psst. . . more carrotflower

another peek at some of carrotflower's icons . . . more to follow

hello san francisco

I'm planning a trip to San Francisco soon. Isn't it a lovely city? Would enjoy hearing everyone's "must do" suggestions for food, sites & kid's activities. Drop me a line, especially if you're a Bay Area dweller.

sneak peek: carrotflower

Carrotflower is eager to meet the world. The family will include a beautifully simple handwritten typeface and collections of wonderful icons which are designed to work together to create easily tailored stationery systems. So far, I'm lovin' Carrotflower and am enjoying testing him out in many applications, (not just invitations & announcements) . The more I work with him the more I like him. . . Surface patterns, Gift tags, teacher's gifts. . . . hope you will love Carrotflower as much as me.

rock the kasbah I

The impeccable designer Libby Pettit of Byrd+Bleeker in Fort Worth contacted me this summer to commission some handlettered details for her New Years Eve wedding in Morocco. How could I resist?! Above are a few details, I'm especially fond of the monogram embroidered napkins. What a stylish & practical idea. Thanks Libby! Love it! ( more to follow. . . .)

projects past

Searching through my files I found this ghost of the past, a design unused but still lovely.

divine objects

This past weekend was a popular date for weddings, both with my family and clients. One of these fresh newlyweds I've had the pleasure of working with is Rachel Dunagan, a graphic designer, southern bride and keeper of the blog B9 objects. Above are a couple of shots of her delightfully stuffed wedding package (yes, it included all the treasures shown). Congratulations Rachel & Philip!

work in progress...

Currently, I'm working on a couple handlettered logo projects for small bizes. Above is a sample of one of the proofs during the process. I enjoy the energy of the script in this sample. It was inspired by the lettering work found in mid 20th century fashion advertising, which I adore.

bookmarked

These lovely bookplates featuring Nelly Script were created by Darcy of Pretty Girl Designs, custom designs available.

somewhere over the rainbow...

handlettered with sky blue gouache on indigo

rustic ideas for weddings...

Congratulations Lauren & Ryan! I love this idea of displaying seating/placecards on logs. It's perfect for a rustic wedding, especially this one, which was held under blue skies on a Colorado mountaintop. The different color cards communicate the guest's menu choice. Thanks Lauren! (photo by INphotography)

letter of the stars

In opening my August MyFonts Rising Stars newsletter today, I was delighted to see the Nellies included. Thanks for the marvelous write up!

fox in the archive house

Fresh from the archives . . .
Fox and Goose. I am cleaning
my studio today and came
across this watercolor created for
the Walker Art Center's Saturday
program a couple years ago.
A series of illustrations were
projected while a live group
performed folk songs.
This one was obviously for
the song, The Fox and the Goose.

bestsellers

Hooray Nelly! Nelly Script & Nelly Script Flourish have solidly moved onto MyFonts' bestsellers list. Thanks font lovers! : )

handcrafted maps

Watercolored letterpressed maps are so lovely, combining two of my favorite techniques. The above maps were letterpressed by Twin Ravens Press onto Arches coldpress then sent back to me to be painted. The additional texture adds so much. Although one's hand longs to feel the textures (please never touch original art with bare fingers), these will be framed as a triptych by the bride & groom for display. See the matching invitation set & story below.

cupcake

What is better than an outdoor party with sweet cupcakes?

julie & matt's celebration

Congrats Julie & Matt! Above is a shot of their wedding celebration invitation (their save the date was posted earlier, scroll down). A fun outdoor event, I sought to create a design which feels special but not uptight. Handlettering by me, letterpressed onto Crane's lettra.

craftsman eco couture

see below . . .

craftsman eco couture (creation)

Kristin of Twin Ravens Press in Oregon recently sent me these photos of an amazing work in progress for an amazing couple, Allison & Ryan. Eco Couture is really the best way to describe it, as it was custom designed for them, using eco-friendly materials and created by hand from beginning to end. The invitation, designed & letterpressed printed by Kristin using a 1916 Chandler Price platen press, onto handmade plantable wildflower seed paper by Porridge Paper, is handbound into booklets. The lettering used is a combination of handcalligraphy and the Silverstein font, contributing further to the handmade nature of the design. I also was delighted to be commissioned for a map of oregon, portland & the ceremony site which is being included in the booklet. See more at Twin Raven Presses' blog & etsy shop. Thanks Allison & Ryan!

more about this project to follow . . .

top 10

Hooray! The Nellies have both reached top 10 status on Myfonts "hot new fonts" list. (currently #3 + #7 )

revamped

My portfolio site crystalkluge.com has just been relaunched with a few alterations & additions. Please test it out and let me know how well it's working.

crafty ideas

In the development phase of the Nellies, I experimented with different ideas & applications of the typeface. This is one of my favorites, glittery numbers & letters. Great for a wedding or simply room decoration (my six year old adores her sparkling pink A). Simply print out onto cardstock, cut, glue (or spraymount if you can) & glitter!

be a dapper gent

Just in case you were wondering, above is a handy little diagram on how to tie a real bow tie. The brush & ink illustration is in MSP Weddings magazine on newsstands now.

free treat : nelly cootie catcher

I almost forgot to mention, the latest free treat at tartworkshop, printable cootie catchers complete with instructions. Designed with Nelly Script, try them out!

the nellys at myfonts

Nelly Script & Nelly Script Flourish are now available at MyFonts!

