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Ρέθυμνο, 26.07.2010
22:46
View to the {Vegetable} Garden
» The Ink Spot

It's been a while since I've posted any "Views to the Garden", so I thought I'd start off with a view to our vegetable garden. This green beauty will actually turn a brilliant yellow- they're called Lemon Boy Tomatoes.

I can't WAIT until they ripen.

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Ρέθυμνο, 21.07.2010
21:49
Kick Up Yer Heels & the Simply Sweet Collection
» The Ink Spot

Check out these two new designs!
First off, "Kick Up Yer Heels":

A fun floral and plaid invitation- perfect invitations for a country reception!
The "Simply Sweet" Collection:

From left to right: "Spumoni", "Neapolitan" and "Mint Chocolate Chip" - three yummy designs combining fun color schemes and a vintage floral monogram.
You can follow the links to see more images and to order right from our Etsy shop (I'm happy to set up a custom listing for you). If you have questions, please use the contact link below the header.

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20:37
Now Eat This- a Cook Book Review
» The Ink Spot

You might just be thinking- Carey, why on Earth would you do a book review on this blog? The answer is pretty easy- see, I remember what it was like when I first got married. Recipes were pretty limited, and I won't lie, as our backyard then was connected with my mother-in-laws, we ate dinner with her a lot (and my husband worked nights a few days a week). The Food Network had not yet exploded over the internet and cable, so I was stuck making what dishes I'd grown up with. So if you're going to be a newlywed soon, you might not be as experienced in the kitchen, and this book will help save your recipe doldrums and it's good for your waistline as well!

I'm sure many of you have heard of Rocco DiSpirito- the chef who cleans up fattening dishes on the Biggest Loser, has been on numerous talk shows. Well, this cook book takes your favorites- Onion Rings, Fettucini Alfredo, Beef Wellington, General Tso's Chicken, and 145 other typically fattening recipes and shrinks a typical serving size to under 400 calories. It was with some intrepidation that we made the Shepard's Pie not with mashed potatoes, but mashed "cauliflower" and the results were surprisingly good! The Onion Rings are delish- the only bad about what we've tried is the General Tso's chicken- following the recipe it was soooooo stinkin' spicy, it was nearly inedible. Honestly, we probably only ate it so that the chicken didn't go to waste.The next day it was better, but when I make it again, I'd use 1/2 of the spice called for, maybe even less. I haven't tried all of the recipes yet- but so far, so good!

So, if you're looking for something to "spice" up your kitchen and save your waistline from the newly-married 15 (kind of like the Freshman 15), you can't go wrong with this book. Just be warned, the recipes do take a bit of time and preparation, but you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor together, promise!

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Ρέθυμνο, 10.07.2010
01:43
Two New Vintage Designs- Aquamarine and Tourmaline!
» The Ink Spot

Here are two brand new vintage designs that will be added to the website shortly:

"Aquamarine"

Brilliant blue background, white text, vintage graphics and a simple monogram- you can't go wrong!

"Tourmaline"

Light gray stripes and a bright pink vintage graphic really make this invitation pop. Both are printed on super heavy linen stock and come with white envelopes (alterative colors or envelope options available). For pricing information, use the contact link above the header. Cost will depend on number ordered and how many enclosure cards you'll need.

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Ρέθυμνο, 02.07.2010
22:37
Strawberry Shortcake
» The Ink Spot

There's nothing better this time of year than macerated strawberries on ice cream, biscuits or both together, yellow, pound cake...you get the point. So how amazing would this be in lieu of a wedding cake?

image from MarthaStewart.com

I LOVE cake, don't get me wrong- but I think this would be perfect for a summer time wedding.

To go along with the cake- I made up this invitation to go with:

It would also be cute for a bridal shower theme as well. These would make beautiful centerpieces:
From Simon Lycett
Or even just strawberries in a vintage milk glass dishes:
From Green Gardenista
It could get expensive if you had to buy the berries in the store or from your caterer- so this would be a perfect DIY project with bridesmaids- strawberry picking! The only downside would be that this would be ideal for an earlier to mid June wedding, at least in Vermont as that's when our best picking season is. And, you'll have to be prepared for empty centerpieces by the end of the night- no one can resist a ripe red strawberry!
I need a snack...

