THE CALLIGRAPHY CLOCK: TIME TIPS ON PLANNING FOR WEDDING CALLIGRAPHY NEEDS

"A week is a rush job?" I've heard this question uttered in disbelief by prospective brides and grooms in the fury of the final stages of wedding planning.

Calligraphy is often left as a last minute decision and couples are often forced to resort to the computer for one of the most important announcements of their lives.

"I really want calligraphy! But I was just going to do it on the computer because it's probably too late, right?" When I hear this question my heart goes out to the person on the other end of the telephone line. I can hear the fear and impending disappointment in their voices as they hold their breath and wonder if their calligraphy wish can be granted in a week or less!

Most people have no idea how long it takes to address weddings envelopes, design invitations, create calligraphic menus and other event elements that require calligraphy. I'm going to give you a few suggestions to eliminate some stress and help you figure out the quickest, easiest way to get your project done with a calligrapher. If the information comes too late to help you, at least you can educate a friend.

CALLIGRAPHY TIME LOCK TIP #1: RESEARCH CALLIGRAPHERS 3-4 MONTHS


Search for a calligrapher 3-4 months before the date you want to mail out your invitations.

This will allow you time for price comparisons, budget adjustments,exploring and deciding the calligraphy style you envision on your carefully chosen invitations.

If you spend a thousand dollars or more on invitations why stick labels on the envelopes? Quality deserves quality -- let a calligrapher put ink on that fancy paper!

Give the prospective groom the task of gathering information on calligraphy costs.

I'm getting more and more calls from prospective grooms who are crunching the numbers on the calligraphy piece of the wedding planning puzzle. Men seem to feel comfortable handling the research chore. After they share the info with their other half, the men often take the next step of actually meeting with me to deliver the material and discuss the address list.

Calligraphy by Francesca provides the unique service of meeting busy professional clients at or near their job or home. Working with advertising companies, major corporations and events planners often requires me to go to their offices. There I can meet with "the team members" simultaneously so communication is clear and decisions can be made quickly with all the principals present. So I decided that if I'm willing to do this for the big companies why not do it for the individuals, who are overworked, totally stressed out and trying to plan a fun event without having any fun in the process.

I frequently set up client meetings at nearby Starbuck's or in their private home, so I can accommodate busy clients. I figured it's better for one frustrated person being stuck in the New York City subway system or in the back of a taxi in a traffic jam (me) than four or five frustrated office bound professionals juggling a bazillion tasks in their heads or on their desks. Mu clients love being able to sit at their desk and work or relax on their sofa until I arrive. It saves them time, and eliminates the stress of trying to do the equivalent of a 100 yard dash or jumping five high hurdles in two seconds.

Plus it gives me an opportunity to do a quick review of their list and point out any possible mistakes in formatting or spelling. And I often do "on the spot" calligraphy samples on the actual material, so clients get an idea of what the finished product will look like.

Men who tackle the calligraphy chore love the chance to combine getting a quick cup of coffee during the work day and actually doing something constructive for their wedding. And they get major brownie points with their Beloved. I even meet couples after work when they are more relaxed and can enjoy a stress-free wedding planning experience. It's my service to humanity!

If you don't plan to send out a "save the date" invitation, consider sending your formal invitations out more than eight weeks before the wedding date.

In our 21st century society we're forced to plan far in advance for everything ao our lives are not overbooked. I think it's crucial to get wedding invitations in the mail beyond the "six to eight weeks" rule. Weddings now not only involve juggling schedules and appointments but also involve international travel. As couples join together in holy matrimony they are also creating international villages that require guests to fly across country and even across continents.

Starting your calligraphy search early will give you the flexibility to find the best calligrapher to fit your budget and to allow you to enjoy the piece of the wedding planning.

But don't worry if you're too late for the advance calligrapher research.
It is true that most calligraphers schedule wedding projects with a turn-around time of 3-4 weeks, so they can set up a schedule to do the work. But calligraphers are willing to do a "rush job". This means calligraphers can do envelopes, place cards, menus and other wedding needs in a turn-around time of 7-10 days.

Stay tuned for CALLIGRAPHY TIME CLOCK TIP #2: How to get your calligraphy project done in a rush -- 10 days or less!

The Beauty of Silver and Gold

Dark colored envelopes -- chocolate brown, fire engine red, navy blue and black -- seem to be a popular selection this season. Clients often request white or yellow ink which often come out pasty looking.

