CT-Designs Calligraphy and Wedding Stationery

Navigating the Return Address: A Bride's Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Hi Everyone! I am really excited to be blogging about my wedding journey. My fiancée and I got engaged back in December 2011 and our wedding date is set for August 17, 2013. I know it’s quite a ways away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about ideas. Additionally, my cousin Maureen is getting married in October of this year and I am one of her FOUR maids of honor!

I intend to share all the ideas from her wedding planning and my own, along with the other weddings I'll be attending in between. One thing you should definitely know is that I have "champagne taste" with a "beer budget" so I’m ALWAYS looking for the DIY route! I'm hoping that this will help some of you brides out there!

So let’s get this journey started shall we? Before we even delve into engagement invitations, save-the-dates, and wedding invitations, let’s talk about the oft-forgotten element: The envelope... I’ve seen many different types... Everything from box construction to woven-straw. The cost depends on the type of material and it can get pricey.

I've found that the way you actually dress an envelope is with the font, calligraphy, or handwriting you put on it and I’m going to guess this is the last thing that everyone thinks about! This design can make it anything from casual to formal, traditional to whimsical and there are endless possibilities. One new thing that I have been noticing on invitations is the style of the return address. You can pick out a really nice font on the computer and create a beautiful label, or you can have labels made with a cute icon on the side.

Here are a few examples (BTW you can easily type in rubber stamp wedding return address in Google and get so many vendors for these types of things):

Custom labels can be found on Zazzle.com and Etsy.com

One unique thing I have seen (and have actually had a hand in creating) is a stamp. You can have your return address written in whatever handwriting you like, or even typed out, and then have that turned into a stamp. With that, you can choose what color ink you want to use and where you want to place it (either in the upper left hand corner or the back of the envelope). Etsy.com and Zazzle.com have some of my favorite designs.

Examples of some custom stamps

Now, I’m all for supporting the artists that create these wonderful products, but sometimes it’s just something that doesn’t fit in your budget. And printing fonts off a computer can get generic. So another suggestion for accomplishing this is to write out how you want it to look, or ask someone you know with really nice handwriting. You can have the stamp made from this writing. Staples can do this for you, and so can rubberstamps.com. Personally designing the return address can cut the cost of the stamp in half and makes it one of a kind!

Experiment, try it out, look up other designs to get ideas for your own return address stamp. In the end, you’ll have a nice piece of art you can use over and over again…remember, you’ll be sending out invitations of all sorts, thank you cards, Christmas cards, baby announcements…the list goes on. This is something that you will be able to use over and over again, at least until you move!

Introducing Guest Bridal Blogger: Michelle Espedido

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:42:00 +0000

Happy Monday! Wanted to introduce CT-Designs guest blogger, Michelle Espedido. Michelle is a friend to the company and helps out with the calligraphy overflow! As soon as I found out Michelle was engaged (congrats!), I asked her to blog as much as she is able to about her experiences.

Look forward to publishing timely posts from Michelle regarding her bridal journey!

Take care til' next time guys...

--ct

Wedding Color Inspiration: Coral and Teal

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:25:00 +0000

Fresh, clean and crisp palette of coral and teal. Think destination, Spring and sophistication!

Take care til' next time.
--ct

Wedding Color Inspiration: Merlot, Plum and Olive

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Color inspiration of the week: Merlot, Plum and Olive

This color palette is not in the mainstream, but I think its a stunning choice for an October 2013 wedding that I'm working on... Enjoy the board and this #WeddingWednesday!

Take care,

--ct

Peeking Inside: Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Have you picked up your Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine yet? SUCH a nice stationery nugget inside the Spring 2012 issue, I just HAD to share it. It's Stationery A-Z! Eight pages of stationery related elements with a brief description/definition.

Each one is a blog in itself, I'll be hanging onto this one for future ideas. Take a peek!

Be sure to pick up a copy and have a great week!

--ct

Wooden Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:31:00 +0000

Wood has become a very popular medium for wedding invitations and save the dates... With Farm, Shabby Chic and Rustic/Vintage themes being so prevalent, it makes sense to have your invitations printed on wood right?

The concept is not all that new, but it is still new enough to be unexpected. Another nice way to distinguish your materials.

It is surprising how high the print quality is on this wood surface.

From: Bird & Banner

Apparently, the Post Office mails wood (who knew?)
Printed by: Cards of Wood

Enjoy the pics and I'll be back on Monday! Have a wonderful weekend...

