Always Tuesday

Happy 40th Birthday, Tyler!

2011-01-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a little birthday shout-out to my brother who recently turned 40. In his honor, my sister-in-law Melissa, hosted a fabulous 40th gathering at The Underground, the lower level of Barley's Brewing Company in Columbus. It's an old establishment in the heart of the Short North District—lots of exposed brick, old barrels, specialty brews and tasty pub eats. I love this place.

To jump start the occasion, I designed these party invitations. Soon after, guests started buzzing about the big day and were more than ready to pull off the big surprise for one very special guy.

Flash Mob Wedding

2011-01-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I'm a little flash-mobbed out and fully expected this to be cheesy and impersonal. But, I was wrong! This wedding at the Prudential Center Mall in Boston is quite the opposite. Quick, sweet and so much fun. The smiles all around say it all, and the look on the bride's face at the end is just plain adorable. Very touching and such an affordable idea! This wedding is a one-of-a-kind, and I kinda wish I got to see it in person.

Giddy Ink Holiday Cards Available Now

2010-12-12T19:55:00.001-08:00

We are so excited to share these original Giddy holiday cards with you, available exclusively at our store at Minted! It's not too late to snap the perfect family photo and get 'em while they're hot.

Order "Ornaments"

Order "Mouse with Photo"

Order "Snow Flourish"

Order "Simple Wish"

Order "Mouse"

Order "Sledding"

Order "Tree"

Inspiring Halloween Goodness

2010-10-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

An avid fan of most things Halloween, I have found myself especially excited to see such noteworthy good design being integrated into the aisles of Halloween merchandise this year. Retailers like Pottery Barn, Grandin Road, Martha Stewart, Target, and many Etsy designers are definitely getting with the program and offering up authentically fun and spooky decor and costumes. And me likey.
Pottery Barn, Etsy, Grandin Road, Martha Stewart, Pottery Barn

I'm particularly excited about the simple pleasure of pumpkin decorating though. Every year, an eager trip to the pumpkin patch seems subsequently followed by blank canvas panic and then some form of last minute spooky face with jagged teeth (I'm guilty of it too.) Get inspired by some of these beyond-the-jack-o-lantern creations. Placement, technique and a little creative thinking take these art forms to a whole new level of style.

Martha Stewart, Greener Home Designs, Country Living, Sunset

Happy Halloween weekend from Giddy Ink!

Happy New Year’s Wedding, Jacque + Chris

2010-06-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

It’s the kind of inspiration that makes designers like us drool. A New Year's Eve wedding with all the fixins: a gorgeous couple, silver and magenta sequin, champagne, the Queen City Club (a spectacular Cincinnati venue) and a mother/daughter/groom's willingness to embrace the festive nature of their wedding date. Above all, Jacque and company wanted guests to have fun

and open an invitation that would get them in just the right spirit for a classic winter wedding followed by a glamorous New Year's Eve bash. First, a healthy dose of inspiration.
And then, the goods. We printed these invitations on a heavy shimmery stock to mimic the crystal beads used on Jacque's dress and the centerpieces. Festive scrolling graphics and fonts were inspired by the label of the most quintessential New Year's Eve party starter: a champagne bottle. Eloquently wrapped in a silver belly band printed with the words “It's Going to Be a Ball,” this invitation made you smile the moment it arrived.

Every flourish appropriately captures the spontaneity of falling confetti.

Crystal accents seriously make me want to say “10, 9, 8, 7, 6......”

A reception card with a bang.

Matching escort cards are attached to individual bottles of bubbly. (Yes, those are sequin tablecloths!)

And last but not least, a custom champagne bottle ice luge...a Giddy Ink first!

Honestly, we could hardly keep ourselves from crashing this one. Thank you Rachel at Raenovate for graciously featuring this wedding your blog. Jacque and Chris, thank you so much for the opportunity to design for you. We had a ball.

Photography: Michael Bambino Photography, Flowers: Sprouts Floral Design

Yellena, please.

2010-03-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Arty friends, hold on to your hats. The works of Portland artist, Yellena James, have just tempted me to hide every napkin scrawl and phone book doodle I've ever rendered and sorta liked. Her remarkable works of ink and paint have graced the walls of galleries all the way from LA to the UK and are now tickling the fancy of more than just art snobs. Look for her intricate works to debut (if they haven't already) in collaboration with brands like Rojo Magazine, Keds, Nike, Anthropologie, Adidas and K2 Snowboards.

I need this in my life (and my living room.) You too? Lucky us—prints can be found in her Etsy shop...for a reasonable price too.

Her partnership with period lighting manufacturer, Schoolhouse Electric, is clearly a match made in heaven. Can't wait to see what's next for this artist!

Erin + Shaun: Something Bold

2010-03-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

It's not often a couple comes along with style like this. Erin and Shaun's romance began when Shaun (sporting a a pair of black Converse sneakers) asked Erin to swing dance. From the first day, this casual couple strayed boldly from the beaten path, staying true to their retro styles and blissfully offbeat approach to life.

