You’ll probably agree that a wedding invitation is much more than words on a piece of paper. It’s a personal invite to one of the most important days of your life. A well put together invitation will convey the theme/mood of your big day as well as serve as a memento of the memories shared. I love putting working with couples to create just the right invitation for all of their friends and families. Hearing about all of the details of your wedding and pulling that into a one of a kind invitation is how I created Crave Design.

This post is kind of a mini tutorial through the craziness that is wedding printing lingo. You may have never heard of offset printing or thermography but now you are paying large sums of money to have it done. Here’s what it’s all about and how to make an educated decision on what will work best for you. I’ve been wanting to write this for awhile and found a great post on BeauCoup on just this very topic. Enjoy!

Here are descriptions of some popular printing techniques:

Engraving

This process dates back to the seventeenth century and is the oldest form of printing. It begins by etching the design and/or text into a copper plate from a negative. The paper is placed on the press face down above the inked plate. It is then printed by pressure coming down on the back of the sheet while the front of the sheet meets with the plate. This “sandwich” effect creates the raised lettering on the front and bruising on the back of the printed paper, which are both classic features of engraving. Typically you will receive the actual copper plate used for printing as a keepsake. Black ink is usually the best color for this style. Recommendations: This type of printing is quite a bit more expensive than thermography, so engraving is usually done for ultra-formal wedding invites, formal parties in general, or when there are few budgetary constraints. Engraving is also suitable for events with a large guest list since it becomes more cost effective in larger quantities. You will also have to allow for longer printing times, up to 4 weeks with some of brands.

Thermography

If you want the look of engraved printing but you can’t afford it, then this method is a less costly alternative that comes close to the real thing. The process involves heat that joins ink and a resin-like powder together. The fusion of the materials results in the appearance of raised letters. If an invitation looks engraved but the paper behind the printing is smooth, you have thermographed printing. This printing process is fast-becoming the most popular choice for invitations. Recommendations: Thermography is one of the most popular printing method today. It is great for formal looking wedding invitations, colored inks, and if you can’t wait 4 – 5 weeks to receive your invitations.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping begins by etching the design and/or text into a copper plate from a film negative. The foil (not always shiny in color, as the name “foil” implies), which is a special mylar backed material, is applied to paper where the heated copper plate is stamped onto the foil, making it adhere to the surface. This leaves the imprint of the letter pressed into the paper. It has been made popular again by the revival of letterpress printing, since it produces a very similar look and feel. However, unlike letterpress, you are able to use the wide range of typestyle and motif choices available in the market today. Recommendations: This is used most commonly for formal wedding invitations with paper that has a heavy texture and grooves. This type of printing is expensive, and comparable in price to engraving.

Letterpress

This type of printing utilizes a movable type machine. The inked raised type is stamped onto the paper. The various typestyles on the market today are not available with this printing process, since the characters are pre-set and determined based on the machine itself (think of it like a typewriter). See “Foil Stamping” definition above for similar look and feel, yet more flexibility in typeface. It’s not easy to find printers that will provide this type of printing but if you find one that will, the effect will look best on handmade paper. Recommendations: This process is used most commonly for invitations that have unusual textured paper and is much more expensive than most other types of printing. It has been made popular again by Martha Stewart.

Lithography, Offset

This type of printing is probably what you’re probably most familiar with where an inked impression is made to a plate or a rubber cylinder and transferred to paper. Ink colors are mixed in cans from Pantone or RGB colors for exact matches. The printing appears as a flat image. Recommendations: This type of printing is most commonly used for textured papers or paper that can’t be produced via thermography, engraving or digital. It is probably the easiest printing method and one of the least expensive printing options.

Digital Printing

With advancements in technology over the past 10 years, the digital and offset printing worlds have finally collided. Huge offset presses by Heidelberg (one of the most renowned and prestigious offset manufacturers) are being replaced by high resolution, high quality Xerox digital printers by printing manufacturers all over the world. These prints produce remarkable results based on digitally-rendered files. The native digital file is sent directly to the digital printer, losing no image quality. Colors can cover the entire rainbow spectrum, and are as bold, vibrant and as comparable to color offset printing. The printing appears as a flat image.

