In the Studio: Cinderella Invitation

April 24, 2013By AllisonIn the Studio

Lately I have been on a “Once Upon A Time” kick. You know…the ABC tv series about all the fairytales that succumb a curse and are sent to the real world. I am loving this show; watching a few episodes daily! In the spirit of this show is this invitation I designed a few months … Read More

Follow me on Instagram @handpaintedweddings

April 22, 2013By AllisonAnnouncements

I consider myself a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to social media. I mean geez….I am still trying to figure out hashtags! I may be one of the last people to join Instagram, and truthfully I have no idea why I waited so long to join! My goal with Instagram is to … Read More

Practicing the Art of Calligraphy

April 19, 2013By AllisonIn the Studio

I have been loving practicing with my new calligraphy tools. Currently I have been using the Brause Steno nib (shown), which is also called “Blue Pumpkin” because it has a blue hue to it. (How cute is that?) And I have tried practicing with the Brause Extra Fine 66 nib. This is a very small, … Read More

Inspired by Hand-Written Lettering

April 17, 2013By AllisonInspired by

I have been smitten by hand-written lettering for awhile now, whether chalkboard lettering, calligraphy, or painted. I’m especially inspired when I see beautiful calligraphy and hand-written lettering in unexpected places, such as this carved wooden cake topper, in signage, or as wrapping decoration. Lately I have been practicing my hand at calligraphy, which I can’t … Read More

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

April 15, 2013By AllisonInspired by

Inspiration comes from all sorts of sources. For me it comes in dreams, spontaneous thoughts, observations while living my life, a pattern on a beautiful dress, a beautiful photograph that connects with something deep inside that I can’t explain, etc. Inspiration is akin to breathing for me; it is necessary. It is love. It makes … Read More

Manhattan

March 28, 2013By AllisonMade my Day 1 Comment

A dear friend of mine is moving to New York City. She’ll be living in Manhattan, starting a new job, and be experiencing many new adventures for sure….she is a very lucky girl. I’m also a very lucky girl to call her my friend! She has been there for me through the thick and thin … Read More

Moment When Light Equals Dark

March 20, 2013By AllisonMade my Day

The Spring Equinox was completely off my radar this year (clear by the fact that I’m so late in posting this mini blog post). I got a beautiful little email from a good friend this morning with this article about the Spring Equinox in it. A little snippet from the article by Teo Bishop: “Here … Read More

Happy St. Patty’s Day

March 15, 2013By AllisonMade my Day

May you have a lovely and lucky St. Patrick’s Day weekend! Around Philly there are numerous opportunities to have a little fun and celebrate this lively holiday! I’m not Irish but these celebrations are always a good time! As for me, I plan on having over friends this weekend and enjoying my new shamrock plant…hoping … Read More

Spring is Hatching

March 11, 2013By AllisonInspired by

What beautiful weather we just had in Philadelphia this past weekend! Open windows, crisp (dare I say, warm) air flooding into people’s homes for maybe the first time this year. Oh, and the flowers! While not blooming so much outside yet, definitely blooming inside stores. Flowers seem to be on everyone’s minds lately as people … Read More

And just like that…life gets quiet.

March 7, 2013By AllisonIn the Studio 2 Comments

This past Saturday I went to a new ice skating rink with my husband for a fun, little excursion. I’m pretty steady on my skates (no pro, mind you, but pretty steady). I remember having a conversation with Carl about not wanting to fall; to which he is like…if you fall just let yourself fall, … Read More

Inspired by John Lovett’s New Book

March 1, 2013By AllisonInspired by

When I saw that John Lovett, a super-talented watercolor artist from Australia, came out with a book, I just knew I had to get my hands on it! It doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to play around with his styles and techniques and bring them into my work. Loads of inspiration flying from this book … Read More

Inspired by hand-painted wedding cookies

February 27, 2013By AllisonInspired by

If you can believe it…these are cookies! Hand-painted wedding cookies to be specific! They were created by Maggie Austin LaBaugh, a very talented cake artist! Her cakes also have a very painterly quality to them, so you will have to check out her work in her portfolio! These cookies are modern pieces of art. They … Read More

Joining The Wedding Mile marketplace

February 25, 2013By AllisonAnnouncements

Hand-Painted Weddings is testing out an additional marketplace called The Wedding Mile where customers can order their hand-painted invitations, guestbooks, and save-the-dates. I am really excited to join this new marketplace because I believe that the target audience is very similar to the Hand-Painted Weddings market, couples who desire a unique, handmade wedding. A little … Read More

Wedding Invitations and Fashion Styling

February 20, 2013By AllisonHand-Painted Invitations 1 Comment

Last week’s invitation styling inspired (what I believe to be) a very interesting new way to photograph the Hand-Painted Weddings Shop Invitations. The idea is too connect fashion and invitation by styling the photographs with myself holding an Invitation in front of outfits that relate in design. This is a beautiful extension to the very … Read More

Hand-Painted Romantic Lace Reception

February 15, 2013By AllisonHand-Painted Reception

Ombres, coral pinks, and unexpected dip-dyed elements decorate the Hand-Painted Romantic Lace Reception. Accenting with pale aquas and natural textures like burlap or kraft paper is a perfect way to make your wedding reception casual and soft, while keeping the natural elegance of pink and lace. I think that is my favorite bit about this … Read More

Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2013By AllisonMade my Day

Happy Valentine’s Day lovely readers! May your hearts be filled with love today and everyday! If you are looking for a last minute DIY for someone special in your life consider putting your love note in a bottle. This little trick will instantly make your card into a unique gift! Tutorial here. Came across this … Read More

Hand-Painted Romantic Lace Invitation

February 13, 2013By AllisonHand-Painted Invitations

Do you feel the romance in the air? The day before Valentine’s Day always brings a little bit of excitement as couples prepare for the next day’s excursions. This year my husband is planning a surprise night, so I am particularly curious and excited about what that could mean! Inspired by the romance this time … Read More

In the Studio: Snow Peaked Mountains

February 11, 2013By AllisonIn the Studio 2 Comments

Much of the Northeast experienced a blizzard this past weekend….but not Philadelphia. We got a mere flurry. It wasn’t so bad because I was able to attend two 2 hour yoga workshops and my first ever curling class (it was a blast!) To make up for the lack of snow in Philadelphia this past weekend, … Read More

Hand-Painted Winter Frost Wedding Reception

February 7, 2013By AllisonHand-Painted Reception

The Winter Frost wedding reception is hand-painted with glittery silvers, delicate whites, and frosty blues. Pine cones, white taper candles, snow globes, and of course piles of white snow adorn the Winter Frost reception. Hot chocolate and mulled wine are cozy, festive options to add to your catering package. Consider having your Winter Frost reception … Read More