Heavy Metals: Sterling Silver Paper and Ink

The holidays are just around the corner and as Christmas and Hanukkah decorations are going up in the store windows here in NYC, I find myself getting inspired by the festive color palettes.

Silvery tones compliment a winter wedding perfectly with its icy cool shimmering tones. At a recent wedding of a friend, I scripted navy blue place cards with silver ink. The effect was classic and striking all at the same time.

Silver ink on navy. This elegant combination added a bit of shimmer and shine to a fall wedding.

But using ink isn't the only way to incorporate silver tones into your wedding. Choosing silver card stock  with black ink is no less eye-catching.

Silver place cards with black ink. 

Metallics add shimmer, shine and are a perfect highlight to any wedding color palette.  Tomorrow - going for the gold.

Fall Colors - A Little Rouge Goes a Long Way

Ah, I remember my school days when seeing red ink on my paper meant a not-so-great grade.  But I've recently done several calligraphy projects with red ink.  Despite my initial trepidation, I was bowled over by the elegant and eye-catching effect of the warm crimson letters on the page.

For a unique twist on calligraphy, don't forget to think about ink color choice. Calligraphers can find matching shades to every color of the rainbow using watercolor gouache (opaque watercolor paint that comes in tubes).  For now, here are some pictures of the "It" color of the season.

French red ink on ivory - menu, wine list and escort cards that are perfect for a rustic fall vineyard wedding

Red ink paired with extra large sweeping calligraphy makes a dramatic and elegant statement on wedding envelopes

DIY Envelopes: Pretty on the Inside and Out

Halloween has only just passed, but retailers are already stringing lights and hanging garlands. That's right, folks, 'tis definitely the season.  Before long, it will be time to put those Christmas cards in the mail. And what better way to make them even more special than by lining your envelopes in pretty paper?

As a calligrapher, it my job to prettify the outsides of envelopes with loops and swirls and curlicues, of course.  But my latest project involved making the insides of envelopes just as pretty as their hand-scripted outsides.

Lining your own envelopes can easily be done with some paper, scissor, a glue stick and some patience.  To make it virtually fool-proof, pre-cut liner templates can be used to trace the shape on the liner paper

I used variety of patterns and textures to match my envelopes. I simply selected the corresponding liner template to match the envelope size. Then all I had to do was trace, cut, slip the liner inside and glue.

Because just like your mom always told you, it's what's inside that counts.

The finished product - a beautiful little surprise when opened.

  I purchased these liner templates from Paper Source. The kit comes with templates for a variety of envelope sizes.

I used a variety of papers - from gift wrapper to scrapbooking. Just trace the template on the back of your paper and cut.

Use your imagination....envelope liners can range from elegant and opulent to fierce or festive.