Reception Calligraphy: Table Tents and Place Cards

Table names instead of table numbers in calligraphy, $2 each

 Just showcasing a few recent client-supplied calligraphy images from her wedding reception:

Wedding Calligraphy for your guests' place cards!

The bride and her fiance were big book lovers, so they named each of their tables after fictional places: such as Hogwarts, Neverland, The Shire, etc. The names were written horizontally with a custom-mixed lavendar ink on deep purple, long table tents.

Table Tents for Wedding Reception Tables, $2.00 each

Her place cards were silkscreened in red and deep purple ink as well on both pink and lavender shades of cardstock. I wrote out the place card names in calligraphy for each guest, and the mix of color for the place cards was both refreshing and gave the place card display a real pop!!

Calligraphy for Wedding Place Cards, $1.50 each

Looking for calligraphy for your wedding reception? Shoot me an email and we'll talk about how we can make your reception special :)

Calligraphy Labels for Wedding Reception

Food labels in calligraphy for wedding reception, $2 each

A few months back, I had the pleasure of working with my 2012 calligraphy giveaway contest winner in helping her out with free calligraphy signage for her wedding. The bride needed signage for her buffet-style reception, as well as for her drink menu for the bar.

This is such a great idea for brides who are looking to do a buffet-style dinner for their guests - having calligraphy food labels at each station lets guests know exactly what they are getting, eliminates guesswork and constant questioning of waitstaff, as well as give something for guests to read / think about while waiting in line.

Calligraphy food labels for wedding reception, $2 each

The bride was also kind enough to send me the two images above from her wedding - she had taken the labels I had written in calligraphy and placed them in small frames next to each appropriate dish.

"Ash Tree Calligraphy work is amazing! She is very responsive, accommodating and has an amazing talent...She did my place cards, food labels and drink signage and everyone thought it was such a nice touch to our special day! You should definitely use this company!!" - Candice, Wedding 3/16/2013

Pics of the calligraphy food labels right from my desk!

Thinking about adding another personal touch to your wedding reception? I've worked with brides all over the country to make their day perfect - shoot me an email to see what we can do to make your wedding special!

Image credits: Andrew Nyholt, photographer - nyholt.com 

Wedding Calligraphy for Reception Signage

Calligraphy for Wedding Reception Signage, $2 each

Wedding signage for your reception is a fun way to dress up your reception, let your personality shine through, as well as play up your wedding's theme. I just received these adorable images from a past wedding calligraphy client and wanted to share.

She had a nautical wedding on Cape Cod, so much of her theme was conveyed in the colors she chose: such as navy, white, and red. Above is a sign I did for her breaking down for guests what was in her Signature drink, and it was held up by a monkey's fist sailor knot - great idea!

"Reserved" Signs in Calligraphy for your wedding ceremony, $2 each

The reception isn't the only place you can use signage for - I also created several "Reserved" Signs in calligraphy navy ink to be placed in pews reserved for close friends and family during the ceremony.

Add fun signage in calligraphy for your wedding reception!

When guests arrived at the reception space, the bride provided the girls with the option of ditching their heels for more comfortable red flip-flops for dancing. The calligraphy sign for this was just fun - "Sole Mates", in red to match the shoes and her theme.

Wedding Calligraphy for Table Numbers, $2 each

Lastly, the same idea of her signature drink carried through onto her reception table, where I also wrote her table numbers in calligraphy. The numbers in red ink were the perfect touch to once again sit on top of a monkey's fist sailor know.

If you are looking for a unique, handmade touch for your wedding reception with signage in calligraphy? Contact me today for a wedding calligraphy consultation, and we'll get you started!

Wedding Reception: Red Tag Place Cards with White Ink on Mason Jars

I did a blog post about working with this bride's wedding reception calligraphy a while back, but just recently got some beautiful images from her nautical-themed wedding.

Red tags with white calligraphy on mason jars for favors!

Navy blue, red, and white played a big role in her reception, (she had table number cards with instructions on how to eat a lobster-cute!) and she decided to do her place cards using red tags with white ink calligraphy featuring each guests name attached to Mason jars, which served as wedding favors.

Matched perfectly with the white and red straws

If you ever get the opportunity to use white ink on a colored cardstock for your place cards, or white ink on dark envelopes for your wedding invitations, USE IT! It makes for such a striking contrast and impression. Enjoy the photos!