Recommendations: This type of printing is most commonly used for smooth or lightly textured papers. It is the most economical way of printing (next to printing yourself on your own inkjet or laser printer) and a perfect solution for those wanting professional print quality at reasonable prices.

Embossing

No ink is involved with this method. Metal plates that are etched with letters are stamped into paper so what is left behind is the imprint of the letter. You’ll be able to see this printing type on the borders of many invitations, addresses, and monograms. Recommendations: Embossing is best when used to accent an invitation, such as with borders, monograms, motifs, and the return address on the envelope flap. Embossing is an added cost, but well worth the visual 3-Dimensional effect it creates. You will only want to order embossing if you have 3-4 weeks to wait for your invitations to be printed.

Calligraphy

For a fancy handwritten appearance calligraphy is always a beautiful option. Special pens and special ink along with someone who is skilled in the art of calligraphy can perform this task usually done for addressing. For a matching invitation, a print style can be used or, a calligraphic original can be made into a plate for engraving or as a model for offset printing.

Recommendations: Calligraphy is an option for invitations for a small wedding, unless you have an endless budget. More commonly, people have their guests’ addresses done in calligraphy on their inner and outer envelopes. The return address is usually printed on the envelope flap. If you are having a calligrapher address your envelopes, we recommend ordering your envelopes to be sent in advance, so when your invitations arrive your envelopes will already be addressed and ready to be stuffed.

Computerized Calligraphy

This method can be used for addressing and printing invitations. Many typestyles are available today that look just like calligraphy writing, but may be printed so that your entire ensemble, including addressed envelopes, will match in a calligraphic typestyle.

Recommendations: If you are a stickler for perfection, looking for a uniform typestyle, or would like calligraphy without the high price, this is a splendid option. You can have your envelopes addressed in the same typestyle as your invitation wording; everything will match perfectly and it will cost less than having them hand done by a calligrapher.

I’m excited to be working together with Alesia Zorn Calligraphy on this last printing option. Alesia creates the most beautiful “words on paper” and now we can scan in her images and drop them into your invitations. Now you can enjoy gorgeous calligraphy at an affordable price on each of your invitations. This makes my heart soar and we are working together on clients and samples. I hope to be able to post some soon!

Crave Design works with local print houses on creating all of these different printing options. If you have questions about any of these printing choices please call (503) 789-8531 or shoot me an email lisa@crave-design.com  I’m always happy to help!

 

As you may or may not have heard a local business will soon be no more… the Paper Zone a Seattle based company will very shortly be closing their doors. Paper Zone carried a large selection of gorgeous papers, envelopes, scrapbooking supplies and stamps. Their staff has always been super creative, helpful and a huge part of the community. I will miss Paper Zone for many reasons and in this post you will see how Paper Zone has been a big part of my life.

I went to college at the Art Institute of Portland and received a bachelors in graphic design. Along the way I met and studied under some very talented people. I learned a lot about where to shop for supplies and heard about a small paper supply store down from my home in Vancouver (at the time).  I had a free afternoon one day to stop in and it BLEW MY MIND! I probably spent over an hour in there. The staff asked me over and over if I was finding everything okay. I just nodded with my eyes wide and said I’d never seen so many fantastic papers under one roof. I told them I was a student and I had just discovered the store. They smiled, laughed and told me to take some samples. I said even these shinny ones?! Oh Stardream my love affair with you began that day.

Once I graduated from college I quit my day job and tried to find something in graphic design. It was another down economy and I realized I needed a job just to pay the bills. I figured I loved Paper Zone so much why not just apply there? The manager at time hired me that same day to start at the Portland location on Grand Avenue. At this time Paper Zone also sold merchandise online and it was run out of the same building as the Portland location. A week after I started in the store the associate running the website quit. Management needed to fill the spot quick and said, hey don’t you know computers?! Uh yea I can do that. I ran the Paper Zone website by myself for over three years and it was pretty darn fun.

