Tidbits from the Interwebs

Sorry (in my Canadian accent) for the lack of creative posts lately. It's just been so hectic at work! In the meantime, here are a few links which you must check out!

1) Barbara Kua Calligraphy recently launched an online shop so now it's even easier to purchase their customized calligraphy stamps and sample calligraphy packs.


2) Toronto-based Sash & Bustle has also launched its E-Boutique. Items available to purchase through the E-Boutique include: veils, fascinators, bridesmaids gifts, bridal clutches and other wedding-related details.


3) My friend Michelle sent me this link to this amazing Mario Brothers' 8-bit video game wedding invitations. Check out the video below, and click on the above link to see photos of the paper invites!



4) After many weeks of suspenseful teasers, The Last Forty Percent Photography unveiled their brand new studio space overlooking the city. I love how modern it looks! I foresee LFP being bombarded with even more requests for boudoir sessions! To see more of their new space, click here.


5) Toronto Life magazine has posted select content from its Wedding Guide 2010 (on its website including a feature on Andrea Anastasiou, owner of White Toronto. Also check out Toronto Life's stunning wedding gown picks.

Don't forget to enter A Hot Pink Petticoat Giveaway - which has been extended to the end of Monday and is open to anyone planning an event (doesn't have to be a wedding). Note that the contest is now open to those outside of Toronto.

And the Winner is...........

CHOCOLATE LOVER!!!!

who said "Ashley" is her favourite style.


(the proof the draw was random)

Congratulations Chocolate Lover! I've passed along your email to Barbara and she will be contacting you shortly.

Thank you to everyone who entered contest, blogged/tweeted/facebooked about it. Both Barbara and I were overwhelmed by the number of entries (73 in total). You guys rock! A big thank you to Barbara for sponsoring the contest.

For those of you who didn't win, remember you can purchase a personalized calligraphy rubber stamp from Barbara.

Rubber Stamps (like the one pictured above) are $39.00
Self-Inking Stamps are $49.00

I myself bought the rubber stamp one as I wanted to play with different coloured ink pads but for those of you who will be using your stamp a lot (like to stamp 200 response envelopes), you might want to consider the self-inking stamp. And don't forget, Barbara is currently offering 10% discount for those who place their stamp order by or on November 30 . Just mention my blog or the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway when you place your order. A stamp would make a perfect gift for any occasion!

Barbara 's 10% discount offer also applies to her services. Please visit Barbara Kua Calligraphy to learn more about Barbara's calligraphy services.

I love Sunday Mornings.

I made poached eggs for the first time this morning....not bad! Next time, I'll try making the Hollandaise sauce! Hope you're all having a lovely weekend. Don't forget, the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway ENDS TONIGHT at 11:59EST!!!

Psssst....

Did you enter the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway yet?

via Barbara Kua Calligraphy

Frugal Friday - The Calligraphy Edition

Thank you, thank you for the entering the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway! Barbara and I are so blown away by the response. If you haven't entered yet, go enter now!! Contest closes Sunday at 11:59pm EST.

I'm also thrilled to announce that Barbara is extending a 10% discount on her services and products (including personalized rubber stamps!) to all my readers! Offer ends November 30, 2009. Just mention the Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway contest or my blog when you place your order. Please visit Barbara Kua Calligraphy on learn more about Barbara's calligraphy products and services.

Here are some of my favourites of Barbara's past work:


Remember, Barbara's services are not limited to weddings. She can help bring flair to any special event. Also, for those of you looking to spruce up your personal stationary or business stationary/cards, Barbara can help you come up with something unique!

Non-calligraphy Frugal Friday Items

JCrew

Banana Republic (US stores and Online only)

Stamp Yourself Happy Giveaway

Happy Monday! I am super stoked (yes, stoked, love that word for some reason) to host my first giveaway, sponsored by Barbara Kua Calligraphy!

I've featured Barbara's amazing calligraphy before, and most recently I've wrote about my wonderful personalized calligraphy stamp that I purchased from Barbara. I love my address stamp. I just recently used it for my cousin's baby shower invitation envelopes. It saved me from writing out my address on 25 envelopes plus Barbara's calligraphy gave the invites a touch of elegance.


Lucky for you, we're giving away ONE customized calligraphy rubber stamp to one of my blog followers. Consider it a thanks for reading my blog and encouraging me to keep writing!!

Giveaway Details
1) Visit Barbara Kua Calligraphy, and leave a comment here, on my blog, letting me know which one of Barbara's calligraphy styles you like best.

2) For an additional entry, either blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway. Be sure to leave the relevant link to your blog, Tweet or Facebook.

3) Maximum 2 entries per person. Contest ends Sunday, November 8 at 11:59PM EST.

4) I'll announce the winner on the following Tuesday. The winner will receive one customized address rubber stamp (4 lines) in the calligraphy style of the winner's choice. Approx. value is CDN $40.

5) Open to anyone in the world as Barbara will ship to anywhere!

Barbara's customized address stamps would make perfect gifts (Christmas is just around the corner!). Or why not treat yourself? A personalized stamp would make the Christmas card writing (or invitation writing) a lot more fun!