Married in the Ault Park of Roses in September and celebrating their reception at the Redmoor, a 1920s converted movie theatre, Erin envisioned a true vintage-inspired invitation and loved the idea of introducing tattoo-style artistry and essences of pin-up poster art. It was a perfect fit for her avant garde wedding approach and the moody, throwback ambiance of their venues. First, we created a mood board to capture the tone she described and what we knew about the wedding: loves vintage, Park of Roses, loves tattoo art, groomsmen wearing black Cons, 1920s theatre, loves pin-up style.

From this, we created these goodies—2-sided invitation, flat-printed complete with vintage typography and gobs of tattoo-inspired red roses. Charcoal stripes, subtle fishnet patterning, and an RSVP postcard (inspired by some things we picked up in my dad's antique shop) help add an aged look to all pieces to suit Erin’s request for “true vintage.”

A custom envelope lining is created to match the rest of the invitation suite; it's all in the details.

We even topped the RSVP design off with a tiny phonograph to favor Shaun’s love for music and the swing dance that started it all—now this a true original.

Thanks and congrats Shaun + Erin. Here's to a lifetime of breaking the rules.

Alice Fever

2010-02-21T23:10:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of Tim Burton's fantastically peculiar take on Alice in Wonderland (opening March 5), I thought these curious Alice-inspired shots might strike your fancy. Photographed by the one and only Annie Leibovitz for Vogue magazine, I'm completely intrigued by the way this shoot so dynamically captures the essence of couture fashion while staying true to the magic and pseudo-twisted fantasy that is the classic tale of Alice: the proverbial rabbit hole, the mad hatter tea party and advice from a caterpillar just to name a few. Enjoy them—and yes, you know where to find me on March 5.

Feature: Wildflower Linens

2010-02-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

Once again, the boundaries of design have transcended my expectation—this time leaving me in awe of items as seemingly ordinary as chair covers and table linens. Check out these beauties from Wildflower Linens, and I think you'll agree. These table dressings are a far cry from anything you've ever seen before and are more than worthy of my jaw dropping as I peruse the gallery.

Featured in remarkable publications such as Grace Ormonde, Inside Weddings, Your Wedding Day, Bride and Bloom and Equisite Weddings, the artists at Wildflower are clearly putting event linens in a class of their own. Layers upon luscious layers of lavish fabric, lace, and liberally-used glorious texture are used to create a totally original experience for each event. And I can't help but notice that the florals and glassware are perfectly propped to complete the experience down to the last artful detail.

If you're looking to transport your guests to a never-seen-before magical place, don't forget the tables. We say think far, far beyond the typical white satin chair cover, and dress those tables as creatively as you dress yourself. Pair unexpectedly, create slightly different experiences at each table, use color, and of course, accessorize!

Special thanks to Aaron Delesie Photographer, Jan Garcia Photography, Imagery Immaculate, Your Wedding Day Magazine, and Triple Cord Photography

A Touch of Sparkle for Shanon + Troy

2010-01-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, Happy New Year, Giddy Ink fans. It's high time we share some pretty stuff; wouldn't you say? We have so many fabulous new goodies to share right now, but today we're in the mood to show off these shimmery beauties we created for Shanon and Troy's big day.

Here's the story. Shanon and Troy had planned a traditional Methodist wedding that captured their personalities with subtle elegance and made their guests feel special. Upon meeting us, Shanon had already picked out her dress and her bridesmaids’ dresses which donned a timeless paisley motif and rhinestone detailing. Their gold, silver and champagne color palette inspired us to create something soft, classic and very chic.

So, we created this radiant design for their day: gold and silver ink on opal paper finished with rhinestones. We paired polished paisleys from Shanon’s dresses and linens with the Celtic cross from Troy’s wedding ring—a nod to his Irish roots. Then, we sealed it all up with a stately Celtic-inspired wax seal.

This design and the coordinating programs, menus, escort cards, and signage were the perfect marriage of two people and their distinct styles. They also show just how much a common design theme can really bring it all together. Thanks to Tracy Abston for capturing and sharing these beautiful shots from the wedding and reception.

Congratulations, Shanon and Troy! Working with you was such an honor.

Photos 1, 2: Neysa Ruhl Photography

My Parents Were Awesome

2009-12-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

As you half-begrudgingly pack the suitcase for another festive trip home for the holidays, we and the founders of blog phenom, My Parents Were Awesome, encourage you to pause for a moment to pay homage to your beloved 'rents. After all, they gave up a heck of a lot of awesomeness over the past 20-30 something years to pass the torch on to you.
Don't let mom fool you with her embroidered sweater or dad with his loafers and Ford Taurus. There are secrets locked behind that now salt-n-pepper mustache you may not even want to know. I'm talkin' chain-smoking, shirtless guitar-strumming, and rejection of established institution like you would not believe. It's true; before they were ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’, those two were just your everyday ‘Leroy + Ruthie’ or ‘Ron + Darlene’—a couple of plaid-clad lovebirds flashing peace signs and breaking curfew.

