We were thrilled to see this inspiration shoot that we collaborated on with Dee Kay Events on Style Me Pretty recently! The shoot was inspired by 1920’s glamour, complete with beaded flapper dresses, classic decor and 20’s inspired hairdo’s. Our ever-popular Bejeweled invitations by Kamal fit perfectly with Diane’s vision for the shoot, which turned out beautifully. Visit Style Me Pretty to see more photos!

Photography: Love, Sylvia Photography | Cupcakes: Papa Ganache | Groom’s Attire: Tessuto Menswear | Accessories: Happily Ever Borrowed | Bride’s Dress: Unique Vintage | Bride’s Gown: Isabelle’s Bridal | Bridesmaid Dress & Accessories: Unique Vintage | Event Design + Planner: Dee Kay Events | Florals:Monday Morning Flowers | Furnishings + Rentals: Bits & Pieces Rentals | Invitation + Paper Goods: Bella Figura | Venue Location: Wilson Hall 

Many thanks to Diane from Dee Kay Events in Tennent, New Jersey for inviting us to be a part of this shoot!

Sometimes the simplest change to an existing invitation design can make a big impact – like this horizontal customization of our vertical La Salle design.  Nicole and Robert accommodated more text than the sample without sacrificing the delicate frame and bold typography that make this design so unique.

letterpress inks: pewter + navy | fonts: kunsel + eros + conquerer | paper: bella cotton 1-ply white | customization #18751

Bella Figura calligrapher Sarah Hanna has been sharing photos and stories from her adventures in France, where she’s currently spending time in the gorgeous village of Cassis. Today we’re sharing a few of the projects that Sarah has been working on in France – starting with La Tête à Toto boutique in Cassis, where Sarah calligraphed all over the walls!

La Tête à Toto boutique in Cassis A children’s shop owner in France (who happens to also be a chef featured in Vogue Europe) asked me to help with décor for her new venture. She was transforming the back space into a children’s cooking and art school, and she wanted me to letter on the walls. Cooking? Art? French? Where do I sign??? 

Hand-lettering at Tête à Toto It was great fun and a solid French lesson (thanks to Google translate). Up until now, I do most of my French vocabulary training at the grocery store….or when I get home from the grocery store and say, “Oh. I thought that was chicken.”  

 

The finished product

Fashion meets function under the sink 

The cooking school (after) 

Hand-illustrated correspondence cards In keeping with the ‘fait à la main’ style, this year, I am launching boxed sets of hand-painted correspondence cards. The paper I am using is Fabriano. It is the oldest paper mill in Europe and a favorite of Michaelangelo. Ooh la la! 

Customized children’s lullaby I have a sweet spot for all things classic and creative for bébé. I have started to take lullabies and customize the words to fit the new family (for example: ‘If that Crimson Tide won’t roll, Mama’s gonna buy you a fishing pole’ for an Alabama grad mom and a dad who loves to fish). I ask a few questions about the couple and word-smith the poem myself. Then I hand-calligraph and illustrate the piece for the nursery. It’s a perfect gift.

Baby shower + lullaby photographs courtesy of Lauren Louise Photography.

With fireworks and festivities just around the corner for the July 4^th holiday, we were inspired to share this customization of our Modern Fete wedding invitation design. Jade and Alex found the perfect summer palette in sunny yellow ink and shiny silver foil and their tri-fold save the date is sweet yet functional, giving guests lodging information for the busy holiday weekend.

letterpress ink: yolk | foil stamping: silver matte | font: alouette | paper: bella cotton 1-ply white | envelope: bella cotton white | customization #17570 | Union Street Papery

bride | folk floral letterpress invitation | candied apples

This stately and sophisticated customization of the Duncan design is formal but not too uptight. It’s perfect for an ultra-chic black tie wedding centered around signature cocktails, modern menswear patterns and partying the night away. Duncan – and all of designer Jess Tierney’s inspired designs – are on sale through June 30th!

duncan customization | letterpress ink: black | foil stamping: gold shine | fonts: brandon + sansa | paper: white | invite size: SQ-7 | liner: sullivan stripe pattern in black | original design and customization by in-house designer Jessica Tierney

 

drinks, grooms & venue

Patricia Mumau wows us on the regular with her carefree calligraphy and illustrations. On this customization of our Balsam Calligraphy design, Sarah and John chose a mellow color palette paired with homespun touches like a jute envelope and textile inspired liner. They added a pop of color (and a shout-out to summer) with Watermelon colored edge painting.

letterpress inks: sand + deep blue | paper: bella cotton 2-ply white | edge painting: watermelon | hand calligraphy: harrison style by patricia mumau | envelope: jute | envelope liner: modern herringbone pattern in deep blue | customization #13893

