Kara Kurth reflects on 2010 trends + forecasts 2011! PLUS A Stationery Giveaway!

We asked Kara Kurth, our leading trend-setter to recap her biggest takeaway for 2010 + to give us a preview of what's to come in 2011, this is what she had to say.

2010 was all about being bold! Pop, shine + surprise. Our most popular holiday card was this lovely card, which totally encapsulates the bright + bold idea.

My prediction for 2011:: it will start out in a dreamstate, followed by spring trends with a mixture of whimsy + bold patterns and textures reminiscent of the 70s. 

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I think a dreamstate palette will claim the new year. It's the perfect transition from 2010 to 2011 and I am excited to see the other trends take light over the coming year. Stay tuned.

My advice for any new year? Be your own-trendsetter. Whether it be preppy, classic, modern or vintage-- own it. Confidence is what 2011 is all about.


Never be afraid to make a statement

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You will be remembered for it! Plus, life is too short not to.

The devil is in the details

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The smallest touches are what make you, you.

Surround yourself with inspiration ::

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Your home, wardrobe + stationery should inspire you to be the very best version of yourself.

What were your favorite trends of 2010 and what do you predict for 2011? Let us know and you might just win Red Stamp stationery from our signature collection. The perfect way to start off 2011 in style.

Just leave a comment below letting us know + we'll randomly pick 5 lucky winners. {We'll announce the winners on our blog, so don't forget to check back next week to see if you won!}

October 2010 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper, Smart Phone + iPad Wallpaper

Hello October! Autumn now in full swing, with short, glowing days + cozy, cozy nights. The weeks will breeze while planning Halloween costumes + early November gatherings, while the weekends are for us to savor. Hours spent at yummy orchards, sipping cider while searching for the perfect pumpkin. Afternoons jumping in bright, crunchy leaves + chilly nights after dinner spent gathered around a bonfire under a giant harvest moon.

Drink it all in + celebrate the beauty October holds, with your favorite people drawn near. Cheers!

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Sizes :: 1024x768, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1200

Oct_iphone_320x480
iPhone Wallpaper

Oct_android_960x854
Android Wallpaper

Need help setting your wallaper to your smart phone? Try these instructions, right from your phone!

  1. Find our latest calendar post at blog.redstamp.com
  2. Scroll down + select the proper phone/tablet image
  3. Save image ::
    • For iPhone/iPad/Android users ::
      • Click + hold down image until phone asks you to "Save Image". Save.
    • For BlackBerry users ::
      • Highlight the wallpaper
      • Press the "Menu" key
      • Click "Save Image"
      • Click "Save"

To apply to an iPhone/iPad

  1. Go into your settings folder {from your phone}
  2. Select "Wallpaper"
  3. Choose "Camera Roll"
  4. Scroll down to select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar + select. It will set as your wallpaper

To apply to your Android Phone

  1. From your Home Screen open up settings + select "Wallpaper"
  2. Choose "Gallery" + click into the "Downloads" folder
  3. Select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
  4. Resize to your personal preference {using the touchscreen} + click to save. It will set as your wallpaper.

To apply to your BlackBerry

  1. On the Home Screen, click the "Media" icon
  2. Click pictures
  3. Browse + select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
  4. Click to "Set as Wallpaper".

Modern Etiquette :: A Three-Part Recipe for a Thoughtful Note

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A Simple Three-Part Recipe for a Thoughtful Note

One of the most often asked questions we get at RedStamp is how to best send a proper, hand-written note. What to say + how to find the time/materials to do it. In this day and age of easy texting and emailing, our "writing desk" has gone mobile. Literally. Which isn't a bad thing. In fact, Modern Etiquette embraces these ways of communicating for the right recipient and the right occasion. 

But this also presents a rare opportunity of breaking through the clutter by sending a paper note. What's amazing is that hand-writing a note can take about the same amount of time as an email if you keep materials + inspiration on-hand and the message light + easy to write. 

