Puzzle Invitation

We love when we have the opportunity to create amazing and unique invitation designs for our clients.  Last summer one of our wedding clients, Meagan wanted to create a super unique invitation for her Bridal Luncheon.  Meagan is a true paper lover and she adores unique paper details and design as much as we do.

We discussed the idea of a puzzle invitation with the overall concept being fun, bubbly, cute, unique and interactive.  We went with a modern circle design with a tangerine orange and bubble gum pink palette.  Each puzzle invitation was packaged inside of a cellophane bag with a tag topper printed with “You’re Invited” at the top of the design.  Each puzzle was mailed directly in a tangerine mailing box which was filled with Jelly Bellies.  An extra special treat when each box was opened.  Once the puzzle was assembled the invitation details are revealed.

The end result was a super cute, fun invitation with that WOW factor!  We loved the concept so much that we have created some heart puzzle greeting cards available for sale at our idea chic Etsy shop!  Super fun for that special someone.

Thank you to Heather Allen from Table 6 Productions for referring us to Meagan and to Autumn Burke Photography for these amazing images.

It’s a Girl! Name Our Letterpress

We have been using our beautiful and amazing Chandler and Price Letterpress for over a year now and are committing a no-no in the industry along the way.

We are yet to decide on a name!  We fell in love with the craft from the beginning and have been busy creating. As we enter year two we realize we need your help! Our letterpress needs a name and we want to offer a reward for the best name.  To help you help us, let us take a moment to describe her.  That is your first data point, she is a she.

She:

• is 15oo lbs of solid steel at the core
• was born during the great depression and manufactured in the USA by Chandler and Price
• is chic which by definition means smart and stylish
• is precise as a matter of fact a perfectionist
• is practically silent while at work other than a consistent click when the ink plate rotates and when the counter counts prints
• smells of ink and oil and doesn’t care what anyone thinks
• has a fly wheel that was milled so well to ensure perfection in smooth rotation – simply beautiful
• is vintage and works well modern day desires
• creates awe inspiring products but blushes when people say her work is “stunning” or “one of a kind” or “the most amazing…”

Below are a few images we hope inspire your creativity.  Please post your suggestion for a name as a comment here or on our Idea Chic Companies facebook wall.  The name we choose can select what they want from any grab bag on our Idea Chic Etsy shop

Thanks and have fun!

Love Takes Flight

It is a rare occasion when you meet a couple that has the same life passion.  This past fall we had the opportunity to work with an amazing couple who are both pilots!  When we met to discuss their design vision they wanted their story of being pilots and flying to be an integral part of their wedding design and overall vision.

We had a blast creating their “Love Takes Flight” book style invitation with ‘up in clouds’ swirl style graphics which incorporated their engagement photographs taken in an airplane hanger.

The day of wedding stationery pieces were also beyond unique!  We created and folded 130 custom paper airplanes.  Each was printed with the guest name(s) and table assignment on the wings of each plane which acted as escort cards.  This was a definite math equation to ensure the names would print correctly on the planes before they were folded!  They were displayed on flying purple ribbon bands as if they were taking flight.

Mini paper airplanes were also incorporated into the amazing centerpieces created by Amy at The Flower House.  The finishing touch was the table card which featured a vintage flyer from the invitation dragging each table number.

An amazing team of fabulous vendors to include:

Coordination – TC Decker / Muse Events

Floral and Decor – Amy Keating / The Flower House

Photography – Jamee Pierzchala / Jamee Photography

Venue – Sanctuary

Paper Products & Favors – Julie Sandusky / JS Design Custom

A Ed Hardy Tattoo Inspired Invitation

We love the opportunity to create wedding invitations which are so incredibly unique and reflect the style of the couple down to the last detail.  This invitation was quite a mix of elements and super fun to design and create.

The overall invitation design was inspired by a ‘country glamour’ theme with the use of two peacocks on a rustic fence mixed with the hot pink and shades of purple palette.  The peacocks were also inspired by the groom’s nickname.  Both the bride and groom had several tattoos which created the concept for the custom crest.  The use of the damask pattern and bold orchid graphics set the stage for a unique, bold, beautiful, stunning design.

The production details…
Each invitation was printed on a metallic ivory paper and turned like a book.  The front of the invitation featured a removable belly band with the wording “A Celebration of Love”.  When opened several pages were found inside of the book which included the custom crest, damask pattern and orchid graphics along with the invitation wording.  Each invitation was mailed in an ivory metallic envelope lined with the damask pattern.

