Bellis

Have I mentioned that I love Marian Bantjes? What a talent! And now she’s given me yet another reason to adore her, she’s been hosting chocolate tastings. Any woman that takes chocolate that seriously earns my undying respect. She’s on round 4, and I must say, I’m very excited for the semi-finals.

I’m giving myself an official time out. I’m sure you’ve noticed my blog, site, shop, everything… have been very quiet. Things in my life have been pretty stressful lately and I’ve done my best to trudge on. But I’m starting to feel too overwhelmed. So I’ve decided to just take the pressure off and give myself a little time out. I’ll leave the shop open for now and may update if I get a chance. But my main focus will be on getting my life back on track as much as I can, since at this point I just don’t have much control over things.

I hope it won’t be for long. Just the summer, maybe the rest of the year. I don’t know, but I do know I will be back and I will be better!!

The first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one.

I admit it, I’m a book addict. And I just found a solution! BookMooch.

Although new to me, BookMooch has been around since 2006. And it’s simple:

1. Type in the books you want to give away.
2. Receive requests from others for your books
3. Mail your books and receive points
4. Ask for books from others with your points

Now what to do about my shoe addiction?

This is actually the second invitation I’ve done with calla lilies, the first was a few years ago for Jaime over at ‘It’s a Jaime Thing’.

No wonder, it’s a beautiful flower. Just like the bride, congratulations Letty and Chris!

photography by Sharleen Heist

A twist on the typical political fundraiser, this State Representative candidate’s event is being held at a chocolate bar. Printed on gold stardream paper with two chocolate brown inks. They turned out delicious!

photography by Sharleen Heist

Sometimes less is more. Clean design, elegant typography and a great bride to work with.

Congratulations Leeanne and Mike!

photography by Sharleen Heist

Could a girl ask for more? Ok, maybe a few diamonds, but this will do! What a cleaver idea, Erica Weiner has taken type set to be melted down and rescued them. Covering them in 14k gold, she’s given them new life!

Erica Weiner Jewelery

My sister, Sharleen, wrote a post on the perks of having talent in the family. Perks indeed!!! Check out this beautiful shot she took of an invitation I just finished printing. Beautiful! Consider this a sneak preview… more of her photography to come and look for several new invitation designs to soon join my product line. Including this one!

Thanks Shar!

So your invitation comes back from the printer, now what? Is there a special order they should go in when assembling them? Turns out, there is. Some printers will include a mock-up for you. But in case yours didn’t, here’s my instruction sheet. You can download it in pdf format here. 

1. Address outer (mailing) envelopes with the guest names and full address.
2. Address inner envelopes (if any) with guest names only.
3. Lay invitation face up.
4. Place tissue over the writing. Using tissue is optional. Tissue was originally used to keep ink from smudging. No longer a concern today, it is completely up to the couple if they want to adhere to the tradition.
5. Layer enclosures (if any) large to small and face up, on top of tissue (the largest enclosure would be closest to the invitation).
6. Put a stamp on the response envelope.
7. Tuck response card, face up, under the flap of the response envelope (the flap will cover part of the writing). Place on top of the enclosures (or tissue) with the response card face up.
8. If using an inner envelope: slip the resulting stack inside the inner envelope. The back of the invitation should rest on the inside of the flap as you insert the stack. Folded edge first (or left edge first if invitations are not folded). Fold the flap, but do not seal the inner envelope. OR If you are not using an inner envelope: slip the resulting stack inside the outer envelope. The back of the invitation should rest on the inside of the flap as you insert the stack. Folded edge first (or left edge first if invitations are not folded). Seal, stamp and mail!
9. Place inner envelope inside the outer (mailing) envelope with the names on the inner envelope facing up. When the outer envelope is opened, guests will see their names. Seal, stamp and mail!

TIPS:

• Keep in mind, the actual assembly of your invitations may vary depending upon how traditional they are. Overall, your guests should see their names on the inner envelope as the mailing envelope is opened, and should read the response card when the inner envelope is opened.
• Take one invitation to the post office and have it metered! Fully assembled invitations are heavier than a standard letter and odd shapes (ie: square) may require extra postage.