a little wedding and event stationery guide by Two Owls Collect

Angel Garden Fundraising Auction

2011-08-08T14:05:00.003-06:00

Two Owls Collect has donated two fine stationery packages to the Angel Garden Auction - If you want to get in on the bidding, go here.

Set includes, for each design:
• 5 Blank Note Card and Brown Bag Envelope (A2) package
• 4" x 4" Memo Pad

Online auction closes 5 pm on Friday, August 12th, 2011.

The Northern Bar & Stage - Business Cards and Gift Certificates

2011-07-27T11:29:00.002-06:00

adam macdonald's questions of home

2011-07-10T09:15:00.000-06:00

Two Owls Collect recently started production on this amazing book project for adam macdonald. It's a collection of his best poems, a few accompanied with illustrations by myself - some are funny, some are sad but all are honest and from his heart. Three years in the making!

Char and John :: Vintage Jazz Album Inspired Wedding Invitations

2011-07-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Surprise 60th Birthday Party Invitations

2011-04-19T13:01:00.003-06:00

Surprise 60th birthday party invitations! To bring down costs I used design elements from the Two Owls Collect Event Stationery Catalogue set Fit For A King And Queen.

Logo Design For Bliss Event and Design

2011-04-19T12:56:00.002-06:00

I'm perfecting my hand drawn logos, as shown above in this fun logo for Bliss Event and Design in Whistler, BC.

Arts and Letters 2011 - The Gatsby Gala

2011-04-19T12:49:00.003-06:00

Illustrations, design and printing of the Arts and Letters 2011 The Gatsby Gala - posters and save the date cards.

Custom Honeymoon Journal

2011-02-16T10:40:00.004-07:00

The fabulous Keya White designed this journal for a friend and her new husband who were about to go off on an excellent honeymoon adventure in Brazil. All I did was make it but I thought it was a really cool idea and a really cool gift idea.

Thank You Cards For Fernie Child Care Society

2011-01-25T15:07:00.002-07:00

Simple yet fun! Custom thank you cards for the Fernie Child Care Society by Two Owls Collect Design.

Shred Kelly Press Kit - Custom Design!

2011-01-05T11:13:00.003-07:00

The Making Of Becka Macdonald's Tattoo Portfolio Book

2010-12-28T10:33:00.005-07:00

From start, receiving Becka's portfolio (of Poison Apple Tattoo Co in Fernie) photos on a memory stick, to printing, cutting and binding. There are only 3 copies of this special custom book. They're going to be worth lots of money one day... but that's not really what it's about it.

Reworking The Old To Make It New - Fernie Heritage Library

2010-11-30T16:21:00.002-07:00

The Fernie Heritage Library decided to reuse their Christmas Party poster design from last year and just update it with 2010 colours and details. It's cheaper and they're creating a little brand recognition.

Small Town Social Cards, Business Cards

2010-11-30T08:09:00.004-07:00

I adore our Small Town Social business cards! Black and white, one-sided business cards - using 4 different designs. The writing is minimal as they have a purpose - to get people to the website... that's it. So mysterious; mysteriously sexy!

www.smalltownsocial.wordpress.com

Baby's 1st Birthday Invitations

2010-11-01T10:03:00.002-06:00

This simple 2-sided card was created for the important 1st birthday of this little boy in Vancouver. Cute.

Yeah Owls

2010-10-22T12:17:00.004-06:00

Bubba Cook's Book - Warriors of the Zombie Hamlet

2010-09-02T16:35:00.003-06:00

Bubba Cook wrote, illustrated, designed and prepared the whole book for self-publishing through Two Owls Collect and for the past few weeks I've been busy printing and producing Warriors of the Zombie Hamlet - Prose and Poems of the Great Zombie Apocalypse. The big launch will be in October but that doesn't mean you can't get a copy of your own. Contact Bubba Cook to ger your hands on your own copy.

Jen and Jeff's Custom Wedding Illustrations

2010-08-03T10:04:00.004-06:00

Jen and Jeff contacted me early this year to commission custom illustrations for their wedding invitations and stationery. Jen and Jeff, from the West Coast, were planning a wedding in Vancouver and really liked our Two Owls Collect - City and the Stars catalogue design but they wanted to customize the illustrations to represent the two of them and their own interests.

This is how my illustrations were used on their wedding day. Amazing. I'm so happy to have contributed to their wedding this way. Thanks for sharing your photos and congrats on your beautiful summer 2010 wedding!

Christine and Frank's Bunny Love Wedding Invitations - Brooklyn NY

2010-07-28T15:03:00.004-06:00

Christine and Frank, a couple from Brooklyn New York, ordered our Bunny Love Invitations for their small Central Park wedding. A fall wedding in N.Y. will no doubt be amazing.

Ashley and Chris' Custom Wedding Book - Fernie BC

2010-07-28T14:39:00.006-06:00

Ashley and Chris were gifted a custom Two Owls Collect wedding book from a couple women in the wedding party and it's finally done! It's beautiful. The details from their invitations were used in the text throughout the book and all photos were taken by Ashley's Aunt Holly.

