My sweet girl is turning 7 years old in April. I can hardly believe it. Since she’s getting to the (her words) “I’m not a princess anymore, I’m a rebel” stage, I feel like this is my last opportunity to have an Alice in Wonderland themed party. Since her name is Alice, it comes with the territory. Last year we skipped a birthday party in favor of a family trip to Disney World where she got to meet the real Alice. We discussed it then: next year we’ll have an Alice tea party for your birthday.
It’s next year… and now I’ve got all sorts of ideas rolling around in my head about what to do with this party. Being a designer, invitations always come first. However, this time, fabric came first. Let me explain: one of my most favorite design companies, Rifle Paper Co., came out with their version of the classic Lewis Carrol story. Alice has many copies of the book, but this one is by far my favorite. My house is full of Rifle Paper Co. works so I had to have this one as soon as they released it. I once went to visit a new potential printer and saw some of their cards on press. I nearly hyperventilated. I am that much of a fan. Sadly, the pressman wouldn’t let me keep any of the extras.
Little did I know, Rifle Paper Co. and Cotton + Steel collaborated on a fabric collection as well. I had to restrain myself from purchasing every bolt in all the colorways. I did, however, end up with quite a bit of the navy Alice pattern and the coordinating black and white Cheshire stripe. I’ll use them as table runners and napkins for the party, and whatever else I can come up with.
Now, I am a big stickler for not copying another designer’s work. I had a friend once ask me to copy another logo exactly to use for her business—I refused. Inspiration is great but copying is a different story. The invitations I created for this party is right up to that line, but hopefully more on the inspiration side. I used Anna Rifle Bond’s illustrations and redrew them pretty much as they were. Not cool if I were to sell this design. I am not—it’s just for me and my girl. It’s my salute to Rifle Paper Co. and that’s why I’m linking to them as much as possible. I’m using the fabric as the inspiration for the entire party. I love that it’s girly enough but not too princess-ey. Just enough rebel.
Rifle Paper Co. has its own line of stationery, planners, shoes and accessories, home décor and more. I have some of their giftwrap as well and you’d better know you’re loved if you receive a gift from me and it comes wrapped in one of these precious papers. Please visit their site and show them some love… and grab me a pair of those shoes while you’re there.