--ct

Escort Cards & Beverage Glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:44:00 +0000

Escort cards are discussed all of the time, but how about cards coupled with your guests beverages? These are a nice touch and there are different ways to "marry" these table identifiers with your guests glasses... Enjoy!

Tags affixed to mason jars...
From: KnottyBride

Shaped tags affixed to color coordinated straws
From: SimplyMoxie

Circular cards with a vertical slit that can actually fit onto the glass
From: TheKnot.com

Cards sitting inside of glasses...
From: Exquisite Weddings of Central FL

The Wedding Map

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:42:00 +0000

Ahhh, the wedding map. It is becoming somewhat of a dinosaur with the dawn of GPS isn't it? Although it has become a "nice to have" I am still a fan of this particular enclosure card. Not because it is something that will be indispensable for your guests... It is just a card that has the potential for such personal detail, it can easily become a nice complement to a keepsake quality invitation suite.

Please consider having your stationer develop a map to complement your wedding materials! It might become the talk of your guests...

Hand painted map - By: NattyMichelle

Carillon Beach Weddings map by CT-Designs.com

Map featuring detail... Nice at-a-glance card that can eliminate
individual enclosure cards - CT-Designs.com

Found on: Elizabethannedesigns

Calligraphy inspired map - From: Efine Stationery

Wedding Stationery Trend: Silhouettes

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:53:00 +0000

I've been seeing silhouettes emerging more and more as a theme that runs throughout a couple's nuptials. Its really just as nice as a monogram and sometimes can even be used in conjunction with the couple's initials/date. Great way to tie your materials together and the uses and ways you can utilize seem endless. See some of the inspiration below!

Recycled Envelope from: OneWed

Adorable cookies from: TheArtOfTheCookie

Invitation suite found on: RuffledBlog.com

Silhouette custom placecards... D.I.Y. from: WedShare.com

Cake found on: StyleMePretty

Enjoy and I'll see you next time!

--ct

Best Wedding Pinterest Boards Pt. II

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:07:00 +0000

I've been bumping into so many great Pinterest boards, I had to share. I did my first Pinterest Board roundup back in December. Whether you are just starting to research your wedding or if you are steamrolling to a close. Lots of great eye candy here and perhaps some new/fresh follows for you! Enjoy.

Bouquet Stunners by Desiree Dent of Dejanae Events
363 pins and counting, there are just some drop dead gorgeous florals to be
found here. Must visit...

Loving these Candy Buffets by Erin Hession-Wooton... Just nice
variety and color schemes.

Wedding Wonderland is an Italian blogger living in London with
a great board full of Vintage Wedding Inspiration...

109 Wedding Rings??? This board is to die for. #Swoon! By Madison Winter

Selfishly adding my own Table Number Pinterest board cuz it's awesome,
has variety and is sure to give you some great ideas...

Christine of Perfect Petals Design Group has some real stunners...
Check out her Amazing Ceremony Decor board

I'm a paper girl so I naturally fell in love with Tina Harle's Wedding Paper Board

Calligraphy Spotlight: Southside Script

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:21:00 +0000

I've been underground working on tons of calligraphy... Thought I'd spotlight some of it... This is Southside Script. Ivory ink on Paper Source Slate colored envelopes. Client added an adorable polka-dotted liner.

More styles coming...

Take care til' next time!

--ct

Bridal Shower Invitation Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:11:00 +0000

Thought I'd share a couple of bridal shower invitations today... These are all available on my Etsy Shop. Hope it sparks an idea for you or better yet, provides a quick solution if you are hosting and need to get something nice in the mail!

Adorable graphic of a girl with flowing hair with the heated stones on he back.
Really different and attention grabbing...
Review Etsy Listing

Darling crystal and lace bridal shower invitation... Made even more special
with actual crystal rhinestones being added to the chandelier graphic!
Review Etsy Listing

More adorable spa/luxury graphics...
Review Etsy Listing

Tie it Up With String

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Happy #WeddingWednesday! I'm hoping I will get the opportunity to execute a "bundle" type invitation suite this season.

There is something nice about guests having to "untie" or "unpack" your wedding invitation and enclosure cards. There is also a pulled together look that rivals what a more traditional pocket does. I've seen so many cute ones, hoping I can create a special look as well!

