If you’ve loved yesterday and today’s silhouettes as much as I have, and are now in the market for one or two of your own, I’ve got some resources for you!

First up, The Man himself, at least in the world of silhouettes. He’s been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, as well as in the wedding of M & C (featured here). Here he is cutting away at Katie and Ian’s wedding:

And here is the link to his company, Cut Arts.

Besides Karl there are so many fabulous artisans out there making innovative silhouettes, like this one made from wood by Jenny Lee Fowler…

… or this one of patterned paper by Bitty Starr.

Or, if you’d prefer to go the DIY route, Mrs. Green Tea just wrote up a super-informative tutorial on making your own silhouettes and using them in graphic design projects. Check it out here.

I mentioned in my last post that Marcie found me through my Etsy shop. I’m excited to announce that I’m now offering custom inspiration board development!

This service is perfect for the bride who is pulling together a wedding on a budget but would like some professional assistance at the outset. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options available, or have no idea where to start your planning, or have several ideas that won’t seem to mesh together, or are thisclose to a polished look, I can help.

Through an exchange of emails, images, and ideas (as many as it takes to get it right!), I’ll listen to what you want your wedding to be – how you want it to feel, what you want it to look like. Together, we’ll refine your vision of the day.

Focusing on the aesthetics of the event, I’ll then synthesize our discussions into a comprehensive and beautiful inspiration board which you can refer to throughout the rest of your planning. The board will be emailed to you and presented on Peach & Pearl together with an explanation of the different elements and how they come together.

Pricing:
Custom Inspiration Boards are only $25 each and come with a letter of explanation and further suggestions. A combination package with an inspiration board and a Custom Concept Flow is available for $40. Read more here.

So if you like what you see here, visit my shop to see the rest of the details then drop me a line {peachandpearl (at) ymail (dot) com} and tell me a bit about what you’ve got going on so far. I look forward to working with you!

{Click image to enlarge!}

This board is for lovely Marcie, who found me through my Etsy shop. She came to me with a few details in place but was looking for some help bringing everything together with a vintage Tuscan feel.

My first suggestion was to tone down her color palette a bit, from cheery red, orange and yellow to something approximating the landscape of Tuscany: the rusty red of soil, burnt orange, buttery gold, succulent green, and cream/champagne. I also suggested swapping out the gerbera daisy centerpieces she wasn’t in love with for a more organic tableau of hearty artisan bread, small bowls of olives, scattered herbs, plenty of pillar candles, and maybe even a rusty urn overflowing with potted ivy.

The Details:
First row, left to right:
The faded red brick of Marcie’s venue sets the perfect scene for a Mediterranean-inspired affair {The Gallery}. Monogrammed wine bottles make perfect table decor or recycled water carafes {Brides.com}. Artisan breads, either bundled in woven baskets or arranged simply on tables, make intricate (and delicious!) centerpieces {from Oh How Charming, photo by Thayer Allyson Gowdy}.

Second row:
Fill shallow, dark wood boxes with sand and prop up escort cards in neat rows. Cluster succulent buds and white blooms at the front {arrangement by Modern Day Design}. If you’re assigning seats as well as tables, wine cork place cards look chic at the head of each place setting {via Weddingbee}

Third row:
Send guests home at the end of the night with rosemary seedlings planted in terra cotta pots (for those with out of town guests, consider a seed packet tucked into the pot, instead). Guest names can be written on simple wooden sticks for identifying ease {photo by Leigh Miller Photography}. Bar menus printed on burnt orange paper alert guests to the night’s signature drinks {Martha Stewart Weddings}. Consider using tall, bundled wheat stalks or bare manzanita branches as decor at the bar or on the cake table. Champagne linens and herb sprigs tucked into menus or napkins make for a refreshing tablescape {photo by Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty}.

Fourth row:
A leather journal bound with archival-quality paper is a simple guest book {Martha Stewart Weddings}. Ask small attendants to scatter loose herb sprigs instead of flower petals (bonus: your ceremony space will smell delightful!) {photo by Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty}. Bring in deeper colors with personal flowers, and consider a champagne sash for either your dress or bouquet {photo by Sedona Bride}.

I love getting mail. I’m sure you love getting mail, too {who doesn’t, I ask?}.

Which is why I was so excited when Sarah, of Things Are Better With a Parrott, emailed me about her newest venture, Press and Post. {Remember the calendar I ordered from her?} Sarah writes: “As a Press and Post participant, you will receive one limited edition letterpress card, at least two, often more, vintage postage stamps, and one kraft envelope – a pretty little package to drop in the mail.”

Here are a few more reasons this is perfect for me: you already know I love vintage stamps, and you may remember that I have a goal {no. 10} which involves the postal system. I’m sure you all have reasons of your own to fall in love with Sarah’s idea!

I enjoy hearing about exciting new ventures Etsians are trying, and Press and Post is no exception. You can sign up for one month, three months, sixth months, or one year. A subscription would also make an elegant and thoughtful gift for a friend – and maybe, if you’re lucky, said grateful friend would send one of her monthly notes to you!