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Ρέθυμνο, 30.06.2010
14:50
Paper Carnival Day 3 - DIY supplies, Overstocks and more
» The Ink Spot

Everybody loves a carnival- hand cut fries with salt and vinegar, puffy fried dough with powdered sugar, candied apples. Well, this isn't a carnival with all of those yummy foods - it's a carnival of yummy paper! Stationers from around the US have banded together to bring you an amazing selection of papers, envelopes, and all kinds of DIY goodies. My overstock Etsy shop, Parts and Parcels, features envelopes, pocket folds and all kinds of paper goodies to make programs and invitations.

Fellow stationer mmm...paper® has beautiful Japanese Yuzen papers which work well as backings, wraps or other fun embellishments you may come up with. If you're a stationer just starting out, check out mmm...paper's blog Sage Wedding Pros- chock full of excellent advice on how to (or how not to) get started in the wedding industry. She'll have a great post tomorrow about becoming a stationer.Aren't these papers gorgeous?

I'll continue to stock Parts and Parcels with paper goodies after the carnival ends- who knows what wonders you might find!For more information about Paper Carnival and its participants, check out our Facebook page!

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Ρέθυμνο, 25.06.2010
05:15
"Tourmaline" Sneak Peek
» The Ink Spot

I created this invitation for a photo shoot- and while I wait for the samples to come back from the printer, I thought I'd show it off ahead of time. Bright pink and silver jewel tones with vintage floral graphics.

Easily paired with a silver cardstock backing- this invitation will be printed on #100 white linen cardstock, but can be recolored to match your color scheme.

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Ρέθυμνο, 21.06.2010
18:20
Stowe Mtn Lodge Wedding
» The Ink Spot

I had the pleasure of working with Jessica and Jeffery on their wedding at Stowe Mountain Lodge with nearly all of their paper needs. First up was their invitation- a gorgeous pale gold and paisley invitation with black thermography:

I also made the place cards, table cards, favor tags, programs, napkins, door hangers and thank yous (and the monogram which was featured throughout the wedding, including the lighting!):
(I love how these are set up!)

Carrie at Storied Events did the amazing design for this wedding and it was great working with her and Jessica . You can see more images on Storied Events Facebook page. Congratulations to Jessica and Jeffery- I wish you both the best!

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17:33
Ch-Ch-Changes!
» The Ink Spot

Are a good thing, well, I think anyway. Over the next few weeks, we're going to be making some changes around Lasso'd Moon that will increase our turn around times all while offering our printed pieces on a new #118 cotton, tree free stock, a #107 pound white metallic cardstocks (other stocks will be available as well) or a #100 white linen cardstock. So what do those numbers mean? It means these papers are HEAVY, gorgeous stocks. The cotton cardstock gives the soft texture and substantial feel of letterpress paper.

Keep an eye out for new images on the website/and or Facebook of these papers in action!

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Ρέθυμνο, 28.05.2010
15:59
Recent Invitation Projects
» The Ink Spot

May has been a crazy, whirlwind of a month. Here's some of the recent projects we've worked on:

"Aquamarine" was created for a photoshoot:

"Lilacs"

Plenty more coming soon! Neither of these are on the website yet- so feel free to contact us (via the link under the header) and we'll get back to you with more information.

