HOLSTEE MANIFESTO :: INVITATION INSPIRATION

Some of the words Kim used to describe the overall look and feel of their wedding day included the Holstee Manifesto, woodcut type, comfortable and fun, simple and relaxed. She tossed in some decor specifics as well, like her colors... navy blue, apple green and bright white, with touches of natural twine, mason jars and white lights. What a fabulous vision! So with that, this is the final version of the wedding invitation I designed for her and Jamie.

The tea length invitation was bound together with the RSVP/Map card using the natural twine and then delivered in a navy envelope hand addressed using white ink. I loved that the post office had apple RSVP postage stamps, they were the perfect accident!

The ceremony program was also tea length to compliment the invitation. Kim had fun and creative plans for displaying the escort tags of which I'm eager to see. The napkin tags were going to be tied around white napkins using natural twine. Can't you just see it? I love everything about this stationery ensemble. Thank you Kim for trusting me with your wedding stationery from 2000 miles away! Cheers.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Originals Paper Art

BRIDAL SHOWER INVITATIONS :: TEA PARTY

2013 WEDDING WALK TACOMA... CHECK!

Like any grand event, so much time and effort goes into one day, and like that... it's all over. I had a wonderful time working with Gina Lillie of A Greater Plan Weddings and Events Consulting and meeting other amazing vendors that, like me, are living the entrepreneurial dream. Here are a few photo collages of our collaborative work.

To get an idea of how this design evolved... Google the artist, Alexander Calder prints and then William W. Philip Hall, U of W Tacoma. Using the contemporary style of the artist and architectural elements of the venue, this is what I designed to compliment Gina's vision for the event space.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: WEDDING STATIONERY

Here is the luxury lounge area where we incorporated the icebreaker bingo game and cocktail & concoctions.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: LOUNGE SPACE

The guest tables at the reception that include customized table numbers, dangling place cards and monogrammed napkin rings.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: GUEST TABLE

And finally, the head table, absolutely amazing floral design and original paintings by Gina Lillie. Love it!

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013 :: BRIDAL TABLE

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

WEDDING WALK TACOMA 2013

Bridal shows aren't what they used to be, Wedding Walk Your City is different! Rather than sending bridal couples up and down isles and isles of vendors sitting at tables, Wedding Walk Your City chooses a number of venues (in select cities), and within each venue an event planner presents their talents by decorating the space using other fabulous vendors, i.e. linen rentals, florists, caterers, cake designers, musicians, photographers, and yes... stationery designers like me!

Above are photos from Wedding Walk Port Orchard that I participated in last winter. The bridal couples experienced the design talents of Gina Lillie, A Greater Plan Events & Consulting  at Gold Mountain Golf Club. I designed a wedding stationery suite that included: Save The Dates, Wedding Invitations, Ceremony Programs, Escort Cards, Place Cards, Table Numbers, Menus, Signature Cocktail Sign and, well, I think that covers it!

It's a wonderful concept and must-see event for bridal couples and business people alike. If you know a couple that's getting married or a business professional that plans a lot of corporate events in the Seattle/Tacoma area... please, please, please tell them about this incredible opportunity to network with local professionals and see for themselves the amazing talent in one fun-filled afternoon.

WEDDING WALK TACOMA
Sunday, February 24th, 2013
Noon — 5:00 pm

Visit the official website for event details: Wedding Walk Your City

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Originals Paper Art

"V" IS FOR VELLUM

Vellum is translucent paper that comes in a variety of weights, colors and prints. I keep vellum in stock at the studio because I spec it as an understated detail on invitations that ultimately adds elegance and purpose. And as a graphic designer, that's important to me.

"V" IS FOR VELLUM

The large photo in the collage above incorporates vellum as a loose overlay and adds to the overall romance, yet protects the formal invitation from the wax seal during mailing. I like to use vellum in booklet invitations as a soft spoken first (and last) page. The middle invitation includes a heavy-weight vellum sleeve (visualize an office folder) that keeps the invitation pieces together inside the envelope... and believe me, your guests will appreciate the thought when they open your invitation. And finally, I printed on light-weight vellum for the scroll and tag on the message in a bottle invitation.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

TWIG-BOUND BOOKLET INVITATION

This invitation has been in the studio for months. We took our time and were able to incorporate most of the brides wants and needs into one fabulous invitation! They're getting married in a beautiful barn at Wine and Roses Country Estate in Auburn and wanted a rustic, yet elegant, invitation that sets the tone for their countryside wedding. We did it and she LOVES them!

Below is a collage of images showing you the outside features: twig-bound booklet with natural hemp cord and monogram closure tab with actual zig-zag stitching detail.

