Letterpress Invitations

Up until now, I hadn't done much with letterpress, aside from admire it. Then back in the spring my sister-in-law asked me to help create her wedding invitations, in none other than letterpress, and I happily agreed! Here's the outcome, a beautiful translation of her whimsical and traditional style. The wedding was a few weeks ago and everything tied in to these invitations so beautifully, she couldn't have done a better job coordinating it all. Kudos Mary!

I worked with a small printing press here in Michigan, and learned a lot about the process. I can't wait to continue offering this method of printing, it's just so incredibly stunning!

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Hand-Cancelled Envelopes: Round 2

Awhile back I had posted about my frustrating experience with the post office and hand-cancelled envelopes. From that experience I had totally given up my post office hand-cancelling any of my important cards, invitations or announcements. They simply wouldn’t do it!



I’m happy to report, I have officially changed my mind about that issue. Last week I dropped by a smaller branch of our local post office, hoping to slide in and make sure everything weighed no more than 44 cents worth of postage. The two gentlemen working at the tiny desk helped me out tremendously by hand-cancelling all of my envelopes, and showing me the gorgeous new love stamps for 2010! I’m thinking the 8 month baby bump I’m sporting might have had a hand in the free hand-cancelling (which is usually 20 cents per envelope), but I’m okay with that!


If you’re finding yourself in the same situation, I highly recommend searching for a smaller post office in your area, and visit them during a slow time in the day to ask about the details of your mailing. It just might be the difference between hand-cancelling and running it through those dreadful machines!


Image courtesy of: On A Limb Paper.

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Baker's Twine Does It All

Baker’s twine is one of my favorite accessories to have on hand—it’s handy for everything! I think I like it more than (dare I say it) ribbon! Here are a few handy examples of ways to use baker’s twine in your wedding—favors, invites or place cards. The options are endless, and lucky for you, the twine comes in a variety of sweet colors. I love how it adds just a pinch of color, and how practical it is at tying up an invitation suite, or favor box. Not to mention it goes with just about any style!

The twine isn’t hard to find out on the internet—try Etsy for small quantities and wholesalers for bulk. Even if you end up with leftover twine, it’s perfect to accent small gifts, holiday cards or even decorate with around the house!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

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Relax for Rehearsal

While I’m sure you have a very distinct look for your wedding day, what about rehearsal? It’s still very much a part of the wedding activities, but many brides and grooms are opting to keep it a little more casual and fun. I love these dinner invitations from Cheerupcherup, perfect for a more laid back rehearsal dinner!

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A Note for the Bride & Groom...

I love reply cards that leave a little space for guests to write a little message. During my newbie days of designing my own invitations, I didn't know you were allowed to do that — but we still had a few folks write messages that touched our hearts.

Ever since then, I've jumped at the chance to include this little area on other reply cards. It's been difficult at times, to squeeze it in among all the other information on the card, which is why I think I love this example so darn much!

I ran across this beautiful letterpress invitation set via Oh So Beautiful Paper, designed by Kathleen. I love how simple the reply is — no nonsense, just yes or no. I think this type of space is so great, especially if you want to look back on all the sweet memories people sent your way!

Have a happy friday all!

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Loving Envelope Liners

I really like envelope liners. I’m not sure why. But I often find myself drooling over that touch of pattern, rather than the invitation that is covering it up. I think I just love the fact that the sender took the time and effort to line an envelope, make it all presentable inside and out, just for little ol’ me!

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your lining experience more pleasant (‘cause it can be a lot of work)!

Templates are available at Paper-Source so you can cut to perfection, every time, along with some pretty neat pre-cut liners. But I can understand if you want to be different… In that case, vintage wallpaper can be used instead of expensive scrapbook paper, or even better, a roll of wrapping paper!

There’s a Habitat for Humanity ReStore near my house, stocked with old paper… I think I’m going to run over there and see if I can’t find the ugliest roll of old wallpaper ever for my personal stationery envelope liners. I’ll be updating soon!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

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Vintage Photography + Wedding Invitations

It's not often I get asked to incorporate a photograph into a wedding invitation — in fact I usually find them to be hard to work with. But this time around, it was too perfect for words.

Caryn (a good friend of mine) came to me with the photo, and wanted her wedding invitation to be designed around it. The black and white photo was of her grandparents, and looked like one of those inserts you see in a really expensive vintage frame. Let's just say it was picture perfect.

We decided to mat the photo onto the front of her plum booklet-style invitation, with the rest of the information tucked safely inside. The whole thing slipped into a vellum envelope, with the photo peeking out through the front, and then safely tucked inside the outer envelope.

I loved the finished piece, so unique and modern, with a touch of vintage.

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Invitation inspiration from lillyella

I ran across this adorable blog called lillyella today, and saw that this fabulous jewelry designer also created her own wedding invitations. I love it when creativity spreads from one medium to another!

I just wanted to share some pictures she has up on her blog, as they are beautiful and oh-so creative! You can read the full story here!

