Did you know? Napkins: The Setup

As I previously mentioned, I was working on the Did you know? napkins. Well, here's the skinny on the design and setup.

The hardest part was putting together all the facts for our napkins, I decided to do 9 designs, 4 for dinner napkins and 5 for cocktail napkins. I really wanted to keep the facts fun and lighthearted. As you can see from the images of the setup files below, I think I achieved my goal!

I am not a computer genius, so I typically use Microsoft Publisher for design projects and this was no exception. I used my previously created logo and simply typed the text below using my two wedding fonts: Feel Script and Century Gothic. It was a pretty easy process.

The next step was to convert the files to a vector based file. To do this, I downloaded the free trial of Adobe Illustrator from www.adobe.com and copied and pasted my designs from Publisher into Illustrator. Then, I followed these great instructions I found on www.weddingbee.com for vectorizing. By doing this work myself, I saved a $75 setup fee. It was definitely worth the time (about an hour).

I'll follow up soon with some pictures of the finished product! In the meantime, check out the images from the files I used for printing.

The Inartistic Invitations: Part 2

I've finally finished covering the Bloom Envelopes with the Chartreuse Silk Shantung ribbon.....it was a lot of work. I am so glad I chose the bow-tie that I did because it could have been much worse.

I decided to use a modified Martha Stewart Winged Bow. It's pretty easy, but time consuming, the tricky part is getting everything symmetrical and straightening out the knot.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut a bunch of ribbon, I used approximately 18 inches.

2. Center the ribbon under the envelope.

3. Cross left tail over right one.

4. Knot ribbon by threading left tail behind right one, under, and up through the hole; make sure ribbon is not twisted or bunched.

5. Pull evenly on tails until ribbon has tightened into a clean, smooth knot.

6. Repeat Step 4 & Step 5

7. Fold ends of ribbon under twice and trim if necessary to ensure the bow is symmetrical.

The Inartistic Invitations: Part 1

The invitations are in and I have been working diligently to get them assembled...which explains the lack of posting.

But, sorry excuses aside, here they are for your review!

Since the invitations are such a big project, I'm going to cover these in a series of posts.

The first step was putting together the RSVP cards. I had to put the stamps on the envelopes and place the cards under the envelope flap. These steps were easy; the most difficult part was placing the stamp on straight. I am using the Forever Stamps, I know they are not the prettiest things, but with a few months before I even mail out the invites, I didn't want to risk postage prices increasing and having to add 1cent stamps at the last minute.

Next, I had to place the invitations on the terra green backer cards. This was slightly difficult and time consuming. I used the Michael's brand glue stick and rolled it over the the edges to create a square and then diagonally across the invitation. It was kinda hard to center the invitation perfectly on the backer card, but after the first few it got easier. Luckily, the glue stick doesn't dry immediately so you can re-adjust the invitation.

I also had to place the RSVP cards and invitations into the bloom envelope and fold the envelope closed. I placed the RSVP card under the invitation and then folded the bloom envelope closed like you would fold a box closed, i.e., one side of each flap on the bottom and one side on the top. I was a little worried about putting the RSVP card under the invitation...would people see it? But I really wanted people to see the invitation upon opening the bloom envelope, so I put it on top and hoped that people would find it.

Next up....the Ribbons!

OVERALL REVIEW

COST: As I mentioned before, these invitations were well-priced.

TIME: So far, it's been a lot of work! The steps I mentioned above took several nights.

DIFFICULTY: These steps were very simple, just time-consuming.

RELATED POSTS:

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/12/design-it-yourself-and-have-someone.html

http://theinartisticbride.blogspot.com/2008/11/bloom-envelopes.html

Did you know...? Napkins

The Winter 2009 issue of InStyle Weddings is on the shelves and my wonderful fiance brought me a copy. As usual, it delivers inspiration.

I instantly fell in love with the cocktail napkins from Christina Moore & John Ducey's wedding featured on page 307. The napkins had various funny little-known facts about the couple.

For example, "Christina has worn glasses since age 6. John wore corrective shoes when he was 6. Nerds find nerds." "Christina was crowned an Acteen Princess. John received a perfect attendance award. No, they did not "peak" in high school."

The picture isn't posted on the InStyle website yet and my scanner is broken, so here is a picture of the picture:





I loved this idea so much that I immediately began planning ours. I plan to have 10 different facts printed on the napkins....more to come!

Design-It-Yourself (and have someone else do the dirty work)

That's right, I designed our invitations and response card using Microsoft Word and then printed locally in black thermography for an amazing $115 for 200 invitations and $100 for 200 response cards. The invitations will be printed on 100lb white linen cardstock in a 5x7 inches size with a 5 1/8 x 7 1/8 inches 80lb Astrobrights terra green backer layer. The response card will be 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 printed on the white linen cardstock as well.