From: A Crimson Kiss

From: Serendipity Beyond Design

From: BlissEventProductions.com

From: AtheneumCreative.com

From: WeddingBee.com

Enjoy the day guys, I'll be back on Friday!
--ct

Wedding Vendor Search: 5 Good Minutes with Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist - Danielle Ruggiero

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:50:00 +0000

I'll be spending 5 good minutes with some of my favorite wedding vendors in the coming months. I hope these little snapshots help you make some good decisions about the "staff" you select for your special day!

Today's 5 minutes is dedicated to make-up artist and hair stylist, Danielle Ruggiero. Enjoy!

How did you get started and how long have you been doing hair and makeup professionally? In middle school and high school I was always the friend that was doing all the hair and makeup for dances and special occasions even if I didnt have my "official" license. Friends always trusted me to give them a glam look :) I have been doing makeup professionally for about 5 years now... I attended cosmetology school, and then went on to California and studied different techniques, including special effects makeup. The only time I've found myself happy and the only thing I could honestly see myself doing was hair/makeup. I managed to work at a small salon while in school and just LOVED being there... It wasn't long before I decided that I would pursue doing hair and make-up professionally and I have not looked back.

What motivates you the most at this stage of your career? A LOT motivates me! I feel as though I have a lot of education and training under my belt for this industry but I learn something new everyday! Growing up I collected magazines.. Anything from Glamour to Cosmo... I would cut out makeup looks, tips and everything involved in the makeup world... I keep a journal of all these photos and refer back to them. Discovering new products, working hand in hand with photographers and models at photo shoots, and after a make-up trial: sharing the moment of happiness and relief that my brides feel, knowing how they will look on their big day... That feeling is unlike any I have ever experienced!
Another big motivator for me occurred back when I worked at the salon. After a long, exhausting day of work, an older couple walked into the salon and asked if I had any time for just one more haircut before I closed shop... I was exhausted and honestly just wanted to go home and lay down. But I went ahead and decided to do one last haircut for the night. The elderly lady sat down and began to tell me that she was just diganosed with stage 4 termnal cancer and she wanted me to shave her head. She began to cry and explain that she has never had short hair let alone been bald but she couldn't stand to watch it all fall out. So I took out my clippers and made her beautifully bald. Before they left, her husband asked if he could get his head shaved in support of her so she didnt have to be alone in this. I said of course. After they paid and left I went in the back room and broke down. I couldn't even begin to understand what they were going through and felt fulfilled to have experienced that. It forever changed my outlook on my job and what truly it is that I do. This service that I provide can actually change peoples lives.

What advice would you give an up-and-coming stylist? Don't assume that you are better than other makeup artists or hair stylists. Do not be cocky. There is a difference between being confident in what you do and thinking that you are the only one in the world that can do what you do. You want to have the kind of personality that people love to be around. You have to be willing to check your ego at the door and be open to learning things from others in your industry. You do not know everything and there is ALWAYS something you can learn. Be open.

Can you list some tips for brides that are searching for just the right hair and make-up artist to partner with on their big day? Make sure you schedule a trial so that you have a chance to speak with the artist and get to know them. You should feel comfortable and confident in your artist. They should know what you want from them and you should be assured that they will deliver exactly what they say they will. Do not feel intimidated by your artist. They are just people trying to help you look your best on your special day. Bring photos and ideas of EXACTLY what you want and do not want. Its always better to have a visual to reference. Finally, if you have any allergies let the artist know up front!

What’s the best way for potential clients to contact you and see some of your work?
Email is the BEST way to contact me: danielleruggiero56@gmail.com If you email me I WILL contact you. My online presence can be found on facebook, and you can reach out to me there as well!

Thanks Danielle and thanks to all of you for reading... Come back soon to see who we'll be spending another 5 minutes with!

--ct

Fun With Wedding Stationery Folds

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 01:07:00 +0000

There are so many cute folding options out there for your wedding programs and other "day of" stationery! Want you to be aware of some commonly used folds, which should be affordable and familiar to your printer. Also, for you D.I.Y. brides, just make sure you score your stock before you fold or you will experience cracking.

The most commonly used folds...

8 page Concertina fold
From: Indigo Bunting

6 page Concertina or Z-fold
From: LCI Paper

Four page single fold
From: Etsy

8 page Concertina or double parallel fold
From: Etsy

Take care til' next time, I'll be back on Monday!