If you are looking for a unique, handmade touch for your wedding reception, contact me for a wedding calligraphy consultation, and we'll get you started! 

Image credit: Stacey Kane Photography, www.staceykane.com

Press for Ash Tree Creations

What an amazing year it's been here for Ash Tree! From wedding calligraphy features in online magazines and blogs, to a fabulous partnership with She's the First selling cupcake necklaces to help raise money to fund girls' education, 2012 has certainly been busy. Here's a summary of all the recent press this year -

She's the First Cupcake Necklace, $20

A Charm for Charity - Shopaholic
Jacquelyn Mysliwiec, South Shore Living Magazine

"Teaming up with She’s the First, a not-for-profit in support of girls’ education across the globe, local jewelry designer Ashley Osgood of Ash Tree Designs has designed a unique handmade cupcake pendant which acts as the bright and whimsical charm on her $20 cupcake necklaces, in which $15 for every one purchased will go toward the charity. 

Osgood, specializes in sea glass jewelry, as well as recycled sail products, but her innovative outlook on jewelry design constantly leads her to all sorts of mediums, designs, and projects— such as—her keepsake vibrant "tie-dye" cupcake necklace. If you’re looking for a gift for a special lady of any age, this 100% handmade necklace is a steal. It’s a gift that will make more than just the receiver smile."

Holiday Gift We’re Loving: She’s the First’s Cupcake Charm
StyleWatch, People Magazine

"What’s better than a cupcake? A cupcake that’s calorie-free! She’s the First, an organization that sponsors girls’ educations, helping them become the first in their families to graduate, is doing a modern bake sale this holiday season. 

The non-profit partnered with Etsy’s Ash Tree Creations to design this cute cupcake charm, which stands just 1-in. high and hangs on a 16-in. silver plate chain. It mirrors the organization’s rainbow cupcakes, which are sold nationwide to raise funds for its cause. And this cupcake will help, too: $15 of the $20 price will benefit She’s the First’s important programs."

Buy a Cupcake Necklace - 75% is Donated to STF!

She's the First & Cupcakes!
Sprinkles and Style blog

"This cupcake necklace, which you can buy from Ash Tree Creations, would be a great gift for your sister, niece, friend, the little girl you babysit, or even yourself! The handmade tie-dye cupcake charm is adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals on 'vanilla frosting' that's fun, vibrant, and eye-catching - would certainly be a happy addition to your jewelry collection."

Birthday Bazaar: A Rainbow of Fun

NYC Metro Parents Magazine

"We’ve compiled a bazaar of ideas, products, and tips in this birthday party package. Read on for our favorite new party products, other momentous birthdays we're celebrating in April - 

Want a one-of-a-kind gift that gives back? This handmade magenta-and-teal special edition cupcake necklace donates 75% to She’s the First!, a nonprofit that sponsors girls’ education in the developing world ($20; etsy.com/shop/AshTreeCreations; learn more about the cause supported by artist Ashley Osgood at shesthefirst.org)"

Calligraphy feature on BravoBride.com

The Art of Calligraphy
BravoBride.com

"I love the white script against the black envelope, making for a traditional look. The place cards are given extra pizazz with a handwritten calligraphy note by Ash Tree Creations."

Broke Ass-Bargains
Broke Ass-Bride Newsletter

"Love the look of calligraphy but your budget won't allow it? Ash Tree Creations is giving away an entire calligraphed reception package! Visit her Calligraphy Giveaway page for more information on how to enter!"

While I do see sales year round for cupcake necklaces and other handmade jewelry, the holiday shopping season is over - so it's time to ramp back up for wedding calligraphy for 2013 clients and weddings. 

I've already booked several clients for Jan-Feb, but if you're interested in having your invitations addressed in calligraphy, contact me on how to get started! 

Wedding Reception Calligraphy Purple Ink

Wedding Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

Typically once I complete a bride's wedding invitations, I hear from her a few months later to help her out with her reception. This can include anything from wedding signage to escort cards, and I just recently finished another beautiful job!

This bride's colors were gold and purple, so I matched the purple decorative scroll in her printed place cards and table cards for the names and numbers - and they came out great!