This customization of the Leigha Spring design is perfect for a romantic southern summer wedding. Inspired by bountiful bouquets of oversized flowers, vintage blue china and soft lace details, this invitation has all the makings for a romantic night to remember. Leigha Spring – and all of designer Jess Tierney’s inspired designs – are on sale through June 30th!

leigha spring customization | letterpress inks: cornflower + powder blue | font: impression | paper: white | invite size: f-8 | liner: ambrose pattern in cornflower + powder blue | hand calligraphy accents: callaway style | original design and customization by in-house designer Jessica Tierney

background | bride | bouquet

We are excited to announce that we are now partnering with Onondaga Earth Corps, a new member of 1% For the Planet and a local organization based here in Syracuse that’s dedicated to planting, distributing and caring for thousands of trees in the area.  Since its inception in 2004, Onondaga Earth Corps has engaged local youth in hands-on community and environmental service learning projects, helped train young people for future careers in environmental fields, and empowered them to develop leadership and problem-solving skills. In addition to planting and caring for the trees, the organization helps install and maintain rain gardens, rain barrels and gardens around Syracuse. We had the chance to see this amazing organization in action at their recent Save the Rain Volunteer Tree Planting along Onondaga Creek Parkway. OEC members gave step-by-step instructions on how to properly plant the trees, then split up among the volunteers to plant the rest of the trees.

OEC members prep the ground and begin the tree-planting process. 

OEC members make sure the tree is level before securing the tree with dirt. 

OEC members and young volunteers help secure the tree with dirt. 

OEC members and volunteers gather mulch for the newly planted trees. 

After the tree has been planted and mulched, OEC members install stakes to help keep the tree secure.

Katherine and Patrick customized our Victorian Elegance letterpress wedding invitations by changing the orientation, ink color and hand calligraphy style. Elizabeth Hardin’s Carlisle style calligraphy added a playful touch while the warm tones of the envelope liner and Vine letterpress ink set the stage for their autumn celebration.

letterpress ink: vine | font: memphis | paper: bella cotton 1-ply + 2-ply ivory | foil edging: copper shine | hand calligraphy: carlisle style by elizabeth hardin | envelope: bella cotton ivory | envelope liner: refined mosaic pattern in vine + umber | customization #19038 | Lion in the Sun

Bella Figura calligrapher Sarah Hanna is always on the move doing the most amazing things. Lately, she’s been splitting her time between Sonoma, California and the beautiful village of Cassis, France. Sarah was kind enough to take us on a virtual tour of her day-to-day in France – take a look!

Port of Cassis When I am in France, I live in the ancient fishing village of Cassis. It is a gorgeous town that sits on the French Riviera. This is the port of Cassis. My art studio is on the other side of these buildings.

 

A classic, old world street in the village.

Hand-lettered sign outside of a restaurant ‘Fait à la main’ (English translation: ‘made by hand’) is an integral part of European craftsmanship. Whether it is perfectly-balanced sauce or a gorgeous pair of shoes, things that are made by hand hold value. Many of the menus and store signs are hand-painted or hand-lettered.

The Guerlain flagship boutique in Paris The world is can be a very small place. From California, I work with the amazingly talented Lucas Somoza. He is an elegant-in-every-way American stylist and event designer who splits his time between Paris and New York. Lucas had a Bella Figura client getting married at the Four Seasons George V in Paris. We met at the newly-renovated flagship Guerlain boutique on the Champs Élysées to exchange Bella Figura menu wraps. It was haute couture week in Paris, and Lucas was able to meet between attending the Elie Saab show and a style shoot at Guerlain. I am STILL giddy with excitement over it all! Look at the Guerlain sign. NOT a font. Don’t you just love France?

 Lucas Somoza is just. so. delightful. 

Sennelier atelier in Paris Just across from the Louvre is the Sennelier atelier. This fine art supply store is a Paris staple and an artist’s dream. Sennelier has created custom pigments for the likes of Picasso and Cezanne (unknown artists at the time)…so I feel as though my new museum-quality watercolor pencils must have a little magic in them.

Many thanks to Sarah for giving us a peek inside her life in France! We’ll be back next week with more photos from Sarah’s travels!

Sheila celebrated a milestone with these fun and fresh letterpress birthday invitations based on our Modern Basel design. Bold colors and a trendy pattern compliment the simplistic beauty of this no-nonsense design.

letterpress inks: navy + jade | font: gotham | paper: bella cotton 2-ply white | edge painting: jade | envelope: bella cotton white | envelope liner: classic chevron pattern in navy | customization #18769 | Judy Paulen Designs