Twenty Ten in Review

Interprintations - 2010 in review!

What a fun, frantic, fabulous year it's been in the Interprintations studio! I am so proud of all the accomplishments I was able to conquer this year, and am filled with anticipation to see what's to come in 2011!

I tested our luck at our first bridal show in September - with great success! We are already getting positive feedback & booking brides for summer/fall 2011.

Our Etsy shop saw 143 new customers this year! The customer feedback has been phenomenal. Our designs are selling themselves & our customers are spreading the word about Interprintations - we couldn't be more proud. =)

Our Facebook page has accumulated 147 fans - thank you to all who are following us!
{...and for those of you who are not, here's the link!}

I joined a wonderful local organization called AlphaChicks - an organization for strong, professional women entrepreneurs in the Indianapolis area. I have met some fabulous women & made some great business/networking connections. I'm so glad to call myself
an Alpha Chick!
{This is more of a personal feat for me, but I still wanted to share in case there are any other Indy-area women entrepreneurs reading our blog!}

Thank you to all of our friends, family, fans & customers for your continued support. Interprintations would not be where it is today without you!

I hope everyone has had a prosperous & productive 2010! Cheers to a promising 2011!

Unexpected Absence

I should start off with an apology, as I know I've been sort of M.I.A. lately. I meant to return to the blogging world as soon as we returned from our mini vacation to South Carolina, but things just got crazy in the studio upon our return!

I had a handful of consultations with summer brides, rush orders were placed for save-the-dates, and I had to squeeze in the last of my holiday shopping somewhere in there. Before I knew it, Christmas was here and my blog had gone neglected.

....So I am now spending the week playing catch up, and promise you many updates in the coming days. I'll be featuring new items, baby shower ideas & tips, and some sneak peaks of our latest collaboration with Boldly Chic Events!

You won't want to miss it......stay tuned!

Heading South for the Winter...

No need to adjust your screen. You read the blog title correctly. We're headed south for the winter! =)

Ok, ok....it's just for a few days....but I couldn't be more excited! We're leaving today and will be spending 5 days in Charleston, SC. We're heading down there for the wedding of a close friend, so we decided to make a mini vacation out of it. =)

Probably to no surprise, we already have a jam-packed itinerary! I can't wait to shop at all the little boutiques {especially Vieuxtemps), have cocktails with the girls at the Rooftop Bar, and head to the main event (the wedding & reception!) at The Historic Rice Mill Building!

Needless to say, the shop will be closed for a few days. However, we plan to have plenty of recaps and photos to share when we return on Tuesday!

Coupon Craze

If you know me, you know I am a true bargain shopper. I don't leave the house without a stack of coupons in my purse.

Whether it's groceries, clothing, makeup, office supplies.....you name it, and I can find you a coupon for it. =)

As I've been completing my holiday shopping over the last couple of weeks, I thought about how I should share my coupon hunting tricks. So in an effort to help you save a few $$ over this holiday season, here are some helpful tips...

1) Google "(store name)" and "printable coupon"...be sure the use the quotations! You may have to check out a few of the search results, as some may be expired. But this is a fairly easy way to find an active coupon for your shopping destination.

2) Check out this site before heading out the door...it has all of the active coupons for most popular department stores, craft stores, hardware stores & bookstores.

3) A lot of stores will take their own expired coupons - so don't throw them away just yet. Next time you go to the store, bring them along just in case! {Bed Bath & Beyond is a big one - they will take any of their coupons, no matter how old the expiration date. So stock pile those mailers to use on Christmas, birthday, or wedding registry gifts!}

4) Be a cardholder! You don't necessarily have to use it - but holding a store credit card entitles you to more {and better!} coupons. Case in point - JCPenney mails their card holders $10 certificates {$10 off $10+ purchase} every month or two. That's $60-$120 in free stuff. I hardly ever use my JCP card, but just being in their system entitles me to frequent coupon mailers.

5) Before you head to the grocery store, check Red Plum for food & beverage coupons! Also, watch for the Red Plum & ValPak mailers in your mailbox. These are great coupon resources, so don't toss them out without sifting through them.

6) Want to save a little on your stocking stuffers or holiday party invitations? Enter the coupon code HOLIDAY2010 for 10% off your next purchase in our Etsy shop.


Hopefully this helps make your holiday shopping a little easier. =) Happy Holidays!

Fabulous Functionality

I'd like you to meet my latest obsession, vintage frames...

I've been going to consignment shops and used furniture stores like it's my {second} job. Aching to find these ornate, old-fashioned objects of my affection. Alas! I've finally found some that will hold me over for a while.