My recommendation is always "go gold" or silver! There are great metallic pens that give vibrant glittering metallic lettering. Although these pens require great skills and control for even a calligrapher.

Before you order dark envelopes go to a shop like Paper Presentations on 18th Street in Manhattan or JAM! on 44th and Fifth Avenue and buy a few envelopes to experiment with. Also beware that a calligrapher will charge you more per envelope because they will have to measure and line the envelopes with a pencial a ruler because they can't use a light box to show lines through.

Play with dark paper and a metalic pen to make sure that's the choice you want to make.

ADVICE FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

Andrea and Brian are getting married on the "green grass beside the barn" on Scully Ranch in Napa Valley California this June. But when their guest RSVP to attend they will have a little homework to do first. Enclosed in the invitation is a card that says "Advice for a Happy Marriage." This couple is asking family and friends in weigh in with there secrets to success in relationship and marriage.

I was touched by their idea of seeking comments from the intimate community that will witness their wedding. It made me think of times gone by when the community helped to nurture newly weds. It was Andrea's idea to do the advice card and fortunately she found an online stationer who was willing to work with what she wanted. So be courageous, outrageous, whimical or traditional with your invitations.

Andrea and Brian worked with MackenzieKate, an online stationer located in Rhode Island. The company is run by a real person named Mackenzie Sala, who is willing to customaize invitations for the bride-and-groom-to-be whenever possible.
Andrea dn Brian chose the invitation package called "Paris".

For more information check out their website: http://www.kenziekate.com/
Or you can email: info@kenziekate.com

Mackenzie Sala says she's always just a phone call away: 718.928.3946.

Do you have any advice for a happy marriage! Send me your advice and comments!

TEA ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON

There is nothing like tea on a Sunday afternoon. You dress up in your Sunday best -- a nice dress, your feathered hat and white gloves. It really doesn't matter that you're under ten years of age and celebrating your buddy's eighth birthday.

When time came to celebrate Alexandra's birthday her grandmother Martha was determined that the order of the day was not going to be the usual fare of rowdy fun, candy and chaos. She decided she wanted to start a birthday tradition that focused on culture, fashion, and the fun of being female. So Alexandra's birthday was celebrated by an classic tea party at the popular New York stop for teapots "Alice's Tea Cup" on the Upper Westside of the city.

Grandmother Martha purchased pink feathered hats from http://www.design2bsweet.com/, and added white gloves and costume jewelry for the birthday guests from a local New York's party supply store. And after the girls dressed up they settled down for a few hours of lady like fun. They sipped tea, nibbled scones, sucumbbed to cupcakes and exercised their pinkies more than usual. The girls loved it!

The girls got goody bags on their home which included, of course, a few Easter candies. But the big hit was the Easter colored cup and saucer sets each guest received. Grandmother Martha had ordered the sets from http://www.gourmetofoldecity.com.

The tiny, delicate cups came in hues to purples, pinks, greens, yellows and blues. And I each one I had written the name of the guest on one side. And the date of the party on the other. Even the birthday girl ran home to have tea in her own cute tea cup.

Alice's Teacup is also fun for grown up girls. It's a great place to lunch or brunch and sometimes just to be, for a while, free and female. For more information check out: http://www.aliceteacup.com/

SPRING SEASON WEDDING WISDOM: "GET YOUR LIST DONE"

Spring has sprung and the busy season is just not for the bees. Calligraphers are getting calls for June weddings! Despite the recommended six to eight week recommendation for invitations to be sent out before the wedding, many couples move slowly in getting their list together and this causes undue stress and delay.

Since the list is the major issue for most couples it's time to get ready now so you're not stuck at the last minute trying to make moms, dads and relatives get their acts together.

My advice to is start with your list first, then you can set the standard for how you want the information given. For example, if its a formal wedding set your list up with the appropriate title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.) Although your Calligrapher will know to spell out abbreviations in addresses , it is better to write out the full words, especially if you are sending invitations to friends and families in foreign countries.

Decide if you want to use the ampersand (&) or you want the Calligrapher to write out "and" instead. Although the formal way is to write out the "and" sometimes there is not enough room. If the envelopes are small for save-the-dates or invitations it saves room to use the ampersand. The invitations will look more beautiful because the letters won't be crowded. And if you have a lot of guests with long names -- like from the cultures of Turkey, India, Greece -- it saves room to use the ampersand.