This is definitely my easiest DIY to date, all you have to do is determine your wording, sizing, font (I used Century Gothic and Feel Script) and start typing!

REVIEW

COST: Super cheap! I saved over 50%!!

TIME: Varies, my design was basic and it took less than an hour

DIFFICULTY: Low, but it depends on your design

Has anyone else partially DIY-ed their invitation suite? Was it cost-effective for you?

As always, if you want my template or need help with yours, leave a comment.

The Inartistic Save The Dates

I can breath a sigh of relief....my STD's are gone (come on...you know you're laughing).

That's right, I mailed them all yesterday! Our photographer created these great Save The Date cards using one of our engagement pictures. I was originally going to create my own STD, but these were just so inexpensive(about $2.00 a piece with envelopes)! I couldn't have bought the paper and had them printed for that amount, so this was a no-brainer.

Anyways, I'm super thrilled with them and would love to post them, but there are copyright rules and Mr. Inartistic likes his privacy. They really are great, they have a gorgeous sheen, almost like glitter, to them. Plus, I'm still loving the fact that these are my Christmas cards too.

For the envelopes, I used the wrap-around labels and sealed them with a silver Martha Stewart snowflake sticker from Michael's.

Is anyone else doing photo STDs?

The Inartistic Ready and Labeled

I've completed another DIY project, this time the previously mentioned wrap-around labels from Martha. All in all, it was kinda simple, but slightly expensive.

The first step is to design your labels (I used Microsoft Publisher). For the return address the font is Feel Script by Veer and the address font is Arial. I chose these because I love Feel Script and I thought the simplicity of Arial looked good next to the Christmas Tree picture. I found the Christmas Tree picture on google images (can't remember where it's from). It was originally black, but I changed it to white.


The measurements of the label are 2 inches by 6.5 inches (it's for a 4x6 envelope). You can set the size of the label by going to File, Page Setup and Layout. Then selecting Custom and entering your dimensions. You can also select the number of labels to print on each page, I did four.

The next step is to do a mail merge. Simply go to Tools, Mail and Merge Catalog Wizard and follow the instructions.

Now, you're ready to print. I used the Avery 5353 labels from Staples. They are pricey at $34.99 for 100 sheets. It is basically an 8 1/2 x 11 sticker, so you design your label and then print it on the sheet and cut it out yourself. I was very happy with these labels, they even have the perforated back to make peeling easier.

I don't have a nice printer, so I took mine to a local print shop and had them do the dirty work (which explains my lack of photos--I didn't want them to think I was crazy!). They printed all 100 labels and even cut them out for me for only $16. I know, I'm lazy, but after completing another cost-time-laziness analysis, I decided it was worth it. Plus, since the professionals were doing all the grunt work, every single label was perfect!

Here's a DI-Don't for you:
Don't buy these labels. I bought these online because they were the right dimensions and cheaper, but I didn't completely read the description. Since they were designed to be used with a postage meter machine, Avery does not provide a template. Also, they are not on a standard size piece of paper which makes printing nearly impossible.

REVIEW

COST: Slightly expensive for the labels

TIME: Medium, the main time is spent designing the labels

DIFFICULTY: Medium, you gotta have some computer skills for this one

Has anyone else tried this Good Things? Or have you found another creative way to use labels?

P.S. If you want my template or want me to help you (for free), leave a comment!

Good Things: Ready and Labeled

I've been in love with this Good Things for quite awhile. It's a perfectly beautiful alternative to the ultra expensive calligraphy.

Here's the info:

One sure way to address for success? Create sleek, wrap-around labels. If calligraphy is too costly or your penmanship isn't perfect, this is a handsome, appropriate option that's easy to do.

Folded Label How-ToUsing our

template, type return addresses on left side of document and addresses on right; print. Run page through a sticker machine. With a bone folder, crease where indicated; cut out using a utility knife and ruler. Trim short edges with pinking shears. Adhere labels to envelopes, positioning folds so return addresses are on back.

How to Use This Editable PDF: General Tips

1. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open this PDF file. You can download it

here.
2. You will not be able to save a version of the file that contains your changes. You can, however, save a copy of the template itself, which will let you open and modify it again so you can do your work in several sessions.
3. Because you cannot save a copy of what you've typed, proofread carefully on screen before printing it out.
4. To change the words, highlight the entire line of text, and then retype. You will notice that the type shifts position on your screen when you do this, but don't worry -- it will print out in the proper position.

The Return Address

1. When you change the topmost return address, the software will automatically change all the others on the page.
2. Use all lower case when typing the return address.
3. Spell out the state name.
4. Place a space between each number of the ZIP Code.