I think my favorite part about these is the little booklet style invitation, and how the back cover wraps around and is sewn in place. I can just imagine the delight of her guests as they receive this pretty package in the mail — and opening it to find a small booklet designed just for them!

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Coordinating photo strips

Being on the invitation side of wedding planning, it’s not often I get to see the bride and groom on their wedding day, which is kind of sad after all that hard work.

I got a little peak into Katie and Mike’s big day when she shared some of their photo strips from the reception. The little paisley design at the bottom matched their custom invitations perfectly, and was a great way to tie everything together!

When it comes time to work with outside vendors on your wedding related items, keep in mind, most will allow you to use custom artwork, so think about how you can tie in your invitation design or theme to the rest of your accessories.

Thanks for sharing Katie, and best wishes for the two of you!

Note: Katie and Mike hired Shutterbooth for their event.

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Wedding websites over wedding registries

I’ve run in to a few instances this season where brides want to include their registry in their invitation design, and I’ve been torn about providing a solution. While I understand the logic behind this, it’s still considered bad etiquette among some guests. So instead of plastering their registry information on their enclosure cards, I’ve been suggesting a substitute — their wedding website.

The website tends to be a classier way to provide additional information to guests, including where to purchase gifts for the bride and groom.

TheKnot.com has a free website service, but those can occasionally have long url’s, not suitable for a small card enclosure.

Here are a few of my favorite free sites: Onewed and eWedding. In addition to the registry information, many of these sites offer photo uploads, online rsvp features, audio/video, downloads for your guests and much more!

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Adorably Illustrated Invites

As much as I love to receive a traditional wedding invitation, complete with ribbons and pockets, adorned with script fonts and calligraphy — I also love a taste of the unusual once in awhile. This creative poster-style invitation has definitely piqued my interest.

Aside from the quirky cartoons, the colors and layout of this huge invite is stunning! I love the fact that all of the information for the wedding is printed in one spot, nothing to loose or get you confused!

Images via Martha Stewart Weddings, Wedding Aces, and Etsy’s The Storque. 

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Lingerie Shower Invitations

For those of you brides-to-be who are having a lingerie shower, check out the fun selection of shower invitations geared towards you! I love the playful nature of all these designs, and the fact that they have little bras and undies all over them. I mean seriously, when else can you plaster your unmentionables onto a card and mail it out to your friends and family?

My favorite are the carefully illustrated designs by Everyday Grace on Etsy.

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

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Invitation testers wanted

We're inching into to a new market... and have decided to test out the waters in PDF downloadable invitations. You know, the kind you purchase, then download and print at home. They're a heck of a lot more economical, and a lot more gratifying, since you're doing it yourself!

We need a handful of participants to test a few of our young designs, which is where you all come in to play. The first 5 people to comment on this post (with their first name and email) will receive a free PDF file of our Fill in The {Blank} party invitations. All we ask is that you download the file, as directed, and print. Then tell us how it went!

Don't worry, it will be easy! So who's up for the challenge?

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Scratch off save the dates

How neat are these scratch off save the dates via 1000 Markets. Just scratch off the center circle to see what you’ve won—err, who’s getting married! I like the simple circular design, paired with cleverly placed text. Customize the colors, names and date to your liking.

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Island Maps

I'm sure I've shared with you my love for maps, not just wedding maps, all maps. I just love the tiny print, pinpoints and trails leading to interesting destinations. This map is no exception, and happens to be one of my favorites.

I designed this for a couple who are having a destination wedding in South Padre Island, TX. This was actually one of the first "island" maps I've ever done, and now I never want to go back! I love the way the blue/green water frames the island, and the way her bright pink compliments those sandy shades of tan.

If you're looking for a custom map for your wedding, feel free to contact me, or visit my etsy shop!

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Pretty postage

As I'm sure we all know, postage went up to 44 cents on May 11th, and since then I've been patiently waiting for some cute stamps to come out. Well, ta-da, that day has come! I just saw this post over at Creature Comforts... new stamps, and they're adorable!

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DIY-ish invitations at 100 Layer Cake

I love the look of these DIY-ish invitations featured on May 12th over at 100 Layer Cake. The colors and patterns caught my eye first, and then I saw the lovely assortment of vintage stamps that were to adorn the front of the envelope. Everything is just perfect, and not only that, the supplies are widely available to regular DIY brides, not just designers! Check out the post for more information about the supplies and how they accomplished this fabulous look.

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Back in action

I was out sick all day yesterday, it was not fun, and I'm ready to get back to work! So now that I'm back, I wanted to share with you a simple map design that I whipped up for a client recently. The wedding and reception are in the older part of downtown Bay City, which can get kind of complicated with one ways and lots of side streets, so we tried to make it as simple as possible.

I highly recommend getting a custom wedding map made, or doing one yourself, so that out of town guests can easily navigate the path from your ceremony to reception.

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