Wedding Reception Calligraphy

CALLIGRAPHY TIP: A tip for brides looking at place cards - whether you are going to hire a calligrapher or just writing out cards yourself, I recommend choosing a card stock that does not have an iridescent finish. This can make it difficult to write on, as the ink isn't able to sink into the weave of the paper well enough to give a crisp line. Already bought iridescent? The trick is to get an ink that is acrylic-based, which has similar qualities to paint - not water. This should work out much better for you.

Need some place cards or table numbers for your wedding? Contact me on how to get started with the calligraphy process - it will definitely push your wedding reception over the edge!

Make Your Wedding Unique with Calligraphy Signage

Calligraphy for Wedding Signage, $2 each

I thought writing about this custom calligraphy job is great timing - considering that there are just two weeks left in my Bridal Wedding Reception Free Calligraphy Giveaway contest, this is a great post to see what can be done if you really want to add some more personal flavor to your reception.

I loved working with this bride - she was fun, enthusiastic, and really wanted to add her own touch to her wedding reception. Her wedding colors were red with navy accents - all with a nautical theme. She had table numbers written on the backs of cards with diagrams illustrating how to eat a lobster for wedding guests!

The first and last images break down all the wedding signage that was done on 6x6 white cards, with "Sole Mates" being the sign used for a basket of flip-flops that guests could change into to be more comfortable, and even a sign explaining the sweet tea beverage choice.

"Reserved" Signs in Calligraphy for Wedding Aisles, $2 each

The calligraphy signs don't only have to be at the reception - but in the ceremony as well. Going with a navy ink, the bride asked for a series of "Reserved" signs (pictured above) to be placed at the end of the aisles to designate where the bridal party and family would be seated.

And lastly, the place cards were little red tags where guests' names were written in white ink - to be tied on mini mason jars as the wedding gift favors. All great ideas to make your wedding have a more personal feel - and all up to you!

Calligraphy for Wedding Signage and Place Cards, $1-$2 each

Would you like to add a creative touch through wedding calligraphy signage at your wedding? Contact me to get started on your project, and don't forget to apply to the Wedding Reception Giveaway Contest, which ends in 2 weeks!

Bridal Contest: Win Free Wedding Calligraphy for Your Reception!

Are you on a bit of a budget, but would simply LOVE the look of wedding calligraphy at your reception? Place Cards, Table Numbers, Wedding Signage - even "reserved" cards for church pews, you could win a complete Ash Tree Wedding Calligraphy: Reception Package by entering the bridal contest giveaway!

Calligraphy for Reception Table Numbers, $2 each

To enter the contest, follow these instructions:

• "Like" Ash Tree Designs on Facebook. Here is the URL:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ash-Tree-Designs/94738687971 

• Copy and paste the following questions and post the answers in a comment to this post: 
• You & Your Fiance's Full Name
• Wedding Date & Location
• Your Wedding Vision
• What is your color palette? 
• What are you looking to do specifically for your reception? (Place Cards, Escort Cards, Table Numbers, Wedding Signage, and any other ideas you have!) 
• How many guests at your wedding?

The contest will run for 30 days - with a winner being selected on September 1st, 2012. You will be notified via Facebook if you are the winner, so be sure you "like" the page so I can find you!

Calligraphy for Wedding Place Cards, $1 each

Remember, you don't have to be getting married in the next month to win! All brides with a wedding date are eligible to enter :)

The winner will have 1 week to respond after being notified via Facebook that they have won. If there is no response, another winner will be selected.

I am based out of Somerville, MA, but you do not need to be local in order to win! I do bridal consultations, but have worked with many brides all over the country. Please note that this giveaway is for calligraphy services only, and you will be responsible for getting me the materials - so I can complete and ship back for you just in time for your big day :)

Handling Bad Business Review

I haven't posted in a good three months. Mostly, it's been time...but since I do love writing, I have to be honest: there was a reason my passion had slipped away.

As a (very) small business owner, it hits right to the heart when you come across a bad review of your business. Such a thing happened to me recently, and after much emotional grappling, I have come to terms with it and am trying to move on.

I'll start with a comment I read about employers today: they love seeing "entrepreneurship" on your resume, because it shows that you have personal accountability: taking your career into your own hands, rather than someone else's. And while I have built this wedding calligraphy business up from scratch since starting up five years ago, I am still one person. The buck stops with me - I made a mistake.

