Blog Feed: CT-Designs Calligraphy and Wedding Stationery

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! > read more

Wedding Color Inspiration: Coral and Teal

Published on 2012-04-27 01:25:00

Fresh, clean and crisp palette of coral and teal. Think destination, Spring and sophistication!Take care til' next time.--ct > read more

Wedding Color Inspiration: Merlot, Plum and Olive

Published on 2012-04-25 09:41:00

Color inspiration of the week: Merlot, Plum and OliveThis 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 > read more

Peeking Inside: Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2012

Published on 2012-04-23 14:14:00

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. > read more

Wooden Wedding

Published on 2012-04-20 18:31:00

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 & BannerApparently, the Post Office mails wood (who knew?)Printed by: Cards of Wo [..] > read more

Calligraphy Spotlight: Southside Script

Published on 2012-04-09 19:21:00

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... > read more

Bridal Shower Invitation Ideas

Published on 2012-04-06 08:11:00

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 ListingDarling crystal and lace bridal shower invitation... Made even more specialwith actual crystal rhinestones being added t [..] > read more

Tie it Up With String

Published on 2012-04-04 09:57:00

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 KissFrom: Serendipity Beyond DesignFrom: BlissEventProductions.comFrom: AtheneumCreative.comFro [..] > read more

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

Published on 2012-04-02 08:50:00

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! > read more

Fun With Wedding Stationery Folds

Published on 2012-03-30 20:07:00

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 foldFrom: Indigo Bunting6 page Concertina or Z-foldFrom: LCI PaperFour page single foldFrom: Etsy8 page Concertina or double [..] > read more

3 MORE Guest Book Alternatives

Published on 2012-03-28 17:14:00

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

Invitation Spotlight: A Marriage of Chevron and Florals

Published on 2012-03-26 10:43:00

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 Perfec [..] > read more

Boarding Pass Save the Date: Pink and Grey

Published on 2012-03-23 10:19:00

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 #10pink envelope by Wasau. Will make this one available on my Etsy shop soon!Have wonderful weekends and I'll be [..] > read more

Wedding Color Inspiration: Aqua and Yellow

Published on 2012-03-21 11:05:00

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 > read more

Your Wedding Envelope Return Address: A Primer

Published on 2012-03-19 11:34:00

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 w [..] > read more

Friday Roundup: 3 Things Making Me Smile This Week

Published on 2012-03-16 08:40:00

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! > read more

Your Wedding Invitation and the Die-Cut

Published on 2012-03-14 12:53:00

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 wi [..] > read more

5 Free Wedding Fonts

Published on 2012-03-12 11:28:00

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 funJenna Sue - Laid back, handwritten fontHagin Caps Thin - Contemporary, clean styleLavanderia Delicate/Regular - Almost a "poor mans" Feel Script. Beautiful and dramatic.Valencia Light - Art Deco, Parisian feel DOWNLOAD:AltastGreeting | Hagin Caps | Jenna Sue | Lavenderia | Va [..] > read more

For The Color Critical Wedding: Understanding Pantone

Published on 2012-03-09 12:59:00

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 gui [..] > read more

A Closer Look At "Printables" For Your Wedding

Published on 2012-03-07 08:14:00

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 actual [..] > read more

Happy 175th Birthday Chicago!

Published on 2012-03-05 06:55:00

This past Sunday marked the day the Chicago was incorporated — March 4, 1837. We are officially 175 years old! Events were held all over the city to mark the occasion. I thought I'd put together an inspiration board of Chicago brides and themed stationery! Enjoy our great city. Clockwise: DavidEttinger Photography | Allori Photography | VSPhoto | OneWedCarnival Studios | Elizabeth Anne Designs | Save the Date | PaperRantler | HappienestPhotoHappy birthday Chi-Town and I'll be back on Wednesday [..] > read more

