Calligraphy, wax seals and lace… there is something so beautifully old-fashioned about these things, they sometimes seem out of place in today’s fast-paced, techno world. But they’re far from stuffy if slightly modernised. After recently finding the “G” stamp and wax stick I used to seal our wedding invitations more than six years ago, I decided to mix the old and new and create handmade cards for some of the events I have coming up.
I love calligraphy, but I’m much better at making smudge marks than beautiful curvy words with the traditional tools, so I swapped the quill and black ink for a white ink pen and black card stock, drew a ribbon of doodley lace and wrote a fancy-but-not-too-fancy congratulations along the top of it. I dressed up the envelope by using decorative-edged scissors on the back flap and sealed it with the G stamp (albeit, slightly crooked!) – appropriate considering Cass is marrying into the Graham family (Mitch is Steve’s brother). Simple but striking. I think. But I’m not one for buying Hallmark anymore and seeing as the invite stated no gifts, I thought a little handmade card along with a bunch of hand-picked lavendar from the garden might make a more meaningful “no gift” gift than someone else’s work. Or, maybe I’m just cheap!
On that subject, I often wonder how my handmade cards are received. Many people I know don’t appreciate handmade or understand the world or Etsy or realise the giver is thinking more about them by creating something than buying something. So do you think there is ever a time when you should leave it to the professionals? Weddings? New babies? Or can it be handmade all the way?
Have a lovely weekend – I have Mitch and Cass’ engagement party Saturday, some cabin painting to do Sunday and the funnest-ever “homework” to do in-between. I’ll tell you more about it Monday. What’s more, I’ll show it to you Monday. I’m feeling all very inspired again lately to create – patterns, paintings, cards, moodboards, vignettes… It’s energising to see the results and so I hope if you have some spare time this weekend you do something creative too. It’s good for the soul! x
{images: Belinda Graham for The Happy Home}
Love your card! I love to make my own cards (I made 60 handmade cards for Christmas – 5 a month made it easy!) so I think handmade all the way. Maybe I’m lucky that most of the people I know appreciate my handmade cards, but I think the pure enjoyment you derive of crafting something is worth the effort.
Lovely!
I see a few people who are doing the Decor8 course having a renewed enthusiasm. It’s lovely! x
Absolutely hand-made, all the way! I love it when I receive something someone has made themselves. It’s almost like the object itself contains/embodies more meaning more soul …
Your cards are lovely … and I love a good wax seal! …can’t wait to see your homework
Allison
Your card looks lovely Belinda – you are so artistic! Enjoy the engagement party x
Handmade is the best. I’m a big fan of made with love, whatever it is. Beautiful cards Belinda. Can’t wait till Monday’s post.
These are gorgeous. The white writing on black is something different.
And you have such lovely handwriting!
I’d like to try something like this…though being left-handed I unfortunately always smudge these types of pens which is frustrating!!
I really enjoy your blog,
Thanks,
Carla
I started to doubt how well my handmade cards were received (and whether it was really worth the effort) until one of my friends mentioned that she never, ever kept any of the cards anyone gave her…except mine. So yes, handmade all the way.
I love this. Thank you thank you thank you for sharing.
xoxo,
Raru
Handmade all the way I think!
I can’t wait to see your moodboard. I had so much fun making mine and somehow I managed to secure all the bits down so Im going to hang it up and stare at it forever.
I’m sure yours will look amazing. You have a real talent for styling.
beautiful as always, Belinda! I LOVE handmade cards — bought ones are either ridiculously expensive, or tacky cheap with little in between. Im finding Spotlight and Eckersleys inspiring for card materials but Ive never before used black card! Yours looks great, though your handwriting is clearly a lot neater than mine…