Don't wait until the last minute to get started. Set a schedule and start off by committing to doing at least five addresses every day. Make it fun! Sit down with a glass of wine or cup of hot tea, turn on some nice music or your favorite TV show or movie and create a joyful atmosphere for the task. I highly recommend that couples do this together to save time and also to have an idea if there are any issues.

If you do decide to use Excel remember that your Calligrapher needs to see the names and addresses as they will appear on the envelope so they can judge the spacing. For example:

Francesca Simon
244 Fifth Avenue
Apartment Number 200
New York, New York
10001

This allows the Calligrapher to better judge the spacing needed. Simply convert the Excel list into a label format in Word. More men are taking the responsibility for making the list and they love Excel

So get busy now and avoid stressing yourself out.

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY FOR VIRUS WARNING

Today, I received an email from a dear friend, who is a computer specialist. She truly knows her stuff so when she sends me something I pay attention. Just wanted to pass this info on so you can be on the look out.

The culprit is called "Mail Server Report". I couldn't help thinking about all the perspective couples out there who are sweating over their guests lists. Wouldn't want you to lose a thing! The wedding planning busy season is upon us, but stay calm, plan smart and know that I care!

Anyone-using Internet mail such as Yahoo, Hotmail,
AOL and so on.

This information arrived this morning,
Direct from both Microsoft and Norton

Please send it to everybody you know who has
access to the Internet.

You may receive an apparently harmless e-mail titled 'Mail Server Report'

If you open either file, a message will appear on your screen saying:
'It is too late now, your life is no longer beautiful.'

Subsequently you will LOSE EVERYTHING IN YOUR PC,
And the person who sent it to you will gain access to your
name, e-mail and password.

This is a new virus which started to circulate on Saturday afternoon.
AOLhas already confirmed the severity, and the anti virus software's are not capable of destroying it.

The virus has been created by a hacker who calls himself
'life owner'.

PLEASE SEND A COPY OF THIS E-MAIL
TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS, And ask them to
PASS IT ON IMMEDIATELY!

THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY SNOPES.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/mailserver.asp

A Pre-Valentine's Day Poem

Tired of the usual candy and flowers for Valentine's Day? Then be creative and customaize a gift for your Beloved. Here are some tips!
Start planning now for Valentine's Day, February 14th!

Suggestions:
1. Write or select your loved one's favorite poem or quote to be done in calligraphy and frame it!

2. Select a favorite photo to be put in a matt frame and have calligraphy written around it -- a favorite song, a special poem, or your personal greeting.

3. Create your own card like you did in grade school. But this time take it to a calligrapher have the text beautifully written and add a photo or piece of miniature artwork you like how to personalize your gift!

And when you're ready here's a poem from me to you from my heart so true!


Valentine's Day is coming and romance is in the air!
Let me create a special gift for you by The Calligrapher Who Cares.

Love letters, poems, proposals and more I’ll do in calligraphy
To warm the heart of your lover or husband or wife-to-be!

Thoughts are spring wedding are filling the air
You invitations, place cards and other wedding ware
Are waiting for me -- The Calligrapher Who Cares.

Let me address your envelopes inside and out for a reasonable cost.
I'll even do your place cards too. And if you're adventurous
I'll actually write your guests names on river rocks too,
as a special memento especially from you two.

Getting your invitations out late?
Don't hyperventilate!
I'll do a rush job and it will be great!

Can't remember your marriage vows?
Don't worry I'll write them down,
so you can put them in a frame
so the memory of the moment will always remain!

Calligraphy is my calling! So give me a call!


Francesca Simon
Call 917-318-8776 (Cell)

Email: francesca.calligraphy@gmail.com

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PAPER AND INVITATIONS

One early dawn Kate had a dream. I was meeting with this prospective bride at her home later in the evening. She wanted the names of the guests written on each invitation, which is the custom in her native Australia. And I really liked the idea of personalizing each one. The invitations were of a vintage style embossed with gold print. And Kate had requested that I write the names, in script style, with black ink.

In her dream she saw me having trouble writing with the black ink. When I arrived at her apartment in the village the next day she asked "Did you have any problems?" I smiled and took a deep breath. For while Kate had been dreaming of me, I had been thinking of her as I struggled to make the fine point pen work over the stubbly texture. Honestly, the black ink looked awful.