My mom graciously accepted the challenge of redoing these for me. {I'd be so lost without her!} Our master plan is to paint these white & add chalkboards inside. Fabulous AND Functional. =)

Once finished, the large frame will be hanging in my in-home studio, making it easier to write notes & keep track of current designs/orders pending. The smaller one will go with me to bridal shows - I thought it would be cute to advertise sales, write cute wedding-themed quotes, or whatever inspires me the day of the show. =)

The larger one I found at my new favorite place to shop, Gilley's Antique Mall in Plainfield! I'm not exaggerating when I say you can get lost in there. It goes on forever. {I still haven't seen everything there - I plan to go back very soon!} The smaller one I snagged for a measly $4.00 at a consignment shop in my hometown, Crawfordsville. I love a good bargain. =)

Does anyone else love all things vintage? What is your favorite vintage purchase?

I'll take Snow {with a side of soup, please!}

I woke up this morning, expecting to head right out the door to run some errands. Little did I know, this is what happened while I was fast asleep last night....

Then I turn on the TV, and hear about all of the Indianapolis drivers who seem to have forgotten {as they do every year} how to drive in a tiny little dusting of snow. So I decided to stay in for the day. =)

And what goes better with cold weather than a warm bowl of soup??

I picked up a bag of this at the Christmas Gift & Hobby Show (immediately after I tried a delicious sample of it!}......

....and decided to whip some up for lunch & dinner. =) I just had to add a pound and a half of chicken, some diced tomatoes, and I had myself a large pot of Cheesy Chicken Enchilada soup! Enough to last both of us all day, as well as freeze a large portion for another snowy day.

I plan to order quite a few more mixes from this wonderful company. {Is anyone else thinking stocking stuffers??}

I hope everyone out there is enjoying the first day of December! Only 24 days until Christmas...

Small Business Saturday SALE!

If you haven't heard yet, today is the first annual Small Business Saturday!

This special day is set aside in support of the nation's small businesses - the heartbeat of our communities & local economies! These small businesses are the ones that employ our neighbors and reinvest our money close to home.

As a fellow small business, we are rolling out special deals in support of this first annual event. But act quickly! These deals are valid today only.

30% off all Christmas Card Sets (20 cards/set)
$18.00 now $12.60!

Personalized Recipe Card Sets - buy 3, get one free! (12 cards/set)
$3.50 each


click here for more designs!

Ready to place your order? Email us at interprintations@gmail.com with the items & quantity needed, and we'll send you an invoice & payment options!

Small Business Saturday

The big department stores have Black Friday.

The online conglomerates have Cyber Monday.

And this year.....we are so excited to be participating in the first ever Small Business Saturday!

In the midst of a dampened economy, this Saturday will be a day to support your locally-owned businesses. So save some of your energy {and spending cash!} after your Black Friday outings, and get out there to support your locally-owned businesses this Saturday.

Not only are you getting your Christmas shopping done - you are also helping to create jobs, boost the local economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Also, for every fan of Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express will donate $1 to the non-profit organization Girls, Inc. So help increase their donations by clicking here.

We will also be offering special deals to our Facebook fans this Saturday, so be sure to become a fan of Interprintations on Facebook!

New Product Showcase: Joy to the World Christmas Card

In the midst of the holiday shopping, baking, and decorating the house, it can be easy to get caught up in the crazy hustle & bustle. So don't forget the Reason for the Season!

Our newest Christmas card design is a great way to remind your friends & family to take a step back and enjoy the true reasons for the holiday season. This card features a popular song lyric and a vintage ornamentation, creating a chic {yet classic} look.

This card measures 5" x 7" folded, and is left blank inside for your personalized greeting to your family & friends. Also included are our popular pearlescent envelopes {click here to view available colors}.

Our holiday cards are sold in sets of 20, and can be purchased in our Etsy shop or by emailing us at interprintations@gmail.com.

Remember, be sure to become a fan of Interprintations on Facebook - we will be offering special deals to our Facebook fans on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!

Stay tuned for more new holiday card showcases!

New Product Showcase: Harmony Christmas Card

In continuing with this weekend's new product showcases, next up is our "Harmony" Christmas Card!

This lovely green & gray motif features the three most popular fruits of the Spirit - Peace, Love, Joy. Filigree graphics in each corner, along with the lovely fonts, help finish off this more traditional design.

This card measures 5" x 7" folded, and is left blank inside for your personalized greeting to your family & friends. They also include our stunning pearlescent envelopes - see available colors here.

Our holiday cards are sold in sets of 20, and can be purchased in our Etsy shop or by emailing us at interprintations@gmail.com.

