Season's Greetings!

I can't believe how fast this year flew by! and even more so these last few holiday weeks! This holiday season I've been more sentimental than usual and I've taken some time to reflect on the past years ups and downs. As they were happening the downs were pretty devastating and the ups were very exciting. I was/am lucky enough to share those times with some really great old friends and some new ones too. Thanks to everyone who made 2008 my most successful year yet! I can't wait to find out what's in store for next year!

In the Studio

I just realized that I haven't been keeping you current with what's happening with me in the studio. Here are a few pics of some jobs that I just finished.

Let the Good Times Roll-these are some Christmas Open House invitations for my best friend Becky. Her and her husband host a wonderful party each year to celebrate the holidays and her birthday which is on Dec. 23rd. Both have been obsessed with New Orleans since they honeymooned there 10 years ago, and this year they decided on a Mardi Gras themed holiday party and chose the obvious gold, purple, and green as their colors. Should be a super fun time!

Baby Squared- These fun contempory baby shower invitations were created for my friend Monica's neice who is excitedly awaiting twin boys.

Torkelson Farm- Was created for one of my favorite clients who's father is turning the big 9-0 in January. This farm scene charicture was a collaboration between me and Felicia (beloved website guru). We took the past times that Mr. Torkelson enjoys and incorporated into one picture, and I am sure that he'll have a good laugh when he sees it!

Featured Vendor: Original Runners

While browsing through Facebook, I found a vendor that I am so excited to feature. Original Runners makes the most intricate and beautiful runners that I have ever seen! Just look at these photos! The designs are so detailed and just simply stunning...This is one time that I have no words, and if you know me you know that I always have words. Here are some quick facts about their runners...

• Each has an exclusive non-slip backing
• There are 17 solid colors available, but they are able to create designs and motifs in ANY color
• Each runner is hand drawn and painted
• Check out their website to read tons of client testimonials, and all of the press they have received.

Recently, I had a chance to ask Julie Goldman, the mastermind behind Original Runners, some questions about her products and her booming business. Here's what she had to say:

Your aisle runners are so fantastic! Do you develop the artwork yourself, or do you find that most brides have their own logo or monogram that they would like to use?

We can either replicate a design that a client is already using for their event or create something new for them in house. Our team of designers can work with a client’s invitation, linens or even cake topper to come up with a design that will bring the whole event together down the aisle.

With recent orders, or upcoming 2009 orders what are the most popular trends that you're seeing?

We are seeing that brides want their aisle runner to not only be beautiful but unique as possible. The trend right now is incorporating invitation design into the aisle runner so that the programs, menus and aisle runner all have the same theme. It makes for a gorgeous synergy throughout all the bride’s vendors.

You're website is very informative, but what are a few things that potential clients frequently ask?

Many clients ask if they can have any color they want for their monograms and the answer is YES. We can color match to even the smallest swatch so that all the pieces of the event are color coordinated. We are also frequently asked about pricing for our custom aisle runner but this is not as easy to answer. All of our custom aisle runners are hand drawn and hand painted so the length of the aisle and the complexity of the design will determine the price of the product. Since we are constantly creating brand new designs for each client there are no set prices for custom work.

What was the most challenging job that you've had so far?

We recently designed a plaid runner with a family crest for a bride and it required a substantially amount of math and taping to create something this amazing. We are very proud of the results and I am attaching a picture so you can see it too.

From a small business owners perspective, what has been your and/or your business most exciting accomplishment?

Since the day we launched we have been profitable and that almost never happens. We were very lucky to have an aisle runner featured on Lifetime television and the Bachelorette wedding within the first three months of launching. This enabled us to promote our business and create a buzz even though we were a brand new company.

Thank you Julie for taking the time to answer these questions! I wish you much success, and I hope that you get tons of business from New Mexico. Maybe one day one of my invitation design will show up on one of your runners! Wouldn't that be awesome?! - Elva

Christmas shopping? Don't forget about your wedding!

As I was out shopping on Black Friday, I noticed that the traditional Christmas colors of Red and Green or Silver and Blue are not necessarily the norm anymore. In fact, every year I have a different color scheme for wrapping and home décor. This year I am using black, white, and red. Last year I used plum and red, and the year before that it was pink, red, and silver. Anyway, while I was shopping I found so many things that any bride could use, and with all of the holiday sales the prices were amazing. So while you’re Christmas shopping look out for some things that you can use at your wedding like candles, stemware, linens, favor bags or tags, favors, wedding party gifts, chargers, frames, place card holders...just to name a few (the list goes on and on!). These photos are from the Target, Cost Plus, and Pier One websites.

Oh and ladies, this is the perfect time to start gathering all of your guests addresses! Try to remember to hit up family members for the addresses that are on their greeting card lists. Immediately put them in your bridal book, or enter them into a spreadsheet so when it comes time for addressing your invitations you'll be ahead of the game.