Calligraphy for Wedding Signs, $2 each

In this review, the bride had some valid points. I had dropped the ball, we had some miscommunication, and while she said my work was beautiful (a compliment she didn't need to make when dissatisfied), it still cuts to the core when you put everything you are into a business. I take pride in my work, and my goal has always been to have the bride over-the-moon excited for what I've been able to do for her, and when that doesn't happen, I hate to see it.

On the other hand, I can dispute some other points made in this review: but what would that solve? The damage has already been done, time has passed, and nothing will be able to change her mind. For example, one of the issues she had with me was that the ink color I used was inconsistent: some envelopes looked "darker" than others, and that was the only issue she had...and I know for a fact that she was simply wrong. This then transformed to a slew of other errors I was hearing for the first time in her review, which don't really give her much credibility.

I will say that I love this business. 99.9% of the time, the brides I work with are amazing, sweet and so much fun to work with. I love being able to do my part in making their wedding beautiful - especially in that first moment that one of their guests receives their invitation and are blown away by the first impression, which I love to hear!

So, I'm back to blogging. Contrary to my super-critical, take-everything-personal side, that bad review hasn't done any damage at all to my business. In fact, the amount of business I'm doing has DOUBLED since this time last year - with brides finding me both online and through fellow vendor and past bride referrals. All this makes me understand that I have high quality work, and shouldn't let one crazy bridezilla (okay, that was immature but makes me feel a bit better ;) stop me from doing what I love to do.

I continue to look forward to working with my brides, and doing whatever I can to make them happy!

Thanks to all my fabulous brides for being you,
Ashley

Whimsical Wedding Calligraphy: Place Cards and Table Tents

Calligraphy for Wedding Receptions,
$4 tents (names on both sides) and $1 place cards

I just finished such a fun wedding reception calligraphy job! I met with my bride about a month ago who was desperately in need of a calligrapher to write out her wedding reception table tents and place cards for her wedding. She had her place cards screen printed, and had cut deep purple long cards for her table tents - both needed calligraphy to tie her reception theme together.

First, the table tents: instead of going with table numbers, she decided to name each of her tables after a fictional place, presumably from books and stories. For example, her table name list ranged from Wonderland, Hogwarts, The Shire, Treasure Island, and even Peter Pan's Neverland. It was such a whimsical theme, that her calligraphy definitely had to match. I recommended a lighter color ink (such as white, which is opaque and would stand out) for her deep purple tents so that the name would really pop - to keep with her color theme, she chose a light lavender ink color, which I custom - mixed to match her place cards. They came out beautiful!

Wedding Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

Now for her place cards (above), she did the same whimsical floral print, but in two different card stock colors with two different inks, red and deep purple. She elected to have guests' names written out in the corresponding ink color that the place card was printed in, so I used red ink and mixed a deep purple to match the darker place cards. On the backs, she had the table names screen printed to inform guests where to go: it was a really great touch, because she took the distinct fonts the original places were printed in (for example, Hogwarts if you read the books or have seen the movies has a very distinct lightning bolt in its title) and had them printed on the back in deep purple, regardless of the color card. Take a look at a few of them, below:

Each table was named after a storybook place!

All in all, it was so fun to work on, and I love brides who take the extra step to make their wedding reception unique conceptually. Do you have an idea you'd like for your wedding reception, but need some help piecing it together? Contact me to get started on your wedding calligraphy project today!

Wedding Calligraphy: Tiffany Blue Bow Place Cards

Tiffany Blue Bow Place Cards, $4.25 for 10

These images were from a recent place card job for a small wedding on the South Shore. One of the wedding colors was Tiffany blue, so these cards had an adorable little blue ribbon on the top center. There were no table numbers assigned with these place cards because the wedding took place in the bride's home - so she just wanted names written out in calligraphy with black ink on the place cards, which were already on tables so that guests would know where to sit.

Read more about wedding calligraphy

Like the cards? I found the creator to be Tina Prins, owner of Casual Cards on Etsy, and you can buy these place cards and more from her online shop. She's also got some great pieces for gift tags, envelopes, or even just note cards. You can visit her shop at www.casualcards.etsy.com

Wedding Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

Looking for wedding calligraphy for your place cards? I've worked with brides all over the country to help them get the exact look of the reception they've always wanted. So contact me today!

