Today we’re exited to introduce our latest Design of the Month – Cecilia by Jamie Lea Bertsch. We love this design for its vintage textile inspiration and it’s understated romantic elegance. As our Design of the Month, all custom letterpress orders of our Cecilia design placed between now and April 29 will receive 20% off – don’t miss out! This 20% off applies to Cecilia save the dates, thank you cards, coasters, place cards, menus, programs, invitations, and any other piece that uses the Cecilia design. (Please note, the Design of the Month promotion may not be used on purchases of other designs or in combination with any other promotion.)

Meet the Designer – Jamie Lea Bertsch

What is the inspiration behind Cecilia?
Actually, these are the invitations we used for our wedding, so there was a lot of inspiration swirling around them. I named it after my grandmother – Cecilia. The lacy edging was from a handkerchief passed down to me for my wedding, and I paired that with some loose pattern illustrations from other textiles/fabrics in our home. I really wanted to fuse elegant and handmade, so I mixed fonts and rounded corners to keep it casual.

How did you get your start in art and design?
I’ve always enjoyed making things with my hands and the tactile experience. I decided to pursue art and design without any expectations. I didn’t want to anticipate or put pressure on myself to ‘figure it out’ right away. Instead, I eased into things, lightheartedly exploring design, printmaking, fibers, photography and ceramics. Some great opportunities came my way, and since college, I’ve just taken it day by day. Currently I’m pursuing my MFA in fibers, seeing where that leads me. I’ve always believed that things happen for a reason, so I try not to intervene too much with the natural progression of things.

Five art/design tools you couldn’t live without:
Needle/thread, Uni-ball fine tip pens, sketchbook, Sobo glue & scissors

What’s your morning routine like?
I’ve become a bit of an early bird lately, realizing how many things I can get done before noon if I wake up early! Our dog Olive usually sleeps in. (jealous!) I’ve been trying to lay off the coffee, trading it in with yogurt or kefir as a morning ritual. Though, I admit, sometimes you just need a good cup of coffee! I head to my studio in the early hours, and catch up on emails, art & design blogs, and of course whatever project I have going at the time. I usually turn on NPR or the Charlie Parker station on Pandora for my listening pleasure. I love a good, flow-y morning.

Good luck charm:
Definitely this little wooden heart that my husband carved for me back in college. It reminds me of e.e. cummings’ :

i carry your heart with me
i carry it in my heart
i am never without it

Always in your fridge:
We’re never too low on gorgonzola cheese! It’s been a staple of mine for a while now – sprinkling it on pizza, salad, or bruschetta are my favorites lately.

What fictional character do you most identify with?
hmmm… probably Pippi Longstocking! I would love to live in Villa Villekulla.

Best day job:
The best day job I ever had was being a carhop at a locally owned drive-in restaurant. I got to work outside serving custard, fries, and burgers, and the customers were always pretty fun. Definitely miss those tips!

Favorite PMS number:
621U

If you were flavor of ice cream, what would you be?
Alden’s Peanut Butter Chip! The best ice cream ever.