Search Results for: "calligraphy inspiration"

Calligraphy Inspiration: Paperfinger

Each month, we’ve been showcasing a calligrapher here on Oh So Beautiful Paper.  This month, I’m delighted to share the work of none other than the creator of OSBP’s logo!  Computer scientist turned calligrapher Bryn Chernoff started Paperfinger in 2008 and offers full service invitation design and production.  (She even supports green and eco-friendly projects)  Bryn’s calligraphy style and hand drawn text are some of the most beautiful and charming I’ve seen.  You may have seen it too, at Anthropologie, on TV, or even tattooed on a passerby.  – Julie

paperfinger invitation & rsvp

Even Bryn’s illustrations are lovely; simple yet striking.  I love this invitation suite and its mix of hand lettering and calligraphy with illustration.

paperfinger letterpress invitations

paperfinger addressed envelope

paperfinger signs & props

Thinking of having your own photo/smilebooth for an event?  Paperfinger can supply you with custom props to make those photos even more memorable!

paperfinger transcribed love letter

Written on Italian stationery and with an option to be wax sealed, Paperfinger offers a love letter transcribing service, bringing a bit of the old world to this technological age.  Currently available in her shop along with stamps and customizable ribbons.

paperfinger navy escort cards

In addition to custom calligraphy services, the brand new Paperfinger invitation collection will be launching in May!  Bryn will also be starting a workshop series in New York and Portland, Oregon.  To stay up to date on these and other visual goodies from paper to food, head over to her daily blog Papertastebuds.

Photo Credits: Red invitations and illustrated invitations, photobooth prop (left), addressed envelope: Jen Huang Photography; Photobooth prop (right): Les Loups; Love letter: StudioAlex; Escort cards: Emilie, Inc

Calligraphy Inspiration: Fat Orange Cat Studio

Ed Note: Happy Monday everyone!  This calligraphy post would normally have run last Thursday, but I couldn’t fit it in with my travel to Alt.  So instead we get to start the week off with some absolutely gorgeous calligraphy courtesy of Li from Fat Orange Cat Studio!

As Nole has recently shared some great posts about various printing processes, I thought it would be fun to see some of what goes into calligraphy.  And I couldn’t think of anyone better than Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio to show us.  Li regularly shares her many calligraphy drafts with the readers of her blog.  I enjoy seeing the final product so much more when I know how many ways it could have turned out.  Li has many wonderful styles of writing and it’s lovely to see the nuances of each letter and how they can so easily change.  I was definitely not surprised to find that even her drafts are written beautifully! – Julie

Fat Orange Cat Studio chalk menu draft

Fat Orange Cat Studio chalk menu

From Li: “I wrote this with Chalk Pen on a foam board that was spray-painted with chalkboard paint.  I did a rough draft of it with pen on a piece of paper that was roughly the same dimension as the board to determine text placement.”

Fat Orange Cat Studios couple's stamp draft

Fat Orange Cat Studios couples stamp final

From Li: “For each of my wedding photography clients, I calligraph their names, scan them, and use the high-resolution scans to make rubber stamps.  I also use their scanned names on their customizable CD covers.”

Fat Orange Cat Studio wine list draft

Fat Orange Cat Studio wine list finished

“This wine list was done in the same fashion as the chalk menu, using Chalk Pen on some vinyl-covered board which was then framed.”

Fat Orange Cat Studio Logo draft

Fat Orange Cat Studio finished logo

From Li: “As you can see I letter quite a bit.  It’s a form of warm-up.”  A glimpse at the various approaches to a business card for A Creative Mint‘s Leslie Shewring. (Letterpress printing by Parrott Design Studio.)

Make sure you look through more of Fat Orange Cat Studio’s gorgeous calligraphy work, as well as her beautiful wedding and pet photography.

Thank you so much Li for sharing your work and process with us!

Photo Credits: Fat Orange Cat Studio

Calligraphy Inspiration: Plurabelle Calligraphy

I’m met with an appeased feeling when I see calligraphy with personality; when a lettering style and a colour palette paint a picture in your head of what the person would be like as you look at it.  When I first came across the work of Molly Suber Thorpe of Plurabelle Calligraphy, I got that feeling.  What captured my attention was how unique each project felt.  Some sincerely whimsical, while others strikingly sophisticated.  Molly works closely with individuals to ensure their desires are met, creating beautiful calligraphy for her clients. – Julie

Plurabelle blue addressed envelopes

Plurabelle Save the Date stamp
The array of beautiful ink and envelope colours in her portfolio may inspire the palette for your own event.  When it comes time for the invitations, try a simple custom approach like the save the date stamp above.

Plurabelle calligraphy details

Plurabelle place card

Some cards from Rifle Paper Co. and the perfect shade of green set these place cards apart from the rest.  A match made in heaven, don’t you agree?

Plurabelle pink addressed envelopes

Plurabelle black & white wedding

With a background in graphic design, Molly also offers custom invitation design.  Be sure to stop by her website, her Etsy shop for a stamp of your own, and her blog for more inspiration.

Photo Credits: Plurabelle Calligraphy

{happy weekend}

Happy Friday everyone!  I’m finally feeling better after coming down with a cold last weekend, just in time for the weather to turn legitimately cold here in DC.  Between the cooling temperatures and shorter days, it’s really starting to feel a lot like winter here.  Right now I’m trying to enjoy the last few changing leaves and looking forward to great food and family company at Thanksgiving next week (!!).  But in the meantime…

…a few links for your weekend!

This week on Oh So Beautiful Paper:

That’s it for me this week!  I have a cocktail post coming up a bit later this afternoon – and don’t forget to enter the custom map giveaway from Swiss Cottage Designs!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!  xoxo

Photo Credit: Samantha Nason

Calligraphy Inspiration: Kathryn Murray

Gone are the days when western calligraphy was synonymous with traditional and predictable handwriting.  Kathryn Murray consistently delivers amazing work with her fresh and elegant style.  You may have seen it before on greeting cards, prints, and in magazines.  Kathryn’s impressive portfolio of work has earned her a go-to standing in today’s world of wedding calligraphy.  Though, it may also have something to do with the fact that the only thing more delightful than her work, is working with her. – Julie

Kathryn Murray holiday envelopes

Kathryn Murray bride & groom buttons

Never one to be afraid of colour, Kathryn’s portfolio showcases an array of hues. (And this is not only visible in her work, but also in her styling!)

Kathryn Murray envelope detail

Kathryn Murray wood placecards

Words cannot express how much I adore these place cards. A lovely contrast of soft hand-written lines and rough, natural wood.

Kathryn Murray addressed envelopes

Kathryn Murray labels

She has mastered a wonderfully fanciful calligraphic style that is playful yet refined. A perfect balance!

Kathryn Murray edible calligraphy cookies

Kathryn has also launched a new product recently: edible calligraphy cookies to be used as customized favors or even place cards.  She noted that, “The calligraphy is printed on edible paper with edible ink as part of a delicious shortbread cookie, with just a hint of cinnamon.”  That’s quite a sweet touch for any special event, don’t you think?

Photo Credits: All photos by Matt Murray, except image(s) no.6 by Sweet Monday Photography