Cheers!

Letter Blocks

In experimenting with different ways to translate lettering onto surfaces other than paper, I made this letter block for my adorable little nephew, Archer.
I started with an unfinished wood block, sketched the letters of his name onto each side, and then used a wood burner to burn the letters into the wood surface. This was the first time I used a wood burner and it was so much fun (the smell of the burning wood was the best part)! I wanted the letters to be carved into the surface and the burner did the trick.

I liked how it looked unpainted, but ended up painting it using bright acrylic paints (and forgot to take a picture before giving it to him).
A fun project all around and hopefully a keepsake for little Archer.

smock!

If I had only known about Smock. when I got married!
Printed on renewable and sustainable luxury bamboo paper using 100% wind-powered letterpress, Smock. is at the forefront of creating eco-friendly papers that are both socially-responsible and absolutely beautiful!

A few of my favorite picks from their wedding invitation collection...

Rhon

Cavall

Nevis

etienne

Smock. also offers a fabulous line of social cards for all occasions, including shower invitations.

Love Letter

Conway, Ark.
June 11, 1896

My Darling Lottie,

If you are awake now and will listen, you will hear the clear chiming of the clock as it tolls the passing away of Thursday and strews garlands of sweet musical flowers in the triumphal way of Friday as it again takes its place in the endless procession of time. There are but five more days till our wedding day. I pray the Good Father to keep my own Lottie for me. I miss you so much. But I don't intend to write you a letter. I am sure you are half way in the notion to scold me. I have been reading Latin for two days and nights in succession, and the end is not yet. The examination comes tomorrow evening and I'll be ready.

I was greatly disappointed because I did not get a letter yesterday or today. Surely a long one will come tomorrow.

We have a nice boarding place for this summer. Must I have Henry to return your pass book and get your deposit fee for you? Be sure to tell me this.

Goodnight my darling,
Willie

- Written by my great-great-grandfather to my great-great-grandmother, transcribed by my cousin, Alice.

Feel the Love

In the mood for love.

My hubby and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary this week and what a wonderful 4 years it has been!

A few lovey photos by photographer Gosia Stepien to go along with my mushy mood...

Aren't these images beautiful?! More photos here.

Mi Belle Photography

I happened upon the Mi Belle Photography website and was instantly taken with the stunning images. I was mostly struck by the unique perspective and the way the two-photographer team captures the important and quiet moments so beautifully.
A few of my favorites...

Great wedding photography as well as portraits.
I love Mi Belle!

Spotlight on Vivaldi

Vivaldi is one of my favorite fonts and has become the most popular of my font choices.
From weddings to parties, it is versatile and so elegant.
The lines are clean and modern with added curves that give it an extra formality and sophistication.
Three cheers for Vivaldi!

Busy Bee

A few recent projects that I've been working on.....

150 wedding invitation envelopes for a bride and groom tying the knot in October.
Font: Artscript
Ink: Black

125 wedding invitation envelopes for a friend who is getting married in early October in Santa Barbara, California.
Front: Vivaldi
Ink: Black

News Flash!

Lulu and the Bee has been added to the exclusive Elizabeth Anne Designs Library!
Check us out here.

A big thank you to EAD for making us a part of the club!

Etsy Find....Paper Schmaper

Thanks to the wonderful world of Etsy, I discovered Paper Schmaper! A shop run by the lovely Krissy, who designs the most beautiful handmade cards.
My top picks...

Flourish - Pair of Gocco Note Cards

See With Your Heart - Pair of Gocco Note Cards

Perfect for any occasion, and even to use as thank you cards for a wedding or shower. Checkout the rest of her collection here, you are sure to fall in love!

Island Wedding Inspiration from Flickr

Conrad Hotel Bali - Wedding Chappel

by yushimoto_02

Wedding Day, Turoa Beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
by halftheworldaway

Wedding Atmosphere - Santorini
by animadm

Save-the-Dates by Minted

I am loving all of the fantastic paper designs by Minted!
I especially love their uniquely designed save-the-dates using the couple's photograph.

