graduation

At long last, Isla’s birth announcements have been sent! I am so relieved to have completed this major project – one which started well before she was born! I did the calligraphy on all 100 envelopes prior to her birth (thank goodness!), cut the envelope liners using this Rifle Paper Co. wrapping paper, stamped our return address using a custom stamp from Angelique Ink, and created the design for the announcement (which was printed by Czar Press). When Isla arrived, all I had left to do was update the design with the appropriate information, get it printed, have Isla’s photos taken by Taylor Lord and printed locally, add the photos to the glassine bags, punch holes, tie bows, and voila – done. Whew. Yes, I am exhausted, but so happy to have finished my second big project (first being Sasha’s graduation announcements). Baby number two will likely have an e-card (ha!).

Duplex announcement card printing by Czar Press

Ribbon and kraft envelopes from Paper Source

Wildflower Liner from Rifle Paper Co.

Isla photo by Taylor Lord

Custom return stamp from Angelique Ink

Dr. Martin’s Pen White calligraphy ink from Paper and Ink Arts

Glassine bags from JenStampz

Calligraphy and photos by me

Today, my husband graduates from The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business with a Master of Business Administration. It feels like yesterday that I posted this acceptance post (June 28, 2012 – “my boyfriend”!). He has spent so much time and effort after work studying, doing homework, having late night study groups calls, etc. and then spending every second weekend (sometimes back-to-back) in class. Needless to say, it has not been a fun process for him, but he has learned a lot and says it’s definitely worth it.

The plan since day 1 has been that I would attend his graduation, but this week has been rather tough – my back hurts, legs hurt, etc. and my doctor advised me not go to Austin with only 2.5 weeks until our due date. It took lots of convincing from Sasha, my mom, and friends, but we decided the best thing for me to do is stay put and cheer from afar (and FaceTime!). I am obviously very upset to miss this milestone occasion, but understand the reason. I did faint in the car two weeks ago on the drive back from Austin!

For Sasha’s graduation, I designed letterpress announcements that I had printed by Czar Press. They were so great to work with. I did the calligraphy on all 50 envelopes (which took much longer than expected!) using Crane envelopes from Paperworks. We included a small square picture of Sasha and Belle, and I secretly snuck in a ‘Congratulate Sasha’ card with a pre-stamped return envelope (addressed to my parents – bought at Paper Source). I gave him all of his presents last night, including the notes we got back. He was very surprised, and we had a great time reading them – laughs and tears.

Congratulations, Sasha, I am so proud of you! I wish more than anything I could be there with a foghorn! Hook ’em!

Isla’s Rifle Paper Co. Inspired Birth Announcements

Sasha’s MBA Graduation Announcements