The Recipient's Address

1. Use an ampersand for the word "and."
2. Press the "Caps Lock" key when you type the street address, and the city and state.
3. Spell out the state name.
4. Type a space between each number of the ZIP Code.

Stamp of Approval

I just received my two custom stamps from http://impressrubberstamps.com/ and I am one satisfied customer! I ordered a custom 2 x 3 wood block stamp with my address in the lovely Feel script and a 5 x 5 wood block stamp for our logo. It was super easy to order, all I had to do was email a pdf (Thank you cute pdf) with the designs on it and 2 weeks later I had my two stamps. The quality seems to be good (but I don't know anything about stamps); I was worried about the complexity of our logo, but it stamps clearly. Plus, I thought the prices seemed reasonable!

Additionally, I feel very Martha right now. This was originally a Good Thing that I fell in love with awhile ago.

Are you planning on using stamps for any of your wedding projects? Or do you simply have a vendor to recommend? If so, leave a comment!

P.S. Don't you love the super cheesy pic at the top?

Included in your Christmas card....An STD!

Since we are sending out our STD's (save the dates) around Christmas time, my FH wanted to kill 2 birds with one stone and also use it as our Christmas card. He truly is the man of my dreams....he's just as lazy as me!

After an exhaustive google search, here is what I came up with:

• All we want for Christmas.... Is for you to Save the Date
• Don't get on our naughty list....remember to Save the Date
• Ho Ho Ho....We just can't wait....Just a reminder to save the date
• The Spirit of Christmas.....is Love

None of these are great, but I'll keep on searching!

Suggestions are welcome/appreciated/required.

The Bloomin' invitations!

Another fast shipper!

My order from http://www.mygatsby.com/ just arrived! I ordered these 5x7 Bloom Envelopes in Black Linen less than a week ago, and FedEx delivered them a few minutes ago! I'm super psyched--they are gorgeous and perfect. My Gatsby gets a big thumbs up from me!

Has anyone else used My Gatsby or bloom invitations?

Bloom Envelopes

I'm in lust with these bloom envelopes from My Gatsby. They are definitely going to be a part of my invitation suite.

I seriously considered making my own, but after a cost/time/laziness analysis it just wasn't meant to be. The paper would cost about 50 cents a sheet and the time involved would be staggering, plus my lazy side would be very unhappy. The cost for 100 bloom envelopes is $72.00. It would take all of 5 minutes to order them and my lazy side loves this method.

Needless to say, I decided to order the bloom envelopes. They have so many color choices; I chose Black Linen and I can't wait for them to arrive!

Have you ever done a cost/time/laziness analysis and what did you decide?

Chartreuse Ribbon

I finally received this Silk Shantique wired edge ribbon I ordered from http://www.jkmribbon.com/. I plan to use the ribbon for my invitations (more on that to come).

Here's my review:

Product: The color is perfect and the picture accurately represents it. After lots of searching, both online and in stores, this is the only chartreuse silk dupioni ribbon I could find. I am picky about fabric quality and appearance and this ribbon definitely meets my standards. It will add some richness to our invitations.

Service: SLOW, SLOW, SLOW. It took six weeks to arrive. Which would have been fine if they had let me know, without me having to email them TWICE! The first time I emailed them, they refused to answer my question about the timing of shipping because it had been less than 14 business days since I ordered. With all that being said, I will be ordering again, because I can't find it anywhere else and luckily I have lots of time.

If you have a vendor review, I'd love to hear it!

Logo Follow Up

As I've mentioned before, I don't have a fancy design program. Yet, I was still able to create a logo/monogram for our wedding.

Inspired by Miss Sea Breeze over at Weddingbee, I have decided to talk more about the creation of our logos. I used Microsoft Publisher, it's a basic program that you should have and may not even know it. It's great at creating shapes, allowing you to play with fonts and alignments. You can even save your image as a picture by simply right-clicking.

Did you design your logo using a "basic" program?

P.S. Leave a comment if you need assistance using Publisher, I'd love to help!

Too Plain?

I created this basic logo right after we got engaged, but lately I've been feeling that it is too plain. So I created a few more options.

What do you think? Which should I use? I'm leaning towards all of them. For example, maybe use the simple one on the invites and the more ornate logos for different DIY projects.

Sizzix Big Kick Die-Cutter

Yesterday I bought the Sizzix Big Kick Die Cutter at Michael's. It is normally $99, but the entire collection was on sale for 40% off! So I splurged! I have several DIY projects planned and after a cost/time/laziness analysis, I decided it was worth it. Here's what I bought: I bought the envelope die cut and square die cut, which I will use to make this (just a little preview of things to come:)).

I also got this tag die cut. I haven't tried it yet.

So far, I LOVE it! It's super simple to learn and use. The hardest part is getting it out of the box.

Also, there are plenty of die-cut options available online!

What craft/wedding related products have you splurged on?