John's Graduation

It was a beautiful day in Southern California yesterday for a graduation and both John and I were so excited that he was going to be earning his MBA from CSULB! It was a long and stressful journey and we didn't have a lot of time together in the evenings since he was at class three times a week and doing homework or at group meetings at various other times. I'm so proud of him and all the hard work and I'm glad to have him back without the stress of projects and homework!

Grandpa's Birthday

My aunt contacted me about making invitations for my grandpa's upcoming birthday, but because of the short notice, just wanted something she could email to the guests.  My grandfather is a big fisherman, especially tuna, so I used a photo of a hanging tuna and cut it out, placed it on the blue background I created in Photoshop (just blurred several blues together and then added an "Ocean Ripple" filter) and put the text in.

Wedding Invitation Samples

I have been planning to create some samples of a variety of different types of wedding invitations and the Bridal Fair at APU this Sunday prompted me to do them even quicker, so here they are!

This first I called my "Formal" invitation set - I used a corner punch and embossing on the white and backed it with both a silver and black and then added a deep red band that would hold all of the elements of the invitation together in the envelope.

The second set is what I decided to call "Fairytale."  I used a cardstock with a metallic/pearl finish and printed directly on that, creating a sort of soft effect with the words.  I then added the pearls as adornments - which was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be!  I think I ended up with more glue on my fingers than the paper or pearls!  You can add any jewel to an invitation to give it a little extra dimension.

The next set is a garden theme.  Of course, any color flower could be used.  I originally had grander plans for this invitation, but they didn't quite turn out as I hoped.  Back to experimenting!

I chose to create a beach theme invitation, utilizing a tan and aqua color scheme.  Because of the lighter color cardstock, I can print directly on it and now worry about readability.

The final one I made is what I like to call "modern." I was experimenting with a thinner design and some brighter colors and a sans serif font.

Yummy food!

Tonight my mom and dad met John and I at StoneFire Grill in Fountain Valley for our tasting for the wedding menu.  I'm so glad we went because there were a lot of things we ended up liking better than what just sounded good according to the menu.

Andrew, the manager, was GREAT, especially since we kept changing our minds and wanting to try a different thing every time he came back to check on us.  I think we tried almost everything on their catering menu by the time we were done!

At the end of the tasting, which really turned out to be dinner because we ate so much, we placed our catering order for the wedding!  It feels so good to be able to check one more thing off the list.

And, now what you've been waiting for...our wedding reception dinner menu:

• Cracked Pepper Garlic Tri-Tip with Gorgonzola Butter
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast
• Pesto Pasta
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Garden Salad with Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressings
• Breadsticks

 

My 27th Birthday

My birthday is coming up next week and since the Dodgers and Angels are playing at Dodger Stadium on Memorial Day weekend, that's what I wanted to do to celebrate because I've never been to Dodger Stadium before and John's a big fan.  

I'm not really sending out invitations, but thought it would be fun to make a baseball invitation.  This type of invitation can be made with any team color(s) and any sport/ball.

Sweet 16 Sample

In working on building a portfolio, I made a sample "Sweet 16" birthday invitation, loosely based on John's teenage step-sister.  This card, unlike any I've made so far, has a front and an inside.

The front features a "16" with Danielle's name creating the pattern.  This number is "popped" up off the page, though it's difficult to see in this photo.

The inside includes all of the vital information about the party and continues the dot theme.

John's 26th Birthday

For John's (my fiance) birthday in February, we decided to celebrate at a local country bar and sent out invitations to a group of his friends.  Even though most of them already knew about it, I had just started taking scrapbooking classes and wanted to make some fun cards for him.  I incorporated his favorite color - blue - and the western theme for his invitations.

Jerry's 50th Birthday

Jerry was celebrating his 50th birthday and wanted a big backyard BBQ party, so my parents hosted the event at their house and I was in charge of the decorations and invitations.  I hadn't gotten into scrapbooking yet, so this design is just a single sheet of cardstock that contains the printed design - an inexpensive option for those who aren't into layers of paper, ribbon, and other adornments.  Photos are also a great way to personalize an invitation, whether it be digital or a hard copy that is incorporated into the design.

We have a honeymoon!

I'm so excited!  John booked our honeymoon last night.  We're going on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.  We haven't decided which shore excursions we're going to do yet, but we're thinking about kayaking, zip-lining through the trees, and snorkling.  It's going to be the first cruise for both of us, so we want to make the most of it.

We actually aren't leaving on our honeymoon right after the wedding since we're getting married on a Sunday, so we'll have a week to relax as a married couple before going.  And the best thing is that the cruise leaves out of Long Beach, so we don't have to fly anywhere!

I'm not sure which I'm more excited about now - the wedding or the honeymoon!

My Wedding Invitations

Since I'm getting married in October and I have a degree in graphic design and I'm a control freak and perfectionist, I knew that I would be creating all of the stationery for my wedding.  I had so much fun doing these and hearing how much everyone loves them (it's always nice to get a compliment right?).

Here are my save the date cards.  The circles are stickers that people can put on their calendars - an idea I found online somewhere and it's a huge hit with other brides!

The wedding invitation as it comes out of the envelope.

The first glimpse of the actual invitation once it's opened.

Everything that's inside...invitation and the four tabs.

The RSVP is a postcard that people tear off and return. I used a perforating rotary blade so it can be torn off.  My address and a stamp are on the back.

The directions tab - I created the maps myself! All invitations include a custom map for your guests!

Like what you see?  Contact Katie at miacartoleria@gmail.com for a free consultation and quote!

Starting a Business

After creating my own wedding invitations and sharing them with the ladies on Facebook's Wedding Book application, I received several comments recommending that I start my own business making custom handmade invitations.  Since I was laid off at the end of February and jobs are scarce, I figured I may as well give it a shot!

So, the past couple weeks I've been working on a name and logo and after much research and brainstorming, Mia Cartoleria was born!  For those of you wondering what that means, it's Italian for "My Stationery Store."  I really wanted to choose a name that emphasized the custom and individuality my invitations and cards would have because they're handmade and this name fit perfectly with my Italian heritage since I'm losing my Italian last name when I get married in October.

The next step in this process is to create some samples for all to see and that's what I've been working on this week.  I'm hoping to have some posted by the end of this week or early next week!  So, check back then to see some of my work.