Thank you to the amazing Autumn Burke Photography for capturing these fantastic images.

Warm Ideas for Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching we wanted to share with you some of our favorite “Thanks” gifts and ideas from our idea chic Etsy shop.  From cards to small gifts – these would add a ton of style to your upcoming table and celebration.

Vintage Style Thank You Postcard (Set of 10) / $7.50

If you going for a vintage table scape why not add these to each place setting as a take home gift and beautiful touch.  These postcards would also be perfect to send to close family and friends this Thanksgiving expressing your thanks and appreciation.

Mini Thank You Note Envelope Set Letterpress - pack of 4 / $6.00

Perfect to attach to a bottle of wine or hostess gift.  These also work well to add to each place setting for a festive and finishing touch. Ask each guest to write what they are thankful for on the card and place it inside the envelope.  Put all of the responses in a hat and have each guest read a different response out loud to the rest of the group.

Wood Gift Tags - Vintage Die Cut - Set of 4 / $3.00

Tie each wood veneer tag to a guest glass or napkin to add an organic harvest feel.  Write each guest name on the tag with a white pen or sharpie.

Coffee for One Favor - Screenprinted Burlap / $4.00

Burlap is such a great material for that rustic, vintage style.  Place each coffee for one at the center of each guest place setting.  This favor may also come in especially handy from the tryptophan found in Turkey to give a jolt of energy after the fantastic feast.

Personalized Polka Dot Place Card / $1.50

Modernize your table scape with our polka dot place cards.  These can be custom printed with each guest name for an organized and personalized touch.

Apple Cider Favor / $3.50

Who doesn’t associate the fall season with hot drinks to warm your soul.  Each favor includes a pack of apple cider and a cinnamon stick for garnish with “warm wishes” printed on each tag.

All products available for sale at our idea chic Etsy shop.  Be sure to purchase by November 17th at midnight for the items to arrive by Thanksgiving day!

Classic and Traditional Wedding Invitation

For a guest to receive a luxurious invitation like this in the mail you know it is a special occasion.  We were honored to create and design this amazing invitation for Lindsey and Michael.  Lindsey and Michael were wed at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs back in May of this year.  The entire wedding design was very classic, traditional and elegant with a palette of ivory, champange and shades of pale pink.  The invitation incorporated this same palette and style.  Hilary from Dancing on Paper, who is an amazing artist, hand lettered a “master” copy of the invitation card, monogram, reception and response card.  We took Hilary’s work and digitized it which allowed us to print her hand lettering.

The invitation card was a three-layered design which incorporated an ivory linen stock, backed with pale pink and champagne metallic stocks.  The entire invitation was tied with an ivory silk bow.  Each invitation was placed in an ivory cotton vellum box.  The top of the box featured the L&M die cut monogram tag on the top of the box.  The box was then wrapped with a metallic champagne paper band which were hand addressed by Hilary.  To protect the invitation box but still showcase the design each was placed in a clear box for mailing with custom stamps attached to the outside of the box.

We enjoyed so much designing and producing this amazing invitation in collaboration with Hilary from Dancing on Paper.  Thank you to Paige Eden Photography for these wonderful images and to the Maggie Moran from Celebrations by Maggie for her expert coordination of the wedding.

Idea Chic Products at Junior League of Denver Holiday Mart

 

 

 

 

 

 

Idea Chic is proud to participate in the Junior League of Denver Holiday Mart tradition. This great organization puts on unique shopping experience with amazing merchants all while raising funds for the Junior League Mission.  To learn more and take advantage of a $2 off coupon, print and present this Junior League of Denver Holiday Mart Coupon

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Love Birds

Colorado is an idyllic backdrop for anything — a movie, a postcard, or, in this case, a romance novel.   Photographer Rachel Grace, captured this vintage, rustic, mountain wedding in Keystone, and Julie was inspired by this scenic locale and for their stationery’s “love bird” motif.  In fact, unless you are a bird, the only way to get to this incredible venue is by gondola.