A few wedding details:
Location: Fernie, British Columbia
Ceremony: Annex Park
Reception: Fernie Golf and Country Club
Date: September 26th, 2009

The Arts Station in Fernie - 20th Anniversary Exhibit Poster

2010-07-19T16:18:00.005-06:00

I met up with Oz to take a look at some of The Arts Station display pieces in order to think of a fun way to promote their upcoming retrospective exhibit. Good thing I brought my camera with me. With just the right amount of hardwood floors around the old photos I was able to put the sponsors and type in other important details and it was done fast. I thought the poster turned out well. Clap. Clap.

Rod and Brina's Wedding Invitations Continued

2010-07-14T06:00:00.003-06:00

When I started the design of our wedding stationery, it was for the sole purpose of sending our e-save-the-date...and then I took a long long break. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to create my own invitations until I sat down to actually do it. Well I did it...not without a few phone calls from my mom or nudges from Robo. I'm happy with them and looking at them just gets me more excited about our wedding weekend. Thanks, Rod, for addressing each one! You're so awesome.

Colleen and Keith's Day Of Wedding Stationery

2010-07-12T16:13:00.002-06:00

Colleen and Keith ordered Splendid Rockies' blank place cards and customized (text) bookmarks for their upcoming 2010 summer wedding. So easy and pretty!

Kranky Cafe in Vancouver - Photography

2010-06-23T13:58:00.004-06:00

During a road trip across B.C. I had the pleasure of hanging out at Kranky Cafe in Vancouver. Between my sips of delicious coffee and bites of pie I took some photos for their "coming soon" website. Here are a few that really capture the comfortable atmosphere Dana and Tondela have created for us. Thanks, guys!

Jonelle and Chucky's Hawaii Wedding Invitations

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Damien Lafortune's Poetry Book :: Absolute Heart

2010-05-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

Damien Lafortune and I worked together to make a small run of 100 poetry books for his upcoming poetry tour. It's a soft-cover bound book with black and white printing mixed with colourful custom artwork by Damien. A precious book that took him about 20 years to complete. I'm happy to be able to help him finish this project.

Kranky Cafe in Vancouver - Business Cards and Coffee Cards

2010-04-26T13:32:00.005-06:00

front

back

Dana and Tondela, the new owners of a cool little coffee and bakery in Vancouver asked me to help them out with a few things - Kranky Cafe business cards and coffee cards, to start.

A special feature is: the back of each coffee card is just a little piece of a bigger picture. So it's best to go through the coffee cards fast. Each edition will feature a different artist, so try not to throw them out.

Above is the front and back view of each card, as well as, a delightful drawing of the two business partners. How exciting! I can't wait to enjoy my free coffee!

www.krankycafe.ca

Jen and Alex - Custom Wedding Day Stationery

2010-04-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

To celebrate the wedding of Jenifer and Alex (taking place today in the Sunshine Coast) I decided to post their wedding day stationery designs. Place Cards, Menu Cards and Ceremony Program all using the same look and feel from their custom wedding invitations. Congratulations!! I hope you're having a beautiful day.

Mompreneur Magazine Includes Two Owls Collect

2010-04-06T09:49:00.003-06:00

Jennifer Stack, the Editor of Mompreneur Magazine, called me up one day in early February and asked if I would mind a little Two Owls Collect fine stationery feature in their next issue. Um. Yes. I do! So recently, Jennifer dropped off a copy of the magazine and although it's not the first time I've been in a magazine, the novelty of it has not worn off. It's still very very cool. Thanks, Jennifer, for thinking of me and helping me promote my little stationery collection!

Fernie Business Card :: Print & Design

2010-04-05T09:01:00.003-06:00

Two Owls Collect created these business cards for small Fernie businesses. Picnic Restaurant + Social, Livery Home, Earthscape Concepts, Loaf Bakery and Blackstone Bookkeeping.

Eri and Philip's Glacier National Park Wedding

2010-03-29T13:56:00.004-06:00

Wedding Details

The Couple: Eri and Philip

Quote from Eri "In this way, I'm happy that most of the services I used for our wedding are small businesses owned by women!"

Invitations: Blue Skies and Daisies (now Two Owls Collect Design) using the Splendid Rockies design.

Venue: Many Glaciers Motel in Glacier National Park in Montana

Photographer - She is Rachel Robertson who is based in Hawaii but is from Montana.

Event Planning - Everything outdoors was taken care of by A Big Sky Event.
The minister, cake, flowers, champagne, pastries - everything!

Lunch Catering: (it was a morning wedding) at the restaurant in the hotel was catered by Many Glaciers Motel

Hair Stylist: Eri's Aunt

Wedding Dress: My wedding dress was made by Olivia Luca, and it's 100% natural silk and sweatshop free!

Wedding Rings: My wedding ring was made by an Etsy seller Single B Beautiful. It's made of recycled white gold and has conflict-free diamonds.

