Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Steel Magnolias"

This simple stationery design features a neutral silver and white color scheme (perfect for winter!), a thick, modern serif font and a cute (but subtle) graphic flower-inspired pattern.

"Steel Magnolias" Invitation Duo (invite & info insert)

The invitation was printed on white paper and mounted to the folding silver metallic envelope with small silver brads in each corner.

You can really see how the dark silver envelope catches the light depending on the angle! Metallic envelopes are a great way to add elegance to your stationery.

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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Liberia & Toby

Both of this week's patterns feature curves and diamonds!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Liberia

Why it's "fancy": Several layers of over-indulgent curls pile on top of each other in this obviously Victorian-inspired pattern.

Why it's great: The white diamond shapes push unexpected negative space to the foreground, demanding attention.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Toby

Why it's "funky": Tilted squares feel off-balanced and more modern.

Why it's great: Like last week's, this pattern has a painted tile feel to it. I love the vine/leaf motif!

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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Dressed to Impress"

Purple has long been one of my favorite colors. This simple purple and white color scheme combines a rich metallic purple with elegant lavender!

"Dressed to Impress" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

Both the main folding envelope and the reply card envelope are metallic purple. I used the same deep color for the smaller text and chose a subtler lavender tint for the larger text and elegant pattern.

Naturally, the font is calligraphic, thin, and sophisticated to match the fancy pattern flanking the top and bottom of the invitation!


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Steel Magnolias"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Ginevra & Piper

Happy Friday! Here are today's patterns -

First, the "fancy": Pattern Ginevra

Why it's "fancy": Simple elegance of line, curved forms, and plenty of negative white space between the sections of denser line to let the pattern breathe.

Why it's great: The shapes the lines form remind me of leaves or unopened flower buds!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Piper

Why it's "funky": Thick lines, and pattern "units" that rotate ninety degrees, giving each stripe of pattern a seemingly uneven zig-zag shape.

Why it's great: This pattern has a great "painted Moroccan/Spanish tile" feel to it!

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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Pagoda & Morela

Happy Friday! Here are today's patterns -

First, the "fancy": Pattern Pagoda

Why it's "fancy": This pattern feels preppy and esteemed because of its crisp lines and clear linear structure.

Why it's great: I can just see this pattern embroidered as a border on an old "Home Sweet Home" plaque...


And now, the "funky": Pattern Morela

Why it's "funky": The tilted design gives an unexpected, modern touch to an otherwise "fancy" pattern.

Why it's great: Up close, you can really start to see the letterforms I used to create the pattern!

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Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Silly Love Songs"

Here's a great color scheme to transition from summer to fall - hot pink with shades of cool blues!

"Silly Love Songs" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

This stationery set features a hot pink folding envelope. I used blue patterned scrapbook paper to line the left flap and right pocket, then scanned the scrapbook paper to print a border of the same pattern around each printed item - the invitation and reply card.

The reply card has the same hot pink color as the main pink envelope, and the text uses the same shades of pink and blue found in the envelopes and scrapbook paper.

I love the thin light blue lines that cut through the wavy blue stripes. The scrapbook paper's design adds a lot of depth and implied texture to the stationery set (even though the paper is all smooth).


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "The Stone Age"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Camilla & Dakota

Happy Friday! Here are today's patterns -

First, the "fancy": Pattern Camilla

Why it's "fancy": Elegant curls and vaguely flower-like shapes give this pattern grace and vintage charm.

Why it's great: I love how much it looks like lace from a distance!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Dakota

Why it's "funky": Simple shapes and bold lines give this pattern a fun mod feel.

Why it's great: From a distance, it looks like an ikat design!

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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Juliet & Arenzia

Both of these patterns are green and feature little white space, with lots of curves. But they evoke <i>very</i> different feelings...

First, the "fancy": Pattern Juliet

Why it's "fancy": This pattern looks like a scrap of vintage lace, with its cutesy curls and flattened heart-like shapes.

Why it's great: It even reminds me of argyle, with its stripes of diamonds!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Arenzia

Why it's "funky": The curls in this pattern feel more whimsical and kid-like than elegant and refined.

Why it's great: The density of line leaves little room for negative white space.

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Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Down Memory Lane"

For a formal event, sometimes simple and elegant is the best way to go!

"Down Memory Lane" Save-the-Date

This save-the-date features one of my "fancy" pattern designs in a soft green in the background. The text is calligraphic and traditional, but instead of boring black the letters and the linen textured cardstock bordering the save-the-date are both in a rich chocolate brown. For a pop of color, the outside envelope is a cool grass green to match the light green pattern.

 
Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: A unique, retro twist on flower-inspired stationery!


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Olivia & Milana

Here are today's fancy and funky patterns -

First, the "fancy": Pattern Olivia

Why it's "fancy": The lines are thin and curvy, and the style seems a little worn, like a vintage fabric that has faded over time.

Why it's great: Like many of my fancy patterns, pattern Olivia also looks like lace from a distance!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Milana

Why it's "funky": Dense shapes, evenly spaced lines, bold color, and a modern, graphic style all make this pattern "funky."

Why it's great: I love the mini arcs that bring to mind the image of cartoonish rainbows!

