things are better with a parrott

One Fine Day - Vogue Wedding Guide

The annual Vogue.com 2012 Wedding Guide came out this week, and I was asked to create a custom designed wedding menu for the Country wedding.  Yes, Vogue!!  I was beyond excited and so honored to even be considered.  Looking through the guide I cannot believe the company I am in - Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Miu Miu, Nicolette Camile Floral Design...Parrott Design Studio!

For the menu design, the editors wanted something that was romantic with a country feel, inspired by fluffy garden flowers and vintage linens.  The menu was letterpress printed on 100% receclyed kraft chipboard with navy blue ink.  The gorgeous calligraphy was done by Grace Edmands.

Thank you so much to the editors of the Vogue.com Wedding Guide for including me!

{Photos by: Arthur Elgort, Vogue, June 2005; Marko MacPherson; Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta; Marko MacPherson | Stylist: Lisa von Weise Shaw; Ira Lipsky/Courtesy of Blue Hill at Stone Farm}

Apple Blossom Photo Shoot

I recently participated in a beautiful Spring-inspired phoot shoot shot by Emily of Emily Delamater Photography and styled by Sarah of daisies & pearls.  The shoot was held on a beautiful afternoon at Thompson's Orchard in New Gloucester, Maine {just down the road from where I got married!}.  I also loved this shoot because I was able to collaborate with my sister, Jessica, of Nothing Bakes Like a Parrott.  The shoot was featured on Style Me Pretty last week and you may read more about the details on Sarah's blog.

 

The invitations were letterpress printed in matte gold ink then I individually hand-painted each blossom and leaf with watercolor.  I paired the RSVP with a pool blue envelope and used a kraft envelope for the outer envelope. 

Happy Weekend + a bit of News

It has been a busy week of printing with four invitation suites down and two more to go.  I am looking forward to Sunday! 

I received a happy bit of news that three of my invitation suites were chosen to be included in the new Martha Stewart Weddings stationery galleries online. 

Paige Collection featuring custom calligraphy by Li Ward of Fat Orange Cat Studio.

Willow Collection

Madeline Collection

I am very honored to have my designs included in these inspiring galleries.

Enjoy your weekend!

{All photos of invitations by Fat Orange Cat Studio}

New 2012 Stamps + Pricing

As of January 22, 2012, USPS Postage rates went up.  And with the new increase come new stamp designs.  2012 has some particularly pretty stamps coming out perfect for wedding invitations!

You should always {always!} bring a sample of your wedding invitation suite to the post office to ensure you have the correct weight and postage before you send them out.  Below is a quick guide to what typical pieces will cost in postage to send within the US:

- Save the dates, thank you cards, and a reply envelope with a single card inside - 45 cents

- Wedding invitaiton suite {invitation, reply card with envelope, and enclosure card} - 65 cents

- Postcard reply - 32 cents

Most of these new stamps are forever stamps.  Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate {so if you buy them for .45 this year and the First-Class rate goes up to .46 next year, they will still work!}.  You may purchase stamps at your local USPS or online.

1.  Cherry Bossoms; 2. Wedding Cake; 3.  William H. Johnson; 4. Love Ribbons; 5. Baltimore Checkerspot; 6. Garden of Love; 7.  Edward Hopper; Not pictured, but also like - Weather Vanes, Birds of Prey, and Dogs at Work.

Bon Appétit + Woodtype Inspiration

I recently started a subscirption with Bon Appétit, and after two issues it has fast become one of my favorite magazines.  While I am more of a baker than a cook, I find {most} of the recipes are approachable and sound delicious.  I also love the magazine for its beautiful design.  It is simple, clean, and so fun to read!  As a visual person, I find I look at all the photos in a magazine first, then go back and read the articles.  I loved Feburary's issue, all about Southern foods, for the woodtype-inspired typography throughout the main stories and recipes. 

I have decided the first recipe I need to make is the Coconut Southern Comfort Layer Cake.  Of course.  A dessert recipe first!