wedding announcements

Never in a thousand years did I think I would design a wedding announcement suite. 

Kenzi contacted me after seeing a few things I had posted on Instagram and commissioned me to design these for her upcoming wedding.  

I was super flattered, and couldn't wait to get started on her rusic-feel announcements using watercolor and calligraphy for their names.

Here is the finished product:

I had them printed giclee on fine art natural cardstock through Rowley Press.  If you are ever in the market to have your fine art prints printed, use them!  They primarily do letterpress, and did such a fabulous job with these giclee announcements.  They were prompt to respond to my questions and were SO helpful.  I can't say enough good things about them. 

I learned a lot in the process, and I will do more in the future.. stay tuned! ;) 

...

Calligraphy Made Easy | Basic Supplies

 

 

If you haven't jumped on the calligraphy train yet, I suggest you do so!  Pronto!  It's so fun, easy, and very relaxing! ..At least I think so....  ;)

 

Initially I got started at a calligraphy workshop with Melissa Esplin (link below), but then I've been watching videos on YouTube, reading the Modern Calligraphy book (link below), and I've just played around with different holders, nibs, inks, and paper.  Really, it's just trial and error until you find something you love.  The nibs and holders that I love may not be your favorite.  So get a bunch and just play!  It's so fun! (I can't say that enough!)

Here is a little infographic to show you what the very basic supplies are.  I've included links below!  Let me know if you have any questions!  I will continue to blog about this fun hobby, so stay tuned!

 

 

You can find calligraphy supplies at pretty much any craft or art supply store, I've included some links below so you know what you're looking for :)

 

My go-to places for calligraphy supplies are Hobby Lobby and Provo Art & Frame.

 

Hobby Lobby has a great starter package with a nib holder and a few nibs to try.

 

 

Ink:

(look for acrylic-based or calligraphy inks. 

If your ink is too watery it will bleed!)

Hobby Lobby

 

 

Nib Holders:

Hobby Lobby

Paper Ink Arts

 

 

Nibs:

Paper Ink Arts

 

 

Get Started!

Modern Calligraphy by Molly Suber Thorpe (My FAVORITE resource)

Skillshare

I Still Love Calligraphy

 

 

Hopefully this helps!  Have fun!

 

 

I will answer specific Nib questions in an upcoming post!  Sorry I didn't get to those questions quite yet in this one. :)

Floral Design by Erin

Doing flowers is one of my many side jobs/hobbies.  I love flowers.  

How can you not?  They are so beautiful.

Pictures are worth a thousand words, right?

I mean...

Another Quiz

Here are the results from one of those silly quizzes I took online.  I kind of liked the results, though.  They were pretty spot on with the "...as long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be.".. #truth

You are an artist: You came out of the womb with a paintbrush in your hand. Or maybe it was a flute or a castanet or a fountain pen to go with your poet’s imagination. The point is, you’re an original, and you know it. Even if you don’t have a singular gift, you’re drawn to the arts—anything creative, for that matter— and you have a unique way of looking at the world. Your need for depth and authenticity in relationships can lead to both great joy and profound sorrow, depending on whether others reciprocate. You don’t care so much about adapting to group or societal expectations; your independence and sharp intuition propel you on your own path.

What to watch out for: When fear of conformity overrides your creativity, you can assume the role of “outsider” or “orphan” and end up feeling alienated. You may even go so far as refusing to vote or pay taxes. This lone-wolf stance might be a defense against feeling vulnerable. Try to be aware that blaming others for your banishment, or pushing away those who want to get close, only makes things worse. Also, dramatizing your emotions can interfere with your creativity.
Looking ahead: As long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be. How you do it is irrelevant. A chef or architect can be as much of an artist as a painter or sculptor. Many advertising and public relations executives are also highly imaginative. Beyond work, there are opportunities everywhere you look to coax out your inner artist: Design your own jewelry line, create an innovative blog, dream up a comic strip. Relationships are another avenue for self-expression.

fun finds

Here are some things I am loving lately:

this lipgloss, found at Ulta.

these jeans from Gap

and

this mascara (first..) then for extra wow factor + this mascara = a match made in eyelash heaven.


you're welcome!