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Ρέθυμνο, 12.05.2010
17:40
Bow Ties!- Tie One On
» The Ink Spot

My first post-grad job was working for Vermont company Beau Ties Ltd. Bow ties are a great way to add a vintage feel to your wedding. Imagine the groom and his men in seersucker suits and snappy paisley bow ties:

"Gulf Breeze"
Or with this super cute nautical themed tie:
"Hornblower"
The best thing about Beau Ties is that they offer their ties in 5 different widths and styles- so you can get the proper size for your wedding party. You can also get them "freestyle" to tie your own, pre-tied or clip on.
And yes, I do know how to tie a bow tie :)

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Ρέθυμνο, 06.05.2010
16:39
Show and Tell- Etsy Find Whimsidoodle
» The Ink Spot

Etsy is such an amazing treasure trove of arts of every kind. Today's find- origami lights- which I think would make amazing wedding decor. Here's a picture from her shop:

Image from Whimisdoodle.
I think this would be wonderful put up around a tent- or in the metal cage like she's shown up above up on tables (though they'd have to be near an outlet).

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Ρέθυμνο, 05.05.2010
22:45
View to the Garden
» The Ink Spot

The weather this past week has been absolutely crazy (see last week's view to the garden). We've had snow, followed by 80+ degree weather, and last night 1/2" hail and thunderstorms. My poor flowers have been through quite a bit! I almost never plant anything before Mother's Day, but got a little duped by Momma Nature. Still, I don't think we'll get any more snow storms, so I think these pretties will be safe (keep your fingers crossed).

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Ρέθυμνο, 29.04.2010
15:31
Amazing Peacock Themed Giveaway !!
» The Ink Spot

Are you having a Peacock themed wedding? Then you do NOT want to miss this amazing giveaway with prizes totaling over $1000 in value. We're offering up 75 invitations and RSVP postcards (see below) but head on over to Brenda's Wedding Blog to see all of the amazing prizes that are included.

Here's a peek at some of the prizes:

In order to win, just follow the link above to Brenda's blog and follow the instructions for entering- and good luck!!

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Ρέθυμνο, 28.04.2010
14:47
View to the Garden
» The Ink Spot

"dude, I am soooo glad we didn't get planted Sunday."

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Ρέθυμνο, 22.04.2010
22:19
A Sneak Peek at our New Plantable Invitation Line!
» The Ink Spot

This line has been a long time coming! Plantable paper is tricky to print on and even trickier to cut, but thanks to our new die-cut machine, problem solved!! We'll be pairing these invitations with coordinating cardstocks and envelopes from Green Paper Co- whose papers are either 30% or 100% recycled with PCW, as well as milled in eco-friendly ways. You'll have about eight colors to choose mix and match anyway you want. Below is a peek at three of our new designs, with 2-3 more on their way. You'll also be able to choose between scalloped edges (shown) or regular straight edges. I love the pairing of the vintage illustrations with the plantable paper. Unlike some of our other invitations, these are more simple in design so that they'll use less ink, but still have a beautiful and elegant look.

"Dogwood"

"Pear Blossoms"

"Oak"

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Ρέθυμνο, 16.04.2010
16:22
Fuschia and Pink Bat Mitzvah Invitations
» The Ink Spot

I love when I get a chance to flex my wings, so to speak, and design something besides wedding invitations (not that I don't love wedding invitations, but I don't know that there's a groom alive who'd be cool with the colors above ;) ). These super bright Bat Mitzvah invitations utilize all eco-friendly papers and were printed with our eco-friendly Xerox printer.

I've seen some of the other pieces her mom has been working on, and it sounds like she's going to have one amazing party (or two). Congrats Emily!

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Ρέθυμνο, 13.04.2010
01:09
If Your Name is Sarah...
» The Ink Spot

And you called needing invites in a hurry, please call back :) . You forgot to leave your number and your number was blocked.

Thanks!

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Ρέθυμνο, 30.03.2010
03:56
Invitation Sneak Peek #2
» The Ink Spot

Here's a second sneak peek at our new invitation line. I was going to name it after an ice cream, like the other, but am having trouble figuring out what flavor. Peaches 'n' Cream maybe?

