Henry and Angela are one of my New York City couples, and they were so fun to work with! This is one of the rare instances where most of my communication was through the groom, but after working with them I feel as though they have become friends! Henry and Angela were married at a vineyard in California, and had a very modern pocketfold in bronze, fushia, and tea green. The pocketfold inserts included a RSVP postcard, a Brunch insert, and a custom map. The map is one of my favorites this year, I love how the finished map printed! I also had the pleasure of designing program fans, something I haven't had a chance to do in a long time. I know you can't see the detail, but the thank you's that each of them wrote on the back of the program are very touching. Without ever meeting Henry or Angela or their families, I feel like I know so much about them and it's obvious they grew up in very loving homes! In lieu of table numbers, they opted for table names. Each of the table names is a significant place for the two of them, and there is a blurb on each table tent that explains why - I wish you could read all the table tents that I made! Each guest had their individual escort card, which was placed in a beautiful topiary in colors that matched their reception decor perfectly! Henry offered me a CD with their professional photos, which I will try to post once I receive it. I am definitely in withdrawl now that their wedding is over and I don't have all of Henry's emails to look forward to each day, but I will be sure to look them up when I head to NYC this spring again for the National Stationery Show! Best wishes to you two!!!

Kore's Reception Extra's

I joke with Kore that it will be her 2nd Anniversary by the time I get her stuff up on my blog! Kore is picking up her reception items this morning, and as a surprise to her, I'm blogging her reception items first! Kore and Ryan were looking for an invitation that was simple yet elegant, with a touch of contemporary flair. We accomplished this by using her wedding colors (eggplant and light silver) and adding the stripe design - which Ryan loved since he is an engineer! We also used a rsvp postcard to keep with the contemporary theme. The color combination and stripe design was carried over to Kore's reception items. Her extras included a seating chart, a large menu that will be frame and displayed on an easel at the entrance to the reception, programs, table numbers, a bar menu and signature drink menu which will go in 8x10 silver frames, brunch invitations, and something that is new for me - a quilt sign! Kore is having all her guests sign a quilt square, which will later be made into a quilt - what a great idea! Kore has been great to work with, Best Wishes to the two of you!

Printed Napkins

I often get asked if I can do printed napkins, and the answer is yes! We carry the Birchcraft and Carlson Craft catalogs online, and each have a selection of printed napkins. You can choose the font, the text, text color, and also add a graphic or monogram. When you order online, you receive a 20% discount - check it out! The links can be found on our homepage under Carlson Craft and Birchcraft. Have fun shopping!

Your vote counts!

Last year, I had the fortune of being nominated by one of my past brides for WDIV Channel 4's "4 The Best" Contest. I was flattered by the gesture, and thrilled that I came in third place! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful clients, I truly owe the success of my business to the brides that not only purchase my designs but refer me to their friends, family, and co-workers!

I have been nominated again this year, and need your vote! Please click on the link below, and thank you for all your support! I wouldn't be here without you!

http://wdiv.cityvoter.com/salutations-of-northville/biz/15835

Adding a Diagram to your Seating Chart

Barb's seating chart just goes to show the possibilities are endless. Barb had a small, initimate wedding ceremony with close friends and family. They did not want to label their tables with numbers, but opted to use different types of wine to name their tables. The issue that arises with using names in lieu of numbers is your guests may have difficultly finding their table since they are not in a "sequential order"! I was able to design a diagram showing the guest the layout of the recpetion area based on a rough sketch that was provided and still list all of the guests' names without making them hard to read. Besides a floor layout, a photograph, menu, or graphic could easily be designed into the seating chart!

Lauren's Seating Chart

Lauren's invitations had a very modern flair, with a fun circular graphic in shades of grey to match her graphite pocketfolds. For her seating chart, I blew up the graphic and broke up the pattern so that it tied into her theme but was not a duplicate of her invitation ensemble. I also created programs, table numbers with donation information, bathroom signs, thank you notes, and a wish bowl sign to tie all her reception pieces together! Check back later and I'll post the other pieces once I've had a chance to photograph them and upload the images!

Jane's Seating Chart

I have to be the first to admit, I am terrible at keeping up with my blog! I have just been so darn busy with this wedding season that I haven't had the chance to keep it up. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to keep my blog updated for the 2009 wedding season... In the meantime, Jane and Matt are getting married this weekend! Jane's seating chart is new for me - the background is all pink and the letters have been reservsed in white. Both Jane and Matt have been so wonderful to work with, I hope they will keep in touch after the wedding!

Attention 2009 Brides - Free Map Design!!!

I am starting to book for 2009 weddings. May is already almost full, and I have several June inquiries so now is the time to call me! If you are a teacher, please let me know so that we can try to schedule your appointment before school starts back up. For everyone else, I will continue meeting with new clients in September after the summer wedding rush has died down a bit!

If you book your 2009 invitation order before November 1, 2009 I will waive the custom map design fee. You must order a minimum of 100 invitations and use our design services to receive this offer. Orders placed online for Carlson Craft and Birchcraft invitations do not qualify for this promotion.

We sell Ribbon!