Thank goodness there is just enough photographic evidence of this said awesomeness to pique our curiosity and ensure us that our parents might just get us more than we think. So this holiday, pour another glass of eggnog, and pull up a chair next to the ones who invented awesome.

2 Girls. 1 Cute Invitation.

2009-12-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

Check out these sweet ABC birthday invitations we created for our friends Steve and Angie for their twin daughters' first birthday party. Homespun in the hippest way, Angie carried this look out beautifully with purple and green gerber daisies, vintage-styled wooden alphabet blocks, and a custom cake created by Take the Cake to match the invitations. You know how we love handsome design made of sugar...mmmarvelous. Happy belated birthday, Zella and Mica!

Images 3 and 4: Neysa Ruhl Photography; Image 5: David Schlosser

Yummy Designs by Amy Atlas

2009-12-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Dessert meet design. Design, dessert. Now that we're all acquainted, let's party! It's not often two of my favorite things in the world coexist as harmoniously as they do on Amy Atlas's signature dessert tables. Works of art in their own right, these stunners are no doubt the highlight of the party—drawing guests in with their out-of-this-world details and heavenly flavors. Coveted by big names such as O Magazine, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Preston Bailey, Amy Atlas is a must-have for many high-profile events in New York and around the country—and it's easy to see why everyone is still hungry for more.

It's no secret we strive to add that designer's edge to all of our goodies, but it's such a treat (no pun intended) to see this degree of artistry carried out with sugary edibles. Thank you Amy, for surprising us with your creativity and keen sense of style.

I Can Feel A Hot One

2009-11-30T19:58:00.001-08:00

Simply put: I would love to design something inspired by this poignant Manchester Orchestra video for I Can Feel a Hot One. Wow.

Manchester Orchestra - I Can Feel A Hot One (Official Music Video) - Click here for the most popular videos

Blush Boudoir

2009-11-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

We're feeling saucy today—feels like a splendid time to show off some glamorous, sultry boudoir photos by our photographer friend, Tracy Abstson. Her Blush Budoir project is laced with so much hotness, I practically need an icy beverage just to finish this post.

I simply love this concept: sexy, beautiful shots of yourself, propped to your liking to capture your more provocative side. The key here is eloquence, and Tracy is able to toe this fine line so gracefully without missing the sparkle. Her comfort level with her clients is obvious and creates the perfect platform to bring out the vixen in all of us. Typically intended for your sweetie's eyes only, I can't think of a better gift to spice things up a bit.

Also, check out Tracy's modern day vintage hair accessories: PinMeUp Couture

Genna and Clark's Farmhouse Wedding

2009-11-09T14:47:00.000-08:00

You may remember an inspired mood board we shared for Genna and Clark's Bohemian Farmhouse chic wedding invitations a couple of months ago. Well today, we are happy to share the finished product with you along with some breathtaking shots by Poiema Photography. On October 17th, Genna and Clark tied the knot on Clark's family farm, Jumping Run Farm. An old dairy farm in charming Louisburg, North Carolina, this rustic diamond in the rough laid the the perfect groundwork for an enchanting, personalized event guests would not soon forget.

Clark shared some photos of the farm with us before we started this design which made it easy to capture the perfectly homespun essence of the farm and the viney terrain of the property itself. The invitation suite we created came tucked in a woodgrain paper belly band bound with baker's twine and a single apple green button.

Clark's own photography of the farm debuted on the front of a vintage inspired RSVP postcard for an extra personal touch.

You simply can't have a wedding on a dairy farm without a couple of lovable cows in the mix.

Luxurious 1-color letterpress done by the amazingly talented Studio On Fire and intricate nature-inspired detailing add just the right amount of finesse.

Clark and Genna, we have enjoyed every minute of working with you. Your love story is the stuff fairytales are made of, and your wedding photos capture your personalities perfectly. Many, many congrats.

A New Look for BHPP+K

2009-11-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

We recently did some work with the Beverly Hills Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten to help make their annual silent auction a fundraising success. A 4-piece design and invitation kit was designed for the auction committee to use to help promote this swanky philanthropic affair at the Beverly Wilshire.

The fundraising project went so well that the Beverly Hill Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten also chose us rebrand the school itself. Just before the first school bell invited youngsters back to school this fall, we helped the school (BHPP+K) roll out this refreshed logo along with matching collateral materials. The colorful and sophisticated new look tastefully captures the essence of youth and learning. A book icon pays tribute to the bible without polarizing families who aren't Presbyterian—a challenge we faced going into this project. We feel the new look is fun, fresh and laced with just enough spiritual reference to keep all members feeling comfortable and united. If you're in the Beverly Hills area, also look for the school signage we designed at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard!

Daily Drop Cap

2009-10-20T20:09:00.001-07:00

t's a fairly basic design rule of thumb to use decorative fonts sparingly. Getting trigger happy with them can turn a great design into a circus faster than you can say "Rosewood." So why is it that I want to plaster my walls with these stunning drop caps from illustrator and typographer Jessica Hirsche? I just discovered on Swiss Miss that each day, Jessica shares a new hand-crafted decorative initial cap on her site Daily Drop Cap. This is part of her effort to beautify blog posts everywhere—a noble act indeed. I'm increasingly convinced that good typography makes the world go round. Enjoy the eye candy.