"intellectable"

This past week I attended the International Calligraphy Conference held at St. John's University (home to the incredible Saint John's Bible by Donald Jackson and his team of scribes). I was amazed to be surrounded by so many skilled calligraphers including my instructor in brush lettering, Marilyn Reaves. She is a marvelous teacher. Thanks Marilyn!
The above image is from the final activity of the class, flat brush on canvas.
The original, today proudly hangs on the walls of the Walker Art Center (to be specific, on the wall, of an office, in the Walker Art Center)

nelly has left the nest!

Nelly Script & Nelly Script Flourish have finally left the nest. Be an early bird and pick them up now at FontBros.com. (later to be released MyFonts as well). They are available as a set or individually. Please check out www.tartworkshop.com to see more (psst . . new free treat too). Love to hear what you think!

henparty, henparty

While at Surtex, I stumbled across the delightful booth of Michelle Rimpf. I love the use of Henparty in her designs. Above are a few samples. Her work was recently featured on the blog Print & Pattern. Thanks Michelle!

S is for...

The lovely Tova Glenn of Brighten my Day in Atlanta, send me a care package filled with goodies she created using my fonts. The above shot is a letterpress social note she created for the parents of twin girls, Sadie & Sophie. (names which I adore) The S duet monogram is created from Darling Monograms. So perfect!

our path begins here. . .

Another great Save the Date. This one announcing an Autumn wedding in beautiful Charleston. Congratulations Leah & Daran! I'm so excited for you.

save the date update

Doesn't letterpress rock? I posted the above design (before printing) a few weeks ago, here is the printed version - oh so delicious. Thanks Julie!

stamped

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of these rubberstamps with my lettering, produced & sold by Paper Source, used in invitation & save the date designs. If you use one in a project, send me a photo.

please be seated. . .

Freshly penned, these lovely round scallop placecards are on their way to a beautiful wedding in Philadelphia.

a love as big as texas

Congratulations to Nicole & Tyson on their upcoming marriage! Above is a map created for their wedding at the ranch highlighting some of their favorite spots & Texas landmarks along the way.

pretty envelopes

A little decorative embellishment to the envelopes always is nice. These lovely goldenrod accented envelopes are a part of a custom wedding package designed by Pulp Fashion of Stillwater.

new york, new york

I will be out of the studio for a few days (May 14-May 20) to visit the National Stationery Show/ Surtex. I will periodically be checking my email while in New York and will return phone messages once back in Minneapolis.

a midsummers dream day

This save the date design was commissioned for a casual mid-summer outdoor party celebrating Julie & Matt's recent nuptials. Congratulations Newlyweds!

opinion please?

Thanks to all who've visited the new Tart Workshop site! The labels have proven to be quite popular. As a result, I've love to hear your opinion on the next free treat. Another cute label design or cootie catchers? hmmmm......think it over and let me know.

beta site . . . free treats!

Tart Workshop the font foundry is getting it's own site. Hooray!! While it's still in process, you may check it out and download a free template. Comments welcome! www.tartworkshop.com

adrienne's birthday

I thought it would be fun to share a personal project. This past weekend, we celebrated my daughter's 6th birthday! The invitations were a collaborative effort between Adrienne & myself. Above is a collage of all the design elements along with a look at some inspiration (top right corner; torn from oprah) which influenced the design. enjoy!

spring greens

Mpls|St.Paul magazine recently did a food shoot which employed my lettering, above is one of the shots, sadly it may not make the May issue cover, but it's a delight to post one of the images. Photo by Abernathy Photography.

heart marks the spot IV

'tis the season for maps. Above is a section of a recent watercolor map I designed of Bar Harbor, Maine for the lovely Cristiana Jacobs of Umami Paper.

brighten my day

Tova Glen of Brighten my Day in Atlanta, sent me a fabulous package of stationery her studio has designed. Here are a couple of my favorites, a sweet letterpress announcement & invitation using henparty serif & sans. I'll post more of her lovely designs shortly.

viva san miguel

Designer Herdah Sukandi of San Francisco, recently mailed me the wonderful wedding invitation she created for her client Mary Anne who was married in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The design included a booklet invitation sent inside a cigar box branded with the couple's custom bird motif. I am so pleased to have my lettering & maps incorporated in the amazing package.

