DIY Calligraphy

Hope everyone had a loverly weekend! I know mine was jam-packed. We FINALLY got the invitations out. A note to you betrothed readers: do not underestimate these things! Between printing, doing the calligraphy myself, and adding a wax seal on the back, it probably took me about 12 hours to do it all. My advice? Save some room in the budget (and yourself a headache) and leave the calligraphy to the pros! For you stubborn DIY-ers out there, like myself, here is a simple (but often time-consuming) way to get the look of a swirly font but still have the feel of hand-addressed envelope.

1. Using a program like Microsoft Word, import or type the addresses into a document.
2. Select a cursive font you think matches the occasion/printed material. If there is not one in the program you like, broswe DaFont for free, down-loadable fonts.
3. Once you have the addresses in the font you prefer and CENTERED on the sheet, print it out.
4. Use a paper-cutter to separate the addresses. LEAVE THE EXCESS PAPER ON THE SIDES OF THE ADDRESS.
5. Now you should have a pile of paper strips with addresses on them. Insert one address into the envelope face-up so that the font shows through.
6. Making sure the strip is centered, you can now trace the printed address and VOILA! You have a hand-addressed envelope that looks like you sent it off to a pro.

Here is a picture of ours:

I have tried to incorporate "green" features in our wedding including an e-save the date, invitations made from recycled paper, and buying locally grown flowers. Here is a board I put together of our wedding!

Wedding Dress photo from Mori Lee