02/28/2013

Calligraphy Inspiration: MM Ink

I am constantly amazed by how many talented calligraphers I come across. Especially when it comes to more traditional, intricate lettering. Take the work of Moya Minns of MM InkÂ for example. She studied under Chief White House Calligrapher and Master Penman, Pat Blair (Ooh!); as well as with the legendary Sheila Waters. (Ahh!) Moya is also a member ofÂ IAMPETH, and has had her work featured in Martha Stewart Weddings and Southern Weddings Magazine. I am now aspiring to write just one word as beautifully as Moya does one day. â€“ Julie

Romantic and lively, wouldn’t you agree? Moya’s calligraphy is class all the way; the perfect finishing touch to your invitation suite.

After looking through Moya’s work, you’ll no doubt have to pick your jaw off the floor. Who needs additional ornamentation with calligraphy this stunning?

You’ll be happy to hear that MM Ink provides many calligraphy styles to choose from. With so many options, I’m sure you can find something that will perfectly compliment your event. Don’t forget to keep up with Moya on her blog! It’s filled with some lovely sneak peeks at her work.

Photo credits: 1, 3 left: Tanja Lippert Photography, right: Sanderson Images;Â 2,Â 4-5Â Claudia Lopez Photography; 6 left:Â Amelia Johnson Photography, right:Â A Bryan Photo

02/27/2013

Well Said Type | 6

FONT: MANDEVILLA

Available via MyFonts

02/27/2013

Inspired By: Cherry Blossoms

In just a few weeks, I’ll wake up one morning and it will suddenly be cherry blossom season here in DC. The blooms literally seem to burst open overnight, heralding the arrival of spring. Along with my beloved lilacs, peonies, dogwoods, magnolias, and other spring flowers, the cherry blossoms are a big part of what makes spring my very favorite season of the year. Other spring flowers might be more fragrant and last longer, but they can’t really match the delicate beauty of these small blooms or the absolute perfection of that pale barely-there pink color.

1. Cherry Blossoms (source unknown); 2. West Elm paper flowers; 3. Fig. 2 Design Studio dip-dye cards; 4. Cherry blossom bouquet – Martha Stewart Weddings; 5. Russell + Hazel notebook; 6. Sugar Paper

Stay tuned for some beautiful cherry blossom inspired stationery!

p.s. A tour of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin from a couple of years ago…

{images via their respective sources}

02/26/2013

Pretty + Paper

Lilac + sweet pea bouquet via Martha Stewart Weddings; Charleston save the dates by Cheree Berry Paper

Cheree Berry Paper is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can check out more of their beautiful work right here!

{images via their respective sources}

02/26/2013

Paper Dress Inspiration from Paper Posy Designs

I love paper in all forms, and it can be so inspiring to see all the different ways that paper can be used and transformed into works of art. Enter Liz â€“ the artist behind Paper Posy DesignsÂ and also the store manager + window display artist at the fabulous Gus & Ruby LetterpressÂ boutique in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Liz was inspired by one of her window display creations to pull together a full inspirational shoot around two seriously amazing paper dresses, along with gorgeous invitations and table decor!

From Liz:Â This paper dress shoot was an opportunity for me to meld two elements that constantly inspire me: fashion design and art installation. I originally designed a dress made out of flower petals from 100% post-consumer recycled cardstock for a window display at the incredibleÂ Gus & Ruby Letterpress boutique.

Customers asked whether or not the dress could be worn. For weeks, I laughed off the concept because I wouldn’t be able to staple a paper dress onto a real life model as I had done to the dressform! I was later inspired by the challenge that type of project would be for me… and so, production began. After cutting and forming hundreds of thousands of little individual paper petals, and scheming up a tablescape with white on white as the main theme, I pulled together a group of vendors to flesh out the shoot with stationery, flowers, and even a few cakes!

I spent about two months producing the paper dresses that each model wore, and the satisfaction of seeing them climb into their respective garb the day of the shoot was more than I could take. It was such a fun project!

Thanks Liz!

Paper Dresses, Styling, and Design: Liz Lapan, Paper Posy Designs

Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress

Videography:Â Ben KrebsÂ (check out a video from the shoot right here!)

Florals: Flora Fauna

Cakes: Wild Orchid Bakery

Photo Credits:Â Mark Davidson Photography