Vintage Wedding Paper Ideas

Published on 2012-03-02 10:10:00

Happy Friday! Been finding so many paper "nuggets" on Pinterest lately I thought I'd share some... Check out these cool ideas for a vintage themed wedding or special event!Romantic Vintage Heart Confetti from: Etsy.comDoily/Lace and Kraft paper tags with hand lettering... Adorable.From: Etsy.comCheck out these adorable favors w/bakers twine, brown paper and clothespins.From an Australian wedding featured on: Ruffledblog.comEnjoy these ideas and let me know what you thought! Have great weekends e [..] > read more

This Week's Wedding Color Inspiration: Ivory, Pink and Gold

Published on 2012-02-29 07:53:00

Happy Leap Year and Wedding Wednesday! Our first inspiration board for 2012. These boards mark what color palettes I'm working with as the season wears on. Enjoy this week's board of ivory, pink and antique gold...Feathers, soft pinks, ivory and goldSee you back on Friday!--ct > read more

Best Oscar Viewing Party Invitations

Published on 2012-02-27 07:54:00

We are officially on a collision course with spring. Comparable to the beginning of winter and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, many events mark the coming of this season. For Chicagoans in particular, the race towards warmer weather also happily begins.New Years, Superbowl Sunday, NY Fashion Week, the NBA All-Star game and now the Oscars will be quickly followed by NCAA March Madness. Not to mention, inside the wedding industry, thousands upon thousands of wedding invitations will begin [..] > read more

Wedding Pattern Ideas For Your Stationery

Published on 2012-02-24 09:25:00

The use of patterns for your wedding invitations has been gaining popularity in the last 2-3 years. If you are not going with the traditional ivory or white with centered writing and maybe a frame, then you should consider using a bold pattern. Patterns help do three things:Helps to tie your invitation suite togetherWill distinguish your stationery and be rememberedInterjects a little fun in the design and layout processYou should feel free to borrow patterns from anywhere. Interiors, fashion, e [..] > read more

Save the Date Magnet Designs

Published on 2012-02-22 05:18:00

Yes, there is STILL a toe left inside of Save the Date season! We find ourselves being pulled into calligraphy and invitation season, but I have clients still securing their Save the Dates. Mostly for October/November nuptials. Remember that the ideal time frame to send out is 8-10 months in advance of your date.Couples don't always gravitate to the pre-designed templates available from magnet companies, so they'll ask me to create something custom for them. The below are some of my best collabo [..] > read more

12 Free Unique Wedding Fonts

Published on 2012-02-20 08:48:00

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend... Got some unique fonts on the blog today. Invitations this year are all about clean lines and clearly communicated scripts. I've also included some fonts for your vintage needs (Shipped Goods and Sears Tower). Please enjoy these freebies and have wonderful weeks!--ctClick on links below in order to download!Shipped Goods | Geo Sans Light | Lichtner | Tangerine | League ScriptQuicksand | Shardee | Sears Tower | BlackJack | MatchbookGalatia SIL | J [..] > read more

Wedding Stamp Postage Primer

Published on 2012-02-17 10:05:00

Happy Friday! Got a good, information-rich blog for you today. Its all about your wedding postage. I know we typically will see a blog that discusses the USPS never-ending rate hikes, but what about the aesthetics? You don't want to mar a beautiful (hopefully hand lettered) outer wedding envelope with a Liberty Bell, or a Statue of Liberty/Flag stamp do you?Let's explore exactly what can possibly be available at your local post office (Note: Ordering online is always the safest since you can't g [..] > read more

Do You Know What Today Is? Its Our Anniversary!