Place Card Calligraphy on Vintage Tags

Calligraphy for Place Card Tags, $1 each

Here are images from my latest calligraphy job, which were commissioned in conjunction with the custom ink color job a few months earlier. The couple had decided to do a vintage theme for their wedding, so their invites and place cards reflected that.

Handmade Stained Tags from mayasmomma, $17.50 for 100

I started work this week on beautiful handmade tags that the bride ordered from mayasmomma on Etsy. Mayasmomma has a great shop featuring vintage-inspired tags, recycled notebooks, and treasure maps - so definitely check out their shop!
I originally tested out the same custom charcoal grey that I had used on the same brides invitation envelopes months before, but on the brown stained tags, the color didn't quite pop. After a consultation with her, she agreed with my recommendation to make the tag ink color black instead - and you can definitely see the difference!

Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

Looking for a little something different for your wedding reception table settings? Contact me today to get started on your project - we can take your ideas to the next level, and definitely play up your theme (as you can see). I've worked with brides across the country, and haven't met a request I couldn't accommodate. Let's get started today!

Calligraphy for Vintage Wedding Photo Shoot: Part 1

In a recent request on Etsy, I was asked at the 11th hour to help out with some select calligraphy pieces for a vintage photo shoot at a bridal show in the Boston area. The event planner sent me this "inspiration board", of which the pallette was made up of robin's egg blue, cream, and pink.

Inspiration Board for Vintage Bridal Theme

It turns out their calligrapher fell through, and they were desperate for some finishing-touch pieces to help complete their concept. Though one week was a bit short notice to turn around everything that they had wanted, I was able to produce for them a pink tea menu card and 8 place cards in an assortment of cream, pink, and light blue: all with chocolate brown ink to help correspond with the "vintage" look of their wedding shoot.

The theme of the photo shoot was a vintage garden tea party - very whimsical but elegant, English, etc. Colors they used include pinks, robin's egg blue, creams and other pastels. In addition to the calligraphy that they needed, the tablescape incorporated mis-matched china, lace table cloths, silver tea pots, and other antiqued items of the color group. The location was also beautiful, with the scene being set in this garden bridal photo shoot video that you can click to view.

Though the professional images have not yet been released by the photographer, I took some shots of my own of my work before handing it over. You can take a look at the Tea Menu, as well as the 8 calligraphy place cards each portraying a different name with the theme's colors in chocolate brown ink.

If you are in need of a specific calligraphy vision for your wedding or special event, this is a perfect example of how Ash Tree Calligraphy can help you! Contact me today to get started.

Wedding Calligraphy at My Best Friend's Wedding

Calligraphy for Sweetheart Table, $2 each. Photo Credit: Acromatico Photography

As a wedding calligrapher, it's not often that I get to see my work after it's completed and handed off to the bride...so you can imagine how great it is to be able to see what I've done become a part of the wedding it was designed and made for.

Calligraphy Signage, $2 ea. Photo Credit: Acromatico

Here are some great photos from Tiffany's wedding provided by her amazing photographers, Acromatico Photography. I pulled these images from their blog post on her wedding, and as photographers go I would highly recommend working with them if your wedding is in the Florida area. You can visit their website to read more about them and the work that they do.

In these images, you can see a sign I wrote that says "Brush the Beach Off Your Feet", which was placed inside a small basket of brushes tied with ribbon outside the reception. Tiffany did this because the wedding venue was right on the beach, and should guests decide to take a stroll on the beach, they could "brush off the beach" before putting their shoes back on or coming back into the party - love it!

The other images are calligraphy for table cards that I wrote out for the reception themselves. Using sepia calligraphy ink - which is a deep brown color - on ivory scalloped cards, I wrote out table numbers that graced each table next to an orange and green centerpiece. I used a quill and ink well, and the calligraphy nib was the thickest you could get at C-1: perfect for large writing on these cards!

My favorite card, however, was the "Mr. and Mrs. Horton" that I wrote out for the Sweetheart table, which was where Tiffany and Brendan had their first dinner as a married couple. This card (first image), as all the table cards with numbers, was held up by wire holders hand-wrapped around smooth river rocks by Tiffany herself.