Jodie and Matthew's Preppy Chic Invitations

2009-10-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Check out these sweet photos of Jodie and Matthew's September wedding and the invitations we designed for it. Jodie and Matthew came to us looking to create a look for their special day that was fresh, preppy and tailored—just the look to complement their upbeat personalities and their outdoor engagement in San Fransisco—very sweet story.

Jodie had chosen to use navy and white pinstripes and kelly green as the benchmark for the wedding's design theme; she had even created her own inspiration board as she collected images that spoke to her. “I want it to feel like a South Hampton Garden Party,” she said.

And we knew just what to do. Crisp, bold stripes of green and navy printed on luxurious white letterpress paper were the perfect stage for for this clean, contemporary design. It went perfectly with their venue too: The Taft Museum of Art, an impeccably maintained plantation-style gem with sweeping green lawns and grandeur white columns. Guests told Jodie and Matthew “This design is so you!”—the ultimate compliment.

As we always do, we first gathered images that embodied the right vibe. Thank you Stephanie Williams for these perfect shots.
Then, the graphic story begins with a charming save-the-date.
For the invitation, a brilliant square invitation makes quite a first impression. Pin stripes and pops of pattern and kelly green keep the intrigue coming—tying all of the correspondence together uniquely and consistently.
RSVP and matching RSVP envelope leave no detail unturned. Color, typography and pattern unify all pieces of this striking suite.
A separate reception card directs guests from the wedding to the reception with style.

Thank you kindly for working with us, Jodie and Matthew. This beautiful shot by April at Bluebird Photography says it all. Congratulations.Invitation photos by Neysa Ruhl.

Fun with FontCapture

2009-10-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

My girl, Rosie, just turned me on to a new site, FontCapture, that allows you to make a font from your own handwriting. I've seen this done before, but it's never been made this fun and easy. Plus, it's free and compatible with both Macs and PCs, so there are just 4 tiny steps between you and your very own font.

First, just print the font template. Then, fill it in with your own handwriting with a thin black marker. Be sure to keep your eye on the indicated baseline. You're already almost done. Now, scan the template back in and upload a jpeg or png file through 'Step 3' of the site. Give your personal creation a name, download the generated files to your computer —and voila; you're a type designer.

Here's my font creation: Tire Shop

Carolina Herrera's 2010 Masterpieces

2009-09-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Carolina Herrera, the worlds of fine art and couture wedding fashion have collided—in a very good way. It's always a joy to see how fashion designers, season after season, continuously reinvent the entire concept of the wedding gown and still hang on to its innate romance as well as their individual style. Many of their choices inadvertently create subtle ripples in the sea of upcoming wedding trends for the entire industry. What an extra pleasant surprise today though, to see Carolina's haute 2010 fashions inspired by some of the world's most beloved painters, most of whom shook up our culture many centuries ago. We think the masters would be pleased to see the lines of art and fashion blurred in such an exquisite way.

Coutorture via One Wed

Itty Bitty in the City

2009-09-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Recently we had the honor of designing sweet invitations for Connor's first birthday in Central Park. Connor's doting mom, Andrea, had an adorable idea to honor her sweet boy's big day with an "itty bitty in the city" theme, so we helped her introduce guests to the theme with a custom tiny invitation (at just 1.5" square.) It even came housed in a larger format teal envelope to exaggerate the tininess—so fun.

Andrea ran with the theme so tastefully too—seamlessly "thinking small" in her creation of delightful decor, favors and snacks. The best part is, she just shared these darling photos with us, captured by her talented friend Rafael Tongol Photography, and we couldn't wait to share them. What a perfect summer day in the Big Apple.

Invitation Photos courtesy of Neysa Ruhl Photography; Birthday Party Photos courtesy of Rafael Tongol Photography

A Shout-out to Sprouts

2009-09-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

Today, we're highlighting one of Giddy's favorite creative partners in the world of inspired weddings: Sprouts Floral Design Studio. Founded in 2000 and owned by the uber-creative and completely lovable Joni Sherman, Sprouts is the go-to florist in Cincinnati for truly original and impeccably refined florals. Her show-stopping bouquets and arrangements are not only layered with exquisite (often never-seen-before) goodies, they're also made from the highest quality product available—and it shows. Dabbling even further with alternative materials and containers, you simply can't predict what kind of grooviness Joni will create. Our advice is to describe the vibe you're going for and let the floral whiz just do her thing.

Photo 1 Tine Hoffman: TM Photography; Photo 2: Bluebird Photography

Photo by Tine Hoffman: TM Photography

Photo by Tine Hoffman: TM Photography

Photo by Neysa Ruhl: Neysa Ruhl PhotographyPhoto by Neysa Ruhl: Neysa Ruhl Photography

Mitzvah-voom!