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Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Flowerless Bouquets 2 - Paper

Today's wedding bouquets and centerpieces aren't limited to fragrant blooms. For the next five weeks, I'll be showing you my favorite flower alternatives, from new DIY creations to bouquets rich in history (and heirloom antiques!), from transient arrangements that look beautiful at your event to permanent keepsakes that'll look beautiful for generations to come.

Option 2: Paper Bouquets

Just like fabric, paper comes in several different textures and any color under the sun (and if you <i>don't</i> find the shade you need, you can just print out your own!), making it a great option for brides who want flowers in non-natural colors like dark teal or their favorite blooms at times of the year when they aren't readily available.

Use soft, pliable paper for rounder edges, or thick cardstock for sharp-edged petals. The internet is full of origami flower tutorials - try a bunch of different options to find out which style flower you like best (or is easiest for you to create) before committing to this extensive DIY project.

Like fabric, you can make your paper flowers look surprisingly realistic, or you can play up the "paper-ness" of your material by using patterned paper and newsprint (or other paper with printed words).

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Shameless plug time: Need invitations as beautiful as your decor? Check out InvitesbyAndea.com and let me design stationery for your event!

Flowerless Bouquets 1 - Fabric

Today's wedding bouquets and centerpieces aren't limited to fragrant blooms. For the next five weeks, I'll be showing you my favorite flower alternatives, from new DIY creations to bouquets rich in history (and heirloom antiques!), from transient arrangements that look beautiful at your event to permanent keepsakes that'll look beautiful for generations to come.

Option 1: Fabric Bouquets

The great thing about fabric is it comes in every color imaginable (and if you <i>don't</i> find the shade you need, you can always design your own at Spoonflower.com!), making it a great option for brides who want flowers in non-natural colors like dark teal or their favorite blooms at times of the year when they aren't readily available.

For added elegance, sew small jewels (pearls, rhinestones) or beads into the fabric flower centers or around the edges of the petals. Fabric flowers can look surprisingly realistic, and are often significantly cheaper than real blooms - plus, they'll last forever as a great wedding keepsake!

For a less realistic-looking (but perhaps more beautiful) bouquet, mix solid colors with patterned fabrics, or play with texture by adding lace and using different types of texture.

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Shameless plug time: Need invitations as beautiful as your decor? Check out InvitesbyAndea.com and let me design stationery for your event!

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Kiara & Cherise

The difference between today's "fancy" and "funky" patterns is in the lines - Kiara emphasizes curves, while Cherise focuses on straight lines and angles.

First, the "fancy": Pattern Kiara

Why it's "fancy": These thin, calligraphic lines create elegant arabesques!

Why it's great: I love the hint of straight lines at ninety degree angles in the details between the arcs.


And now, the "funky": Pattern Cherise

Why it's "funky": The sunburst-like shapes and large pockets of negative white space are more modern and graphic than my elegant patterns.

Why it's great: My favorite details are the curves that look like criss-crossed hearts or pretzels!

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Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Under Formal Circumstances"

This stationery set is soft and romantic, with its pale pink, gray, and ivory color scheme!

"Under Formal Circumstances" Invitation Duo (invite & reply card)

The pattern is elegant, with its calligraphic lines and curves, but it's printed at such a large scale that it takes on a bold, modern feel. The invitation and reply card are each printed on ivory paper and mounted on smooth pink cardstock.

This color scheme would be particularly beautiful in winter! 


Next week's Sunday Sample Spotlight: "Basket Case"


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Shameless Plug Time: Love this invitation (or others featured on this blog)? Want something similar (or something completely custom) designed for your event? Visit Invites by Andrea to view more samples, download a catalogue pdf, or fill out a design request form. Or shoot me an email to ask me your questions or learn more information.

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Magnolia & Sasha

Happy Friday! Here are today's fancy & funky patterns!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Magnolia

Why it's "fancy": From a distance, it looks like lace, with its uniformly-packed curvy lines.

Why it's great: The lines are calligraphic - meaning they vary in thickness from bold to thin, like a calligraphy pen!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Sasha

Why it's "funky": This pattern is busy, looking like furious bouts of scribbles, but underneath the madness is a firm repeating structure.

Why it's great: I love the small parallelograms formed in between each repeated pattern "unit"!

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Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!

Fancy/Funky Friday: Patterns Bernadette & Poppy

Here are two more patterns - one fancy, one funky - to start your weekend off right!

First, the "fancy": Pattern Bernadette

Why it's "fancy": Thin, calligraphic lines loop and crisscross to make a beautiful argyle & lace-like pattern.

Why it's great: I love the long, swooping arcs on the top of each lowercase-k letterform!


And now, the "funky": Pattern Poppy

Why it's "funky": Instead of calligraphic lines that vary in thickness, each of these whimsical curves is exactly the same line weight, making the pattern feel less refined and more childish.

Why it's great: I love the swirls! This pattern would be great for wallpapering a child's bedroom or play room.

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Click here to see all posts related to "Fancy/Funky Friday" 


Shameless plug time: Love my patterns? I incorporate them into a lot of the artwork I create, from stationery for Invites by Andrea to the watercolors I paint. Check out Invites by Andrea's website to see examples of these patterns in use or drop me a line at andrea@invitesbyandrea.com to let me know what you think!