That's Motherhood—Card Contest

Before I knew I was pregnant, I decided to take a spin at entering a Mother's Day inspired Hallmark card contest. It seemed fairly straightforward, and I thought I had a pretty unique idea, so there I was. Come to find out, my card was chosen along with 25 others to be finalists in the That’s Motherhood contest. You can see all the wonderful cards here—mine being the Help Wanted card, second row left-hand side. Here’s another link.

As of now, you can purchase the cards online, and then come March, we’ll find out who the lucky in-store winners are. The Hallmark judges will get back together and choose a selection of cards that will be printed and distributed to select stores around the U.S. (crossing my fingers).

So anyway, I just wanted to share my little bonus on the week with all of you today. Hope your week is shaping up nicely!

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Break Time!

Well here we are, the day before Thanksgiving—how did it get here so fast?! Tonight is the biggest bar night of the year, or so they say, but instead of doing the annual pub crawl around our hometown we'll probably just visit with some of our closest friends (and sip juice, for me) around the house. I'll be signing off for the long weekend, no work, email or paperwork to be seen. It's officially relaxation time, and of course time to eat!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, so until Monday, I leave you with this...

I'm sincerely hoping I can drag my husband to the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago this year. I've never been but always wanted to, and it's really only a 5 hour drive for us, where we can crash with his amazing sister and her fiance! I might even be able to get most of my Christmas shopping done there (for myself, obviously)! :)

Image sources: Pie, Turkey, Tarts.

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Paper Crave Product Review

If you're still curious about the new L Letterpress tool, which we posted about here, check out this review from Kristen at Paper Crave...

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DIY Letterpress!

I've been having a hard time thinking of things I want for Christmas... other than baby related items. :) That is, until I received an email from paper-source introducing this new at-home Letterpress Machine. For $150.00 this little accessory includes everything you need to get started with a letterpress hobby! I'd love to get one of these and try my hand at some festive Christmas cards!

Since this is so new, I haven't heard much about people using it to diy their invitations, but I'll be sure to post a followup if I something comes up!

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The Big Surprise...

So I know I’ve been MIA lately, and you’re probably wondering why (or maybe your enjoying the peace and quiet)… Well, my husband and I received some amazing news a few weeks ago, from a little pee stick. That’s right! We’re pregnant! In less than 7 months we’ll have ourselves a brand-spankin’ new baby to cuddle with.

As you can imagine, things have been a whirlwind of happiness and panic — the panic part because I have so much to do still! So because of that, I’ve let my blogging duties slip a bit. But have no fear, I’ll be back in action with regular posts before you know it!

Below is a a little peek at how I told the office — chocolate cupcakes with baby cupcake toppers. I set them up in our kitchenette and waiting for the assumptions to come rolling in. All of the ladies were super excited and most of the guys didn't get it, but I think I got the point across. 

For clients and potential clients — RSVP Invitation Studios will not be taking on any new clients, and any projects in progress will need to have a completion date of no later than May 3^rd, 2010.

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Shhh, it's a secret!

You're probably wondering what's going on over here — I mean come on, my last post was Tuesday?! Stay tuned for tomorrow's big post — I'll finally explain myself!

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Friendship Rings

Remember when you were a little girl, and you’d give your girlfriends friendship rings? I’d always craft something special for my besties, or pick up a few little rings while on vacation. Those pieces of jewelry represented our bond — our never ending friendship!

These days I don’t do much swapping of jewelry, but the thought still crosses my mind! I think I’d still be tickled at the thought of receiving a friendship ring, or the likes of... which is why I’m sort of in love with the idea of giving each of your bridesmaids a little symbol of your friendship — in ring form.

These little beauties from Etsy seller Patrick Irla Jewelry, are just perfect for that. This tiny three-petal hydrangea sets atop a delicate band, accompanied by a small accent diamond.

There are a few other fine selections to choose from, all just as pretty!

Check out the shop of Patrick Irla Jewelry here!

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Girl Scout Cookie Favors — Anyone?

I cannot believe I never thought of this — well I suppose it’s just another reason to renew our vows — Girl Scout Cookies. My husband sent me a tempting email today, someone at his work had a daisy who was selling cookies, and I told him I wanted one of everything. There’s not a lot of sweet things I don’t like, so it’s no surprise that I like GS Cookies — but these are different. I almost can’t live without them! This is why I’m so sick about not having them at my wedding!

I mean for cryin’ out loud, I myself was a brownie and girl scout, not to mention — who doesn’t like at least one type of GS Cookies?!