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Ρέθυμνο, 26.03.2010
15:04
Photo Friday- Before and After and a Cute Little Cowboy
» The Ink Spot

Photography is an amateur hobby of mine. I have photographed a wedding for a family friend, which I really enjoyed doing, but it also made me really nervous (thankfully I learned there'd be a second shooter that day, so he made them do all the poses and I got to do all the fun stuff like candids and details shots). If I had more training, I think it's something I'd definitely look into doing as a profession. Here's a photo from Halloween that I was playing around with-

As you can see, it's a little fuzzy and the colors are muted. Here's the after:

Is he not the cutest cowboy ever?

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Ρέθυμνο, 19.03.2010
20:15
If I Could Do it Again...
» The Ink Spot

Being in the wedding industry, I see all kinds of very cool ideas for weddings that, if I could get married all over again, I'd have to incorporate into a wedding today. I would still keep my tented reception and split-rail fence that surrounded my dance floor, but I think I'd have to have these items too:

First up, a sno-cone machine. Oh yes, a sno-cone machine.

Imagine it's a hot summer day- what better, refreshing treat to have than shaved ice topped with blue-raspberry sugary goodness?

I found this one above at HTMart for $48. Wedding or no, I might just have to get one. My mouth is watering, and I bet yours is too.

I'd also have a popcorn bar- because I have a serious popcorn addiction and I think it'd be cool-

Image from ellyB Events Blog, via the Knot. I'm so hungry!

I also think I'd do a photo booth:

Image from Vermont Photobooth. Along with some cool props like moustaches and some funky hats. I love that each guest gets a 4x6 photo that you can personalize with your names and date.

Centerpieces- at the time, I loved the tall blue glass cylinders that I used, but I think today I'd go for something low, bright and colorful, like a gerber daisy centerpieces in blue bell jars, and just for fun, I think I'd sprinkle a ton of Starburst candies around it- the colors would match well, don't you think?

And who doesn't love Starburst? People get so excited when I put them out at the bridal shows.

So if you're already married, what's a few things you would do as a wedding do-over- and if you're getting married, what's something you're having at your reception that you're super excited about?

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Ρέθυμνο, 17.03.2010
23:02
View to the Garden- First of the Year!
» The Ink Spot

As I was waiting to meet the kids off the bus just a few minutes ago, I thought I'd do a little garden leaf clean up and was surprised to see these little shoots sticking up:

I had to say I was surprised for two reasons- one it's only March 17th- and two I had forgotten I'd transplanted them there last Spring- so I'm glad they survived.

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Ρέθυμνο, 15.03.2010
20:47
Paperie Monday
» The Ink Spot

A little sneak peek at some upcoming designs, "Neapolitan"-

I'm loving the pale brown and pink combo- reminds me of ice cream- and who doesn't love ice cream!

Also coming soon- wedding website blogs to match some of our selected designs!

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Ρέθυμνο, 10.03.2010
16:19
Wedding Wednesday: Etsy Finds!
» The Ink Spot

I love Etsy for a number of reasons- there's amazing artwork, craft supplies and gorgeous things for your wedding that you just wouldn't find in a typical bridal store. Here's some of my recent favorite goodies:

I think this bolero from Etsy Seller SweetKnitting is just gorgeous.

These butterflies are edible!! Available from SugarRobot. I think they'd be great on a wedding cake.

This peacock headpiece is just beautiful. Available from OlasDreamWorld.

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Ρέθυμνο, 09.03.2010
21:59
Sherlock Holmes and the Photo Shoot
» The Ink Spot

Back in November, I worked with wedding planners Weddingistas in Connecticut to create an invitation, menus and favor tags based on a steampunk/vintage theme (think the new Sherlock Holmes meets a today wedding). Wanting to wait until the shoot was published, I've held off showing the pictures of the invitations and menus until now- but here they are!

Images courtesy of Michael Maler. To see the entire photo shoot- check out the Weddingista's blog and see Part 1 and Part 2.

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Ρέθυμνο, 06.03.2010
19:39
Middlebury Bridal Show 3/14
» The Ink Spot

If you're searching for information for your Vermont wedding- the next upcoming bridal show is at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury Vt on 3/14. Unlike other shows, this one has revised hours- 10:30am-1 pm so be sure to come early. The Town Hall Theater recently underwent extensive renovations making it a unique and beautiful spot for a wedding! For more information check out [www.middleburybridalshow.com] or [www.townhalltheater.org] .

