I know we are coming to the end of summer, but I just love this peachy, melon-y, light coral-esque color. This is the new diamond monogram with three letters a wonderfully classic shape, a little preppy but graphic enough for those that like modern lines. I have a two letter version and some alternate variations of this shape coming. I used the technique I mentioned last week of running the ink pad along the envelope flap for a hint of color.  I think it would be pretty to create a suite of stationery in multiple tones of the same hue, so a lighter version and darker of this ink.  I believe if you have your stationery at the ready you will be more apt to write that spontaneous note or send your thank you as needed. Did you know that it is never too late to send a thank you?  It’s true! I am so happy with how these monograms are coming along, it adds a touch of elegance to your world. You don’t have to use these for just letter writing, you could print your monogram on cloth napkins (make sure to heat set), get a special one made to use for embossing cookies, personalize your coffee mug for the office, the options just go on and on. The winner of this monogram is Mrs. Maria Elizabeth B., congrats!

P.S. If you want to try to win your very own monogram, check out this post for details, good luck!

clockwise: calligraphy besotted brand, diamond monogram, coral nails, bag

I wanted to try something different when I showed off the new monogram designs here.  This is my version of a monogram to room inspiration board. I feel like this monogram is modern yet glamorous and the platinum ink fits with the design effortlessly. The person who chooses this monogram would like both traditionally glam items like the antique french mirror but also appreciate modern design. A monogram by nature is classic, but in this shape it gets an update to the 21st century. This monogram belongs to an individual who prefers sleek to frou frou, but has no qualms about something with a little sparkle. It’s unique and not everyone would have it and that’s exactly how she would like it.  The winner of this monogram is Michelle P., congrats Michelle!  

P.S. If you are wondering how you can win your own monogram you can visit here

I love this illustration to the moon and back. I saw it on the interwebs and went on a mad hunt to find the brilliant artist who created it.  I wanted a print for my office ‘like yesterday’, alas when I finally found the source the artist had sadly passed away last year of breast cancer.  I don’t know why, but I felt such a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach that someone so incredibly talented could not be with us anymore. I love this image and the sentiment and it will forever hold a sweet spot in my heart as I don’t think there was ever an image as charming + motivating as this one.

I was working on a branding project and quipped to my friend that it was too bad that the Swiss cross was already in the world because it’s such a perfectly simple, clean yet quietly bold design, thus re-creating a Swiss cross wouldn’t work for the new branding we were working on.  Oh, well. Inspiration comes from the most unlikely places, this monogram is my ode to the Swiss cross.  This is a modern + industrial couples monogram for Denise D. and her hubby Bobby. It’s masculine enough when printed in a color like black, red, or gray to work for the hubs, but print this in pink, coral, yellow or aqua and you can easily make it more femme; It will look great in gold, silver or white too!  Endless palette possibilities! I have a classic monogram coming up tomorrow, but I am still choosing potential monogram candidates via this pin (just repin it and leave your initials in the comments) or signing up for the newsletter. You can choose either way to enter to win as I am choosing candidates from both sources. I also need to mention in case it’s not a ‘given’ that your stamp will come pre-loved as I need to use it for the photo shoot, but on the up side it will be cleaned + conditioned and your monogram will be displayed on the interwebs for many moons! Good luck!

It was my naughty Frenchie’s 7th birthday this weekend. Last year for her birthday portrait I bought her half a dozen pink balloons to pose with, which both fascinated and terrified her. This year I let her wear her pretty little crown that the very sweet (and gifted) Meg Fish gave us.  It was a special day, she deserved it, but back to original reason for this post–Melissa Esplin’s Modern Calligraphy course. I finished a few weeks ago and have to say it was the best investment in my hand lettering escapades ever! I have taken a class at Paper Source, some private lessons (awhile back) and bought a few kits in my time, but nothing ‘clicked’ like it did with Melissa’s class. It wasn’t just me though that had personal calligraphy success you can view some beautiful work from her students here, here, here and here.  Full disclosure–I didn’t buy her recommended supplies (although I want to), I used what I had already bought prior just in case I wasn’t going to move forward with my practice. I want to let you know that the right supplies make a huge difference.  I used the ink and pen from my Emilie Friday kit and after I knocked the ink over (yes, it was everywhere) I used some ink I had from the art store which was very thin and hard to work with.  If I had used that prior I may have been discouraged and thought it was me being horrible, so if you are having trouble with your lettering practice look at your supplies before giving up! One thing you must take into account is that you can’t take the class and not put time aside to practice what you learned, you won’t magically develop skills after going through the course (which I was hoping would happen but alas didn’t).  It’s also better to find a block of time that you won’t be interrupted or you run the risk of nasty accidents like my knocking over the ink. The ink is not like any other substance you have ever tried to clean up either, it just seems to grow, spread and get messier with each swipe of the towel. Just trust me, carve out the time, don’t let anyone bother you and get to it.  If you have considered trying your hand at calligraphy, I think that this class is a winner, but don’t take my word for it, check out the links to student work above and see what talent came out of her class!

P.S. I made some calligraphy sentiment Photoshop brushes (like the ones on the photo of my baby girl) and will have those available to download in a little bit!

P.P.S. I wanted to add that Melissa besides being a good teacher is super pretty + stylish which makes it even more fun to watch!