Kelly

{Mattie Tiegreen of Puddleduck Paper Co.}

As a wedding planner and designer, one of my most FAVORITE aspects of a wedding to play with (and drool over) is the stationery — especially when it’s truly unique and specific to the couple at hand. So, naturally, when I came across Puddleduck Paper Co., I fell in love and instantly knew that I had to share it with all of you.

These invitations are so sweet and simple, and yet they also have such a unique and fun spirit — much like their creator, Mattie Tiegreen. It’s literally as if the joy of the event is jumping off of the paper. Mattie was kind enough to answer some questions about her fabulous and darling creations below:

{Scalloped Wedding Invitation}

CVA: Tell me about the beginnings of Puddleduck Paper Co. How did you get into the wedding stationery market?

MT: Puddleduck comes from very (very) humble beginnings. I dabbled in paper-making and graphic design for almost four years before joining Etsy in 2009. I added a wedding collection in 2010 and still can’t believe the growth. I now design for brides from Alaska to Australia and everywhere in between. I still get excited speaking to a new client and helping them plan the paper details of their big day.

CVA: Where do you draw inspiration for your work?

MT: I am very inspired by clean lines and geometric design. I love black, white and yellow (could you tell?) and have recently drawn much inspiration for pattern and design from the fashion world.

{Kraft Typography Save-the-Date}

CVA: What do you love most about your job/working in the wedding industry?

MT: I love that it’s ever-changing. No matter how many times I re-create the same feel or theme for a wedding, it’s always a bit different. But, there is truly nothing like an email from a happy bride. Planning a wedding is stressful. Helping to make part of the process go smoothly (and even be fun!) is an honor.

CVA: What three words best describe your work and/or the style of your stationery?

MT: clean, hip, modern

{Striped and Dotted Invitation Suite}

CVA: How would you describe your ideal customer/the couples you design for?

MT: I typically design for brides who have a very clear vision of their day. Because of the nature of my designs, their vision is typically simple, modern and colorful. I do, however, also create custom designs for brides who are unsure of what they want but really like a certain color or flower. That’s always a lot of fun.

CVA: What are some new/emerging trends you’re seeing in wedding stationery?

MT: Watercolor and chalkboard – both of which I have my own take on in my shop!

{Chevron Invitation}

CVA: What advice do you have for couples who are choosing their wedding stationery? What should they have thought about before picking stationery?

MT: I think couples should remember that their invitation is the first “taste” their guests will have of their wedding day. It should be representative of them as a couple as well as the theme of their day. But, I also advise them not to be too literal. It’s okay to use a color that’s not one of the colors or a motif that you don’t intend to literally have at the wedding.

CVA: Any etiquette advice/things to remember about wedding stationery that you can share?

MT: One of the things brides always stress over is the wording at the top of the invitation. Reality: There is no right way! It’s completely up to you and whatever you choose will be beautiful. Don’t feel pressured to write it a certain way. Include the wording and/or people who are meaningful to you as a couple. It’s your day, after all.

{Calligraphy Slant Invitation}

CVA: What is one thing that every bride needs on her wedding day?

MT: Coffee! And a comfortable pair of dancing shoes.

CVA: Do you create custom stationery?

MT: Yes, very often. It’s one of my favorite parts of this business.

CVA: What is/are your favorite piece(s) you’ve created?

MT: I love my Waving Banners Invitation and my Tribal Print Invitation (below). See, again with the black and white.

{Tribal Print Invitation}

CVA: Are you working on anything new or exciting at the moment?

MT: I am preparing for the National Stationery Show in New York next month! I am overjoyed to be a part of such a talented group of curators. I have lots of new ideas and products up my sleeve for the show!

CVA: At IndieWed, we love small and/or alternative wedding businesses. Any fellow indie vendors you’d like to send a shout-out to?

MT: My very favorite wedding photographer (and just all-around awesome person) is Brooke Mousetis of Brooke Courtney Photography. She and her team are a traveling crew of super-talented folks with serious vision. I also have several friends who work for Chancey Charm Weddings, an event and wedding planning team here in the southeast who specialize in personal and truly artistic service.

Thank you, Mattie for spending some time with us and sharing your work! Be sure to visit Puddleduck Paper Co. on Etsy and on their website! 

Corinne Van Arsdale is a Wedding Coordinator based in Madison, Wisconsin and serving Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago. Check out her website, blog, Facebook and Pinterest. If you know of a small business/hand-crafter you’d like to recommend for a feature on Hand-Made Monday, email Corinne at corinne@canvaswedding.com.