The shades of orange, green, and brown tied together the couple’s theme throughout the bouquets, favors, centerpieces, and the wedding party wardrobe

This gorgeous, fun wedding was put together by these awesome vendors:

Photography: Rachel Grace Photography

Hair Stylist: Kantoria Hair Studio

Event Designer: Sapphire Celebrations

Floral Designer: The Perfect Petal

Event Location: Timber Lodge Keystone

Stationery: JS Design Custom

Wardrobe: The Bridal Collection and Anna Be Bridal Boutique

Cake Designer: Ned Archibald, Executive Pastry Chef at Keystone Resorts

Band: A Music Plus Entertainment

A Wedding Day for the Young at Heart

During my interview with Idea Chic, this photo shoot was one of the first things to come up.  The theme: Vintage Whimsical.  My reaction:  Do they put random adjectives in a hat, pull out two, and say “GOOD LUCK!” ?  Yes.  Yes, that’s exactly what they do.   In fact, you can check out this video to see how the shoot was pulled off and the inspiration behind it.

Vintage is always a flexible term. In this case, rather than channel a specific decade, these party planner extraordinaires pulled from several decades, bringing back games and candy that my father (1960′s), grandmother (1940′s), and I (1980′s) all remember.  This photo shoot was featured on Every Last Detail, and may inspire you to turn your wedding day into a new kind of throwback. 

Julie went into her grandfather’s attic and found some old game boards and took the knife to them, creating one-of-a-kind vases that require a second look.

Rachel, from Intricate Icings, and Julie, designed this candy bar.  Everything from the in-your-face cake to the Bingo bunting were made custom for this shoot.

Lastly, The Curtis Hotel helped inspire this concept.  The front desk staff plays games with you, and they have plenty of bright candy, pop, and vintage games to keep you busy if you are unfortunate enough to come to Denver on one of our few rainy days.  (Note: if you are in town visiting, each floor at The Curtis has a different theme.  Go to the 13th floor for a psycho killer suprise)

The credit for what is, quite possibly, my favorite shoot to date goes to:

Creative Direction + Beauty, Makeup By Janine

Photography + Video, Revert Photo

Location, The Curtis Hotel

Cake Design and Candy Bar Concept, Intricate Icings

Floral Design, Bella Fiori

Paper Products and Candy Bar Concept, JS Design Custom

Styling and Wardrobe, Worthwhile Style

Hair Styling, Hillary Hackney

Dress, Anna Be

Model, Kiona, Whilemina Denver

Warm and Cozy Photo Shoot

Did you know that Yarn can be used as a verb?  It means to tell a long and implausible story.  While going through the pictures of today’s shoot, I racked my brain to think of what to title this post.  Someone told me the best place to start with “stuff like that” is to look up the definition of the word, problem is the definition is the opposite of what this shoot represents.

The vendors for this shoot made an everyday material (yarn) into a modern photo shoot fit for classic bride on a budget,  as well as  Style Me Pretty:

For JS Design Custom, the idea was to use accessible, everyday,  natural materials in ways that a DIY bride can appreciate, creating warm tones and a cozy feel.   For the table numbers, Julie wrapped yarn around sewing pins.  Yes, sewing pins.

The silverware holders are just simple mailing tubes wrapped in yarn and crochet ribbon.  A little button anchors a tag that says “Dine with Me” in lettering that will modernize the vintage feel of the materials. 

The place card holders are made of felt — just felt — die cut into a circle and wrapped with natural paper.  They’re each printed with “Please Take Your Seat” and the individual guest names in the center.  As a side note, you can buy wool felt at Fancy Tiger  for .75 cents per 10″x10″.  Both the silverware holder and guest cards are budget friendly for the designer on a dime.

Lastly, like Julie says on all of her emails, The Details Make All The Difference.  She wrapped the hot cocoa cups with a doily; a simple, affordable way to give your beverages an upscale look without breaking the bank.  The swizzle stick is wrapped in yarn and says “Sip.”

The majority of this intricate shoot was made from everyday materials that were cut up and meticulously tied back together. Even the candles on the tables were placed inside sweater sleeves giving that perfect late fall/early winter atmosphere that’s perfect for cuddling up with your honey and a cup of cocoa.  Listed below are all of the vendors who combined their artistry and passions to create this incredible shoot:

Photography – Kerri Doolittle Photography

Planning – Talia Events

Floral Design – Bella Fiori

Rentals – Event Rents

Cake and Candy Bar – Intricate Icings

Makeup, Accessories and Wardrobe Styling – Makeup by Janine

Venue – Space Gallery

Dress – Anna be

Stationery and Products – JS Design Custom