--ct

3 MORE Guest Book Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:14:00 +0000

I shared three of these last month, but I keep seeing such cute ideas out here, had to share three more! Enjoy! --ct

Cute way for you to interact with your guests
later on an important day in THEIR life...
From: Paper-Source Blog

A little directory with blank cards so you can write a personal note
with matching bunting is stunning...
From: Gifted Occasions

Writing on puzzle pieces is a new trend... You can put the puzzle pieces
together and later frame it.
From: Bella Puzzles

Invitation Spotlight: A Marriage of Chevron and Florals

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Happy Monday! Want to share a delightful coral and teal 50th Birthday celebration invitation we produced. At first you might think the peony is too much, but I think it fits right in.

Invites are coupled with envelopes featuring digital calligraphy. I think the mixing of script fonts and block fonts is interesting, can be more legible and is an adorable way to distinguish your envelopes from everyone elses.

Desireé Dent of Dejanae Events (collaboration on design) | Sandy Podborny of Letter Perfect Designs
made the envelopes come to life!

Boarding Pass Save the Date: Pink and Grey

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Happy Friday! I am STILL executing Save the Dates! Its amazing. Wanted to share the latest... A destination wedding in December to a U.S. location. So fun. You don't have to be headed to an exotic location out of the country to employ a boarding pass. As long as you are packing a bag! Congratulations to Cara and Nathan!

Boarding Pass Save the Date in a soft pink and grey with matching #10
pink envelope by Wasau. Will make this one available on my Etsy shop soon!

Have wonderful weekends and I'll be back on Monday! Busy, busy week ahead!

Take care,

--ct

Wedding Color Inspiration: Aqua and Yellow

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Working on Aqua and Yellow this week... Very soft and delicate color palette that I love. Lots of possibilities and its tough to take your eyes off it!

Shoe: blueweddingshoes.net | Table Number: Etsy.com | Floral: WeddingBee | Tags: Etsy.com

Happy #WeddingWednesday!

Take care,

--ct

Your Wedding Envelope Return Address: A Primer

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Happy Monday everyone! Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Time to focus once again on your event and your invitation components!

Today, I thought I'd tackle an element that, for some clients seems to be an afterthought. Your outer envelope's RETURN ADDRESS. Don't even think about NOT doing one, and labels just won't do. I know that some feel labels are just fine, but a hastily applied (and sometimes inkjet smeared) label on the back of your outer envelope will say more about your event than you want it to. If your event is important, and once-in-a-lifetime, it should look and feel that way.

To clarify, I'm not talking about Save the Dates. Those are more fun, cool, hip, etc. I am strictly talking about the formal wedding invitation. Not only should the appearance of the return address correspond to your invitation, you want to have it in case there is a breach in your guest list. The U.S.P.S. will destroy invites sent to an inaccurate address if there is no return indicated.

1. Purchase a custom rubber stamp

I can't think of a better item to invest in at the outset of your wedding planning. This address can be used on SO many items. Especially if your event has a ton of moving parts that require separate invitations and mailings, i.e the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, etc. There are also so many different styles, readily available and simply waiting to be customized with your names and location.

Antiquiara.com

Etsy.com

2. Letterpress your back flaps if you've letterpressed your invites

Letterpress return addresses are not as cost prohibitive as you think they might be. A great resource for letterpress in Chicago is Accucolor.

From: Calliespondence.com

3. Emboss your back flaps

Similar to the rubber stamps, great investment as you will use this again and again. Great thing about the embossing method is that there is no messy ink to manage.

Embosser from Paper-Source.com

Other return addressing tips...

Return address CAN feature address only

Return address with design motif/ornaments

Determine sooner vs. later exactly WHO will be receiving the returned envelopes. (i.e. You, the mother of the bride, the wedding coordinator, etc.)
If you elect not to use your first and last name with your return address, the U.S.P.S. will STILL deliver
Be sure to indicate suite or apartment number if you live in a multi-unit dwelling
Typically, digital calligraphers will print up to 3 lines on the return address. Additional lines will add to your costs so be brief
Colored ink will typically cost more than black ink
Careful when using colored envelopes. Standard inks are for the most part translucent. If you try to print a light colored ink onto a darker envelope, you will have legibility issues
If you are passionate about printing white on say a navy or black envelope, you will have to pay for a more expensive printing method... Like foil stamping or screen printing...
Consider having a design around your return address. If the motif has been used on your invitations, better still. It will tie everything together nicely... Be sure to ask the printer if there is a minimum and maximum size for this artwork before getting your heart set on a design that cannot be acheived

That does it for the return address! Take care guys and enjoy your week. I'll be back on #WeddingWednesday!