2009-08-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

I'm doing some research for an upcoming Bar Mitzvah we're working on and stumbled upon this totally fantastic Bat Mitzvah for Madisyn at Cipriani 42nd Street right in the heart of Manhattan. Photographed perfectly by Zlatko Batistich, it just goes to show that this coming of age is not something taken lightly by families OR designers. These spirited events are often the highlight of the year for the whole family—styled to the nines and beautifully rooted in age-old tradition. And yes, I'm kind of wishing I was friends with more 13-year-olds right now.

Flowers: Atlas Floral Decorators

Pattern Lust

2009-08-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, now’s as good a time as any to introduce you to my huge love affair with pattern—specifically mixing and matching bold, eclectic patterns. Adding anywhere from a small touch to a big flood of pattern adds so much unexpected personality to an otherwise simple design.

It’s a great way to get creative too. Like a funky chair in a living room or a zebra print scarf, things like envelope liners, program covers, and even boutonnieres are great places to introduce patterned papers or fabrics and create a visual pop. Similar to a bright floral arrangement, it’s also a great way to inject vibrant color and attitude to your décor and put a modern spin on a classic white wedding.

Image via Green Wedding Shoes

left to right: potted plant table numbers via 100 Layer Cake; dyi paper boutonnieres via My DIY Wedding Day; fabric pattern by Amy Butler; fabric tied invitation suite via Old Sweet Song; Fabric and stitched Save the Dates letterpressed by Alee & Press via 100 Layer Cake; fabric escort cards via Elizabeth Anne Designs

left to right: wedding programs using handmade papers via Mica78; product packaging via Mica78; patterned envelope liners by A Friend of Mine; patterned invitation sleeves via Crafting a Green World

And finally just a few of the patterns I am loving right now:

patterned papers via Paper Mojo

Lovelies from White Owl

2009-08-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm admiring this sweet handmade jewelry from White Owl (whose shop I discovered on Etsy.) Check out this out-of-this-world lace, beading and tulle woven among layers of bronze chain. And I especially love the way these shots are styled to match the tone of the jewelry and the person wearing it: romantic and nostalgic; intricate and fine, yet fervent and genuine—the long lost love letter of jewelry. I want to have coffee with the person wearing this stuff.

Ode to Vintage Stamps

2009-08-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

Image: 100 Layer Cake

No disrespect to the Liberty Bell. It's perfect for the cable or water bill, but some occasions call for something a bit more special, and we think a tapestry of vintage stamps might be just the perfect fix.

Vintage stamps are those little details that can create a big effect if paired right. If you're like us and love this sweet finishing touch, don't get discouraged if your local post office doesn't carry postal options that exactly match your mood, theme or the weight of your mail. Sites like Champion Stamp or Kenmore Stamps carry just about anything you can dream up, or sometimes for face value, you can find what you're looking for on ebay. For example, vintage flowers might be perfect for a garden wedding. Or retro peaches might be pair well with a swanky Savannah soiree.

3 Images: 100 Layer Cake

Just don't forget—it will take a lot of these beauties to add up to today's correct postage, so watch your math, and make sure to leave room for your calligrapher if you're using one. And, this is super important, all stamps you use must be unused/uncancelled so make sure if you order online, that is indeed what you are getting. With these tips in mind, happy stamping!

Image: Duet Weddings

Image left: Martha Stewart; Image right: Warm Fuzzy via Flickr

Image left: Vintage Glam Weddings; Greta Garbo stamp: The Stamp Shop

Playing for Change

2009-08-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Starbucks to get my usual summertime favorite (iced coffee and 2 Splendas) I found myself tapping my toe to a wonderful, worldly version of a familiar tune. It inspired me in such a way that I not only cracked a pre-caffeine smile, but I purchased the album, Playing for Change and jammed to it for a solid 2 weeks. Come to find out, Playing for Change is more than a catchy beat, it's a wonderfully touching experiment created to bring the world together through song. This crew has has traveled everywhere from the streets of California to Indian reservations to the villages of Africa recording the rawest of talent and the essence of humanity.

Here's the heartwarming video for the aforementioned song. No matter what you're doing today, we hope it lifts your spirits just a bit.

Bohemian Farmhouse Chic

2009-07-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Recently a bride came to us with a very specific vision for her wedding. Having decided to get married on the grounds of an old dairy farm in North Carolina she knew she wanted the vibe to be, in her words, 'bohemian farmhouse chic'. We were instantly obsessed with the possibilities! We knew we just had to help her make that vision come to life. While we can't show you the finished invites just yet (she hasn't even seen the final pieces!) we can share some of what helped inspire us and eventually lead us to the final design.

top left to right: Jumping Run Farm photograph taken by the groom, bride on bench via Neysa Ruhl Photography bottom left to right: paper star lanterns via Flickr, chandelier via Tim Evan Cook Photography

left to right: flowers via Style Me Pretty, vintage milk caps via Photobucket, favor jars via SMP, ceremony sign Our Labor of Love via Once Wed

top: button details and rustic coat check Benjamin Dell via Once Wed
bottom left to right: wood grain cuff links Block Party Press via Etsy, vintage milk bottles Bailey's and Ideal Home

Be sure to check back soon when we will reveal the finished invitations.