Even Towns Need Stationery

2010-03-24T16:58:00.002-06:00

I am in the process of finishing up these Outdoor Adventure Maps of Sparwood BC for Sparwood BC. They turned out pretty sweet and will be available at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show on March 27th, 2010.

Jen and Alex - Custom Wedding Invitation Design

2010-03-19T10:45:00.003-06:00

Without giving too much away, here's a look at Jen and Alex's custom invitation design. They're getting married on the coast this spring, so the arbutus tree, ocean and island illustration sets the tone perfectly for this rustic BC wedding. More to come!

Fernie Skate Show - Poster Design

2010-03-16T13:30:00.001-06:00

Brina and Rod's Wedding Invitation Design

2010-03-04T08:45:00.004-07:00

I'm getting married! Ever since I started designing wedding invitations, in 2003, I couldn't help but wonder what my own would look like. Well, now I know! I think at different points in my life, my wedding invitation design would have been different and today, on March 4th, 2010, this is exactly what my invitation design should look like. Although, I mention me me me here, I in fact tried to represent both of us in the design. Rod loves it, so I guess I did good.

In this wedding design I wanted to represent the following:
The setting: RAW Fernie in Fernie BC - a spacious lodge tucked in the forest with amazing views of the Elk Valley.
The wedding: casual, weekend long party, non-traditional, natural
The tone: fun, welcoming, celebratory
The couple: supportive, connected, desire to be free
Colours: bright, organic, full of life

Two Owls Collect :: 2010 Fine Stationery Collection

2010-02-11T10:00:00.002-07:00

Introducing to you, the 2010 Fine Stationery Collection! Hoorah!

Card Templates for Teryn Lee Photography

2010-02-03T09:58:00.002-07:00

A sample of template designs I created for Teryn Lee Photography in Vancouver, BC. I really didn't have to do much as her photographs did most of the work. What a fun project!

Pantone Releases 2010 Colour Of The Year

2010-01-16T09:45:00.001-07:00

From Pantone.com

Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Fernie Heritage Library Christmas Program

2009-12-22T09:33:00.002-07:00

Of course, you can't have a Christmas Celebration without a Christmas Celebration Program! And this program is special, it guides you around the Library to it's 8 different stations, where you enjoy your cider and then get a STAMP! You gotta go to all 8 stations to get all 8 stamps. If I was a kid, this would have been awesome...who am I kidding...if I had gone, I would have had a blast at the age of 32.

Fernie Heritage Library's Christmas Celebration

2009-12-16T07:51:00.006-07:00

Fernie Heritage Library does so much for the Fernie community and this Christmas they're putting on an amazing Christmas Event for everyone to attend. There will be about 10 stations around the Library where you can drink cider, watch a film, listen to a story, nibble on international desserts, make some arts and crafts and so much more. Two Owls Collect put this poster together to help promote the event and spread a little Christmas cheer. It's so bright and colourful!

Christmas Potluck Dinner Invitations

2009-12-14T08:53:00.003-07:00

Christmas Potluck Dinner Invitations aren't completely necessary but they sure do get people excited! These invitations were made for our Christmas party with friends and family. An old childhood colouring book drawing, from when I was 4, was used on one side and the invitation wording on the other. Easy and fun! I love Christmas.

It's Christmas Time - Erin and Geoff

2009-12-10T08:53:00.004-07:00

T'is the season for Christmas parties, dinners and games nights. The next few postings will be a few examples of cards we've made this winter. First up, Erin and Geoff's custom family Christmas card and Open House Invitation. Printing was done by Precision Graphics in Vancouver, BC. Beautiful!

Two Owls Collect joins Fernie's Community Coupon Book

2009-12-08T09:30:00.003-07:00

Last night was the big launch for Fernie's Community Coupon Book and it was a delicious time. I decided to participate in the 2010 Community Coupon Book to try and promote my book designing abilities. Let's see how that goes! If you're interested in purchasing a coupon book ($15), I have a few here. Email: info@twoowlscollect.ca

Kiyomi and Matt - Tofino, BC Wedding

2009-11-27T21:50:00.004-07:00

I've been so excited to see Kiyomi and Matt's wedding photos, especially since I knew they were taken by Helene Cyr, one of the best in BC. I did their wedding invitations earlier this year (previous post) for their Tofino, B.C., wedding, which seems like ages ago. I'm so happy for the two of them; it looked like a fantastic weekend on the west coast.

Here are a few highlights. For the full photo posting, go to blog.helenecyr.com

Andrew and Sheri :: Our 15 Minutes Wedding Invitations

2009-10-13T07:53:00.004-06:00

I'm totally not on vacation anymore. I better step up a bit here and realize my responsibilities as a big time stationery bloggist.

Above we have a simple wedding invitation design for Andrew and Sheri, covered in bold and modern colours. They were a delight to work with and I wish them all the best in their planning.

Taddahhh!

