Envelopes in Custom Sizes

Every now and again I receive a request for envelopes in a custom size. There are various reasons why brides (or other diy-ers) may need custom-sized envelopes. Very often a person would leave the envelope-buying for last, assuming that it is the "easy part" of invitation making, only to discover that none of the standard-sized envelopes carried by stationery shops are the appropriate size for the invitations! In other cases a designer or bride may decide to make an odd-sized invitation and matching envelope a special feature of an invitation design. Sometimes an envelope in a custom size can simply be a practical packaging solution for anything from wedding favours to confetti and cutlery.

If you are in need of envelopes in a custom size do not despair. I can help. I now offer envelopes in custom sizes as a standard service, so please feel free to contact me for a quotation! Minimum quantity: 25 of the same.

How are these envelopes made?

Step 1

Based on the client's brief I will design a template for the envelope on my computer.

Step 2

Once the design is perfect I will use the template to cut the envelopes one at a time.

Step 3

Every envelope shape is then scored by hand.

Step 4

Adhesive is applied and the paper shape is then folded into an envelope with the help of a bone folder.

Step 5

If required finishing touches are added (e.g  closures and string, adhesive on the flap, etc)

Making envelopes by hand is extremely time-consuming. Due to the time and effort that go into handmade envelopes it is of the utmost importance to order your envelopes as early as you possibly can. I work on a first-come-first-served basis and I do not accept more orders than I can handle. 

Envelope Sizes:

From very small (about 40 mm minimum width) to any size that can be cut from a single A3 sheet of paper.

Cost:

The cost of envelopes depend on quantity, the intricacy of the design, the cost of the paper and other materials, and the size of the sheet of paper required to make a single envelope. I do my best to keep costs as low as possible, but it will be unfair to compare the cost of handmade envelopes to that of the average standard-size, mass produced envelopes available from stationery suppliers. Please also keep in mind that a small envelope may have the same amount of work involved as a similar one in a bigger size, and may therefore take just as much time to make. I will be able to work out pricing for you once I know the details.

I use heavier paper than the paper used for the standard, mass-produced, machine-made envelopes available on the market.  This ensures crisp folds and a quality, high-end product worthy of weddings and special celebrations. 

Doggy Love

Isn't this face just adorable?

Found the photo here.

Fun Wedding Cake

It was love at first sight, when I stumbled upon this wedding cake. Unfortunately I don't know who created the cake, but the photographs were taken by talented South African photographer, Moira West:

Found here.

Semi-DIY

A while ago I've collaborated with the lovely Sultana and made these custom paper sleeves for her. I've made the sleeves as well as some engraved wooden airplanes, while Sultana took care of the actual invitation insert herself. This is something I often do. I call it "semi-diy" - a process which allows the bride and groom (or someone crafty who is willing to help out) to do some of the work for the invitations themselves, while the work which requires specialist equipment is done by the designer who owns it.

In this case the client requested paper sleeves with a map of a specific area. I was able to buy a digital file via the Internet to use for the initial layout of the sleeve. The map design was digitally printed on paper and then die-cut and assembled by me at home. I've also engraved some of my wooden airplane charms with the names of the bride and groom, before the parcel was sent to Sultana to do the inserts and assembly.

The semi-diy option is great if you're on a tight budget and have the necessary skills and patience to do the computer layout, printing, cutting and assembly yourself. I would, however, like to advise that you should never underestimate the work involved in making invitations. I know of brides who started out with making their own invitations to save money and ended up so unhappy with the results that they threw everything away and ordered invitations from a professional designer! (And of course the implication is that they've paid more than what they would have if they went to a professional straight away!)

Dogs at Weddings

Two weeks ago I've shared an image of a doggy who preferred to sit on the bride's dress, rather than the carpet. Later I've also stumbled upon these images of a doggy who also thought mommy's dress is more comfortable than the floor. Don't you just love these images by the talented Simone Franzel?

You can see more images of this beautiful wedding over here.

I am SO in love with that doggy face!

Fontly Friday

I probably spend an unhealthy amount of time looking at pretty fonts on the Internet. At the moment I am quite obsessed with hand-lettering, so when this pretty new font with it's dancing baseline came onto the market I just could not resist the temptation: I had to add it to my collection! And once the font was installed I could not wait to give it a little test drive ...

The font is now part of the font options that I offer. If you would like me to do an invitation or stationery design for you with this truly handwritten look and feel, please contact me via my contact form to discuss your ideas. Once we've discussed your needs via e-mail I will be happy to do a quotation for you. I can have your cards printed, or supply you with a digital file if you would like to do your own printing.

All for one ...

As a dog lover I just could not resist sharing this image:

Found it here.

No laughing matter!

I still have to decide what I find most appealing: this beautiful purple ombre cake or the name that baker and sugar artist Rachel gave to her company: The Fondant Flinger! Wish I could fling fondant and make it look like this! Although the company's name made me laugh, talent like this is no laughing matter!

Found the image here. You can see some close-up images of the cake over here.

Seating Plan

I love this idea by Oh Happy Day. The candles will create loads of atmosphere at an evening garden wedding or any soft-lit venue after dark. Imagine each guest carrying a candle while looking for their table or seat - so romantic! In my opinion this project, or something similar, could be a lovely alternative for brides who are looking for an alternative to the traditional seating plan!

Source: Oh Happy Day

Unfortunately not all of us are so lucky to have a dollar store nearby and of course the idea of calligraphy on glass may also be a little daunting - especially if you don't have a very steady hand (like me)! I also know of venues where candles are not allowed because of the fire hazard or because the owners are concerned about wax dripping on the floors or furniture.

But that doesn't mean you will have to do give up on the idea altogether, as I have a few suggestions for you!

• If you can't find these prayer candles in a shop, buy votive candles in stead and simply change the direction of the calligraphy, so a guest name and table number will fit.
• You can also go green. (I always try to recycle wherever I can!) Ask family and friends to help you collect glass jars before the wedding. Simply soak off the labels and place a tealight or small pillar candle inside, if you find the idea of melting wax and adding your own candle wicks too intimidating.
• If your venue doesn't allow candles, or if you are concerned about safety issues, use LED lights in stead of wax candles. This option may be more expensive, but the candles can double as wedding favours for your guests to take home.
• If you find the idea of calligraphy on glass a little daunting print guest names and table numbers on transparent sticker sheets, cut out with a hobby knife and adhere to jars. There are loads of pretty hand-drawn fonts out there!

Dogs at Weddings

Right now I am sitting on the couch with my laptop on my lap and Jolie, my miniature pincher,  lying next to me with her head on my knee. Lying on the floor isn't something that Jolie likes to do. She prefers my lap, but if not available she will settle for the couch or bed - as long as I am on it too! When I'm working and don't have time to be doggy furniture I have to make sure that Jolie's basket is close enough for her to lie in and watch me at the same time. The floor simply isn't good enough - not even when covered by a carpet or soft rug. When I stumbled upon this photo I couldn't help but think that this is the kind of spot that Jolie would choose too!

Photo found here.