Since it was a rush job and it was well after midnight I had to make a decision on how to proceed. I knew Kate trusted me, since I'd been referred by a friend who had been pleased with my calligraphy service. I realized that the only way to do the project was to use a fine point gold marker. I worried about going ahead to finish the project, but I knew time was of the essence. So I took a few moments to meditate and seek divine guidance on my decision. When I opened my eyes I was confident I had her blessing to proceed -- so I did.

When she saw the invitations the next day she was thrilled. The gold ink sparkled and added to the elegance of the invitation. My prayer had been answered. Calligraphers usually don't have the time or inclination to pray over invitations -- unless they're desperate. But it often happens that the texture of the paper makes a job a terrible adventure.

Calligraphers understand that your wedding invitation is your proclamation of love for your wedding festivity. You may "ohhhh" and "ahhhh" over the invitations you've selected with never a thought about how the choice will work with pen and ink. So when you proudly present your beautiful invitations to your calligrapher, don't be shocked if you see a frown instead of a smile. For a calligrapher it is a moment of hell while running the fingers over the paper and wondering whether the texture of the envelope will be workable without spending too many sleepless nights experimenting to find the right pen and ink for the project.

There are several considerations to make before deciding on invitations.

#1 - Thickness of the envelopes.

In these tough economic times many couples are deciding to order their invites on line without having actually seen or touched the paper. While the price may be lean, the paper may be very thin. If the paper is thin there is often a problem for the calligrapher called "bleeding". This means that the ink absorbs into the paper and begins to spread ruining the writing. When this happens the calligrapher may have to use a very thin point and not be able to create the particular style that you wish.

#2 - Coating on the envelopes.

One nightmare project I had to tackle was writing on envelopes that had a coating of wax. Although the feel of the smooth surface pleased the couple, it made me cry. The prospective bride had her heart set on a delicate script style, but because of the wax coating on the envelope I had to use a thick pointed pen and use an heavier italic style because the paper wasn't absorbing the ink.

#3 - Dark envelopes.

Chocolate/dark brown and black envelopes are quite popular these days. But for the calligrapher the trick is to find an ink that will look good on the paper. Although my clients often request that I use white ink on brown or black envelopes, I find that it looks quite pasty and sometimes dries to an ugly off color. I usually recommend using a gold or silver. So be prepared to change your ideas when a calligrapher explains why white won't work.

All paper is different. Looking at it is one thing. Putting ink on it is quite another matter. So think about the possibility of problem when you make your choice of an invitation.

TIP OF THE DAY

When you invitations arrive, take one envelope and write on it with a fountain pen to get an idea of what the finished product may look like.

If you order dark envelopes experiment on one with a gold or silver fine point marker so you have an idea of what you like.

HOW TO HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER

"How does this work?" This is one of the most common questions I'm asked when someone calls me to do a calligraphy project. The person knows they want beautiful writing but they have no idea of how to approach the project. Whether you found them on Craigslist, in the yellow pages or on a Google search doesn't matter. What's imporant is determining whether or not they are right right fit for your project -- and your life -- at this time.

Here are the first 5 questions you need to ask a calligrapher you want to hire.

#1 - Are you a trained calligrapher or are you just using your "nice handwriting"?

There are people who market themselves as calligraphers, but they are not trained or capable of writing in various styles. Some people just want "nice handwriting". But if you want a formal look please ask what style of calligraphy they are capable to doing. The most common is Italic style. Ask if they have a website or blog so you can see samples.

#2 - What are your rates for my project?

Check the rates from several calligraphers before making a decision. But I advise that you take several factors into consideration besides the rate. Sometimes a cheap price is a red flag for inexperience or limited abilities.

#3 - Where is the calligrapher is located? Is it convenient to your job or home? You don't want to waste time getting caught in traffic for a long haul. Time is money and traffic is a thief.

#4 - What kind of attitude does the calligrapher have? If you get a cheerful "hello" you're off to a good start.

Is the calligrapher helpful or haughty? Some calligraphers are snobby. If you haven't worked with a calligrapher before they may be impatient.

Does the calligrapher sound stressed out or are they short tempered? That's a red flag for sure! You've got enough stress already, so you need someone that's calm, cool, collected and, well, just plain nice!

#5 - When can the calligrapher finish your project? Ask "what is your turn around time?"