Calligraphy for Table Numbers, $2 each. Photo Credit: Acromatico Photography

To see more images of this orange and green wedding, please visit the Acromatico Photography post, "Tiffany and Brendan Delray Beach Club Wedding".

And if you are in need of calligraphy for your big day, contact me to get started - we'll make your reception beautiful!

Calligraphy for Table Cards, and More!

My best friend got married on June 25, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, MA. The ceremony was beautiful, and the planning that she did right down to the last detail made all the more difference in her wedding.

During her "Shower Weekend" we spent some time prepping for the reception, including wedding calligraphy and some other great details. So get ready for a super long post with a TON of photos!

Here's some images of the wedding calligraphy I did for her table cards, sweetheart table, and other signage.

Wedding Calligraphy cards, $2

Wedding Calligraphy for Table Numbers, $2

Wedding Calligraphy for Sweetheart Table, $2

The cage below was for the gift table, where she chose to receive cards in an elegant antique bird cage that was braided with silk flowers. Most guests were coming from out of town, so this was a perfect display. I topped it with a floral bow, made with thick ribbon and loops on all sides so there was no "back" look for the cage.

Bird Cage for Wedding Gift Table Cards

The next awesome thing she did was rocks instead of place cards. Her *now husband* is a geologist, so this tied in perfectly with the theme of the wedding. She bought these river-worn rocks in bulk, and then wrote out in silver pen each guest's name on top, and their table number on the bottom when guests picked their stones up.

Stone place "cards" for reception guests

Lastly, to tie in the stones once again, she used the same rocks as table card holders by individually wire-wrapping each rock and creating a card holder out of it. Talk about patience and vision-dedication!

Rock and wire table card holders for wedding reception tables

I'll be sure to get the rest of the post-ceremony photos up as soon as I can - Maid of Honor duties kept me mentally from dutiful documentation, so I will post as I find...

Cute Bike Place Cards for Wedding!

Had an inquiry today from a bride who was thinking about using these place cards from Wedding Paper Divas for her wedding, and I just had to share for those brides looking for reception table inspiration. These are ivory cards, folded, with that are 3.50 x 2.00 in size.

Pink Bike Wedding Place Card, min. order $2.19 each. From Wedding Paper Divas

I really love cards like this with simple, understated graphics. The bike here just struck me as being so original, and I do love pink. Looks like the design also comes in orange and green, and they have a custom color option. The price per card varies on the amount of cards you are looking for: a set of 10 is $2.19 each. When I do calligraphy for place cards, I usually do about 100: assuming one guest gets one place card. Another option would be to put couples on one card.

Looking for calligraphy on place cards for your wedding reception? Contact Ash Tree Calligraphy today to receive a free quote and to set up a consultation on your job to help you get the wedding of your dreams!

Calligraphy for Place Cards

I've noticed trends when doing wedding calligraphy jobs. Last fall, the high-demand color was navy and black. Then it was black on iridescent silver envelopes and place cards for Christmas. This spring, the "in" wedding calligraphy color seems to be chocolate brown, as I've done several jobs using a great Sepia calligraphy ink that I purchased at Blick. Chocolate brown also happens to be one of my favorite colors, so I'm happy to oblige.

Here are some pictures of a recent bride's completed pieces. I actually looked up the vendor she used for her wedding invitations because I was so impressed with the quality - the place cards especially! Pictured here are the place cards from the Green Kangaroo. The cards themselves took the calligraphy ink very well: I used the Sepia calligraphy ink with a C-5 quill nib.

Pricing for wedding calligraphy is as follows:

Outer and Inner Envelope: $2.50 ea.
Outer Envelope Only: $2.00 ea.
Return Address Only: $1.00 ea.
Place cards: $0.75 ea.

Looking for some calligraphy for your wedding's place cards or envelopes for your invitations, save the dates, or wedding announcements? Contact me today to schedule a free consultation - I've worked with brides all over the country, and would be happy to work with you. 

You can also read my reviews on my Ash Tree Design Wedding Wire Shop. Wedding Wire is also a great resource for planning brides. I was nominated for the Wedding Wire Bride's Choice in wedding calligraphy for 2011.

Hope to speak with you soon!