I started blogging my notes on StylishCorrespondence.com in order to inspire content. Most of my notes follow a certain rhythm that comes naturally to many. It helps me to think of it as a three-part recipe ::

1. Revisit what prompted the note 
2. Re-live a favorite part of the exchange 
3. Reveal what comes next

Take a peek at some of my personal examples using this simple recipe ::
Examples
Please join us in our ongoing discussion on Modern Etiquette on our Facebook Page or post below. Share your tips, questions + comments on anything etiquette.

Modern Etiquette :: Three Considerations for Every Correspondence

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modern etiquette {mod-ern | et-i-ket} ::

1. properties of conduct that stem from consideration, comfort and respect
2. inclusive guidelines that exist to help people feel comfortable in today's social situations.
3. a respectful core framework to RedStamp's mission to make relationships stronger.

Etiquette has received a lot of tough press in the past. And we get it. With all that's facing our society right now, who has time to worry about which fork goes where? Or how to properly phrase an invitation?

But Modern Etiquette is different. Like society, Modern Etiquette has evolved into something that's useful. Practical. A set of guidelines {not rules} that make it easier to correspond with friends/family/colleagues/acquaintances/strangers because these considerate guidelines are really just a framework to help you think of thoughtful + intentional things to say or do.

At RedStamp, we talk a lot about Modern Etiquette in part because we receive a lot of great questions about Modern Etiquette. "How can I make guests feel welcome my party?"; "How should I say thank you?"; "How do I write a kind note of sympathy?"

Each situation is unique. And in our years of helping our community figure out the right thing to say and the right way to say it, we have crafted three key considerations that will help you figure out the best way to say just about anything...

1. Be Gracious. Channel hospitality if you're the host; gratefulness if you are writing a thank you note; kindness if you are expressing sentiments from sympathy to congratulations. Always be personal.

2. Be Timely. Don't get caught up in the exact rules that say you have three days to write a thank you note or that you must allow at least three weeks to plan for a party. Instead, think about the message you communicate in following these rules. The quicker you are to thank someone, the more appreciated they will feel. The earlier you announce your party, the more likely you will be to reserve time on guests' calendars {and the more time they will have to prepare for your party}.

3. Be Relevant. Correspondence is always about the sender AND the receiver. So, always consider your audience. What do they need to know? What should they know? What will make them feel comfortable and good about themselves/the situation at hand? From invitations to thank you's, this tactic is a sure fire way to remember to include all the relevant information.

Have any questions on Modern Etiquette for an upcoming event? Or a party you'd like us to discuss? Post them below. 

Meet the face behind our conference room makeover :: Laura Brown

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Meet Laura Brown, our go-to-for-everything-gal. Not only does she have an incredible eye for interior design {see our conference room before + after}, but she's the glue that holds RedStamp together.  From answering the phones to hand-addressing your "Mail for Me" cards, she makes us shine.

She's been with RedStamp for nearly three years and has seen us transform from a tiny office with only three people to the creation of our modern + personalized products. On top of all of her RedStamp talents she maintains an inspiring tumblog that has become an integral part in spurring new ideas for us. This girl is fresh + modern. Check out what's inspiring her now.

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Stay tuned over the next couple of months as we introduce you to our entire team + what's inspiring us.

September 2010 Desktop Calendar Wallpaper, Smart Phone + iPad Wallpaper

Farewell sweet summer. Hello bold + beautiful fall.

September, the true "new year". A time for fresh endeavors, new faces + unexpected {but embraced} opportunities. Kick off the season right, revitalize your desk, refresh your calling card design + start planning special moments with important people in your life. Behold the treasures that await you in the warm days + cool nights of September. Cheers!

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Sizes :: 1024x768, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1200

Sept_iphone_320x480
iPhone Wallpaper

 

Sept_flowervine_calendar_for_desktop_960x854

Android Wallpaper

 

Need help setting your wallaper to your smart phone? Try these instructions, right from your phone!

