When was the last time you received something good in your mailbox?
Something other than a birthday card? Can you even remember the last time you were excited to open your mail (and no that package from Amazon doesn’t count)? Most people don’t think of the mail as fun and exciting. We’re looking at you bills and junk mail! These days we spend most of our time online instead, checking email, sending text messages or scrolling through social media.
We started Cherry Blossom Tree Designs to rescue your mailbox. In part because we think happy mail is truly magical and should be shared with everyone but more importantly, because hand written notes have the power to connect people and build relationships. We began with the idea to create fun, bright, charming stationery that would make people want to send and receive mail again.
We opened an Etsy shop a few years ago as a much needed creative outlet. It was always a dream of ours to start a business together as sisters, and our Etsy shop was the perfect way to learn the ropes until we could quit our day jobs and pursue our dream full time. Fast forward through a few years (and a million gallons of coffee) and we were ready to make our dream a reality.
In 2022, we launched our very own website and expanded our product line. We added party décor and art prints to our catalog because we think it’s important to celebrate life every day and surround yourself with things that inspire you.
We see a lot of fun in our future as we develop new, exciting ways to spread the love and bring people together.
We are naturally social creatures who are looking for ways to connect with each other. Why not connect with some swoon worthy paper goods?
Technology is pretty amazing. With a few clicks we can find long lost family or reconnect with old friends. We can talk with someone on the other side of the world on any number of electronic devices. Messages can be sent, received and replied to within seconds. It’s kind of crazy when you think about it!
We rely on email, texting and messaging just as much as the next gal but sometimes those quick, bite-sized pieces of communication just aren’t enough. See, we’re big fans of the written word. There’s a special kind of magic that comes from handwritten notes and letters that can’t be reproduced digitally.
This is a watercolor illustration of Deb’s painting desk in the CBTD studio.
We love writing because it’s an intentional, personal form of communication. We love that someone took the time to sit down and put their thoughts and feelings down on paper. Their unique handwriting is infused with little bits and pieces of their personality. We’re forced to slow down and unplug for a small moment in time. We think letter writing is pretty darn magical.
When we started Cherry Blossom Tree Designs, we knew we wanted to bring that magic into people’s lives. We want to connect people, either through a lovingly handwritten note or a spontaneous get together. Everything we’ve created was made to inspire you to send more happy mail. It’s why our cards are blank on the inside – we want you to have tons of room to make some magic of your own.
We’ve used lots of bright colors and patterns and sprinkled in a pun or two because we believe that what you write on should be fun. We’ve carried the fun into our party décor and invitations so that you can throw together a party at any time on any day, for any reason. And now that we’re spending more time at home, we’ve added a few art prints featuring our bright, vibrant watercolor illustrations to make your home feel more like you.
So the next time you’re wondering what an old friend is up to these days, why not send them a cute card and invite them to write you back? When you get the urge to laugh out loud with your best gal pals, grab some of our fringe toppers and invite the girls over for cupcakes and cocktails. Need a gift for your friend who just bought a house? Give them one of our prints to add a little pretty to their walls. Want to celebrate a momentous milestone moment? Let’s work together to make something that’s just perfect for you.
A watercolor illustration of some of favorite art supplies.
We love making colorful, vibrant, happy paper goods.
Most of our products are designed and made by hand in our little studio and we are very proud of that! We do have some products that are manufactured by our partners. Some of our stationery items are printed by a family owned printer and some other non-paper goods are made by a lovely women owned manufacturer. All of our products are made in the United States.
Here’s a peek into our general creation process:
We'll brainstorm ideas for new products/designs.
We'll settle on an idea and sketch it out on paper.
The sketch is turned into a painting. We love using watercolors and gouache but we'll also paint digitally. Sometimes, we'll also add some lettering or calligraphy.
We'll digitize the painting, finalize the design and then print it.
We love embellishing our paper goods after they've been printed. Sometimes, we'll add a little sparkle or shine just to take it up a notch (or two).
We’ll be sharing little bits of our creative process on our blog so check there for all the latest details. You can also learn a little more about our process in our FAQ.
All of our party décor is made and assembled in our studio by hand. We use our hands, our favorite pair of scissors, paper and crafting supplies. We'll use a laser cutter from time to time, however we only use our own designs which are drawn by hand and then uploaded into our laser cutting software.