I often get asked if I know where to buy ribbon at a reasonable price. We sell double faced satin, single faced satin, and grosgrain ribbon at a very great price! The most popular size is 3/8", which is frequently used for programs and favors. 100 yards of 3/8" ribbon is only $24, plus $6.95 for shipping and handling. Ribbon is available in various widths, for a complete selection check out www.lionribbon.com.

Postage Update!

Most of you are probably aware that the new postage rates will go into effect on May 12th. I have just been informed that the new Weddings Stamps with the rate change will not be available until June 10th! If you are mailing out your invitations between May 12th and June 10th, you will either have to use 2 stamps per envelope or order custom stamps. If you have a monogram with your invitation, I will happily send you a high resolution JPEG so that you can order custom stamps to match your invitations. I only ask that you provide me with one of your stamps so that I may use it in my gallery!

Also, the new 42 cent wedding stamp will be sage green, and the 59 cent stamp is peach!

Do It Yourself!

Are you looking for ways to save money on programs, placecards, etc.? Depending on how crafty you are, you can always buy blank cardstock that matches your invitation ensemble and do it yourself! All of our products are available as blank cardstock. 8.5x11" sheets of metallic cardstock start as low as 30 cents a sheet. Just ask, maybe we can give you some ideas!

Carrie's Seating Chart

This seating chart is one of my favorites! We carried the graphic from her invitations over to her seating chart without making it look too cluttered. Carrie has menus that also serve as donation cards, table numbers, programs, and "Thank" "You" signs. Andrew swears Carrie is "addicted to the bling", but it added such a nice touch to her menus and table numbers! More pictures of her ensemble will be added once I get the professional photographs back!

Hat's off to the Grads!

Ryan was a 2007 bride of mine, and she is graduating this spring along with her two brothers. Although I am booked through September 2008, I couldn't say "no" to Ryan when she contacted me for some fun Graduation Announcements seeing that she was such a great client! I love the color combination in these panel cards, and the use of the patterned paper for the backer with the belly band embellishment. Congratulations Ryan!!!

Jennifer's Reception Pieces

Jennifer was great to work with! Jennifer had a double ceremony - a traditional Catholic ceremony as well as a Hindu ceremony, and therefore needed many different reception pieces. We color-coded placecards to indicate menu selections, and added menus and other signs to help inform guests with special dietary needs of ingredients. Of course, no ceremony is complete without programs, which we were able to accomplish without braking the bank. Her wedding coordinator - Carolyn at The China Closet - was very thorough and suggested "Reserved" signs to ensure the parents of the bride and groom had the best seats in the house. I will miss emailing with Jennifer...

Kim's Pocketfold

When Kim came to her initial consult, she brought with her an invitation that she fell in love with. Ironically enough, the invitation belonged to a former bride of mine! The outside of the pocketfold has a seal with each guests' name printed on it, and a ribbon to hold the pocket close. Sorry for the blurry photo of the map card, I am still learning how to use my digital camera and haven't figured all the quirks out yet! If anybody wants to trade photography lessons for invitation design, we just might have a deal! :)

Erin's Programs

This is a great program if you are looking for something inexpenisve! I am a firm believer that programs are a necessity for weddings - how else will your guests know who your wedding party is! Consider using this style of program if you do not want to break out the ceremony, and only want to list your bridal party. We can alter the size of the card, and it has tons of options for tying the ribbon!

Jenna's Pocketfolds

Jenna is one of my ever growing number of out of state brides, and was great to work with! Jenna contacted me at the last minute when she couldn't find a pocketfold invitation that was in her budget. We were able to design, print, and ship these in less than two weeks - a record for me! The two-tone custom graphic matches the metallic pocketfold and the backer card perfectly, and was carried over to the response postcard. The custom map is a new style for me, and I love the way it turned out! The monogram seal on the outside is a simple "O" with a crystal that matches perfectly in the tail of the letter. Jenna has received so many compliments on them that she has asked me to design her menu cards and programs to match!

2008 Availability

If you are looking for custom designed invitations, I am currently booked through September 2008. I am still accepting new clients for October through December 2008. While I am not able to assist you with invitation design, you may still contact me to order blank cardstock for any month. I am also available for Seating Charts, Programs, Table Numbers, etc. for any month. Please contact me if you are interested!

Overstock Sale!

I'm trying to get a head start on my Spring Cleaning, and found a few items that I need to move out! I have a few overstock items that I am selling at a significantly discounted price. If you are interested in any of them, please email me!

• 5x7 Signature Portrait Pocketfold - Antique Gold. Approximately 175, $1 each
  
• 5x7 Signature Landscape Pocketfold - Antique Gold. Approximately 100, $1 each
  
• 5x7 Signature Portrait Pocketfold - Zircon. Approximately 140, $1 each
  
• Willow Springs Program Paper - great if you want DIY programs! Each package makes 50 2-page programs, and includes setup instructions. I have sample finished programs that I can give you. Available in White Linen (3), Pale Pink (1), Celadon (3), Periwinkle (4), and Silver Sparkle (2). $6 per package.

My first post!

I am so excited to get this blog up and running! I hope to use this blog to keep you posted on what I am working on and showcase some of my latest designs. I will also use this to share information I think you may find helpful. Thank you for visiting, and check back often!