Remember, be sure to become a fan of Interprintations on Facebook - we will be offering special deals to our Facebook fans on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!

Stay tuned for more new holiday card showcases!

New Product Showcase: Jingle Bells Christmas Card

With the holiday season now upon us, we are so excited to begin rolling out some of our new holiday items!

Today's featured item is our "Jingle Bells" Christmas Card - featuring a popular holiday song lyric, festive graphics & a modern color scheme.

These folded modern cards are blank inside, perfect for that personalized greeting to your family and friends. They also include our gorgeous pearlescent envelopes - see available colors here.

Our holiday cards are sold in sets of 20, and can be purchased in our Etsy shop or by emailing us at interprintations@gmail.com.

Be sure to also become a fan of Interprintations on Facebook - we will be offering special deals to our Facebook fans on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!

Happy Shopping! =)

My Lastest Obsession...

I'm not sure what's gotten into me, but I am all about antiquing lately! Visiting used furniture stores and consignment shops has quickly become my favorite evening & weekend pastime.

I do have a good excuse to go, however! So it's not a complete waste of my time. =)

My stationery studio still has a bare wall, and I'd like to fill it with a lovely antique buffet table. Here are some of my favorite inspirational photos...


source


source


source


source

I would also like to find some gorgeous baroque/ornate frames to paint white & hang on the wall {with some lovely stationery pieces in them, of course}. Slowly but surely, the studio is coming together nicely. =)

If you have any suggestions for antique stores to visit in the Indy area - please do share!

A Room with a View

Perfect Wedding Guide always knows how to throw a party!

Last night, I had the honor of attending their release party in downtown Indy. The event debuted PWG's new magazine format {see below for a sneak peek!}, which will put tons more info at the fingertips of brides-to-be. It features a more cohesive layout of local vendors, useful articles about today's weddings, as well as utilizing the new QR Code! {If you see a vendor you like, simply scan the code with your smartphone - which will then take you directly to their site. Talk about high-tech...}

The event was also a showcase event for the new event space, D'Amore, located on the 48th floor of the Chase tower. This space is not only versatile & affordable, it's absolutely gorgeous! The space features glass windows from top to bottom, allowing for spectacular views of downtown no matter where you're standing. From the breathtaking views to the built-in uplighting boxes, it's the perfect place for your next party or reception.

New Product Showcase: Hollywood Invitation

I am so in love with our latest invitation design, I just had to share!

It's entitled "Hollywood," which is reflective of it's old-fashioned, art deco style. It's perfect for a rehearsal dinner, holiday party, baby or bridal shower.

You can check out this, as well as other popular designs, in our Etsy shop.

Stay tuned later this month for some new Christmas Card designs! Just in time to place your order before the holiday hussle & bussle. =)

The {busy} life of a stationer

This weekend was jam-packed with a baby shower, lunch with the in-laws, dinner & drinks in downtown Indy, a dash of shopping and a wonderful Sunday afternoon & evening of football {GO COLTS!}. I love when my schedule is filled up - it makes me feel like I've spent my weekend as best I could. =)

{Plus, the brisk fall weather is like icing on the cake!}

Now that the weekend is winding down, I'm getting super excited about my week ahead - an event at the new downtown venue D'Amore, as well as the open house at Your Formal Affair. If you are looking for something to fill your weeknights, these are 2 events you should definitely check out!

Straight from the Perfect Wedding Guide site...

A formal invitation to Your Formal Affair's Open House..

How did you spend your weekend? Will you be attending any of these great local events this week?

Let it Snow...

There's nothing like the threat of snow flurries to snap you into the holiday spirit! Tonight's news weather segment is forecasting snow flurries tomorrow. Bring it on. =)

My husband and I have decided to venture to the mall tomorrow evening, right after our usual Friday night dinner date. We're hoping to get a head start on some holiday shopping, and I'm hoping to get some decor ideas for a {tentative} holiday gathering I'd like to plan for my girlfriends in the area.

I've also done some online research, and find myself wishing I had about 2000 more square feet in my house! I would LOVE to have the space for long tables with lovely linens, gorgeous place settings & stunning centerpieces......here's a quick rundown of some of my favorite decor ideas.....

source


source


source

Will you be hosting any holiday parties at your humble abode this year? What do you have in store for your guests?

Mark Your {November} Calendars!

I stared in bewilderment at my wall calendar this morning, not believing it was really November. How could it be holiday season already? This year is just flying by SO fast!