Published on 2012-02-15 10:08:00

Happy #WeddingWednesday and Happy Anniversary to CT-Designs! What a thrilling ride it has been for my company. I did my FIRST bridal show in February of 2007 and even though I'd been doing work here and there before that date, I count that moment as CT's official "launch!" We are so grateful to have been embraced by the bridal community, we'd like to express it by offering some printable coupons on the blog this month for great discounts on our products and services... Also thought it would be [..] > read more

Whitney Houston: Loss of a Once In a Generation Talent

Published on 2012-02-13 07:48:00

This past weekend unfortunately saw the passing of yet another music legend. Whitney Houston was found unresponsive in the Beverly Hilton Hotel in LA on Saturday. She was there to attend the pre-Grammy awards party given annually by her mentor Clive Davis. Houston was only 48 years old.Gone way too soon, myself and my peers have marveled and reminisced on Whitney's music and how it became the soundtrack of our youth. If voices are considered violins, then Houston's was a Stradivarius... With the [..] > read more

Valentine's Day Inspiration: Red Wedding Stationery

Published on 2012-02-10 10:40:00

Happy Friday! Thought it would be fun as we approach Valentine's Day to put a board together with all the red stationery we've done! Its such a romantic color and I found more than I thought I would...Clockwise beginning in upper left: This one is really black and white, but the red bouquet makes this shot so romantic, I had to include! Peacock feather adorns this Indian-themed inviteDuffy script in sliver metallic ink hand lettered onto a red envelopeFlossmoor Country Club menu adorned with red [..] > read more

Peek-A-Boo: Utilizing the Backside of the Wedding Invite

Published on 2012-02-08 03:14:00

Happy #WeddingWednesday! Wanted to highlight a part of your invitation that's not usually talked about. The backside. The back of your save the date, shower or wedding invitation is an area that can be utilized. Don't be afraid of the back! The backs can feature rich, robust, bold and fun patterns that give your stationery a bit of whimsy! This touch is unexpected and the "unexpected" in stationery is typically what will distinguish your paper from the ordinary.Taking the colors from peony motif [..] > read more

Fun Wedding Paper D.I.Y. Ideas

Published on 2012-02-06 07:08:00

*Yawn* good morning guys and happy Monday. Congrats to the NY Giants on winning Super Bowl XLVI! We watched, "Cruz-salsa'd" and are happy for NYC in Chicago!Found some D.I.Y. paper ideas you can use NOW... Think I'm going to later share some great Wedding D.I.Y. Pinterest boards I've discovered. There are not as many as you would think, but I managed to uncover some "best kept secrets" out there I think are worth your time.Enjoy these ideas and have great weeks! I'll be back on Wednesday.Take ca [..] > read more

Three Wedding Guest Book Alternatives

Published on 2012-02-03 09:36:00

Happy Friday! Today's blog features three alternatives to the standard wedding guestbook. So much fun to be had with paper, decor and personalization, it feels endless. The following ideas purposely span vastly different wedding styles/themes. Hope these are great finds for you!Carnation Ball! How pretty is this? Fun display. I'd probably suggest havingthe paper for the names/well wishes to be larger and on card stock vs. a text weight.From: WeddingsbyColor.com Adding a beautiful tree, with ampl [..] > read more

An Intimate Bridal Affair at Hotel Palomar

Published on 2012-02-01 10:52:00

I had the pleasure of attending a bridal event produced by Glitz Event Design. I don't usually get a chance to blog about events that I attend, but this one had such interesting vendors and such a spectacular look that I thought it was noteworthy. This is by no means an exhaustive list of who exhibited at this event. Visit An Intimate Bridal Affair for a complete listing.1. Peggy Lambert of Erickson Design 2. Joe Chambers from ChicagoStye Weddings Magazine3. Chicago Wedding Candy Buffet by Donn [..] > read more

Vintage Key Wedding Ideas

Published on 2012-01-30 08:14:00

Good Morning! On my pinterest travels, I've discovered some fun uses of keys with wedding stationery, and just HAD to share a few on the blog today. If you are having a vintage or shabby chic inspired wedding, consider some of these ideas.Guests place card tags attached to string, affixed to keys. Looks like theyare hung against a distressed wall. Love this look.From: Brides.comSame concept, however the vintage look is more authentic with the brownededges and hand lettering.From: StyleMePretty.c [..] > read more