The calligrapher should be able to give you an estimate or be willing to work with you if you're in a rush. Most calligraphers require a 3-4 week turn-around time because they're already working on projects. If you're in a rush, don't be surprised if they won't work with you.

Ultimately your decision to hire a calligrapher should be based not only on price, but also quality, convenience, attitude, and helpfulness. If you've spent a bundle on your invitations, it's better to pay more for quality. And it's especially important to be at ease with whomever you hire.

You should not have to pay for extra stress! Hire someone who cares about your project and about you as a human being!

TIP FOR THE DAY!

Have a talking script ready when you speak to the calligrapher. Here's an example:

Hello.

I'm Francesca.

My wedding is March 7th.

I have 350 inner and outer envelopes to be addressed.

I need them completed by January 30th.

The envelopes are white.

I'd like the writing in brown ink.

I'd like the Italic style.

Where are you located?

What are your rates for this project?

Do you charge a rush fee?

WARD OFF WEDDING INVITATION BLUES: Tip #1 - Make an easy to read guest/address list

If you're getting married in 2009 there are some basic facts of life about calligraphy you need to know now! Your objective must be to get your invitations addressed and to the post office without panic, frustration or fear. You must begin to develop a battle plan now so you and your significant other don't go to war on each other before the wedding.

One of the most traumatic activities in planning a wedding is getting the list of guest completed. Fortunately there are many websites that offer online guidance and formats for following all the details of your special day. The most important issue to consider before hiring your calligrapher is creating a list that is easy to read and preferably in an address style.

I have spent many sleepless nights working with a ruler on an Excel sheet to follow names and address across narrow columns in small type. This is Calligrapher Hell! Please make a list that's in the form of labels. Because at some point -- and you can trust me on this -- you're going to get tired of looking at that Excel sheet yourself. A label format is easy to read, you can make readable notes on it. It also makes checking your envelopes much easier.

For example, read this:

Francesca Simon/244 Fifth Avenue #200/New York/NewYork/10001

Isn't this easier to read:

Francesca Simon

244 Fifth Avenue #200

New York, New York

10001

Your calligrapher will love you and your wedding planning career will be easier and end earlier.

The trick is to convert your Excel sheet into a label format through a mail merge. I'm no computer expert, but it's a fairly simple process in Word. I don't mean to be mean, but don't dare ask me how to do it in MAC or Vista! But whatever you do, do it in label format and you'll be glad you did in the end!

Tip for Today!

Make getting your guest/address list together a pleasasnt experience.
Sit down with your Beloved and a bottle of wine or any bubbly beverage,
put on soft music, lay out some tasty tidbits and discuss a game plan.

* Decide on the easiest format -- Excel, Word or clear printing if need be.

* Determine several deadlines so you aren't rushed to get it all done at the last minute. For example, set a three week limit to get together the top 25 or 50 guest. That will give you time to get comfortable with gathering the information.

* Once you and your honey have a system figured out,set deadlines for in-laws to get in their list. Use the same simple split information technique so they don't get overloaded either.

A Calligrapher Who Cares

With the New Year 2009 comes new hope for love, good health, prosperity and celebration for all of life's great adventures. Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, brings beauty and class to every celebration or to any correspondence.

In my dealings with panicked brides, frustrated party planners and desperately seeking gift givers I always assure them that the beauty of this art is truly worth the effort. Why should a bride-to-be buy expensive wedding invitations and then stick tacky labels on them? Why should an elegant affair be burdened with boring place cards? Why buy the same flowers or perfume for a birthday or anniversary when a special poem or wedding vows can be done in calligraphy and framed as a work of art?

It is my goal to give suggestions, answer questions and provide inspiration for those who aren't quite sure how calligraphy can bring class to any occasion. I truly care about the landmarks in your life and it is my hope to help you discovers ways to say this is special" to an individual, a partner, a couple, a family an organization or company. As the year progresses let's plan together how to celebrate the special moments of your life journey and create mementos to last beyond a lifetime!

Tip for Today!

Start planning now for Valentine's Day, February 14th!

Suggestions:
1. Write or select your loved one's favorite poem or quote to be done in calligraphy and frame it!

2. Select a favorite photo to be put in a matt frame and have calligraphy written around it -- a favorite song, a special poem, or your personal greeting.

3. Create your own card like you did in grade school. But this time take it to a calligrapher have the text beautifully written and add a photo or piece of miniature artwork you like how to personalize your gift!