--ct

Friday Roundup: 3 Things Making Me Smile This Week

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:40:00 +0000

Still clearing the gigantic pile of work off of my desk... Invitation and calligraphy season has come in a relentless fashion this year. I have found lots of reasons to smile however, beginning with this 5 day weather outlook for Chicagoland:

This is for the city of Chicago. In March. Take a moment and appreciate this people...
I don't think I EVER remember the weather being this mild in March.
Not for this long anyway. Amazing and its officially pedicure time!

Three MORE things to smile about:

#1. Pinterest has a new look...

Have you guys been to Pinterest lately?? They changed the look and its HOT!
They have made the thumbnail views of your boards more interesting, your stats
are listed across the top vs. that left hand gutter and indicated
in the upper right corner is the source of your most recent pins... I LOVE IT!

#2. WEDBash Invitation

Wed Bash, hosted by Wedding Guide Chicago is coming up on March 28th
and HOW REFRESHING WAS IT TO GET A PHYSICAL INVITATION IN THE MAIL???
So much is reduced to EventBrite now. I get it, but this was a nice touch.
This gorgeous, bellyband styled creation was done by Carol Woldhuis Designs.
Nice work Carol and I can't wait to attend!!!

#3. Bulls 36-9 after beating Miami Heat Without D. Rose!

Purely self indulgent portion of the roundup... The Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat
WITHOUT the reigning league MVP Derrick Rose this week. Please stop a moment and offer
the proper amount of reverence for this spectacular feat! Go Bulls!
Lets be the last team standing in the end! :-)

Have GREAT weekends guys and I'll be back on Monday!

--ct

Your Wedding Invitation and the Die-Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:53:00 +0000

Happy #WeddingWednesday! It is gorgeous in Chicago today by the way... As a "winter-tough" Chicagoan, I don't quite know what to do with myself inside this unseasonably warm weather. Just enjoying and marveling that we are having a real Spring for a change.

I got to thinking about more intricate wedding invitations and thought it would be fun to introduce you to the process of die-cutting. Die-cutting will add to your invitation cost, however the delicate, intricate shapes and unexpected touch will go far in distinguishing your stationery.

The tools of traditional die-cutting:
Steel rule die and a die-cutting machine or press...

What is a steel rule die?
A steel rule die is a board with sharp steel blades, flanked with a spongy material referred to as steel "rules."

It looks funny, but when this steel rule die is pressed into the
paper during the die-cutting process, it is only THEN that the
rules (spongy material) are pressed flat and the steel blades between
the rule get exposed and the shape is created

What is "die-cutting"?
Die-cutting is the process of marrying a steel rule die with your selected paper or stock. Similar to the letterpress process, the die is pressed into the paper to make the desired shape and the excess paper falls away.

Should I consider this process?
Clients who elect to have their wedding stationery die-cut are typically those who are really fans of paper, are designers themselves or folks simply looking for the most unique invitation.

I think the results of die-cutting can be stunning. Take a look at some of the following die-cut materials:

ElizabethAnneDesigns.com

WeddingChicks.com

Bridalbarblog.com via LuxeFinds.com

Laser cutting is also a more modern form of achieving uniquely shaped paper. Laser cutting involves a high-powered laser, via computer, to be aimed directly at the paper to be shaped. More can be done with laser cutting as well, as the detail and intricacy using this method seems to be unending:

SevenSwans.co.za

Notes for designers:

I recommend you be present for the die-cutting portion of the project just as you would for the printing portion. Sometimes, blades can be dull and your shape will have visible debris on the edges. Debris on the edges of your stock can only mean that the blades used were not sharp enough.
If the steel rule die that you need is a standard shape (i.e. circular), ask around to see if one exists that you can use. You will be able to create some cost efficiencies by not having your client purchase a die that is pretty common.
If possible, you should also look to create efficiencies by purchasing directly from the bindery/die-cutter. This eliminates a layer of management when you elect to have your printer outsource this function, and it will also cost less since you won't have to worry about your printer's markup.
"Kiss-cutting" is also a term to familiarize yourself with. Kiss-cut just means that the paper is "kissed" with the blades, but not punched out all of the way. You can then offer up blank shapes for re-sale, especially for Etsy shop owners. Blank paper tags are one of the more popular shapes to sell in a kiss-cut form. You will also almost always see sticker sheets kiss-cut for easy removal.