I also have a limited number of free tickets available, so if you're interested in a pair, please pre-register and then email me (hit the contact us link above the header) and I'll have them waiting for you that day with your pre-registration form.

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Ρέθυμνο, 03.03.2010
15:24
Tax Free Day March 6th!
» The Ink Spot

If you're in Vermont and are looking for wedding invitations, Saturday is Tax Free Day, which could net in a nice little savings. Orders have to be paid in full on that day- but we're happy to oblige! Please contact us before Saturday to get your order in Tax Free.

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Ρέθυμνο, 22.02.2010
21:55
Paperie Monday: Love Bird Wedding Invitations
» The Ink Spot

Without meaning to, I realized at this weekend's bridal show, as I was setting up, that I have a lot of invitations with birds on them. A lot. It's a super cute theme, and my love birds invites are some of my most popular designs:

And that's not all! So if you're looking for custom invitation design with a love birds theme, I can definitely help.

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Ρέθυμνο, 17.02.2010
16:00
New in our Etsy Shop- Digital Print Your Own Invitations!
» The Ink Spot

Over the last few days I've been rolling out a few digital designs in our Etsy shop. I'll set up your invitations, and all you have to do is print (paper supplies are also available!). Everything will be ready to go- taking all of the guess work out of it. I'm also offering some of our Signature Graphics as part of this new collection (our Gingko Invitation is shown above). Because it's a new product, and we may yet need to work out a few kinks, we're offering them at 1/2 price until March 30th, after which they'll go up to their regular pricing.

Interested in a custom digital design? Shoot me an e-mail (use the Contact link above) and I'll see what I can do :)

Check out our digital, print your own, wedding invitations.

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Ρέθυμνο, 13.02.2010
21:44
Wedding Invitation Spotlight
» The Ink Spot

These are some of our recent additions to our site- the bottom two are part of my signature Vintage Line, and the top is a bespoke wedding invitation we did. The bride and groom were first married at Shelburne Farms and then traveled to Nairobi for a second reception.

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Ρέθυμνο, 12.02.2010
15:11
What'cha Wanna Know?
» The Ink Spot

So I recently signed up for Formspring- a get to know me type site, where you can ask questions, anonymously if you want, and I'll answer them!

So, go on, follow this link ask me a question and I'll do my best :) Just go easy on me, ok?

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Ρέθυμνο, 10.02.2010
14:46
Wedding Wednesday- Romance at Riverside
» The Ink Spot

I'm delighted to share some images from photographer Susan Stripling (first shown over at Green Wedding Shoes). The rainy day wedding took place at Riverside Farm in Pittsfield VT. And if you're curious about the eggs- the bride and groom surprised their guests with breakfast for dinner- brilliant!

See more fabulous images from this wedding at Susan's blog.

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Ρέθυμνο, 08.02.2010
20:13
And the winner is...
» The Ink Spot

Commenter #2- Amanda!! Send us an e-mail at info{@}lassodmoondesigns.com. Can't wait to help with your invitations.

Congrats to everyone who entered :)

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Ρέθυμνο, 01.02.2010
15:24
It's Our Anniversary!
» The Ink Spot

Today marks Lasso'd Moon Designs end of our fifth year in business, and the start of our sixth- no small feat when you're primarily internet based. So to celebrate- we're giving away a- wait for it- $100 gift certificate!!!

That's right...

to enter- you must be 1) getting married 2) need invitations (only our custom invitations are eligible) and 3) be sure to become a fan on Facebook or a blog follower so you'll be updated when we choose the winner 4) you must leave a comment below with your wedding color scheme ('cause I'm curious!)

The giveaway will be open until noon on 2/8/2010, at which time we'll use a random number generator online to choose a winner.