After working in the upstairs warehouse alone for so long it was nice to hear that the Beaverton store wanted me to move there to be the assistant manager. I loved the manager of that store so much I thought it would be a blast – and it was! After only a year I took over as the manager. All in all I worked for Paper Zone for a little over six years and that’s nothing compared to a lot of associates who were employed by this local company. I worked with the corporate office and many other stores. I made a ton of friends and learned a whole lot about paper. After quitting to run Crave Design full time, Paper Zone even contracted me to make samples for their stores and trade show events. After all this time I still value the things learned from this company and of  course all the AMAZING associates who gave it their all.

While working at Paper Zone I started Crave Design. Customers just kept asking me, “What would you do?”. It came down to the fact that I did know what I would do and I wasn’t about to keep giving it away for free. Paper Zone gave me the confidence to start up my own business. They gave me a sort of creative freedom and that’s just plain unique. The people I worked with on a daily basis gave me inspiration and being management gave me business savvy.

So you see I really wouldn’t be where I am today without the love of paper and Paper Zone. I watched a lot of stores close while still working for the company and it was heart breaking. But really friends, nothing is more heart breaking than seeing all the stores close for good. I’ve been to each store once since the announcement and I’ve stashed away my favorite papers. It’s hard to see a local business close when you are one yourself. I try not to ponder how I will make it when many have not. It really is important to shop local. It’s why I drive 30 minutes from my home to a local print show run by a family I adore.

The doors are still open and what is left is 30% off. Check out their blog while you still can and maybe find some inspiration along the way.

Baby shower samples made for Paper Zone in 2011.

** Got a fun memory about Paper Zone? Leave a comment below! **

I hope you all had fun bringing in the new year! Here’s to hoping all your resolutions come true.  I’m excited to start working with couples who brought in 2012 by “puttin’ a ring on it!” All those newly engaged couples are welcomed with open arms as they start planning their nuptials. This year I’m hoping to devote more time bringing you interesting tid bits you can use for your wedding or a fun event. After all, Crave Design loves a good party and we wouldn’t miss making yours extra special.

Okay so there’s a new little product I discovered while shopping over the holidays at Ulta (beauty supply store). It’s kinda funky and fun and maybe a little over the top – seriously ladies sometimes we need to go “little” over the top. How do  you feel about press on tattoos? A little too much like childs play right? Well what if I told you they make a press on LIP tattoo? What?! Get outta town??!?!?! I’m serious and they are AWESOME!

Violent Lips is a company that makes temporary lip appliques in a bunch of designs that are funky and sexy. An American made product that was created by two little girls who’s father is in the entertainment industry. Right there I’m totally sold. I’m supporting an American made product and a business started by two young ladies – Girl Power! So please visit their website Violent Lips to read more about the company.

These lip tattoos come in a pack of 3 for about $15 and can be purchased at Sephora or Ulta. In doing research I’ve noticed that the website has some really great sales, so maybe you want to take advantage of that too. All you need to apply the tattoo is some water and a nice chapstick or vitamin E to moisturize you lips after you’ve applied the design. They last approximately 8 hours and can be easily removed with makeup remover or baby oil. Eat, dance, drink and your design will stay in place. I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos and it’s easy to apply and touch up with lipstick if needed.

I’m just so in love with something so simple and temporary! I personally purchased the Pink Polka set. However, I need some event to rock them at or a night out on the town with some girls. Wouldn’t it be fun at a bachelorette party? Crave Design could whip up some fun invitations and include a applique sheet for each girl – then when they arrive everyone would be wearing them! Endless possibilities.

There are a couple of  really great YouTube videos out there if you are interested but would like a little more information  Lip Tutorial and How to apply the Glitterati collection. Both videos are supper informative and will make you run out the door to purchase these fun new accessories.

Okay so let me know what you think by leaving me a message below this post. Is this something you would want to try? Where would you where them? I’m also curious if you do try them let me know what you think. Don’t you think this is an innovative idea?! Happy New Year’s to all of you – the Glitteratti collection would have been perfect for New Year’s Eve, lol.