Let me know if you've got any other tips and tidbits on achieving shapes for wedding invites!

--ct

5 Free Wedding Fonts

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Wanted to share these free fonts with you today! So many different kinds of wedding invitations out there, I'm sure you can find a style that works with your big day.

AltastGreeting - Formal, but bubbly enough to still be fun
Jenna Sue - Laid back, handwritten font
Hagin Caps Thin - Contemporary, clean style
Lavanderia Delicate/Regular - Almost a "poor mans" Feel Script. Beautiful and dramatic.
Valencia Light - Art Deco, Parisian feel

DOWNLOAD:
AltastGreeting | Hagin Caps | Jenna Sue | Lavenderia | Valencia

For The Color Critical Wedding: Understanding Pantone

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:59:00 +0000

Happy Friday! As we continue to go through invitation season, it bears keeping in mind that many brides will be shown several swatches throughout this process. There are swatches for linens, bridesmaids dresses, cake toppers, dyes, etc. These colors will eventually be introduced to the wedding paper world, especially by clients that would like for the ink colors on their invites to critically match other elements of their big day.

Pantone® is a universal color matching system and is the best guide to referencing swatches. It is the most widely referenced color system, and you should use it to match other swatches you may be given... There are categories for Fashion + Home, Graphics and Plastics. Its a great way to communicate and match colors quickly and accurately, across multiple platforms.

Common suffixes for Pantone colors and their meaning:

Pantone TPX - Pantone TPX stands for Pantone Textile Paper eXtended (Fashion + Home)
Pantone TCX - Pantone TCX stands for Textile Cotton (Fashion + Home)
Pantone C - Ink on coated paper (Graphics)
Pantone U - Ink on uncoated paper (Graphics)

The Dessy Group (a popular bridesmaid dress and formal gown company) has even gone so far as to create chips or "chiplettes" for brides to use as reference for their products. I just had a client refer me to what the Dessy Group calls fuschia. The "chiplette" they provide has a corresponding TPX number you can reference. There is also a QR code that will lead you back to the Dessy Groups website.

Dessy Groups Pantone Chiplettes

For design/graphics purposes, it helps to know how the fashion + home color system corresponds to the graphics system. Here are a couple of tips to find that color:

The Pantone home page is where you should begin: www.Pantone.com
There is a color matching system tool within their site called the myPANTONE X-ref (Color System Cross Reference)
Here, you are able to indicate the TCX or TPX number that you have and then find the corresponding graphics color. There is even an option to match colors within the plastics color system.

This tool will bridge the gap between Textile colors and Colors that will
translate to the graphics world. Try it out!

Have fun with all your wedding colors and I'll be back on Monday! Have good weekends!

Thanks,

--ct

A Closer Look At "Printables" For Your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Toney) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:14:00 +0000

Happy #WeddingWednesday! Wanted to discuss printables with you today. I'm sure that if you've started researching wedding paper at all, you've come across this term. Thought I'd do a primer of sorts to help navigate this process and also list some pros and cons.

What are printables?

"Printables" refer to pre-designed templates including, but not limited to place cards, photo booth signage, reserved seating tents, invitations, favor tags, cool backgrounds, etc. I've seen places where you can actually customize your printable and a file is generated for you to download, and also blank templates for download that you yourself have to customize.

Should I consider utilizing them?

I think printables are smart and cost-saving. I know that I should be coercing you into having ALL of your wedding and special event paper customized by myself, but I really don't think its necessary unless there is a theme woven through all of your materials. If there is not, and your event does not dictate everything to be "matchy-matchy", then there are thousands upon thousands of pre-designed templates that you can and should consider.

Pros

Element is already designed. No lengthy proofing process to go through. In some instances you can even customize the printable prior to downloading. Time saver and affordable. Tons of variety to choose from.

Cons

If you have already begun with customized stationery, then the rest of your elements should pivot off of what you started. Also, you will have to have some computer savvy to customize some of the printables that are available. Finally, be mindful of the equipment that you use. Many a lovely printable has been compromised by a low quality output.

I started a pinterest board gathering the best printable resources found on the web!
Check it out and start following as I'm always adding cool finds...

Take care and have productive days! I'll be back on Friday!

--ct