Around the Studio } Remember to take a Break!

A sign of the times?  I think NOT!  Since all my design work is done at the design studio in my house, I need more than a gentle reminder to stay out of here when it's time to be wife, mother, chef, maid, professional shopper etc.   

I have been wanting to get a french door for the office for sometime now - I think that would be cute and feel more like a little studio.  Long ago we took down the solid door so that the office felt more open.  However, now that there is no door it's really hard to get some peace and quiet when it is time to work - combined with the gaping doorway beckoning me constantly to check messages or just "really quick" finish up that design draft - I needed something to keep me out.  Ahhh, haaa ... so I made this super-cute little "Closed" banner to remind me that it's not workin' time - turn around and go play!

I still want to embellish it a little - some flowers here and there, maybe a little hand-glittering. Couldn't you just see a little "bride" banner, a fancy B or G for the bride and grooms reception chairs, birthday banners with the honoree's name ... aaaaaaa!  Adorable.  

Working on some fabulous stuff over the next two weeks ... holiday designs coming the first week of November, long awaited signature design line, banners, new table card ideas and more, more more!

Stay tuned ...

SJD in the Spotlight } Real Weddings Magazine

One of my favorite magazines just featured little 'ol SJD on their blog.  All about inspiring peacock details ... read on.  

Thank you, thank you my friends over at Real Weddings Magazine - the love is eternally mutual. 

Reception } Die Cut Table Cards

A follow-up my post on the candy labels (below) ... are the die cut table cards for tomorrow's wedding.  Super-cute!  They really make a plain panel table card really much more spectacular.  Just think - with another layer, maybe some ribbon, some even bling-ier bling and these babies could really go over the top.  And ... to peak your imagination ... I've got just about every shape and size imaginable to boot.  Maybe some scroll-y numbers, letters, mini banner shape ... I may have to play with these and post some samples!

And a tid bit about the monogram in the back.  I am obsessed with all things vintage lately - love these really flourished-out letters.  This "S" was originally designed as a monogram for another client and just didn't really fit their overall wedding style so we went in a different direction (super-cute! more from that wedding next weekend!).  I'll admit I was a little bummed because I really love this "S" and really wanted to use it on a stationery set - and then voila! wedding this weekend? sorta last minute order - and bam-o usin' the "S".  

Candy Buffet } Custom Labels & Tags

I'm loving candy buffets right now.  You can have so much fun with them - it's a space where you can let loose a little and not be so stuffy.  Play with color, textures, candy names, etc.  I'm especially drawn to candy buffets that are one or two colors.  

For candy buffet inspiration, visit Amy Atlas Events - her work is absolutely delicious!

Just did these little die cut candy labels for a client's wedding this weekend.  Had to share even if there are no suckers in the pic!

Two Cents } Programs

To Program or Not to Program that is the question.  On the one hand - not everyone takes or appreciates them enough to keep them.  So, unfortunately, a handful land in the trash.  Really it's all us chicks that truly appreciate the program.  We oogle over who is who, check out the songs, readings and well-up over the sincere "thank you for attending" from the couple.  Dudes - well, they could really care less.

Now on the other hand ... they are a gracious and warm welcome to your guests, gives everyone an idea of what is to come, a treasured keepsake to most (most importantly to the newlyweds themselves), a well thought out little thank you to your guests (and likely to your parents) included can speak volumes and not to mention the only written history of your ceremony.

My take is this ... I adore a program.  Make it simple and concise to save on printing, order about the same number of programs as you did invitations and designate someone at the entrance of the ceremony to hand them out.  If you leave them alone, pushed aside and expect guests to pick them up - they won't.

Events } Palm Lake Retreat

Don't miss it!  Today is your last chance to reply for the celebration this Friday night at Palm Lake Retreat in Lincoln, California.  Details are below in one of my recent posts.  The party is sure to be a great time.

Replies to:

Palm Lake Retreat Celebration Website

-or-

Email Me!

Hope to see you there!

SJD in the Spotlight } Studio Z Newsletter

Oooooh, Studio Z, how do I love thee??  Lots!!  Thank you, Annie, so much for spotlighting my little biz in your September Newsletter!!

Events } Exclusive Property Launch - Palm Lake Retreat

Lincoln Palm Lake Retreats is hosting a property launch and extending a special invitation to view the property in all it's splendor as the property owners renew their vows.

This invitation is open to Greater Sacramento Area event professionals.  If you are an area professional that would like to be added to the guest list, please send me your company name, address, phone and email address to stephanie@stephaniejdesigns.com.

Space is limited - so let us know promptly!

Friday, September 25th

half-past six o'clock in the evening

two thousand nine

Lincoln Palm Lake Retreat

7535 West Wise Road

Lincoln, California

Saturday, the twenty-fifth day of September

at half-past six o'clock in the evening

Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvers

Details & more at ...

www.mywedding.com/ricklovesdiane

Hope to see you there!!