Brina Schenk :: On Vacation

2009-09-27T05:53:00.007-06:00

It's so nice to be around family again. I'm in Ontario for until the end of the month, eating as much of my parents food as I can; getting ready for my winter hibernation. This explains why I haven't posted anything lately. I'll be back. Don't you worry your pretty little face about it.

Like mother, like daughter. Here is a picture of my mom's stationery. She's a pro at pop up cards.

Two Owls Collect :: Invitation Samples

2009-09-14T09:10:00.003-06:00

In the past year I have met in person two event stationery clients and the rest, thanks to they who create and push technology, virtually. After so many years you get used to not meeting the couples you work with and getting as much information about their personalities through emails or phone conversations. I'm sure eventually I'll be doing meetings by holograms. The #1 issue with creating stationery for people from a distance is the very important process of seeing and feeling. That is why I offer and almost push samples on anyone who is interested in two owls collect designs. It's one thing to see a pretty design online but it's another to understand the quality of printing and texture and feel of the stock.

The samples are free and can be geared towards the designs and colours you're interested in...as much as we can. It would make me feel better and it will make you feel at ease knowing that I'm a real person with real products.

Invitations and their Envelopes

2009-09-08T08:40:00.005-06:00

Envelopes are so important to the invitation, like cream in coffee or deer in the forest, that I decided to do a whole post on the envelopes we have and how they will look with our catalogue invitations.

It's brilliant. I know! Below are combinations of invitations styles and envelopes I felt was most appropriate. If you pick a different colour combination for your invitation, the envelope choice would definitely change. Let us begin.

Left: Plants Wow - A2 Half Fold Invite, RSVP Postcard and Safety Orange Env
Right: Arctic Circle - A7 1-Sided Invitation and Factory Green Envelope

Left: Off The Wall - A2 Half Fold Invitation, RSVP Postcard and Chocolate Env

Right: Tree, Bush or Rocketship - A2 Half Fold Invite, RSVP Postcard & Fuse Green Env

Left: Bunny Love - A2 Half Fold Invitation, RSVP Postcard and Blueberry Envelope

Right: It's Not A Thistle - A2 Half Fold Invite, RSVP Postcard and Cranberry Red Env

Left: Microcosm - A2 1-Sided Invitation and Olive Green Envelope

Right: Lotus In The A.M. - A2 Half Fold Invitation and Steel Blue Envelope

Above: Cartesian Life - A7 1-Sided Invite, A2 RSVP Postcard and Fuse Green Env

Introducing Small Town Social - Event Planning Guide

2009-09-02T08:55:00.009-06:00

Thanks to Kirsty Morris, who planted a large seed in my head, I have been in the process of designing and producing a book and website which can accompany anyone in planning an event in Fernie, BC. Fernie is a small town with so much potential and there are so many talented and amazing people right here; it's just a matter of knowing who they are and how to get a hold of them. I'm in the processes of gathering that information now.

Small Town Social is not an event planner. It's a tool/guide to help you discover what Fernie has to offer because we know the stress and ache that goes along with taking on the task of planning an event for more than 2 people. The big vision is to help promote Fernie as a destination spot, promote all businesses and individuals who are essential in the planning process and, secretly, bring this little mountain town closer together.

If you have any ideas or people that I should know about, please please email me at team@smalltownsocial.com or comment with the details. I'm very excited about this venture. Thank you for reading and providing any helpful information you can!

www.smalltownsocial.com

Custom Book :: Sketches by Brina Schenk

2009-09-01T12:19:00.003-06:00

I had to twist my own arm to put together this book chronicling the years of doodling, drawing and sketching I took part in. It goes back to 2003 up until last week. At first I thought it would be silly but I like the idea of having this book to show the work I've done; personally and for business.

It was fun to make and I plan to add a book every few years to create my own series. Go me.

Common Stationery Questions #5 - Is it tacky to include a photo in our invitation?

2009-09-01T08:33:00.005-06:00

Q: Is it tacky to include a photo in our invitation?

A: uhh NO! It's not tacky at all. I think it's an adorable touch but, like most things, not for everyone. A picture can turn a template design into a personalized, seemingly custom, design. And who doesn't love looking at photos?! I know I do.

Of course, it's all how you use the photo. I've seen some less appealing use of photos in an invitation. I cannot judge though. Every couple sends out an invitation the way they want it to be, full of excitement and anticipation. That's all that matters in the end.

I've also made invitations that have no photography at all and I think they're beautiful too.

What do you want?

Cool Colour Schemes :: Public Pool

2009-08-25T08:11:00.003-06:00

Now some people out there might be turned off by the words "public pool" with all the little kids doing who knows what in the water...and that's not why I chose yellow to be a part of this happy little colour scheme. When I think of my childhood experience at a outdoor public pool, I think of pure and utter happiness. You're outside, under the bright warming sun, at the park, and you're swimming with your friends. ahhhh! Yes!

Let's now apply these colours to a few of our catalogue designs. Just so you know, the colours are, from our colour chart, (from top left) cream: #7 dark blue: #45 sky blue: #40 bright yellow: #10.