Some small print: this contest is open to new clients only, and you must be a US resident to enter. cannot be combined with other offers or gift certificates.

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Ρέθυμνο, 28.01.2010
15:33
Wedding Wednesday- The MUST Have Kitchen Utensils
» The Ink Spot

Last week, guest poster Dawn Viola clued us in as to the bakeware and cookware we should have in our kitchen. This week, I bring you her list of the must have utensils.

Utensils: Stainless steel is the best choice whenever possible. If using non-stick cookware, then silcon or rubber should be used.
1 spatula
1 wire whisk
2 sets of tongs
1 set of large wooden spoons
1 large mixing spoon
1 large slotted spoon
vegetable peeler
box cheese grater
manual can opener
manual bottle opener
manual cork screw
cutting boards - wood or plastic (never glass; it damages knives)

Knives: A good set of knives is worth the investment. If kept sharp, they'll last a lifetime.
8" chef knife
1 steel (for honing, not sharpening)
1 pairing knife
1 bread knife
6 steak knives
Kitchen shears

Ten + years into marriage and I still don't have a pair of kitchen shears, and I can't tell you how many times I wish I did! A good pair can be used for cutting up a chicken (no joke, I saw Alton Brown on the Food Network do it), chives, green onions and all kinds of things- but just keep them separate and don't use them for paper.

What kitchen item could you not live without? For me, it's a 12" non-stick skillet from Hoffritz. It's seriously amazing. Scrambled eggs, no sticking, no butter or margarine. We got it when a kitchen outlet was going out of business and got a tremendous deal on it- I only wish I'd gotten a smaller 6" or 8" too. But we can also put it in the oven as well because it's got a metal handle (great for making things like frittatas).

For more goodies from Dawn, check out her blog, Wicked Good Dinner. Next week, Dawn will be sharing must have cookbooks!

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Ρέθυμνο, 26.01.2010
15:17
Take 5 Tuesdays! The Cost of Custom Invitations
» The Ink Spot

"Why does this cost so much??"

One of the most common questions or concerns I tend to hear about in the wedding industry is why does this cost so much? And while that seems to be asked of every wedding service, I'd like to address the cost of custom stationery and invitations.

When you order a custom invitation, your stationer isn't taking a stock design, dropping in your wording and shipping them off to a printer. Typically, there is an in person meeting if you are close in geography, a flurry of e-mails, rounds of proofs and perhaps a number of phone conversations or in person meetings. This doesn't even take into account the time your designer might spend on creating or altering graphics to suit your particular wants. So before you even get to printing, your designer could be any where from 3-10 hours into your project.

Then there is the cost of paper. Metallics are more than matte papers, and patterned and specialty papers are even more. Just upgrading your paper, adding a specialty item like pocketfold or box, can easily make a couple of dollars difference in your invitations. Specialty items=specialty machines=more labor and cost.

Now, we're at the printing stage. Flat printing is the most economical and your stationer might do most of their printing in house. This means, most of the time, that we're carefully watching and constantly performing quality checks to make sure your invitations are perfectly printed. But certain textured papers can only be either outsourced or printed on a professional ink jet, which can be a little more costly and very time-consuming (for the ink jet method). If you choose thermography and get custom colors, this will cost you more as the inks aren't stocked and must be mixed for your project (again, more time for the printers, and more cost for you). For letterpress invites, not only does the ink have to be mixed, it's a labor intensive and timely process. Each piece is printed one at a time, often in a manual process.

Last stage is assembly. We're perfectionists- and assembling layers and cutting small seals is a timely processes. Depending on how much paper you have, your invitations may take several hours to put together. And don't forget the tools we need to put them together- lots of glue, tape, tape guns and the like.

When all is said and done, your stationer could easily have 20-40 hours into your project (aside from project materials). And that's just for your project- remember that we've also spent time and money advertising so that you could find us as well. We have business bills to pay and like you, like to make some money too. So while initially it may seem like a lot of money, consider the time and materials spent to make your invitations/food/photos and the expertise to get it done. Remember that we're working as hard as we can to make something beautiful that you and your guests will forever appreciate and won't be able to stop talking about.