I looked at the next few weeks & realized that November is jam-packed with some of my favorite local events. Not only do I have the usual business meetings & bridal consultations, but there's also a handful of fun, festive holiday events & a Thanksgiving dinner somewhere in there.

So if you're in the Indy area {or feel like visiting!}, here are a few of my favorites that are taking over my November calendar...

November 2nd
HolidayScapes - An A Classic Open House
I love these seasonal open houses - such a great way for local vendors to network, and brides-to-be to get some great inspiration & vendor information!

November 11th
Your Formal Affair - Grand Opening!
This grand opening is sure to be spectacular - the best in the {wedding} biz have joined efforts & set up shop in Carmel, IN. I can't wait to check out the facility! If you're a bride-to-be, plan to stop by and see what these vendors have to offer. Free refreshments & great company will be provided!

November 10-14th
Christmas Gift & Hobby Show
Think power shopping & delicious holiday treats - all under one {huge} roof! This event always puts me in the Christmas mood. Located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, this huge event will have goodies, gift ideas, and other fun things to spark your Christmas shopping spirit!
{If memory serves me right, I believe your local Marsh has discount tickets!}

November 26th
Circle of Lights
One of Indy's most beloved holiday traditions, this event takes place the day after Thanksgiving. It's FREE and is great for the entire family. Bring everyone downtown to Monument Circle for live entertainment & the lighting of the circle.

Indy's Circle of Lights

Check them out & enjoy!

RSVP Tips & Tricks

When it comes to the wedding invitation suite, the invitation always seems to have the spotlight - which means that oftentimes the RSVP gets little attention. In order to bring it into the light, we've decided to compile a few tips to keep in mind when preparing your response card:

Tip #1
Common misconception is that the response cards should be mailed to the bride. However, etiquette calls for response cards to go to the individual(s) hosting the event. Also, be sure to pre-print the address on the response card- this will allow your guests to mail them back with ease.

Tip #2
Don't forget to add stamps to your RSVP cards - if you'd like your guests to respond in a timely manner, you need to provide them the means to do so.

Tip #3
Include a response deadline that falls 2-3 weeks before your final catering numbers are due. This allows plenty of time to call guests who didn't make the deadline, ensuring your final guest count given to the caterer is more accurate (which may save you a few $ in the end).

Tip #4
If you're looking for an easy way to save money on your stationery - go with RSVP postcards instead of response cards with envelopes. This will not only save you the cost of envelopes, but will require cheaper postage.

Tip #5
It's always a great idea to number your response cards, keeping track of each guest's assigned number in a spreadsheet. This is in anticipation of receiving an illegible {or blank!} response card, where you can easily reference the response card's number & locate the guest in the spreadsheet. {Believe me, it happens quite frequently!}

Tip #6
If there are concerns about uninvited guests tagging along with invited guests, don't feel bad about specifying the amount of seats that has been reserved.
"2 seats have been reserved in your honor"
This will make it very clear how many seats will be set aside for this group of invitees, and will clear up any confusion.

We hope these tips have been helpful - feel free to ask us anything else that we may not have covered! Since etiquette is always changing and evolving, we are happy to help our customers word their invitations & RSVPs properly.

{The last thing you want to do is offend your friends & family with a typo or oversight!}

My first tip!

I should probably start this blog off with a disclaimer: While I haven't started taking sweet treats as currency, I will gladly accept them as gratuity. =)

A local customer stopped by the other day to pick up her order {a rush invitation order for two corporate events}. When I greeted her at the door.....she handed me my first tip ever. A thank-you for getting her order done in such a short timespan.

But this wasn't any tip. Oh, no. She handed me.....CUPCAKES! =)

These beauties were fresh from Gigi's Cupcakes on the northside of Indianapolis. I've heard of a few other cupcake vendors in the area, but hadn't come across Gigi's until this week. So thank you, Amanda, for introducing us!

She told them to pile in 4 of their best sellers....

...a lovely & very rich double chocolate combo....

...a red velvet/cream cheese duo...


...a delicious banana concoction...

...and my favorite, called Wedding Cake! {...call me a plain Jane, but I'm a sucker for white cake and buttercream icing.}

What's left to say? Other than I love my job. =)

A Sweet Collaboration

I have always loved the colorful creativity and thoughtful planning behind sweets tables at weddings & parties, and wanted to do one of my own. So this past weekend, I finally got to try my hand at it!

I paired up with Lori {my sister} at Boldly Chic Events to create a colorful & chic Halloween sweets table, and am so thrilled with the end result. I absolutely loved working with her to design the layout & was honored to provide the festive paperie!

{We already have 2 more sweets tables on the calendar - next up, a modern December tablescape!}

For more details & photos of the collaboration, be sure to visit Boldly Chic's blog...

