Commissioned Calligraphy Work: Song Lyrics for Home Decor

Commissioned Calligraphy Artwork

This was a really cool project that I worked on around my "calligraphy vacation", which is defined as the period of the year September-December, where couples are all busy getting engaged. (My busy season for calligraphy starts in January - when all the planning begins!)

This woman reached out to me a few months back looking to complete a project for her home - her husband is a song writer, so she commissioned me to create 18 complete pieces featuring lyrics and song artists in calligraphy on scroll paper that she provided.

From the Beatles to Kanye West, this project was a blast! She placed each of the completed pieces - around 7"x10" in size - in frames and used them as really personal home decor accents. Makes a great gift idea if you are looking for something personal for the songwriter or musician in your life - also a great wedding gift idea for the couples first dance! Shoot me a convo to get started today.

Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace

Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace, $28

As with most of the pieces in my design collections, this Gold Wishbone Charm necklace has a meaning behind it. The wishbone symbol is something we're all familiar with after having a "bird-meal", and we've all been on both the winning and losing end of the wish bone break. But what is the tradition behind it, and what does it actually mean?

The wishbone-breaking contest / ritual actually dates back to the 4th century, where civilizations such as the Romans and Etruscans would pull a dry turkey or chicken bone until it snapped - or gave them a "lucky break". The winner was left holding the larger piece of the wishbone, and it was believed that their wish or dream would come true.

Delicate Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace, $28

The tradition has continued, as many believe now that the symbol will bring good luck, "catch" dreams, and make wishes come true. It's also become a channel of good energy, and astrologists have linked it to the horoscope sign Sagittarius - who are born between November 22nd and December 21st.

Knowing the rich history behind this energizing symbol, why not take that with you every day, or give it to someone who will? What would you wish for?

Gold Wishbone Charm Necklace, $28

Elegant and simple, this gorgeous golden wishbone charm suspends beautifully on a stunning silver 16" silver plate chain with 1" of extender chain. The charm is in the shape of an unbroken wishbone,made of bronze with a golden shine. The strong material ensures that it will never "break", keeping your future wishes fulfilled. The bone rests on your neck at approx. 20mm in size.

Source: Symbols and Their Meaning

This piece is one of those designs I've been thinking about for a long time and finally was able to make it come to fruition - as well as being one of those pieces I secretly want to keep for myself :) Makes a great gift for your best friend, daughter, or even bridesmaids at your wedding - contact me if you'd like to inquire about a bulk order, or additional chain sizes.

I hope that you'll see the meaning behind the charm, and that all your wishes will come true!

Charcoal Drawings of Wedding Photos

Commissioned Charcoal Drawings, $100 each

In June of 2011, my best friend got married to the love of her life. It's hard to believe that now over a year has gone by, and even harder that she's not around. She has since moved to Texas, and I'm still in Boston - so between student loans and her moving expenses, it's been tough not seeing each other for so long.

The year she got married, I saw her a good 3 times in a year period - which was awesome! Now that we have gone back to the distance, I miss not being able to hang out. So on their anniversary, I picked out one of their wedding photos (their hands with their new wedding rings) and did a sketch in charcoal of it. I matted and framed it, then shipped it off as a surprise wedding gift / housewarming gift for them about a month ago.

Commission your own drawing - Add Matt + Frame for extra $20

I really do love working on these pieces, with thought and meaning behind it. If you think about it, your wedding photos are memories that will last forever. They are beautiful images, and are great resources to use after your wedding as special gifts to family members or to use as thank-you notes.

For wedding calligraphy brides, another unique way that you can your images is to have one of significant meaning translated into a piece of art. It's a great way to add another perspective to your big day, through the eyes of an artist. This makes a great piece for your new home, and with the charcoal technique, the classic black-and-white charcoal look will match any decor - and look great in any room!

Not the bride? These charcoal wedding drawings make great gifts for bridesmaids or the maid of honor to give to the bride as a wedding gift, or make a fabulous and thoughtful 1-year anniversary present for the couple. It's a great way to say how you remember their big day: how much fun you had, an how meaningful it was for you to be a part of it.

Above is the original image, printed off and bit creased from working on it. Any .JPEG file or link will do for this project. Commissioned charcoal pieces are a flat $100 each, for a standard 8"x10" image, unframed. You can also do a framed or matted only option for an additional cost (approx. $20), and I'd be happy to ship right to the couple with a note from you!

Just some food for thought - the holidays are right around the corner, and you'll need something for the new Mr. & Mrs.! Contact me to get started :)

Handmade Rose Rings

Pale Pink Rose Ring, $12

Announcing the newest handmade jewelry line from Ash Tree Designs: the Rose Ring!

I saw a similar design while doing some research online for the newest jewelry trends, and understated rose rings are very hot right now. After seeing a few turquoise blue and cream pieces, I started making some sketches to figure out how to construct my own.

Turquoise Blue Rose Ring, $12

I found some ring bases at Micheal's that would provide the sturdy foundation for the rose itself. Then I ordered a rose mold from my favorite mold store, WhysperFairy, on etsy. I then used some clay I had purchased for my Handmade Cupcake Pendants and made a few roses in colors I thought would be great for spring.

After making four selections, I made the roses using the mold, baked the clay, sprayed with a smooth glossy finish, then attached to the rings using jeweler's HYPO cement. And I love the results!

White Rose Ring, $12

There are currently four rings available in my etsy shop, and the plan is to roll out more colors and create more for the 6 In the Shipyard store location. Right now, the colors available are Turquoise, Pale Pink, Black, and White. I thought the white seemed so bridal to me - and the pale pink such a perfect delicate touch to your spring outfit! And the black rose on the bold silver just makes a straight-up statement.

Click the links above to visit my shop and to purchase - and enjoy! :)

Custom Calligraphy: Return Address for Ink Stamp

Custom Calligraphy Return Address Digital File, $15

After consulting with a bride recently who was looking to have some custom calligraphy work done (my favorite!) one of the items she requested was getting a single calligraphy "Return Address" digital file that she could then bring to her own printer so that she could have a custom stamp made for all of her future return addressing needs.

I thought this was such a great idea! After completing the job (see file image, above) I sent to her in her required size and file type. I then decided to try my own and see how it would come out. I chose to use Staples, and uploaded my own address in calligraphy artwork to have a custom self-inking calligraphy return address stamp made.

I was so excited when my stamp finally came in the mail - it came out perfect, and I'm now pleased to offer these custom self inking return address stamps on my etsy website! Not interested in dropping $40? I also  have an option to just purchase your own custom calligraphy return address file that you can use to bring to your own local or favorite printer of your choice!

Custom Calligraphy Return Address Self Inking Stamp, $38

I've sold a few so far, and they've been such a success - I can't wait to do more. You'd think as a calligrapher I'd have thought of this already...but now I look forward to bills and mail so I can stamp my return address. Lame? Maybe. Excited over little awesome things? Definitely.

Click any of the links above to visit the shop listing to get your own custom calligraphy stamp or custom calligraphy return address digital file - it makes a great gift for a new bride (help them commemorate their new address together or new shared name!) or will definitely make your own life easier, if you're a bride with Save the Dates, Invitations, and Thank You Notes to address (that's you're entire guest list x3!)