- Posted by Matthew on June 22, 2008
To us, one of the things that can add a whole new dimension to your wedding stationery is texture. Particularly if your invite is a single panel style, adding some dimension can make it so much more interesting. One way to add some texture to your design is through thermography. This is a process where a powder is sprinkled over each piece while the ink is still wet, and then heat is applied which causes the text to raise up. Now you can actually feel each letter with your fingers.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to go with thermography. Because this option is typically only available if your stationery is printed on an offset press, having more than one color can get pricey. This is because each color has to be applied using a separate plate.
Another thing to be mindful of is that sometimes very fine details on artwork can run together as the ink raises. So it's best if you can limit the amount of detail if you choose this process.
One other thing to keep in mind is if you are printing a metallic ink onto dark paper, the ink when raised through this process will get sort of a transparent look to it, so it is best to leave light colors on dark papers flat.
Thats all for now, we'll explore other texture options soon.
- Posted by Matthew on June 8, 2008
Often when we meet with a couple to discuss their invitations, the groom will comment that the invites are the brides department, and he's just there for support, or to drive, or to guard the purses.
But once in a while, there is that random guy who after sitting quietly for the first few minutes of the consultation suddenly becomes interested in the discussion, perhaps about how his name should be displayed, or how the monogram should look. Before you know it, he's very involved in paper choices, colors, size, shape, artwork and the works!
This is an open invitation to all grooms out there from a guy who knows: You can help design the invite, (as long as ms. bride says it's ok) and it can actually be enjoyable. We find that we have the most fun with couples that have an equal share in designing the look and feel of their wedding stationery. In fact, you may find that this is one of the few areas where you MAY be allowed to have some actual input and influence...
Besides, if your lovely bride chooses to purchase her invitations in the DIY Kit format, you're probably going to be helping with the assembly. So you might as well put together an invitation that you had a part in designing!
Anyway, I just wanted to dispell the rumors that may be floating around that the invitations have to be "the brides department." Both of you can have a share in designing your invite. Remember, this is the first and perhaps the last thing most of your guests will see before the actual wedding. Wouldn't it be nice if both the bride and the grooms personalities are reflected in the design?
- Posted by April on June 7, 2008
I know that I would have appreciated this information when I was making my own invitations. What we quickly found out after we started making invitations as a business is that we needed to find faster and more efficient ways to do things.
1. Don't print cutting lines unless you have to. It's all in the set-up, if you're able to measure things out while you're setting up your print layout you can determine where your cuts need to be and use a cutter that has a measuring surface that's big enough for your needs. Then guess what, you won't have to make two cuts where you should just make one. For instance if you have lines printed you have to cut on one side of the line and then on the other side of the line (two cuts). The two cuts may also throw off your measurements.
2. Get or have access to a cutter that has a big measuring surface. We used a rotary trimmer that we bought at an office supply store. We also found out that we needed to replace the mat that the blade hits when it's cutting and also several blades! Otherwise you start getting crooked cuts. 
An alternative to this, if you're afraid of cutting your invites wrong, take your sheets to a local printer (or us). This will save you a lot of time. I know because for a long time we did our cuts one by one, but now we have a cool industrial cutter that cuts stacks at a time! 
3. Did you know that you can get 5 response cards on an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet (that's the standard 5" wide x 3 1/2" tall)? Yay, great way to save paper! This is also where it comes in handy to not print cutting lines. If you want to know, just ask me how!
Please submit any questions and comments, we'll be happy to help you with your project!
- Posted by april on June 5, 2008
Our first post! So exciting! Ok, so I'll start off by way of introduction. Hello, my name is April, and I'm a paperholic. My husband (Matt) and I make stationery for weddings and other special events. Technically we do this so that we can eat food and live and all that, but the reality is we do it because we love it. I know, I know, it sounds cliche, but creating brand new, truly unique stationery for awesome people is a really fun way to make a living. Of course, the projects that end up being the most fun are weddings, which is our main focus. It's always a challenge, but we love it.
Some other things I love are:
- zuma (how cool is that frog? I mean c'mon.)
- animals (I have a cat, her name is missy. She loves to steal your chair when you leave the room. I wonder if that's where they get the phrase cat burgler?)
- The office, Scrubs, 30Rock, Arrested Development, and Nintendo Wii.
OK, enough about me, lets talk invites!
Brainstorm!
There are so many beautiful, creative ways to design an invite these days, the options are virtually endless. Yet often, at least from what we've seen, a lot of invitations end up looking very similar.
While it is true that there are only so many ways you can fold a paper, we are constantly racking our brains to come up with totally new designs for our brides.
We'd like to start our first blog post with a survey, so tell us what you think!
Think about all of the invites you've seen lately. The current styles and trends. What would you like to see on an invitation that has never been done before?
What is your dream invitation?
We love great ideas because we love a challenge! Try thinking outside of the envelope so to speak. Think really big, or really small. Think round, triangular, odd shapes and sizes, anything!
In fact, let's start out with a contest! Whoever comes up with the best, most creative, out-of-the-envelope design will win a full invitation package featuring your design!