A 60th Birthday :: Masquerade Party

2009-08-21T08:28:00.004-06:00

When I was asked to draw a 60th birthday card illustrating all the things Bob loved to do, I didn't know how it was going to turn out. But Bob's birthday party postcard turned out fantastic and I had so much fun creating it.

The hardest part ended up being the facial expression on the frog's face...but we got it, or settled, in the end. Who knew a friendly smirk would be so hard.

Amy, Peter and Lacey :: Christening Invitations

2009-08-20T09:51:00.004-06:00

Amy, Peter and Lacey live in Squamish, British Columbia, surrounded by majestic mountains and they were so excited to see Splendid Rockies in our catalogue for their daughter's christening invitations.

Their little girl, Lacey, is going to be christened in England, far away from the Rockies but they will not be left behind or forgotten. Amy and Peter were a pleasure to work with and I hope their trip goes well. Thanks for the Plant A Thank You!! I will watch them grow next spring.

Types of Binding

2009-08-18T09:00:00.006-06:00

Two Owls Collect may seem a bit unfocused when it comes to services provided but it may be comforting to know that there's a reason for everything...if you can try to believe that. I'm a big fan of stationery, you just need to look at my desk to prove myself, and I know there are more people out there just like me.

The idea of making stationery excited me from the beginning. I wanted to make my own collections and provide others with a way to create their own stationery collections. It's not all about me.

So to help you out, or maybe inspire your imagination, I am listing the types of binding offered and a few samples of custom stationery we've created. You just never know how you can use these services. I'm all ears!

Tape Binding

Twin-Loop Binding

Padding

Perfect Binding

And a few samples of custom work we've done. I just realized all the samples below use twin-loop wire binding. Hun!

Toni and Liam :: The Little Things & Bunny Love

2009-08-14T09:59:00.006-06:00

Toni and Liam combined 2 of my favorite designs from the catalogue for their upcoming wedding. The Little Things and Bunny Love.

Their low-key casual wedding, to take place on a boat in the Vancouver harbour, sounds like heaven to me. I love how couples find different and fun ways to celebrate their wedding.

Below is, from top left: Bunny Love half-fold invitation, Bunny Love gift tags, The Little Things guest book, The Little Things thank you postcards.

Ashley and Chris :: Fernie Wedding Invitations

2009-08-10T15:53:00.005-06:00

Ashley and Chris are hosting their wedding in Fernie, British Columbia, this September so it only seemed right to include the largest overseeing guests; the mountains.

You can't have a Fernie wedding without mountains.

This black, white and rusty orange invitation sets the tone for this elegant wedding event. I recently went to a wedding in Fernie and danced the night away with lightening exploding behind the distant mountains. It was beautiful. I digress, this tri-fold invitation is sized for A2 envelopes and includes a map of the ceremony and reception locations. Perfect.

Two Owls Collect - Update

2009-08-06T06:58:00.004-06:00

My website is down. Maybe you noticed?
I am switching hosting companies and I chose to make the switch mid week. Brilliant.

I'll be back up and running soon. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Kiyomi and Matt :: Tofino Wedding Invitations

2009-08-05T09:42:00.005-06:00

Kiyomi and Matt decided to incorporate two important elements of their wedding into their invitations; her Japanese heritage and the location of their wedding.

The rugged waves of the Pacific Ocean will be the backdrop of their fabulous Tofino, British Columbia destination wedding. Only a small group will be heading to the west coast for the celebration and to prepare them for unpredictable weather, a separate card listing "don't forget to bring your" items was included.

Cool Colour Schemes :: Peaceful

2009-07-31T09:21:00.007-06:00

I'm going to start the CCS series. Each entry will include a word describing the feeling of the event to be hosted, 4 complimentary colours and examples of the colour scheme applied to a few of our event stationery.

We're going to laugh together, cry together and maybe even have a little fun. Let's begin with:

Peaceful

A few samples:

Above: City and the Stars Save-The-Date Postcard

Above: Enchanted Forest Menu Card

Above: Plants WOW bookmark

What does your company name "two owls collect" mean?

2009-07-30T11:23:00.006-06:00

I've been asked a few times about my company name, and yes, I do realize this has nothing to do with stationery, so I'm going to take a minute to explain it here; it won't take long.

A week or two before I started my business plan, during my internal search for direction, there was an owl outside my living room window, and it sat there, in the tree, for almost 2 minutes staring back at me.

Forward a week or two and I'm sitting in the living room writing down words that have meaning to me, or words that I enjoy. "Owl" was one of the words I had written down, thanks to the memorable moment with Looky Lou. On the other hand, while reminiscing about work I really cared about, I was struck by the realization that they almost always involved a collaboration with another person who had equal interest in the project. There was always an understanding and openness for ideas and improvement.

