bangles with additional semi-precious stones, charms and more exotic piece types like Tahitian pearls.

Eventually we would like to contribute to organizations that conserve the ocean and earth.    

Caught in a Daydream: The Reverie Desk & Stationery Collection

9.01.2016

Sometimes it is beautiful to get caught in a daydream; there’s a peace and tranquility in allowing your mind to wander freely. That is precisely the essence of the Reverie Desk & Stationery Collection, new from Elum. Even if you’re a prisoner to a computer screen most of the week, your mind has the freedom to create a beautiful escape through a daydream. In that same way, the Reverie Collection can turn a mundane workspace into a serene landscape.

Elum Reverie Desk & Stationery Collection
Whimsically flowing watercolors and carefree pen strokes in a flush of lavender, deep navy, pear and sorbet capture the essence of a waking dream. Accompanied by brilliant pops of rose gold, these elements come together seamlessly in the introductory desk and stationery collection designed and manufactured by Elum.

Elum Reverie Collection: Peony Notepad
The Reverie collection is elevated beyond an ordinary stationery line both in quality and design. The addition of one of a kind products like the dimensional Peony Notepad and the 3 Pack Paper Journals with rose gold stitched binding make it truly extraordinary.

ReverieCollection2
We carefully crafted every detail of this collection, from the artful coptic stitch on the Exposed Bound Journal, to the luxe ultra-thick paper of the Edge Painted Note Boards, cleverly called “Certified Snail Mail”. The inclusion of products like the Petite Paper Wrapped Week Ahead Clipboard  will help you get organized for the coming week, making the Reverie Collection the perfect combination of beauty and functionality.

Elum Reverie Desk Collection
Of course no collection from Elum would be complete without a callback to our foundation in the highest quality letterpress printing. The Reverie Collection includes 7 brand new boxed letterpress note cards in gorgeous complimentary designs.

Elum Reverie Desk Collection: Koi letterpress box note cards
You can see the entire collection at ElumDesigns.com. Or find out what our friend’s  Julie Lauren and Kellie Van have to say about the collection on their blogs.

Let us know what you think about the new collection in the comments below.

 

Office Life: Elum Painting Party

8.30.2016

Office Life : Elum Paint Party
We’re a versatile bunch here at Elum. Our extraordinary design team is assembled from all sorts of artistic backgrounds.  We are graphic designers, illustrators, painters, photographers, fine artists, and textile designers. Even though we come from different formal training, two things are absolutely true about every member of this team:

#1- We love to try new things.

#2- We like to party.

A few weeks ago one of our favorite clients asked us to create a hand-painted collection for their next line of desk & stationery products. Even though it’s not something we’ve done in the past we jumped at the opportunity. First we had a team brainstorm to narrow down painting techniques we wanted to execute.  Then, we organized a painting party complete with smocks,  new paints , fresh brushes and our favorite 90’s pop music playlist.

Office Life: Elum Paint Party
The final result is truly a thing of beauty. Because of our different backgrounds each member contributed something unique to the collaboration. As a result, we achieved a perfect combination of  artistic textured brush strokes, delicate watercolor washes and graphic stippling and stripes.

Office Life: Elum Paint Party
The collection continues to come together beautifully. Check back for more progress updates and info on when it will hit stores. If you can’t wait for the new collection you can buy our Reverie Desk & Stationery Collection right now at elumdesigns.com or head over to papyrusonline.com to check out the Bijou Collection, designed by Elum exclusively for Paper Destiny.

Introducing the Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection

4.11.2016

It may seem like we’ve been quiet here at Elum but behind the scenes we’ve been working harder than ever. Our team of uber-talented designers was asked to create a line of stationery & desk products for Paper Destiny,  to be sold exclusively at Papyrus stores, and of course we jumped at this amazing opportunity. We couldn’t be more excited to finally announce the arrival of the new Bijou Desk and Stationery Collection, available now at Papyrus.

Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]The Bijou Collection[/typography]

We were inspired to create a line of products that exudes confidence but has romantic and feminine touches that bring the elements of hard and soft together seamlessly. Multi-colored designs use bold color blocking in coral, pink grapefruit, lagoon, and striking black to drive the color story. A touch of white oak wood veneer provides and unexpected natural element. Warm gold foil adds a subtle elegance and the hand brushed typestyle fashionably finishes out the collection. The name Bijou felt like the perfect fit, with every item being an elegant little jewel for your workspace.

The Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]Gilded Notecards, Tres Important Square Notepad, 3 Pack Paper Journals[/typography]

Products like the luxe ultra-thick Edge Painted Note Boards, cleverly called a “vintage text message”, are one-of-a-kind additions to the Bijou collection. Foil stamped on 1/16″ thick soft-textured stock and carefully edge painted by hand, no other products on the market can compare to their quality and design. (pictured below)

Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]Edge Painted Note Boards[/typography]

Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted, like the artful coptic stitch binding on the Exposed Bound Journal, filled with soft cottony sketch paper that you can’t help but run your fingers over with every turn of the page. Once you make it through your first volume you can head back to Papyrus stores, where this product will be a staple of their stationery department and we will continue to add new beautiful designs. (pictured below) 

Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]Exposed Bound Journals[/typography]

The Bijou collection is elevated beyond an ordinary stationery line in both quality and design, with the addition of several new unique products. We adore this line so much it’s hard for us to pick favorites but the 3-dimensional Topographic Notepad that mimics map topography (pictured below) and the  Macaron Erasers, inspired by our favorite Parisian treat and finished with a delicate gold bow definitely rise to the top of our must-have list.  With 41 pieces in all, it’s easy to mix and match to find the perfect combination of beautiful office gems.

Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]File Folders, Topographic Notepad, Gilded Notecards, Exposed Bound Journal[/typography]

Of course, true to Elum’s roots in creating the highest quality letterpress cards & invitations, the Bijou collection includes six exclusive letterpress & foil stamped box notes, proudly designed and printed at our studio in San Diego, CA. (pictured below)

Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]Letterpress and foil stamped box notes[/typography]

This collection will create a truly chic workspace in any home or office or make an unforgettable gift.

Bijou Desk & Stationery Collection[typography font=”Cantarell” size=”10″ size_format=”px” color=”#a3a3a3″]The Bijou Collection[/typography]

The Bijou Collection is now available for a limited time, only at Papyrus stores or at http://www.papyrusonline.com/

We’re absolutely in love with the new collection, let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram & Facebook to get up to date information about what’s coming next from Elum, new product releases,  promotions and more. Check back soon to get a sneak peek of the Elum Desk & Stationery Collection, coming in July!