Red.

2009-07-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Top Right: Martha Stewart; Remaining Images: Inspiration from Style Me Pretty

We're seeing red today—in all it's timeless, versatile glory.

Funny how you just never get sick of a bride with poppy lips or a pair of funky pumps peeking out from under a Monique Lhuillier gown. Subtle or saturated, color speaks so much about the tone you want to set for your day, and hardly any hue packs a punch like red. From from playful to arty to sultry to glam, touches of red make a statement at any time of year.

Red Car: Nikato via Flickr; Red Bicycle: Red Gallery Photography

Favor: Louis Felix Photography featured on The Knot; Signature Drink: featured on Style Me Pretty

Photo by Jose Villa via Ritzy Bee

Cake and Chair Photos: Martha Stewart; Kiss: Kortnee Kate

Happy Friday

2009-07-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

It is no secret we here at Giddy Ink love couples with a unique style and a desire to make a statement. This bride and groom definitely fit that bill! Check out this video of their own take on the wedding processional. Even if you are a wedding 'traditionalist', how can you not smile watching everyone, even the guests, have so much fun? Enjoy and happy Friday!

10 Ways to Word Your Wedding Invitation

2009-07-17T08:36:00.001-07:00

Part of custom-designing wedding invitations that we love is the ability to tailor its wording to perfectly suit the couple, the venue, the right involvement of their parents and the vibe they're trying to achieve for the wedding. In your quest for the perfect words, we encourage you to keep it simple and not too wordy. Casual, down-to-earth or formal, the right words help guests know just what to expect and even how to dress for your big day.

More and more, we're meeting couples who understand and take advantage of this opportunity to express themselves perfectly, and we're here to help. Here are a few samples we like, but we can alter any or create something new to fit your unique situation. And of course, rules can definitely be broken tastefully to make everyone involved feel comfortable.

1. Bride's Parent Hosting—Formal (Religious Venue)
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Goodman
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Jennifer Ann to John Lucas O'brien
Saturday, the seventh of November
two thousand and nine
at half past four in the afternoon
Saint Mary's Cathedral
2157 Erie Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio
Reception to follow.

2. Bride's Parent Hosting—Informal (Secular Venue)
Thomas and Anne Goodman
invite you to the wedding of their daughter
Jennifer Ann to John Lucas O'brien
Saturday, the eleventh of May
two thousand and nine
at half past four in the afternoon
Crystal Plaza
Livingston, New Jersey
Dinner and dancing to follow

3. Both Sets of Parents Hosting—Formal (Secular Venue)
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Goodman &
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Richard Flanigan
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their children
Jennifer Ann and John Lucas
Saturday, the seventh of November
two thousand and nine
at half past five in the afternoon
Hilton Netherlands Plaza
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dinner and dancing to follow

4. Both Sets of Parents Hosting—Casual (Religious Venue)
Thomas and Anne Goodman &
Christopher and Sally O'brien
invite you to the wedding of their children
Jennifer Kelly to Eric Lucas O'brien
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon
Grace United Methodist Church
5784 South Fourth Street
Dayton, Ohio
Dinner reception to follow

5. Both Sets of Parents Hosting—Casual (Secular Venue)
Love was meant to be shared
with parents, family and friends.
Sally Ann Smith and John Lee Jones
together with their parents
Robert and Linda Smith and Richard and Jane Jones
invite you to share in their wedding celebration
Saturday, the nineteenth of August
two thousand and nine
at half past five in the evening
The Millenium Hotel
12345 Main Street
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dinner and dancing to follow.

6. Groom's Parents Hosting—Formal (Religious Venue)
Mr. and Mrs. Scott O'brien
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of
Jennifer Ann Goodman
to their son
Eric Lucas
Saturday, the seventh of November
two thousand and nine
at half past four o'clock
Grace United Methodist Church
5874 Main Street
Dayton, Ohio
Reception to follow.

7. Couple Hosting—Casual (Religious Venue)
The pleasure of your company
is requested at the marriage of
Jennifer Ann Goodman to John Eric Jacobson
Saturday, the seventeenth of May
two thousand and nine
at five o'clock in the afternoon
The Chapel at Oneonta
5784 Ridgeview Avenue
Bellevue, Kentucky
The celebration continues at the Garden Room at Oneonta.