Our custom design and invitation process is a bit different. To learn more about how we work with clients to create custom items, check out our FAQ and information pages.
We prefer to create using the best supplies we can. We're always sourcing the finest quality papers in a wide variety of colors, textures, finishes and price points. Whenever possible, we'll use eco-friendy materials. Visit our FAQ to find out more about our favorite tools and supplies.
Have a question about our process? Contact us and we’ll be happy to chat with you!
Meet Deb
Hi there! I’m Deb, Co-Founder and Creative Director here at Cherry Blossom Tree Designs.
You can usually find me in our little studio painting, sketching and designing away in between cups of coffee and cat cuddles. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been making and giving handmade cards to friends, family and just about everyone else. I’m a huge fan of snail mail and I want the world to experience the joys of connecting through handwritten notes, letters and cards. Starting Cherry Blossom Tree Designs was a big step toward realizing my dream and now I get to play with paper and create pretty things to share with the world.
My favorite color palette
My go-to favorite color has always been purple. I love it in any shade but if I had to pick, I’d probably pick a soft, dusty shade of purple like Pantone 256c. Throw that in with some vintage inspired pastels and a pop of neon and you’d have my ideal color palette.
My design style
As an illustrator, I’m very much a fan of anything whimsical and colorful. I like mixing a little bit of the old with the new to keep things interesting. I like things that are classically designed so that they can be on trend now but still look good a decade later.
My favorite muse
I get inspiration from just about anywhere. Like most creatives, I’m always keeping my eyes open everywhere I go and I can see cool patterns and colors in the most unusual places. My tastes will change from time to time but the one thing that never fails to inspire me is nature. You can find a little bit of this inspiration in our products.
If I could have coffee with any designer it would be…
There are so many incredible designers, how can I pick just one? I’d love to share coffee (and pastries) with Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney and Kate Spade. All those shapes, colors and patterns are my idea of design heaven. I’d also have to invite Frida Kahlo to the party because her colorful world has always been one of my favorite sources of inspiration.
My favorite font
I have a lot of favorite fonts depending on the project I’m working on. I know…big surprise right? Since I have so many favorites, I’m going to pick the font that matches my personality the best (apart from my own lettering of course). It’s called Cosmopolitan and I think it’s a little bit fancy and a lot of fun.
My favorite thing about working with paper
I love learning and using new techniques to keep our designs hip and fresh. You can make just about anything out of paper and I’m constantly finding new things to try. Paper is never boring and it’s one of the easiest materials to work with even though you can use it to make some seriously complicated pieces of art.
Meet Liz
Hello, gorgeous! My name is Liz and I am one half (the glamorous half, if I may say so) of Cherry Blossom Tree Designs.
I have many roles that include but are not limited to being the Director of Communications, Media and Customer Experience, and the all-around Chief Happiness Officer. I specialize in ensuring there are smiles on the faces of our team members and customers and that there are equal parts hard work, ambition and fun in all we create. We like to keep our studio full of fresh ideas and positive attitudes. Don’t be a stranger—Should you have any questions or want to share some inspiring feedback, let me know!
My favorite color palette
It’s hard to choose one color palette as my all-time favorite but jewel tones and metallics always speak to me and a few of my favorite go-to color combos are blush pink + rose gold, magenta pink + black and aqua + black and black + gold.
My Design Style
I would describe my design style as a mix of charming glamour, feminine whimsy and a lot of sparkle. I like to leave a little shine and sparkle in all I do to help brighten each day.
My favorite muse
Who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn and her ultimate alter ego, Holly Golightly? I have to say, I admire Audrey’s iconic, chic and effortless style and her graceful demeanor and hope to incorporate that classy flair in my design aesthetic.
If I could have coffee with any designer it would be…
I would have a Spanish latte with Hubert de Givenchy and Coco Chanel, champagne with Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen and rose´ all day with Megan and Kerri Hess (another fab sister design duo!).
My favorite font
Bombshell. Need I say more?
My favorite thing about working with paper
Paper presents so many opportunities for authentic and clever expression. Customizable paper stationery ties nostalgia and romance to the modern age of communication and preserves the joy of human connection that be only found in a genuine handwritten note. Handmade paper party products add an element of quaint charm and a dedication to detail that helps create the perfect moment of festivity and celebration.