Month: August 2012

  • Inspired by

    Inspired by Classic Back-to-School Apple

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    Have you ever wondered where the tradition of giving an apple to a teacher came from? I wonder if it is because apple are in season at the beginning of the school year. Or maybe it is because of the smart, health benefits of “eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Whatever the reason, I like it.

    Cherishing a single piece of fruit is so simple and yet so charming. There is this scene in Little Women where Jo is peeling an orange as a treat at her desk on a snowy day, and that orange looks like the most decadent treat in the world. That is what I think about when I think of gifting an apple to a teacher at back-to-school time….the beauty of slowing down and savoring the exquisite taste of an apple in season.

    Back to School wedding invitation available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Invitation shop.

  • Inspired by

    Inspired by Back-to-School Time

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    In my other life, I work for a university and it is back-to-school time! Like most students, I can’t believe how fast the summer goes! My worlds collide as I do a back-to-school wedding theme this week.

    A back-to-schoool wedding theme would be perfect for the teacher couple or the couple that met in school. A few other designers have done the back-t0-school theme so I wanted to do this one a little different….but I’m getting ahead of myself. First, I did an exploration of basic school supplies. I quite like getting detailed in my still life paintings, don’t I?!

    Back to School Invitation is now available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Invitation Shop.

  • Wedding Shows

    Craft Fair and Wedding Expo Inspiration

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    Photos 1, 2, 3, 5 from 2012 Lovesick Expo by Love Me Do Photography. Photos 4 & 6 from Renegade Craft Fair

    Since January’s Lovesick Expo will be my first fair/expo experience, I know I have my work cut out for me to create a smashing table! First, I’m exploring the overall look of the table, so I can start collecting items throughout the next couple months. Lucky for me, Love Me Do Photography took some amazing photos at last year’s Lovesick Expo (a couple seen above), so I have some inspiration on what I can expect from other vendors at this year’s show, and what I can expect from the overall setting. I know that lighting is going to be highly important at World Cafe Live because it is pretty dark in certain locations.

    I love creating styled spaces, which is essentially what I am creating for my table. I love the idea of building levels on the table either by easels or through constructed shelving. I also like the idea of constructing some sort of fabric background behind the table. I am brainstorming my overall image while crafting this table layout, such as the fact that I am attracted to textures and natural elements.

    My friend who has a lot of experience with craft fairs recommended that I work on my “craft” during downtime, so I will likely bring some paints and paper, in order to show how I work to possible clients.

    Next, I’m going to focus on giveaways, business cards, items to sell, etc. I know it is going to be a lot of work but it is exciting work! If you have any tips or suggestions about setting up a vendor table at a craft fair or bridal expo, please leave a note in the comments section! Thanks!