Chalkboards...not just for the classroom anymore

Over the years I've attended numerous parties and weddings...and I've always left with a handful of programs, menus, place cards, and other unnecessary items that eventually get thrown out. It got me to thinking about new ideas to cut back the over paper consumption at an event. After a bit of research, I am pleasantly surprised and extremely excited about a new trend that's getting a lot of attention. Chalkboards!!!!

Move over teachers, you're not the only ones who get to marvel at the joy of chalk....

How about using a large chalkboard for your seating chart? Not only will you save a ton of paper, you'll have a great time with this DIY project. Thankfully chalk comes in a variety of colors, so you can keep within your color scheme and add in some personal details as well. It's the perfect excuse to invite your artistic friends over for a Chalk Party! ;-)

And take a look at this clever idea I found in InStyle Weddings, Spring 2009. You can use these adorable mini chalkboards for your table numbers and skip the paper ones all together.

Imagine all the possibilities...

Use a chalkboard to showcase your menu to the guests, like this funky setting I found at Wedding by Color. Or choose a vintage frame like this one by OliveRue at Etsy.com to point your guests in the right direction.

I also stumbled upon these amazing items by Chalkboard China, out of Dallas, TX. We love them for their commitment to using re-purposed materials, and for their quirky and stylish selection of chalkboard goods.

Think about an event with NO paper products, only snazzy chalkboards. You'll save money, save the planet, and offer some interesting conversation for your guests. I love it!

Ciao

Carlee

Paper made from Elephant Pooh?

I've been thinking a lot lately about paper. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we are looking at various types of recycled paper for our business cards, or my recent interest with card making, but paper seems to be on my mind. During a recent visit to Paper Source , I was completely fascinated (and overwhelmed) by all the beautiful Japanese, Indian and different varieties of recycled paper they offer. I know that Paper Source has made great efforts and is continuing their attempts to offer the consumer a better variety of recycled paper. But, upon leaving, I still felt there had to be something more out there. Upon extensive research, I finally came upon Mr.Ellie Pooh paper. Mr. Ellie Pooh Paper is 100% recycled; made from 75% elephant dung and 25% post consumer waste paper. The Pooh comes from the local Sri Lankan elephant orphanages and the entire hand-making paper process is 100% organic, as there are no toxic chemicals, acids or dyes used. And to top it all off, the local workers and artisans receive fairly traded wages for their creative efforts. Now, how's that for inspiration? Check out their store, and support their cause.

Now, I wonder if Fido's dung will work the same? Doggie bags, anyone? Laura.

Event Planner's adventures in Graphic Design...

After only 5 hours of playing around on Adobe Illustrator (and some help from my dear Uncle Kenny) we finally finished our first Green with Envy Events Flyer. I have to say, this was no easy task. Who would think that creating a simple border with round edges would be so difficult? I mean, I know how to do it in Microsoft Word??? It was a frustrating, yet comical experience...filled with multiple layers, gradient fades, text wrapping and Gaussian blurs. I have a new found respect for Graphic Designers, and now understand why you hire someone to design your marketing materials. However, I do think we did a pretty good job for two Event Planners:) The flyer turned out great, and we're ready to send it off to our friends and family to start spreading the Green with Envy word. Next up, the website. And yes, we are hiring someone to do this for us:) Lesson learned, stick to what you're good at...Planning Parties! Ciao...

Carlee

Welcome to the Nest

Doesn't springtime make you want to just lay in a field of green grass, look up at the billowy clouds and listen to the flittering of the hummingbirds go by? Too bad spring has come and gone, and all we have left is June Gloom. For months, I've been playing around with ideas for my sister's baby shower and ultimately decided on the theme for my own selfish reason--okay, okay, the fact that she loves birds and all things shabby chic didn't hurt either. But, honestly, I really wanted to hold on a little bit tighter to those early childhood spring memories, when we sat and watched the birds flutter outside our window, and wished we, too, could fly, fly away.

For her shower in August, I've chosen a soft palette of brown, blues and lime green to Welcome this new Bappie into their family nest of three. I sure hope that someday he'll enjoy the sound of bluebirds singing outside his window as much as I do. Until next time, keep enjoying those soft, billowy cloud days. Laura

The birth of Green with Envy Events

We are Laura and Carlee, founders of Green with Envy Events in San Diego, California. Green with Envy Events was born by combining our love of planning parties with our increasing concern for the environment. We are an innovative event planning company whose mission is to create one-of-a-kind celebrations with an organic twist. Because events should leave a lasting impression on the guests, not the planet. Please stay tuned to track our progress as we get ready to launch our company.