Address Your Guests ...In Chalk

Published on 2012-01-27 03:35:00

Happy Friday! Wanted to wrap up this busy week by offering up a primer on chalk. You've seen them. Whether its cute signage pointing guests towards the reception, or menus putting guests in the mind of a charming little French bistro, chalk and chalkboards have become a popular centerpiece at weddings.What about the guests though? I haven't seen enough emphasis placed on the personalized items utilizing this hip and cool medium. Take a look at some of the great ideas I found.Shabby Chic setup wi [..] > read more

Utilizing Florals in Your Invites

Published on 2011-07-05 11:00:00

We are smack dab in the middle of the summer and that means one thing to wedding invitations... FLORALS! Many times, clients request florals to be placed in their invites or they are having a floral theme. There are some beautiful floral design ele > read more

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Published on 2011-07-02 08:00:00

Thought I'd share a little "red, white and blue" inspiration in honor of the weekend! Congratulations to our clients getting married today (Tasha and Liz, look pretty!), and we'll be back after the festivities!--ct > read more

I LOVE Chicago!

Published on 2011-06-29 10:32:00

Affectionately known as "The Windy City", "Sweet Home Chicago", "My Kind of Town", "The Second City", "The Chi", "Chi-City", "Chi-Town" and others, Chicago is a city that is beloved by many... I am a native of Chicago and get excited when asked to i > read more

Font Possibilities with the Pointed Nib

Published on 2011-06-26 17:11:00

Since I started the blog series on calligraphy and the use of the flat nib and the pointed nib, I wanted to take it a step further by showing some possible styles you can achieve. Keep in mind that these are ROUGH concepts/styles, but I'm thinking t > read more

Calligraphy Font Spotlight: Copperplate

Published on 2011-06-17 13:45:00

Today, I want to highlight a calligraphy style known as copperplate. This style uses a pointed nib as opposed to a flat nib, which produces a thicker lettering style known as italic.To produce pointed pen styles, the nib is gently squeezed and the a > read more

Calligraphy Font Spotlight: Flourished Italic

Published on 2011-06-09 11:05:00

In today’s blog, I wanted to highlight a basic calligraphy font style: Italic. I’ve put a twist on the traditional italic font in order to make it a bit more formal. I call it “Flourished Italic”. This font is popular, affordable and i > read more

All About Your Envelopes (Part 4 of 4)

Published on 2011-06-06 00:00:00

Previous Posts:All About Your Envelopes Pt. 1All About Your Envelopes Pt. 2All About Your Envelopes Pt. 3In this final installment of "All About Your Envelopes", we will tackle basic list management and addressing etiquette.YOUR LISTYou can save your > read more

All About Your Envelopes (Part 3 of 4)

Published on 2011-06-03 23:09:00

Previous Posts:All About Your Envelopes Pt. 1All About Your Envelopes Pt. 2I know, I know, I've been away a LONG time. Very busy time in the wedding world, but I am committing to coming back and blogging and tweeting regularly.In the last installmen > read more

All About Your Envelopes (Part 2 of 4)

Published on 2011-03-03 00:31:00

In the first installment, I discussed some things you should think about when coordinating your envelopes with your stationery, as well as how you can be sure of the size(s) needed.This week, I want to cover even more options.INNER/OUTER ENVELOPE SET > read more

All About Your Envelopes (Part 1 of 4)

Published on 2011-02-23 00:21:00

Things are heating up as we move further into the season. Invitation designs are being finalized, physical mockups are being reviewed and commented on, quotes are flying out the door and we couldn't be happier! I thought I would write about envelop > read more

CT-Designs Featured in The Spring/Summer Issue of The Knot Magazine!

Published on 2011-02-10 13:00:00

Very proud and excited to share that our work has been featured in The Knot Chicago's Spring/Summer 2011 issue! It hits newsstands tomorrow so be sure to get your copy! We handled the invitations (not pictured), the calligraphed escort cards, the t > read more

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Blog Feed: CT-Designs Calligraphy and Wedding Stationery

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