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Ρέθυμνο, 20.01.2010
16:00
Wedding Wednesday- The Newlywed Kitchen: What to Register For in Cookware and Bakeware
» The Ink Spot

I'm so excited for today's guest poster, former stationer Dawn Viola, who owned Anna Bella Stationery before turning to a career in food. Dawn switched her writing focus to food when a soy and peanut allergy diagnosis forced her to change the way she purchased, cooked and enjoyed food. She enrolled in culinary school and began teaching others how to cook with creativity, passion and purpose using sustainable, local and organic ingredients whenever possible, with an improvisational approach to cooking.

Dawn has written original recipe articles, food features, cooking instruction documents and commentary for a variety of publications and blogs such as Chef2Chef, Recipe Lion, and Examiner, handling all aspects of research, photo styling and editing. She has also appeared on Food Network, Fox News, Martha Stewart Radio, and was recently featured in Desserts Magazine. Dawn is also the 2009 Crisco National Apple Pie Champion (professional division), and has also placed in the California Table Grape Commission and Faces of Contadina recipe challenges.

Dawn has graciously offered up a (HUGE) list of what engaged couples should consider stocking their kitchens with- the must haves, if you will, of the basic kitchen. This week we'll be focusing on bakeware and cookware, and next week utensils and knives.

Cookware: I recommend a good stainless steel set that can go from stove to oven, preferably with lids for everything, even the skillets. One of each will suffice, but if you love to cook, you'll want to double up on the skillets.
3-quart covered sauce pan
10-quart covered sauce pan
6-quart covered stockpot
8" or 10" skillet
1 large roasting pan

Bakeware: nonstick is a great choice, but watch for grooves and places where food can get stuck -- they're impossible to clean sometimes. Select items that are seamless whenever possible.
2 cookie sheets
1 muffin tin
1 square 9x9" glass baking dish
1 rectangular 5-quart baking dish
Casserole dishes that can also double as serving dishes
1 set of mixing bowls

Small appliances: an up-front investment in quality
appliances will be well worth it. These can sometimes last
20 or more years.None of these are essential, but will make
food prep much faster and easier.
Some possible appliances to consider:
Consider:
hand held mixer
standing mixer
food processor
blender
immersion blender
slow cooker
Dutch oven
And, to serve all of the food the newlyweds will be
cooking, they'll need some snazzy plates, serving
platters, barware and utensils!

After the wedding, I recommend the couple make their own wish list, where once a week or once a month, whatever they can afford, they purchase an "adventure ingredient," such as a spice, or food they've never cooked with before. And also a new kitchen gadget - something they've always wanted. It can be anything from the top of the line food processor, or an inexpensive wooden citrus reemer. By keeping a wish list even after the wedding, it will keep them inspired to learn new cooking techniques and try new recipes.

Keep an eye out for even more posts from Dawn over the coming months, covering all kinds of kitchen and cooking related goodies! You can also follow her cooking journey over at Wicked Good Dinner.

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Ρέθυμνο, 19.01.2010
20:26
Take 5 Tuesday- A Peek Into the Studio
» The Ink Spot

I'm always curious about where others work, so I thought I'd post a few pictures of my studio. It's nothing fancy- and I'm still trying to decide where to hang things (just moved into a new home studio), but you might see a few surprising things:

One of the shelves of paper- the ball jar "vase" is full of lavender buds- and flowers, made of paper!

Yes, that's Eeyore on that mug. On the board is some inspiration in the form of vintage postcards, some cute Cartolina notebooks and pictures of my eldest (to the right, unseen, is another board with more kid pics)

A small part of my collection. People are always surprised to learn I collect Barbie dolls- it started when I was a kid, and just never stopped. Most are collectibles, and one, had the box not gotten ruined through several moves, was at one time worth $600. The shelves wrap around 2 walls of my office, but there are other spots in my home that house different collections of dolls (Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland).