Take a hint {from Martha Stewart...}

I was strolling through the aisles of Michaels yesterday {shocker. I know!} and spent the majority of my time in the Martha Stewart section. This month, she has truly outdone herself with all of the fun Fall/Halloween craft tools & decor!

If you're planning on throwing a big {or even a small} Halloween bash, you definitely need to make a trip to Michaels there this week. Check out a few of my favorites...

Martha Stewart's test tubes are perfect for party favors or bar beverages - fill them with Halloween candy, or serve spooky-themed shots at your 21-and-over party. (Monster Blood, anyone?)

source

I am absolutely in love with these gothic chic, glittered paper chandeliers (who says a Halloween party can't be fabulous?)...

source

Spruce up your entryway or decorate behind your treats table with these fun garlands.

source

These incredibly detailed craft punches are perfect for scrapbooking the photos after the party is over!

Scary Fence Punch & Spider Web Punch
source

Be sure to also check out Boldly Chic's "Sunday Coffee" blog today - there's a sneak peek of our Halloween photoshoot collaboration in there....with more eye candy to come on our blog later this week!

New Product Showcase: Flat Notecard Sets

One of our loyal customers approached us earlier this month for post-wedding gifts for her family & maid-of-honor. She liked our boxed card sets on Etsy, but was looking for something larger & more personal.

The finished product? A boxed set of 4.25" x 5.5" flat note cards - each box contains 15 cards each of 3 different personalized designs. How fun are these?

I am so thrilled with the final product that I plan to list these in our Etsy shop this month! What a great Christmas gift idea for your girlfriends, sisters, mother-in-law, boss or any female on your shopping list. =)

Making Strides

This Saturday, we're pairing up with Boldly Chic Events for the 2010 Breast Cancer Walk in downtown Indy. It is such a great cause that is close to my family's heart.

I personally will be walking in honor of my grandmother, who battled breast cancer fearlessly - unfortunately, she lost her battle in the summer of 1995. I will never forget her courage, strength & loving presence in my life.

If you would like to help support our team with a donation, please visit our team's website. If you could forego that morning Starbucks coffee and donate $5 instead, we would greatly appreciate your help! {Every little bit helps!}

Your support enables the American Cancer Society to save lives by:

• Helping people stay well by educating and empowering women to live healthy lives and reduce their risk for breast cancer, and to get screening tests such as mammograms to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable
• Helping people facing breast cancer get well by providing information, day-to-day help, and emotional support to guide them through every step of their breast cancer experience
• Finding cures by investing in and conducting research that leads to groundbreaking discoveries into breast cancer’s causes and cures
• Fighting back by working with lawmakers to support laws that help women battle breast cancer and help all women get access to screenings and care

Thank you for your support! Let's fight this disease in hopes that our daughters & granddaughters will never have to face the battle.

Cari @ Interprintations

Sticking up for the little guy....

In recent months, I've come across many posts & comments about how wedding ceremony programs are just unnecessary. Brides have come up with many reasons to exclude them - some of the popular excuses I've found are:

* Guests just toss them after the ceremony
* Everyone knows who's in the wedding party
* No one even looks at them
* It's an unnecessary expense

Obviously, I love all things paper & am a little biased. But I seriously beg to differ that they are a waste of time. Here is my rebuttal...

1) These little cards are a great way to subtly tie in your colors, monogram, or whatever theme you're using throughout the wedding. {Remember - it's all in the details!}

2) Your guests will look at them. Don't you always appreciate it when the bride & groom provide you with information about those closest to them {the wedding party}, as well as what's going on & what's coming up next {the ceremony lineup}? You might also consider including the song lyrics or readings/poems used during your ceremony - another great way to keep your guests engaged.

3) Give your guests a reason to keep the program! Include your address where you'll reside after the wedding, so guests can keep in touch with you. And why not also provide your photographer's website/blog/gallery link, so they can view your wedding photos? Some guests even hang onto them for inspiration when tackling their own {or a son/daughter's} wedding programs.

4) When done right, programs can actually be extremely easy on the wallet. Have door greeters hand out the programs, giving only one per couple or family. This easy addition will greatly cut down on the number of programs needed. Also, be sure to check with your stationery vendor - a lot of them offer discounts on additional stationery if you ordered your invitations through them or order multiple items (menus cards, table numbers, favor tags, etc).

Don't take your wedding programs for granted - they are truly underestimated! These can be a chic & affordable way to add color to the ceremony and keep your guests informed. {I can say firsthand that the gesture will not go unappreciated!}