Thus, Two Owls Collect came to life. This is my aspiration for every project in the present and future. I am not here to take all the credit, make a name for myself or do everything alone...because it's when people get together, inspiring and feeding off of each other, due to a true respect and appreciation for each other's talents and capabilities, amazing things will happen.

The end.

Reception Guestbook Ideas

2009-07-29T07:45:00.013-06:00

Just when you thought there were no more decisions to make, you scroll down your planning list and there it is, with no comments or notes taken - guestbook. The guestbook used to be a bound book in which people would sign. That's it. Not even a little message to the couple. It was mainly a tally of who attended the wedding.

But we tend to turn everything into sentimental memorabilia and the guest book wasn't left behind.

Many people still use the guestbook, a bound book, titled with a wildly curly font and a bit of ribbon to seal it. The pages are then sprinkled with good wishes, long notes of fondess, quick messages of congrats and joy. To tell you the truth, as a guest, I find the guestbook the hardest part of the wedding, because of it's longevity you want to write something good....witty and, hopefully, charming. Am I competing with the other guests? you bet i am and I know I'm not alone on this one. When I feel overwhelmed by the task, you'll find a regretful "Congratulations! you both look absolutely beautiful. Good work. - Brina Schenk"

I digress!! We're supposed to be talking about ideas here.

We have now moved on to guest book cards - little cards where each guest writes their own note and either pins it to a decorative tree, places it in a big beautiful glass vase or tied to a string. These cards are, post-wedding, placed in the wedding album or scrapbook.

You can couple this guest book card idea with the Polaroid idea. Each guest takes a photo of themselves with the Polaroid camera, sticks it in the guestbook book and enters their greetings beside, around or on their photo.

From Rob and Andrea's wedding guestbook - Brina and Albertine.

Then you have the guestbook pages which can be completed during the down time at the reception. You fill in your name, how you met/know the married couple, some tips on how to make a marriage work and a little blank spot for your Polaroid photo or a self portrait. I imagine these page would be collect and then bound into a book. This could get very interesting AND entertaining if you have an open bar.

portrait of Karen Grundlingh - by brina

A less common idea is to have each of your guests sign a small square of fabric and after the wedding your talented quilting aunt can make a long lasting quilt of your wedding guests. A sweet idea if you have a talented aunt who quilts but I guess you can always buy a pre-made quilt and have your guests sign that. An alternative is to have everyone sign, with a pencil or washable pen, a fancy table cloth and your talented cousin can embroider all the signatures into the table cloth. I love that idea.

Some couples have a large photo from their wedding framed and all the guests can sign around it. Obviously, the guests would be signing an empty board and the photo would be placed afterwards. Obviously.

Often when a couple hires a photograher for their wedding, engagement photos are taken, and I think it would be pretty cool to take those photos from your engagement photo shoot and make a book out of them and have your guests sign within these pages. Get creative with your photo shoot, especially, with this idea in mind...for instance, hold up a blank canvas that can be signed in your book or create a little story out of the pictures.

Design and photography by Rosemarie Lion at SoCo Depot

All the ideas in the world aren't listed in this entry but maybe I'll try and continue this list as time goes by and as ideas come out to play.

Until then, be creative and do what makes you happy.

Margaret's Cards

2009-07-23T08:59:00.005-06:00

My mother called me up one day and asked me if I could do her a favour; a friend of hers needed her drawings magically transformed into cards.

Of course, I am a magician!!

Margaret is a wonderful older woman who in her spare time draws gardens and anything floral. She's been collecting them with the idea to one day make copies of them to send away as cards to her friends and family. It's tiring making originals when you're eighty something.

Her original drawings were sent to me and I scanned them, printed them and sent them back to her. She was so happy!

That's why I'm here.

Common Stationery Questions #4 - Ordering Timeline

2009-07-14T08:06:00.007-06:00

Q: How much time do we need to order and receive our invitations?

A: It all depends

on...

1. If you're ordering custom, I would suggest a minimum of 3-4 weeks. It all depends on how complicated your order is, quantities, how fast we can all work together and where you live.

2. If you're ordering from our catalogue, it can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks. It all depends on quantities, the number of edits and changes along the way and where you live.

3. If you're customizing a catalogue design, it can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. It all depends on quantities, the details of the customizations and where you live.

Just ordering from our catalogue with no changes to colour and when everything (wording, photographs) is ready for us, the ordering, proofing and production process can be very fast and easy.

It's all about how we work together; as a team.

Tree, Bush or Rocketship Half Fold Invitation Set

In Memoriam :: Blue Skies and Daisies Weddings

2009-07-10T09:47:00.009-06:00

Albertine De Leon and I, Brina Schenk, were a team for just over 6 years. Albertine managed all our projects, kept me in line, talked to people about their problems and joys and made the company great. I took the part of designing all our business material and created wedding stationery, corporate material, artwork for anyone that wanted it and tried to support Albertine.

This is a recollection of the wedding work we did; just a handful of the best. We were a great team.

Above: Custom crest designed for a menu card.

Above: Custom wedding program - 2-sided card.