8. Couple Hosting—Casual (Secular Venue)
You are invited to a celebration
of the beginning of our new life together
as Jennifer Kelly Hudson
and Eric Lucas Fitzgerald
are united as husband and wife
Saturday, the eleventh of November
two thousand and nine
at half past four in the afternoon
The Twentieth Century Theatre
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dinner and dancing to follow

9. Everyone Hosting—Formal (Religious Venue)
Ms. Jennifer Ann Goodman
and Mr. John Lucas O'brien
together with their parents
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee Goodman &
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Paul O'brien
request the honor of your presence
at their wedding
Saturday, the eleventh of November
two thousand and nine
at five o'clock in the afternoon
Wise Temple
726 Plum Street
Cincinnati, Ohio
Reception to follow

10. Everyone Hosting—Casual (Secular Venue)
Jennifer Ann Goodman &
John Lucas O'brien
together with their parents
invite you to share in the joy
of their wedding day
Saturday, the seventh of Novemeber
two thousand and nine
at half past four in the afternoon
Mariemont Inn
Chicago, Illinois
Dinner and merriment to follow

Fabuleux: Parisian Wedding Trends

2009-07-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

In our quest to give our brides something truly new for their day, we try to keep our designs just a bit ahead of the trends. One way we study what should come next is by watching the runway to see what the dresses, makeup, hair and accessories are up to. Surprisingly, all of these shapes and styles affect invitations; it's part of how we create a holistic look. Today, I'm exploring trends in the fashion metropolis, Paris, and I just discovered an event artist by the name of Kim Petyt.

Kim is an American wedding planner in Paris and owner of Parisian Events. She has some trend speculations on the horizon that might surprise you. For example, the black wedding dress! That's right, couture designers like Max Chaoul and Creations Bochet are creating multiple black dress in their upcoming collections. Will American brides ever go for it?

Clothing by: Max Chaoul, Creations Bouchet, Cymbeline Paris

Clothing by: Madina Vadache; Photography by: Kim and Adam Bamberg of La Vie Photography; Featured on Junebug Weddings

Also, check out these gorgeous designer pearl engagement rings, also a Parisian trend I could actually see catching on across the pond. Stunning.

Designs by: Parker and Bailey, Jean Christophe, Rothem Collection, Louis Edouard Le Jeune

And in true, high-glamour Parisian form form, check out these chignons Kim predicts will be adding lots of drama to Parisian weddings in 2009-10. Stylists like J Bogatti and Claude Maxime Mondial are certainly paving the way for looks I've never seen before on a bride. In Kim's words "These are not your mama's up-dos."

Couture hair fashions by: J Bogatti, Claude Maxime Mondial, J Bogatti

Designing for a Cause

2009-07-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

When our good friend, Chris Bokelman, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years back we had no doubt that if anyone could face this disease head on it would be him. So it comes as no surprise that in just a few short years he has managed to rally hundreds of his friends, family, and coworkers to join The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's fight to find a cure for MS.

Through his participation in the Annual MS 150 Bike Ride, he formed Team Handlebars, a colorful reference to not only the bikes but also the mustaches the male team members sport for the race. Every year the team raises thousands of dollars and never fails to be one of the most fun and colorful teams at the event.

Recently Chris asked Giddy Ink to design the poster for The Third Annual Handlebars Cornhole Tournament. The event is August 1, 2009 and is being held at The Sandbar in Cincinnati. The night will surely be a great time for a great cause and we're so honored to be a part of it.

And a huge thank you to The Sandbar, WhoDeyFans.com, and Ample for donating their time and services to the event.

Giddy Blogged by Tracy Abston

2009-07-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

Tracy Abston of Pictures by Tracy in Dayton posted a terrific blog post about Giddy over the weekend sharing some kind words as well as some gorgeous shots of our work she took at a recent wedding we did together. We had so much fun bringing this the couple (Shanon and Troy)'s vision to life. It's an added bonus to see images of the final product captured so eloquently on the day of. Thank you so much, Tracy!

Typography by Linzie Hunter

2009-06-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today, we are captivated by these typographic illustrations from Linzie Hunter. Linzie is an uber-talented illustrator out of London with an affinity for print-making and book-binding. Her style is the perfect marriage of gorgeous imperfection—the kind you can really only gain from using your hands—with just enough polish to really let the unique letterforms and shapes shine. We think her quirky, yet poignant style and unexpected wit are a breath of fresh air.

Even the pages of her sketchbooks are mind-blowing.

Looking to the Classics

2009-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have always had a soft spot for collecting vintage gems. I love to spend hours strolling the grounds of flea markets and quaint antique shops I find off the beaten path. Little is more inspiring than something truly original—a real velvet damask pillow from the early 1900s, a wrought-iron and crystal chandelier, a barely-ripped Hitchcock poster—or in today’s case vintage gift cards in all of their lovingly aged and slightly worn glory.

Recently, a friend of ours heard about Giddy Ink and sent over a small tattered scrapbook filled with cards her grandmother had saved from her bridal shower and wedding back in 1935. I was like a kid in a candy shop. I don’t think she had any idea how much I treasured her thoughtful gesture and the pages of inspiration.

Why do we look to these classics for inspiration? When you add a modern spin to vintage elements through color, pattern or material, these beauties of yesterday are still perfectly relevant: the hand-lettered typography and engraved illustrations are such a work of art.

The pages of the book have definitely seen better days but the cards inside are so sweet and timeless in their styling that peeking inside never fails to give me a burst of creative inspiration. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Pushing the Envelope

2009-06-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

We like to turn each piece we do on its side just a touch—it’s kind of a Giddy signature. We keep people on their toes and make the work we do special, relevant and memorable from start to finish. Let’s take a typical envelope for example, and stroll through some fresh and lovely examples of what can be done to make a tired envelope more than a vehicle to send something. Check out how we and other artists are able to make it an integral part of the piece and the perfect pre-cursor for what’s inside.