Here are some of the inside features as well: custom illustration of two sunflowers in a mason jar, light weight paper and translucent vellum pages, and information cards secured with burlap ribbon and tie.

Here's a closer look at the closure tab that keeps everything in place until the tab is broken when opening.

Once the closure tab is broken, you can flip through the booklet with ease.

First you see the introduction of the couple, their wedding date and custom sunflower graphic through a beautiful translucent vellum sheet; the next page is their official invitation and reception information; and the final page is a bible verse chosen by the bridal couple.

This is truly a custom invitation, aka: original. If you're frustrated with designers that claim to be custom because they allow you to choose A, B, C and D... stop searching and contact me today. I go to great lengths to create an invitation just the way you want it! That includes sewing zig-zag stitches onto a closure tab! Yep... we did all the bindery and assembly on this invitation. Our bride received her invitations ready to stuff and mail! We're a one-stop-shopping invitation studio... please, spread the word!

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

TWILIGHT WEDDING

When I first met with the event planner for this wedding, Gina of A Greater Plan, she told me to envision the Twilight wedding. I awkwardly had to admit I didn't follow the Twilight series and she said sweetly suggest I familiarize myself with the ceremony scene. Gina is working with Cedar Springs, here in Gig Harbor, to create a similar look and feel.

Gina has an art background and illustrated the images used in these invitations. In addition to the trailing flowers, I love how the thistle, orchid and silver colors deliver romance from the moment you set eyes on the envelope.

A few other design details add intimacy and elegance to this invitation as well. The old world script font resembles that of a handwritten love letter from days gone by, the beautiful wax seal that secures the information cards in place, and the delicate vellum sheet that protects the formal invitation.

I absolutely love the final invitation... especially the color combination! I would love to get a glimpse of how the venue looks on wedding day. I'll have to see if I can get photos from Gina or Hailey. I'll be sure to share if I'm successful.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Originals Paper Art

SUMMER WEDDINGS BEGIN...

I delivered this invitation on Saturday and wish I had my camera or video camera with me... Lauren was like a little girl on Christmas morning opening her "main" present, you know the one. She wore a smile that lit up the coffee shop and her words of excitement and happiness made my day!

It's one thing to pick out your paper and see the electronic proofs... but to hold the final invitation in your hands and feel the fabulous paper is an entirely different thing.

Serpentine and Wind (green and blue) paper from Envelopments

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Contact me for a complimentary consultation.

"U" IS FOR UNIQUE

unique: distinct, individual, special, unusual, one-of-a-kind, rare, uncommon

Unique is just another word for originals if you ask me! What details will make (or made) your wedding stationery UNIQUE? Do tell.

Below is a message in a bottle invitation with fabulous mailing tube, lovely hand-stamped red envelopes, functional luggage tags, and celebration ribbon ties. These invitation details set the stage for their specific event and I can guarantee they won't soon be forgotten.
 

"U" IS FOR UNIQUE

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER. Think outside the box! There are countless ways to take an ordinary invitation and make it unique (aka: original). Let's get started!

"T" IS FOR TYPOGRAPHY

I fell in love with fonts my first day of Typography years ago and am still fascinated. I thoroughly enjoy researching new fonts when faced with a new design and/or invitation project. Bringing fonts together may seem easy, but there is an art in doing so... that's what we call Typography: the art or process of setting and arranging types and printing from them.

"T" IS FOR TYPOGRAPHY

Fonts say so much when they stand alone, but when combined with another they can create an amazing visual in just two words. Take for instance the Diamonds and Denim invitation. Do you see it? Need I say more? Because fonts are so graphic, I find it important to compliment other elements of the project design as well. Across the bottom I designed for three different feelings: elegance, vintage and contemporary.

I LOVE MY CLIENTS

"Q" IS FOR QUOTE

So many of my invitation designs are dimensional and interactive which often generates extra surface space for personal design elements. Most of the time that space is filled with a quote or bible verse that speaks to the bride and groom.

Below are just a few samples to show you: (1) a quote on the last page of a booklet invitation; (2) a bible verse on the right side of an invitation wrap; (3) another bible verse centered on an invitation wrap; and (4) a fabulous quote, "Only from the heart can you touch the sky".

What is your favorite quote that defines you and your husband/wife? If you don't have one, talk with them about it... it's a good conversation for date night.  

"Q" IS FOR QUOTE

"N" IS FOR NEGATIVE SPACE

A few weeks ago I posted an article about white space and I'd have to say negative space is pretty much the same thing. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia's definition of negative space: The use of equal negative space, as a balance to positive space, in a composition is considered by many as good design. This basic and often overlooked principle of design gives the eye a "place to rest," increasing the appeal of a composition through subtle means.