Above: Wedding Program - location history on the back
Below: Custom Trivia Cards for placed at the reception

Above: Custom Wedding Invitations - illustration by Shannon Harvey

Above: Custom Invitations - floral design taken from Shabina's dress.

Above: 4-fold modern Wedding Invitation design

Above: Pin-Striped Wedding Invitation

Above: Illustrative Wedding Invitation

Above: Custom Tri-Fold Wedding Invitation for my brother and his wife.

Above: Pocket and tab Wedding Invitations

Above: Ornate Wedding Invitation

Above: Custom Wedding Invitation - bound with 2 bands

Above: Custom lavendar Wedding Invitation and waterbottle label

Above: Boarding Pass Wedding Invitation

Above: Custom Wedding Invitation for Hawaii destination wedding

Above: Halloween Wedding Invitation - custom illustration

Above: Library/Book themed Wedding invitation

Event Stationery Set :: The Little Things

2009-07-09T09:31:00.006-06:00

The Little Things concept started during a conversation over soup with a good friend Derrick Belcham (photographer and co-builder). We thought about how cool it would be to create these little scenes telling the story of these two characters who, together, enjoy all the little things in life. The Little Things will always be about so much more than cute felt people.

But back to why we're really here...so I can show you how this design will look together, as a unit. Not so bad, eh?

1. Table Card - tables named after activities the couple enjoys.
2. Half Fold Invitation - the view is of a card closed and open.
3. Place Card - blank with names written in. view is front and back.
4. Thank You Gift Tag - tied to a votive candle holder
5. RSVP Postcard. - view is front and back.

For full catalogue details, please visit www.twoowlscollect.ca

Menu Colour Swap - City And The Stars

2009-07-08T08:38:00.003-06:00

Today we are showing the City And The Stars Menu in 3 different colour schemes. This is one of the easier designs to change as it only uses one colour. Because using all the text in red might be a bit much for the reader, I sometimes incorporate a dark contrasting colour like black, dark grey or blue. Above, from left to right, Colours #38, #44 and #15.

Common Stationery Questions #3 - We want to send out an e-vite but there are a few guests who don't use the internet.

2009-07-07T08:30:00.006-06:00

Q: This isn't a question...yet. The question is: How do we invite guests with an e-vite who don't have access to the internet or don't have a computer?

A: Well! That's a good question. There are a couple directions you can take (I'm sure there's more but this is what I got) :

Plan 1: Send these guests their own printed version of the e-vite. A small order or a few cards printed out and hand crafted at home can be a simple solution.

or

Plan 2: A nice personal phone call. That's nice.

Above: e-vite in our catalogue design Microcosm

Event Stationery Set :: It's Not A Thistle

2009-07-06T13:59:00.003-06:00

Above is our event and wedding invitation design It's Not A Thistle.

1. Table Card - Table theme is types of flowers.
2. Thank You Gift Tag - Tied to a wedding favour (custom 3x4 notepad.)
3. Place Card - Blank with names written in.
4. RSVP A2 Postcard - Top: Front; Bottom: Back.
5. Half Fold Invitation - Front: invitation closed; Back: invitation open.

For the full catalogue details, check out our website www.twoowlscollect.ca

A List of Wedding or Event Stationery

2009-06-29T12:32:00.008-06:00

1. at-home card
A card sent to friends and family to announce the couple's new address.

2. save-the-date
A card sent to your guests, before your invitations go out, to allow extra time to book hotels and flights, vacation time and to keep the date free.

3. invitation
A formal announcement of the couples wedding date, including all wedding day information, including: directions, ceremony and reception information, rsvp details and other pre or post event parties.

4. rsvp
Répondez s'il vous plait (please reply) a response made by the guests by mail, phone, email or online to notify the couple of their intentions. Most common information given on an RSVP is: names of guests attending, number of guests attending, yes/no we will be attending and menu selections.

5. thank-you card
A card sent to all guest after the wedding to express the couples appreciation and thanks for attending their wedding day.

6. gift tags
Tags attached to a wedding favour with a little note of thanks. Can be customized with your names and wedding date and a little personal message.

7. bridal shower invitations
A card sent out to the friends and family of the bride (or groom), inviting them to a pre-event party. The invitation would include the theme, date and time.

8. rehearsal dinner invitations
a card generally sent two weeks before the wedding, to the bridal party, to announce all wedding rehearsal plans.

9. program
Also called "order of service", an itinerary of the events of the ceremony. Includes hymns, prayers, schedules and a list of contributors.

10. menu
A card listing what is going to be served at the dinner reception.

11. place cards
A name card for each guest, directing them to their assigned seating.

Some Ideas Are:

Arranged Seats: A tray of place cards with the guests' names printed on them, found at the entrance of the reception room. The guests find their place card and locate the table that they are assigned to.

Arranged Tables: A map of the tables is placed at the entrance of the reception room. The guests locate their names at the designated table, then find their place at the table.

12. table chart
A board/poster listing all guests and the tables they are seated at during a dinner reception.