  1. Find our latest calendar post at blog.redstamp.com
  2. Scroll down + select the proper phone/tablet image
  3. Save image ::
    • For iPhone/iPad/Android users ::
      • Click + hold down image until phone asks you to "Save Image". Save.
    • For BlackBerry users ::
      • Highlight the wallpaper
      • Press the "Menu" key
      • Click "Save Image"
      • Click "Save"

To apply to an iPhone/iPad

  1. Go into your settings folder {from your phone}
  2. Select "Wallpaper"
  3. Choose "Camera Roll"
  4. Scroll down to select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar + select. It will set as your wallpaper

To apply to your Android Phone

  1. From your Home Screen open up settings + select "Wallpaper"
  2. Choose "Gallery" + click into the "Downloads" folder
  3. Select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
  4. Resize to your personal preference {using the touchscreen} + click to save. It will set as your wallpaper.

To apply to your BlackBerry

  1. On the Home Screen, click the "Media" icon
  2. Click pictures
  3. Browse + select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
  4. Click to "Set as Wallpaper".

 

Prepare Yourself for Every Opportunity :: Think Modern Calling Cards

Embrace fall stylishly + be prepared for every opportunity. With fall right around the corner it's important to think about the exciting new possibilities life has in store. Fall is all about making connections + building new {strong} relationships through presenting your true self in a stylish + modern way. Today only, buy 50 or more calling cards + get 25 for FREE with promo code TUESCARDS.

What a better way to present yourself than through a great, chic calling card, right? Check out some of our very own calling cards at RedStamp. Each card captures the individual uniquely.

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Kara Kurth, a designer + photographer at RedStamp chose a bold pattern, which truly captures her creative process + bright personality. The Multi-colored honeycomb, modern business calling card.

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Laura Brown, our go-to-for-everything Operations Manager chose a modern + colorful look to her cards, which is very reflective of her personal character. The Mini Circles Modern Business Calling Card.

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Erin Newkirk, co-founder of RedStamp + lover of paper was very playful with her cards. The marriage of crisp + modern text with the animal print says work hard + play hard too. The Giraffe Print Modern Business Calling Card.

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Business calling cards are a great way to prepare you for every opportunity + each new setting. They should be capture your true character in a modern + engaging way. Check out the many different designs we offer at RedStamp.com + don't forget, buy 50 or more today + get 25 for free with Tuesday's Daily Deal!

August 2010 Computer Desktop Calendar Wallpaper, Smart Phone + iPad Wallpaper

Ah sweet summer. August is the time to savor it + soak in what's left. Grab hold of the adventure of it all + catch up with friends {new + old} + BBQ all afternoon, while the sun still shines + spoil your hostess at that final summer soiree. Cheers to living in the moment! Happy August!

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Sizes: 1024x768, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1200

Aug_iphone_320x480
iPhone Wallpaper

Aug_android_960x854-v4
Android Wallpaper

Need help setting your wallpaper to your smart phone? Try these instructions right from your phone!

  1. Go to blog.redstamp.com + find our latest calendar post
  2. Scroll down to view smart phone wallpaper
  3. Save image ::
  • For iPhone/iPad or Android users ::
    • Click + hold down image until it asks you to “Save Image.” Save.
  • For BlackBerry users ::
    • Highlight the wallpaper
    • Press the "Menu" key
    • Click "Save Image"
    • Click "Save"

To apply to an iPhone + iPad

  1. Go into your settings folder
  2. Select “Wallpaper”
  3. Choose “Camera Roll"
  4. Scroll down to select your latest stylish Red Stamp calendar + select + it will set as your wallpaper


To apply to an Android Phone

  1.  From your home screen open up settings + select “Wallpaper”
  2. Choose “Gallery” + click into the “Downloads” folder
  3. Select your latest stylish Red Stamp calendar
  4. Resize to your personal preference + click save + it will set as your wallpaper


To apply to a BlackBerry

  1. On the Home Screen, click the “Media” icon
  2. Click pictures
  3. Browse + select your latest stylish Red Stamp calendar
  4. Click to “Set as Wallpaper"

 

June 2010 Computer Desktop Calendar Wallpaper, Smart Phone +iPad Wallpaper

June

 

Sizes: 1024×768, 1280×960, 1280×1024, 1600×1200, 1680×1050, 1920×1200

 

 

Need help setting your iPhone wallpaper? Check out some helpful instructions for installing the wallpaper on your iPhone.