Here are a few of invitation designs where I incorporated negative {white} space to enhance the design and direct your eye through the information.

"N" IS FOR NEGATIVE SPACE

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER: This design principle is a must when working with fabulous paper! Take a close look at the top photo, this deluxe paper has an amazing texture worth or showing off!

Happy Friday!

"M" IS FOR MAPS

So many weddings involve multiple events at various venues and having a wedding weekend map really helps guests find their way around your city. Add hotels, restaurants, ceremony and reception sites, as well as post wedding gathering spots like state parks, local lakes and golf courses! While having a technical gadget to assist you is a good thing, an old fashioned {wedding weekend} map might just save the day!

"M" IS FOR MAPS

"L" IS FOR LAYERS

Layers are an easy way to incorporate color, depth, and interaction into wedding stationery. Pictured here are a few styles I consider when designing an invitation ensemble: layers offset right, layers vertically tiered, raised layers with ribbon, and a combination of traditional and horizontally tiered layers.
 

"L" IS FOR LAYERS

"K" IS FOR KISS.

Custom invitations can be beautiful and elegant by using the KISS method: Keep It Simple Stationery! Just because you can do anything imaginable with your wedding stationery doesn't mean you should. Often times the most amazing invitations are derived from simple details.

I absolutely love this invitation from 2009. The groom hand wrote the original invitation in calligraphy and then I scanned, scaled, positioned, kerned and fixed leading where necessary (gotta love technology). The invitation is printed on a very heavy 110# cover stock, corner rounded, wrapped with delicate handmade paper and then secured with a satin ribbon knot. So simple, elegant, romantic and personal.

"K" IS FOR KISS (KEEP IT SIMPLE STATIONERY)

"J" IS FOR JIGSTER

I told Allen this morning, "I've got it! J is for JIGster!" And he says, "JIGster? What's that?"  Why, let me tell you... it's a tool Envelopments® offers that makes layering custom invitations a breeze. Check out the JIGster instructional video and tell me if it's something you'd use. I'm considering buying one for assembly projects in the studio and possibly lending it out to my DIY brides.

In the lower left corner is an Originals Paper Art desinger invitation using Envelopments® and I'm thinking how nice it would've been to have a JIGster for that assembly project.

"J" IS FOR JIGSTER

"I" IS FOR IMAGINE

Close your eyes and imagine the design of your invitation incorporated into all your reception {info} needs. Do you see it? Now open your eyes and let's make it happen! Not sure where to start? Let me suggest a few things... ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, table numbers, menus, favor tags, and then signs for the guest book, each food option, wedding drink specials, the present table... and the list goes on!

I was delighted to see the fruits of my labor at a recent bridal show. Pictured here are individual menus, escort cards, place cards and a signature drink sign for the bar. It was so rewarding to see everything in its place. A sight I don't often get to document... enjoy!

"I" IS FOR IMAGINE

"H" IS FOR HANDMADE (IN THE USA)

We do a lot of hand work here in the design studio! For instance... HAND cutting, scoring, folding, punching, stitching, tying, and gluing to mention a few. That makes our invitations handmade in the USA! Gotta love that claim these days.

Below is a collage of images showing Allen, my husband and business partner, hand cutting a large sheet of handmade paper down into 8-1/2" strips and then he used a rotary cutter to cut those strips down to 8-1/2 x 11 sheets for the cover of a fall wedding program. I designed and printed the inside pages of the program here in the studio as well. Together we folded, punched, and tied each program... by hand. Truly an original, don't you agree?

"H" IS FOR HANDMADE (IN THE USA)

   

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS

Graphics have become an increasingly popular element in wedding invitations. As a professional graphic designer I compare this iconic graphic to an event logo and use it to brand the entire wedding. First we introduce your wedding graphic on the save the date cards, then invitations and onto the wedding day stationery including: programs, place cards, table tents, menus and thank yous.

The graphic below is a stock illustration of tree branches I used for an outdoor fall wedding. It was a booklet style invitation and bound together using a twig. I applied the graphic as a subtle watermark on the inside vellum page, smaller with a quote adjacent to the invitation page, and then as a border on the RSVP and Travel Accommodations cards. Love it!

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS

The next graphic was inspired by the destination venue itself, the St. Stanislaus Church in Altos de Chavon, La Romana (Dominican Republic). Pictured below is the church and graphic I designed to match... now that's what I call an original! Your thoughts on my interpretation?

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS

Last but not least, a monogram (graphic) inspired by a whimsical stock illustration chosen by the bridal couple. I used a classy font with elegant flourishes and added dots for an original and complimentary monogram!

"G" IS FOR GRAPHICS