Garden Feast Save the Date Card by Helena Seo Design

Modern Library Save the Date Card by Sweet Paper Studio

Bird Lover's Save the Date Card by The Happy Envelope

Minted also has a wonderful selection of letterpress invitations, announcements, eco-friendly options (yummy), and custom design services.

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Elizabeth Anne Designs has a great new library full of vendor lists and reviews!
"In the Library, you will find an exhaustive list of vendors, organized by category, to aid you in your event planning! We will be updating the Library links often, and each month, we will be featuring a vendor review from a recent bride."
An excellent resource for planning! Checkout the EAD Library here.

Green Letterpress

Bella Figura is an eco-friendly artisan letterpress shop with an unbelievably beautiful selection of letterpress invitations, announcements, and stationary.
They print using antique cast-iron presses on 100% cotton tree-free paper. The shop is wind-powered, carbon-neutral, and 1% of sales are donated to environmental causes. A remarkable company dedicated to excellent quality, design, craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.
I picked a few of my favorites below, although it was really difficult to only choose a few....

Plume Wedding Invitation by Amy Graham Stigler

Deveril Wedding Invitation, Bella Figura Original

Owl Baby Announcement by Amy Graham Stigler

Joe Latter Photographer

Today's photography spotlight is on Joe Latter, a fantastic photographer based out of Long Beach, California. His work is absolutely amazing and he is a dream to work with! I know this because I used him for my wedding.

As you can see, his photos speak for themselves....

Villa de la Vina, Agoura Hills, CA - June 2008

Villa de la Vina, Agoura Hills, CA - June 2008

Seven Degrees, Laguna Beach, CA - May 2008

www.joelatterphotographer.com

Escort Cards and Table Names

I recently completed escort cards and table names for a wedding that is being held this month at a So. Cal. winery. The couple chose to name the tables after various types of wine and their table was the Dom Perignon table. To create the elegant design on the paper, the bride used a sage card stock, cut to size, and used an ink stamp with embossing powder and gun.
Font: Vivaldi, Ink: Chocolate

The escort cards were done per group (individual, couple, or family) and included the table name.

Naming the tables after various wines was a fun way to stick with the theme of the venue.

Bridal Brooches

photo by luxe photographics

As a big fan of wearing brooches in everyday life, I love the idea of adding this element to a wedding dress. This trend is popping-up everywhere on the bridal scene. I love it even more if the brooch is a family heirloom (time to raid grandmother's jewelry box) and will count as something old (or borrowed).
Beautiful!

Southern Inspiration

Being a Southern Girl myself, or at least born in the South & raised in Southern California, these southern weddings really struck my fancy....

Norcross, Georgia
via Our Labor of Love

Georgia wedding via Our Labor of Love

Atlanta, Georgia
via W. Scott Chester

Baby Talk

Because I recently found out that one of my good friends is pregnant, I'm excited to shop for cute baby goodies! And, she's an eco-conscious mom, so that makes the shopping even more fun.

A few of my favorite sources for eco-friendly baby gifts...

Baby Earth offers a wide variety of unique baby gifts and products. However, despite the name, not all of the items on the site are eco-friendly. Stick to the eco-friendly section to find lots of great green goodies.

Q Collection Junior Organic Soft Blocks

Green Babies, Sage Moms by Penguin Group
An excellent source of information for raising a green family simply and inexpensively.

Under the Nile is one of my favorite sources for organic baby clothing, bedding, and toys. All of their products are made from 100% pure organic cotton and are so, so soft.
Long Sleeve Baby Body
I bought these for my newborn nephew recently because I loved the bold colors. A nice alternative to the usual pallet of pastels.


Fruit Tote
I also bought him this basket of adorable organic fruit because it was too cute to pass-up and matched his onesies.

Our Greenhouse is a great source for all things green. From baby, to household, to pet, they offer so many fantastic products and great gift ideas.
Organic Baby Bedding Set - Jingo
I love this beautiful embroidered bedding. So fun with all of the different animals and pretty details.