13. table cards
a table card is placed at the table to assign the table either a number, name or theme.

Some Ideas Are:

Table Numbers: Numbering your tables from 1 to ?

Table Names: Personalize your tables by naming them after cities you've visited together, streets you've lived on, parks you've played in, pets you've had, sports you enjoy or anything else you can think of.

Event Stationery Set :: Tree, Bush or Rocketship

2009-06-26T15:06:00.006-06:00

Above is a wedding invitation set using Tree, Bush or Rocketship.

1. Front view of an A2 Half Fold Invitation
2. Inside view of an A2 Half Fold Invitation
3. Front and Back of an RSVP Postcard

For full catalogue details, check out our website www.twoowlscollect.ca

Invitation Colour Swap - Arctic Circle

2009-06-25T09:20:00.004-06:00

Arctic Circle is one of my favorite designs due to it's simplicity and odd sense of depth in the flower. Below I show examples of how the Arctic Circle E-Vite can be changed drastically by changing the colours.

All catalogue designs include free customizations, including: colour changing, photo changes and event details/announcement layout.

Event Stationery Set :: Off The Wall

2009-06-24T11:20:00.007-06:00

Off The Wall - Stationery Set

1 : Table Card - numbered
2 : Half Fold Invitation - size A2
3 : RSVP Postcard - front and back
4 : Place Card - blank, with written names
5 : Thank You Gift Tag - on a hand carved bookmark by Carl Brink

For the full Off The Wall stationery set, go to our website: twoowlscollect.ca

Common Stationery Questions #2 - Match invitations to wedding

2009-06-22T09:35:00.003-06:00

Q: Do my invitations need to match my wedding colours

A: I would say about 90% of the questions about wedding invitations are completely subjective and my most common response is "what do you want?" There are no rules to planning a wedding, in my mind.

If you are planning a wedding with pink, orange and lime green and you want to mail out a black and white invitation, I say "do it." No one is going to bring the invitation to the wedding and hold it up to your chair covers and think to themselves "Wait just a second. These don't match. Am I at the wrong wedding? Get me out of here." They won't do that.

On the other hand, having a wedding invitation that sets the tone for the wedding, tells your guests what to expect or even imprints a little hint of your party intentions, can make a very big impression...if that's what you're after. It's all about you!

What do you want?

Blue Bin Notebooks

2009-06-18T16:15:00.007-06:00

Two Owls Collect has just launched our Blue Bin Notebooks. The process is easy and you'll end up with a very cool notebook just by using your used paper. It goes something like this...

Step 1: You bring me your used (on 1 side only) scrap letter paper from your recycle bin

Step 2: Select your cover - we will soon have a list of available covers online

Step 3: We create a soft-cover notebook for you

Step 4: We collect $5 per book (plus taxes)

Step 5: Happiness and Joy sets in

Common Stationery Questions #1 - rsvp due date

2009-06-16T07:42:00.004-06:00

Q: How much time do we give our guests to RSVP?

A: The RSVP date can be determined by a few key factors
• your caterer's due date for the final guest count
• the reserved accommodations's due date for final bookings
• enough time for guests to book vacation time, particularly for destination weddings
• your peace of mind

I have commonly set the date for 1 month prior to the wedding date. This gives everyone enough time to sort out the final details of place cards, seating at the reception, booking rentals etc. It also gives you time to hunt down those guests who have forgotten to rsvp...which will happen.

Invitation Colour Swap - Fit for a King and Queen

2009-06-12T09:15:00.005-06:00

I'm going to start a series of posts which demonstrate how our event and wedding stationery designs can be transformed by changing the colours. Today's example is Fit for a King and Queen.

On the right, I have left the default colour (inspired by delftware,) the middle example is #24 and the last example is #29 from our colour chart.

Two Owls Collect - Event and Wedding Stationery Catalogue

2009-06-10T08:25:00.004-06:00

The Event and Wedding Stationery Catalogue is now available online AND in a beautifully bound book. Any company that is interested in working together, whether it be a wedding planner, accommodations, caterer etc, we are ready for you!

This book is an introduction only to our catalogue of 24 modern event and wedding invitations and other stationery. Full details are found on our website. www.twoowlscollect.ca

A Wee Variety of Fonts

2009-06-09T08:30:00.000-06:00

Our Envelopes - 100% Recycled

2009-06-09T08:27:00.003-06:00

Choosing Your Colours

2009-06-05T08:42:00.004-06:00

For some, choosing your event or wedding colours comes effortlessly and others struggle with it. Why? Some part of it could be caused by feeling overwhelmed by decision making or even the lack of desire to care about such details. Both are understandable.

At times it helps to think about what you're planning, the location and what colours make you happy. Most of us don't realize the effect colours have on our moods, thoughts...feelings, but they can and do. It's a fact. I read it in a book or something.

Sometimes it helps to have a reference, so I have posted this colour chart to possibly spark some ideas or ignite your imagination. I'm hoping it does some sort of fire starting...