If I had to do it again, I probably wouldn’t give everyone a full box of em’, just maybe 4 cookies, nestled in a cute little paper wrapping. Boxed up and ready to be eaten!

Sources: 1, 2. 

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Badgley Mischka Pumps

I love this Badgley Mischka shoe, found over at Piper Lime today... It's sleek and sexy with a little bling! Check out their new arrivals, and maybe snag a pair of their hot new fall boots while you're at it! My fall wardrobe is in desperate need of a shoe update — otherwise I'll still be wearing flats in the snow!

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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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Color Inspiration

A little color palette inspiration to brighten up your Monday morning!

This real wedding from the knot features Megan and Casey and their outdoor wedding celebration in Hailey, Idaho. Aside from the gorgeous colors, one of my favorite details happens to be the spider mums that pop up throughout.

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Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this week to be over. I've been up and down, sick with the nasty stuff that has been going around our little town (school closings and all). Fortunately I'm starting to feel a bit better — unfortunately I haven't had a lot of time to spend on blogging this week.

Not to worry though, I'll be back in full force next week with some inspiring new ideas!

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Specimen Calendar

Every year I get a new calendar, duh. But no, it has to be something special, I can’t just get the same old standard desk calendar — that would be boring and so not creative!

Last year my sister-in-law got me a gorgeous calendar from Snow & Graham, and it was so perfectly me, I nearly cried. So since we only have two more months in this calendar year, I’m eyeing up this little pretty from Postal Press. First seen on design*sponge. Edit: Postal Press is now Mossiere. Visit them here.

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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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A Lifelong Commitment — Choosing Your Photographer!

The first time I ever had my picture taken professionally was after I got my braces off, around the age of 13. It was part of the whole orthodontic package, and made me feel like a superstar, sort of. Next, senior pictures at the age of 17, and a family photo somewhere around 18. Finally came my wedding, and the whirlwind of photo ops along with that.

I think it was after the wedding proofs came back, that I really realized how much I valued a good photo. Since then, I’ve been dreaming up occasions to have a photo session again — anniversaries, new puppy, future baby bump shots, and the list goes on.

If you can, think about using the same photographer for all of these monumental moments. That way when you flip back in your photo album, or hang up a selection of framed prints, they’ll all look cohesive and focused.

Above, a selection of photos from one of my favorite local photographers, Kaela Lang of Kaleidoscope Photography. Kaela has photographed everything from weddings and engagements to babies and families. She has a way of capturing the most beloved moments, and has some great location ideas as well. If you’re in the Mid-Michigan area, you should definitely schedule a shoot with Kaela. Check out her blog for more inspiring photos.

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LOVE that etsy shop: Rigel Stuhmiller

I’m starting a new section, here on Bridal Buzz, called LOVE that etsy shop. Since there are so many darn etsy shops out there, I thought I would start a little collection of my favorite artists.

To start off this feature, I’d like to kindly introduce Rigel Stuhmiller's shop. Rigel is an illustrator/printmaker, and is darn good at it too. Her illustrations are playful and graphic, and the letterpress printing just tops it all off. My favorite collection is the funny pet portrait letterpress cards she has up on her shop, they’re so full of personality!

Most of Rigel’s designs would be perfect for a quirky set of wedding invitations, or just for a collection of thank you notes for home.

You can see more about Rigel Stuhmiller at her site, or purchase her lovely prints/cards at her Etsy shop. 

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Mixed Media Cake Topper

I saw this sweet little post over at design*sponge on friday about Grace's fabulous wedding food, including the cake. I about died when I saw the cake topper, in all it's vintage-y glory. Grace commissioned Kate Runnels to design her cake topper, where she mixed a pair of vintage paper wedding figures with other mediums including some dainty embroidery.

I love the idea of repurposing an old cake top, and making it into a trendy accessory for your wedding cake, especially if you're going for that vintage feel. Go ahead, peruse your grandmothers attic, or even ebay for that matter. I guarantee you'll find that perfect little piece to sit atop your cake.

Photos courtesy of design*sponge.

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Sexy Side Buns

The low side bun seems to be making an appearance among starts lately, and I’m just taking it all in. I wish my hair were a little more giving, and then I might try to pull off one of these stunning looks!

The side bun look can actually be quite diverse, seemingly polished and sleek on some ladies, or messy and playful on others. Either way you wear it, this look is stunning and sexy, and I’m all about it!

If I could pull this off, I'd be particularly in favor of a looser look, that way you won’t have a meltdown during your reception if a strand of hair comes loose — because you know it’ll happen sooner or later.

Sources: Evangeline, Audrina, Taylor, Miley, Tyra, Kristen, Kelly, Isla.

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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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