For those of you who can't wait and must simply get your stamp now, email Barbara Kua Calligraphy at info@barbarakua.com.

Don't forget to visit Barbara's blog to see how calligraphy can bring a little charm to your event.

Stamp Me Happy!

Thanks for all your kind words regarding my eventful evening yesterday. I still can't believe that happened to me! Fortunately, all was pretty much forgotten after Gossip Girl and ice cream. Did you love Gossip Girl? I think I need to watch it again because I was more focused on the clothes and accessories than the storyline. lol.

Anyways, back to this post. Back in July, Toronto-based calligrapher Barbara Kua posted about her customized calligraphy rubber stamps. Barbara recommended them as a cost effective way to incorporate handwritten calligraphy into the return address for wedding invitations or response envelopes.

Brilliant no? I decided I needed one ASAP with my address on it. I hemmed and hawed over Barbara's styles and finally decided on Ashley. Isn't she elegant yet sassy?


Barbara offers two types of rubbers stamps: 1) Self-Inking; and 2) Wood Handle (i.e. you can use it with different coloured stamp pads for variety). I went with the wood handle option.

Before I show you my stamp, I want to show you the cute little box it came in.......

.....wrapped in cute tissue paper....

Voila, my own address stamp!
Unfortunately, I can't show you how it stamps on paper because it has my address on it (and I don't want any stalkers). :(
Trust me though when I say it's awesome.

Barbara also included a note in her trademark calligraphy. A very sweet touch.

If you're interested in purchasing your own stamp (or as a gift for someone else, ahem, for your bridesmaids), email Barbara at info@barbarakua.com for more information. For those of you outside of Toronto, don't fret, Barbara can ship. Thanks Barbara for my awesome stamp!

Feature Friday: Barbara Kua Calligraphy

Barbara Kua left a comment on my blog a couple of months ago, and boy am I glad she did! Otherwise, I would not have discovered her beautiful calligraphy. As you may have noticed, calligraphy has made a comeback in recent years, having been on the back burner due to modern technology and affordable home printers. I've always wanted to learn calligraphy, but due to my poor handwriting skills and lack of patience, this goal has never materialized. Lucky for me (and you too!), talented calligraphers like Barbara are here to save the day. Below is my 'interview' with Barbara.

How did you get into calligraphy?

My mother is an art teacher so I grew up drawing and painting in her studio. So I guess you can say I've always had an interest in art and all things creative. I was ten when I received my first calligraphy set, which was a beginner set with a fountain pen. I used this set to address my own wedding invitations. I had such a fun time doing so that I decided to pursue calligraphy as a potential business. I started off with referrals and began experimenting with improved calligraphy pens and inks to develop my own script styles. I used the business and technology knowledge gained from my university days to develop my website and here I am today.

Many couples are opting to use computer-generated calligraphy to save money. How do you compete with that?

I understand calligraphy is not for everyone. Weddings can be quite expensive and calligraphy may just be one of the first things cut from most budgets. I try not to compete since I think handwritten calligraphy is something totally different. Calligraphy adds a personal touch and a warmth that a computer just can't provide. Your wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding and are your guests' first glimpse into your event style. I truly believe that when you invite your guests to the grandest party you may ever throw, it is nice to have a personal touch, especially with today's wide use of emails and evites.

How can a couple incorporate calligraphy into their wedding?

There are many ways to incorporate calligraphy into a wedding. Most couples start off by having their invitations addressed. From there, calligraphy can be incorporated into the reception with seating cards or seating charts, cake signs, favour tags and table numbers. You can also have a calligrapher pen your menu or program and have them offset printed to reduce costs. And don't forget about having your thank you notes addressed by a calligrapher after your wedding.

I love your style "Ashley." How do you come up with new styles? Which one is your favourite?

"Ashley"

I start off by playing around with letters. Some styles are spawns of other styles and some are hybrids. Once I'm happy with a style, I then write out the entire alphabet so I have it as a reference for when I am performing the lettering for my clients. I've tried to develop various styles, from contemporary to whimsical and elegant so there is a script for all types of weddings. My favourite style is Emily. It's feminine, and I'm a total girly-girl.

"Emily"

Will you work with a couple to customize an original style?

Definitely. I'm constantly trying to develop new font styles so I'm up for any challenge!

On average, how long does it take you to address wedding invitations?

Some of my styles are more time consuming than others, but on average 100 addresses can take a full day to complete. For this reason, I'd recommend that couples interested in hiring a calligrapher reserve a spot on their calendar early on. They may be disappointed if their favourite calligrapher is not available when they’re ready for their stationery to be penned.

What's the most unusual request you've received?

Since I'm relatively new in the wedding industry I haven't had any unusual requests just yet. I'm looking forward to such requests though as they'll probably involve much more creativity!

Thank you Barbara! For more information on Barbara Kua's services, please visit her website and/or blog. You can also follow Barbara Kua Calligraphy on Twitter. (Note: Don't fret if don't live in the Toronto area, Barbara works with couples from all locales. Email her for more details, info@barbarakua.com)

Where are Barbara's wedding photos that I promised, you ask? Check back this weekend to see them!! (I know, I'm such a tease). Enjoy your Friday.

All images via Barbara Kua Calligraphy