Let’s start with material. There are millions of colors, papers, shapes and sizes. Is the stock appropriate for the tone of what’s inside. Is the stock heavy enough to convey a feeling of sophistication? And likewise, does the color, weight, and flap shape pair well with the look and tone of the content inside?

Ok, let’s take it a step further. Can we make the envelope out of something else entirely that coordinates perfectly with our event—like a doily for a bridal shower or a map for a destination wedding? Can we tastefully line the inner flap with a pop of patterned paper or a family photo? Can we make “the back” “the front”? Can we experiment with creative enclosures like a string and tie or put a spin on classic wax seal? Ooo. What about custom stamps that match the rest of the piece?

DIY lace doily envelope: Martha Stewart Weddings, map envelope: Keetsa

Recycled Envelopes: Craftster

photo envelope liners: Martha Stewart Weddings

food lined envelopes: geschichtenvonkat

The options go on and on how to spice up this notoriously functional piece, and if the shoe fits, we say push it as far as the postal service allows. Add bold graphics around the address or take it a step further and print all the way over over the flap. Hey, let’s consider forgoing the envelope all together, save a tree and make a beautiful self-mailer.

printed envelope: Studio on Fire

birdy self mailers: Benign Objects

Yes, it’s a pure simple concept: an envelope. But as you can see, when you add a sprinkle of creative thinking, it, like so many design vehicles, is rich with opportunity to express yourself perfectly and never ever be confused with junk mail.

airmail envelope notebook: Your Secret Admiral

The fabulous, Neysa Ruhl

2009-06-15T14:44:00.001-07:00

As a creative person, once in a while another creative person comes along whose vision really resonates with you. This is Neysa Ruhl to Giddy. A true photojournalist, Neysa composes light, emotion and intimacy as very few photographers can—all with captivating focus and just a hint of vintage drama. The result is pure magic. Perfect tears falling at just the right moment. Billowing veils with light pouring through their creases right at sunset. The fleeting embrace between a father and son. These are the moments Neysa prides herself on capturing—visual stories told just exactly as they really happened. More than any posed shots, she challenges herself to “capture the thing that will never happen again.” And does she ever. Neysa’s passion for her craft is contagious, and her tireless quest for perfection is downright inspiring. Can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.

Pen and Ink

2009-06-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Pen and Ink’s Lisa Ridgley, a wonderfully talented calligrapher from the east coast that our bride asked for by name. We just had to share these goodies! Classic letterform stature set off of by playful ascenders and descenders. We were totally in awe of the perfect artistry she delivered on all 250 of our bride’s envelopes—stunning, consistent and clean down to the finest details.The bottom two images are samples from the wedding we did together.

We can't wait to work with Lisa again.

National Stationery Show

2009-06-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

We are back from our fabulous trip to the National Stationery Show at the Javits Center in New York City. As you can imagine it was chock full of what seemed like miles and miles of inspiration. It was a thrill to meet some of our favorite design and letterpress studio owners, and experience some of the freshest, well-crafted stationery design being produced right now. Not to mention, quality time with nice people who love paper is something you can never get enough of.

We feel inspired, and even cooler, we felt there is a place for Giddy right at the heart of the national stationery scene. It’s exciting to think of the possibilities at our fingertips right now.

After the show closed each day we kept plugging away too. We met with Mariam Naficy, the founder of Minted.com as well as attended a swanky cocktail party at the Rainbow Room hosted by the NSS…work should always be this much fun.

We are Giddy.

2009-06-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome, friends. Giddy Ink is a custom stationery and design studio run by us: two friends named Lauren and Andrea who have a shared passion for beautiful, innovative design. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our website and this blog, Always Tuesday. Always Tuesday is a special place, named after the exhilarating day we chose to take the leap in starting our beloved business. Here, we will share things we love: inspirational images and ideas, innovative products and people as well as showcase some of our own very special projects. Our clients never cease to keep us inspired, and we want to share the love. Visit us often for a sneak peak into our creative minds at work.

So why the name Giddy Ink? There is a difference between being giddy and being happy. It may sound like we’re splitting hairs, but the distinction is precisely why Giddy Ink exists. Giddiness happens on that rare occasion when something tickles your fancy in a way that evokes something extra. It’s caused by extraordinary moments and things, and when it’s felt, one might even giggle out loud unexpectedly. Simply put, we are giddy about design. Our approach is to revel in the details. We add the touches that distinguish you and add your personality to the piece—the thoughtfully written words and images that express the true spirit of your message. Our goal is to help you create things that look like they matter—things worth remembering, saving and reading again and again and again. Creating beautiful designs for the small pauses in life is what makes us giddy.

Check us out and come back here often to see what we're up to next. Always feel free to send us your thoughts and comments, and most importantly, do something today that makes you giddy.