Calligraphy for Place Cards

Calligraphy for Place Cards, $1 each

Instead of place cards, this bride chose to do have calligraphy reception names on embossed "labels" that she would attach to lobster lollipop for her July, Maine wedding. The labels had a hole punched in the top and were vertical with a variety of 6 embossed nautical images. These adorable graphics included a starfish, sand dollar, ship's wheel, anchor, crab, and square knot.

Bride and Groom Reception Calligraphy, $1 each

Just another great example of how customizing your wedding around a "theme" can really pay off. This idea was something a little different, but still got the point across...and she also combined wedding favors and place cards into one with the lobster lollipop. It's my guess that the red of the lobsters and navy in the tags will really pop!

Similar Concept - tags would be on red lobster lollipops
as place cards and favors for guests. Picture credit: C & A Event Planning

I wrote out each name in a dark blue ink - that actually resembled a navy - and used a C-5 calligraphy nib dipped in ink. I wrote out the Tables right on top of each embossed image to create consistency. I also made sure to have each table "mixed up" with a balanced amount of images: but maybe that's just me being anally-detailed once again!

Place Card Calligraphy, $1 each

Genius, and original in my book!

Need calligraphy on place cards for your wedding reception or special event? Contact me to get started today on your project!

Fashion Outfit of the Week: Going Wild

Shanghai Exotic Peep Toe Pump: Christian Siriano for Payless

Sandra Darren Snake Print Dress, $29 ideeli

Croc and snakeskin prints and textures are in for fall. So this week's fashion outfit reflects this - my latest purchase from my favorite fashion site, ideeli.com, an impulse Payless shoe purchase, and tying it all up with an accessory.

Shoes: I've been on the hunt for the perfect neutral pumps. Tan or skin tone heels are not only a great option for work, but wearing them with a skirt can blend with your skin tone and make your legs appear longer. For all these reasons, I needed them. Like, really.

So, when I walked into my usual Size 11 aisle at Payless (THE ONLY reasonably priced shoe store that carries my size, shoe-store jerks!) I saw these on sale and tried them on immediately. Being a Libra, I pace and think over and over, but these shoes were 100% sold. They were comfortable, and sexy: and even with the lizard print, they are still neutral enough to wear.


Dress: Next, I was browsing a great "Fun Frocks" sale that ideeli.com occasionally has, and I was immediately drawn to a Sandra Darren Snake Print Dress. Talk about perfect in the workplace: long enough, fairly modest coverage, and perfect olive green tones for fall (which also happen to be one of my favorite shades to work!). Sold!

Minicci Womens Cut Out Cuff, Payless

Accessories: To tie this all together, I noticed a significant lack of gold jewelry - and bracelets - in my wardrobe. I hate gold, I think it's very "old lady", so all of my jewelry is silver. I think silver goes with more, because of it's white tone instead of yellow. But, knowing that fall brings gold hues, I searched online and found this great gold cuff that also matches my personality. The cutout Minicci bracelet was a steal at $5.99 BOGO price from Payless!

One last recommendation - for your next manicure, go for a skin-tone matching nude or tan color polish. Not only will this match this outfit, (and many others!) but going for this nail color can make your fingers look longer and more elegant.

To conclude, I must re-confirm my love for both Payless Shoesource and ideeli.com, both great places that serve up fashion for those on a budget, and refuse to spend $1,700 on a handbag when that could buy you, like, 56 pairs of shoes from Payless. And for a shoe-aholic like me with big steamboat feet that just want some pretty-shoe love, that's the perfect price!

Guest Post: How to Make the Perfect Homemade Bracelet your Man will Love (And Wear)

When you give a present to your boyfriend, fiance, or husband, for his birthday or for no special reason at all, you often wonder if he actually liked it or not. If he will ever use it or just store it inside his drawer. It is innate for men that they do not display how they truly feel, but like women, they do value whatever it is that you give him, especially if you had dedicated your time and effort in making that present.

There are many choices of gifts to give and choosing the perfect one, more often than not gives you a hard time. What you give should reflect you how special he is to you. A homemade bracelet wholeheartedly crafted for him would be a fine choice. Men are not fond of wearing jewelry. They can make do with just a watch or bracelet. So be sure that the bracelet you are to create will suit his taste and will actually be wearable.

Bracelets can be created from various raw supplies readily available in craft stores. Beads, leathers, chains you name it, there will always be one that will suit your man’s style.

Men's Leather Cuff, $50 from rainwheel

Leather bracelet

Leather is an uncomplicated material that will produce a numerous style of bracelets depending on how you construct it. A single strip of polished leather in a moderate width will look elegant if accentuated with a plain bar of metal. If you want an ethnic feel, start with a wide strip of leather then put a row of little holes on either side of the strip. Thread a long, thin leather cord through the holes in a crisscross pattern. Put a snap-on button on its end that will serve as the lock of the bracelet. Decorate the leather with some metal studs if you have a guy who loves to rock and roll. And not to forget the classic one, a simple braided strips of leather that goes well with any style.

Simple Beaded "Evil Eye" Bracelet, $10

Beaded bracelet

Beaded bracelets for men differ a lot in contrast to those specifically made for women. If you want to create a beaded bracelet for your guy, use beads that are larger in diameter and with rustic appeal. Go for materials made of wood, clay or stone. Use of thread that is thin enough to pass through the holes of the beads yet sturdy enough to hold them together is important to avoid bending due to the weight of the beads when the bracelet is being worn.

Surfer Hemp Leather Bracelet Wristband, $8 from LeatherBracelet1

Hemp bracelet
Hemp bracelet has become especially popular nowadays. It is unique, comfortable to wear and very affordable. It is made of hemp twine, a tough fiber derived from an Asian plant. The signature color of this twine is tan, its natural shade, and is fitting for men’s taste. To make one, you have to be knowledgeable on how to do different styles of knots, weaves and braids to produce a unique design. This style of bracelet carries no clasps or locks to keep it in place. Instead, they use a long cord that is knotted adjoining with the other end to adjust depending on the size of the wrist.


Now it is up to you to decide on what style will be best to create for him. Keep in mind that whatever bracelet type you settle on, work on it with love. Your handcraft may not be perfectly polished, but it will not matter a bit. What is important is that you give you best to give him a perfect gift that comes from your heart.

About the author: Sarah is the relationship manager of Nanostyle. NanoStyle is the first and only to imprint 24kt gold on Cubic Zirconia jewelry. The company is famous for creating elegant love pendants and Christian pendants. 



If you would like to write a guest post for The Ash Tree, contact me today to get started!