What surprising things would someone find in your office or work space?

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02:28
Papeie Monday- 3-D Save the Date
» The Ink Spot

I can't remember how I first came across this, but thought it was a pretty interesting idea and great for a fun save the date- especially with a movie or theater themed wedding:

You can get more details from Etsy seller EliminateUgly.

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Ρέθυμνο, 15.01.2010
15:56
Free for all Friday- A Peek Into my Kitchen
» The Ink Spot

If it's not totally apparent by now, I'll say it again. I love vintage. A lot. I have a lot of tins and trays, ball jars in turquoise and old fruit labels serving as wall art. As we're in the process of remodeling, I find myself trying to rid myself of clutter. Our kitchen/open dining room is fairly big- 12 x 24, but severely lacking in cabinet space. So I found myself looking for other ways to either display the tins that I have, or *gasp* consider getting rid of them. I really didn't want to get rid of them, so I found new life for them:

These are obviously holding my cooking utensils, replacing the ugly plastic container they came with.

Oh, what's that one hiding? Well, let me tell you! Caps and tops to baby bottles and cups.

What about these? :
The tray has been known to appear in some product shots. The tins are holding other "things" like check books, a pocketknife...you know, that stuff that there's just no other place for.

And these baskets that are on the bottom shelf of our bakers rack:

Are hiding trashbags. We buy them in bulk and the orange boxes they come in are hideous. What's that? You can't see them? I know!! LOL

So what creative uses for your space and goodies?

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Ρέθυμνο, 14.01.2010
16:59
Show and Tell Thursday
» The Ink Spot

Here's some favorites from around the web this week:

29 Part Guide to Royally Messing Up Your Wedding Invitations A humorous look at what not to do with your invitations. To quote Jon Stewart- it's funny, because it's true :)

On Snippet and Ink- a very pretty Lemons and Paperwhites inspiration board. Clean and simple for a winter wedding! I wouldn't have thought of it for winter, but it's super pretty! Image via Snippet and Ink via Martha Stewart Weddings:

Inspiration boards at My Kate Parker Wedding- With over 6000 images and tons of inspiration eye candy, not to mention signing up is free, what are you waiting for??

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Ρέθυμνο, 13.01.2010
16:17
Wedding Wednesday- My Kate Parker Weddings
» The Ink Spot

My Kate Parker Weddings, a new planning site created by wedding planner Kate Parker, launch January 1st. This amazing free resource caters to your budget- here's what Kate wrote about her site: "Coming from a wedding planning company, myKPW shows you the industry standard breakdown of your overall wedding budget: under 25k, 25-50k, 50-80k, and 80k and up. As you book your vendors you can input their total costs and see how your budget lines up with the industry standard. Every wedding is different and let's face it, you're going to make priorities and splurge in one or more areas… Our simple bar graphs will show you how your budget is stacking up to keep your priorities and your wallet in check."

You'll also have the option to change up your priorities, so if you want to spend less on your catering and more on your photography, you can reallocate your funds and see vendors in other budget ranges! But MyKPW isn't just about budget- it's also an amazing photo resource featuring inspiration and images from real weddings, searchable not only by color, but wedding style as well. And soon, you'll be able to create your own inspiration board using vendors in your budget. I encourage all newly-engaged to sign up and check it out. Currently it features wedding professionals in the Northeast (RI, VT, NY, ME, etc), but will soon be expanding into other markets.

Sign up for free today and start planning!

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Ρέθυμνο, 11.01.2010
18:10
Paperie Monday- Some Design Updates
» The Ink Spot

Image from our Etsy shop.

I've been working hard behind the scenes to bring you better, clearer and larger images on our website without taking up too much "room" and slowing things down. I think I've found a fairly good solution that's been getting lots of great feedback. So far, I've updated out custom Envelopments page and our signature Vintage Wedding Invitations page (and there's more designs coming soon too). I'm hoping to have the other pages done in the next couple of weeks. Check it out and let me know what you think!

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