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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

On Saturday, my mom and I went to Michele Hatty Fritz of Meant To Be Calligraphy’s Introduction to Contemporary Calligraphy workshop in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, DC. The course was held in the Karson Butler Events studio, which was decorated to the nines. I love it (see tons of photographic evidence below). The class was absolutely amazing. I learned so much – as did my mom. I want to go back and do it all over again – and recommend that you sign up, if you live nearby (or hey, if you want to travel to DC for a fun trip). Michele takes you step-by-step through the basics, then you get to spend the last 45 minutes practicing. I struggled at work today, as all I wanted to do was go home and pick up my pointed pen and write.

Want to see more of Michele’s work? Look at her wedding work (including ours!) and media features. Talk about learning from the best!