Headshots are here!

After much discussion among many people, I chose two different headshots for my website, etc.  My friends all agreed that head on shots of me are better.

They also decided that the black and white shirt that I chose to wear in the studio shots was NOT the right choice.  :)  I compiled all of the votes and these are the two that won.  Stay tuned for them on my website.

Thanks again to Joe and Anne Sachs of Artful Weddings.

Ideas

I've been trying to come up with some new and innovative ideas for calligraphy projects and ones to expand my business.  After talking with a few people, expect to see some of the following ideas coming soon.

"Just Married" signs.  These are on the top of my list and I'm hoping to come up with two options that would work for couples to put on the back of their getaway cars.

Favor tags.  Little tags that say thanks from the bride and groom and what the favor is for.

Painted quotes.  A friend of mine has a gorgeous painted Bible verse on her wall.  She had it done about 20 years ago and the woman who did it was a calligrapher.  I'm trying to figure out how to best show examples of this, I think I am going to try to just do some samples on canvas.

Monograms.  Various kinds of monograms for couples, singles, whoever.

Canvas bag prints.  Putting those monograms on a canvas bag, or things like welcome bags for destination weddings, etc.

I've also already been doing some other things that I've been already doing that I think are a bit different.  I did a set of escort cards on magnolia leaves.  They were pretty amazing when all was said and done and I must admit, I was one of the biggest skeptics.  I've also been doing quite a few menus written in chalk on various sized chalkboards.  They have turned out really nicely.  Who would have ever thought I'd do chalkboard calligraphy?

Weddings By Windows

In my previous life, and let's face it the life that made me love calligraphy and weddings, I worked at Windows Catering.  I was there for almost 4 years and did both corporate events and weddings.  I left Windows in late 2008 to have a "normal" 9 to 5 job, but still kept a relationship with everyone from Windows (it's a good thing).  So, when my sister got engaged in May of 2009, I knew who we'd have to call for catering.
My sister got married on October 10, 2009 at my parent's house in Woodbine, MD.  We put up a tent in the backyard, brought in restroom trailers, farm tables, a photobooth, furniture and other equipment.   Being a calligrapher, I was in charge of all paper goods.   I addressed her envelopes, I created signage, and I did all of her hang tag escort cards.

Windows put together a fabulous photo collage of the wedding to use for Weddings By Windows.

We were all so thrilled with the day and it was gorgeous and fun and everyone had a great time.

It was also profiled in the Winter/Spring 2010 issue of Washingtonian Bride and Groom magazine!

Headshots

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go to Baltimore for some headshots.  They were originally supposed to be pet portraits, but after really thinking it through, I figured that Olive wouldn't be the world's best subject and generally hates to have her picture taken.

So, instead, I opted for head shots of myself.  I'm not really sure when I'll need them or if I'll need them, but I figured I could throw one up on the blog and on my website.  

I met with Joe and Anne Sachs of ArtfulWeddings Photography.  I was very impressed with their set up and enjoyed working with them.  As soon as I get them, I'll be sure to post.  

My Work Area

So, I thought as my first post, I'd show everyone what my work space looks like.  It's nothing fancy, it's more or less a little spot along my hallway where my sister perfectly placed my desk.

I work on a light board most of the time, so that I can see guidelines through the envelopes or whatever else I'm working on.  It takes up a large portion of my desk and is a little cumbersome, so I'm currently trying to figure out a way to downsize that.  They have light pads that are 8x11 that might be a better option.  When you live in a basement apartment with not a ton of room, you have to improvise.

I also took a close up of some of my pens and my latest ink mixing escapade.  I've been asked to do a lot of matching inks to invitations, linens, flowers, etc lately and so I feel a little like a mad scientist.  It actually looks pretty clean considering my mixing skills.

Notice the microscopic writing on the lid of the green ink.  It took me about 5 tries to get the right color of green so I figured I should probably write down for future use how I actually did it.

The paint pen and jelly roll pens probably look a little out of place, but they are for some upcoming projects.  Stay tuned.......