at the mailbox

This lucky envelope escaped the Minnesota slush, ice & snow and flew to Florida. Wish I was there too!

with style to carry

The talented rising designer Laura Nelli of Nelle handbags just gave me the word that she has posted these illustrations on her website. The pen & ink illustrations were created to accessorize her lovely couture handbags. Can you think of a better bridesmaid gift?

shoes from the back closet III

and once again, more footwear from the archive. Happy Valentine's dear shoe lovers. "Shoe lovers are like art collectors. They both enjoy a beautiful obsession." - Francesco Clemente

pretty girl love

Darcy of Pretty Girl Designs sent me snapshots her valentines. After seeing these, doesn't everyone wish to be her valentine?
(the XOXO tags are printed with henparty serif)

heart marks the spot III

Congratulations to Amy & John with their upcoming nuptials! Above is a close-up photo of the watercolor original of one of the maps commissioned to grace their save-the-dates.

a little bird told me

Soon to be released . . . Nelly Script.

happy birthday robbie!

Recently, I designed an invite & dinner menu for birthday party in San Francisco. Above are shots of the menu (delicious) and a view of the rooftop table set to celebrate. Happy Birthday Robbie!
(thanks for sharing, Marcus!)

top 10 of 2008

I am incredibly pleased to announce Darling Monograms has been selected by MyFonts as one of the Top 10 Fonts of the Year! Oh...Darling!

more shoes from the back closet

Given the popularity of the red pumps, I've decided to pull more past projects from the closet. I love these Prada boots. "Shoes are more than just an accessory they are an extension of the woman" - M. Prada

d'amico dream wedding

The spring/summer Minnesota Bride magazine is featuring the beautiful D'amico Dream Wedding. (above is a shot of the reception placecards) Check it out and then click over to their "Best of Bride" and vote for your favorite Minnesota wedding vendors for 2009, including best calligrapher. ; )

shoes from the back closet

Searching through my archives, I found these incredible pumps from a store ad design I worked on awhile back quoting Coco Chanel. "They are the ultimate fashion accessory, they herald your arrival, and prolong your departure." Va Va Voom . . . and the lettering is nice too.

stellar

Darling Monograms has risen from a MyFonts starlet to a top 10 bestseller! Hooray Darling!

pretty, pretty

This morning I was browsing, and visited the beautiful Apiary Design site. I particularly love the placecards, the patterns and colors are quite wonderful. Does the lettering look familiar? : )

starlet

Have you visited MyFonts new site design? very cool. Darling Monograms is currently starlet no.2. on it's "hot new fonts" list (bestselling new font releases within 50 days). Way to go darling!

thankyou! thankyou!

A big thank you to all who've purchased my fonts (darling monograms, the henparties, seasoned hostess & silverstein) and those awesome bloggers who've shared them with their readers! Keep posted, there are more good things to come.
btw: above stationery was handlettered & letterpress printed by moi on an antique kluge press.

monograms...get your darling monograms...

The Darling Monograms font is now available to purchase at FontBros. & MyFonts.com
btw: please contact me or the distributor if you have any questions regarding the font license and use. Use for product applications may require different licensing depending on the use and number of impressions.

at home

Yes, the dust has settled and I am slowly recovering our lives from a multitude of moving boxes. Same great phone number, same great email address. Please contact me if you need the new mailing address.
(above:Sophie examining our leaves)

goodbye birdies

We are saying Goodbye to Lowry Hill and Hello to Longfellow next week. We'll miss our rickety old house with balcony views & bird painted walls but look forward to strolling along the Mississippi near our new home. My studio will be down during the move, but I look forward to working again in my new diggs as soon as we're settled.

pretty in pink

Thank You Mary-Kevin for sending me the wonderful photos from your summer wedding! I absolutely love her style. It was a delight to be involved. To see the more lovely details of her big day, visit hello lucky!

love & splendor

Congratulations to Grace & Raj! I was delighted to work with the incredible wedding designer Angel Swanson of Love & Splendor event planning in Southern Cali, who happens to be Grace's daughter. I encourage you to visit Love & Splendor's website & blog to see more elegantly detailed events. The above photos were taken by photographer Trista Lerit.

spring garden menu

A cheerful Spring wedding menu designed with a handdrawn flower motif using henparty sans and seasoned hostess fonts.

going to the chapel

This brush & ink illustration was recently commissioned to grace a save-the-date of an incredibly cute couple getting married at next Spring in North Carolina. Best wishes to Aretae & Tom!

heart marks the spot 2

Wedding maps have become very popular this season. Especially single color pen & ink designs. Above is a tri-fold map created for a couple married in August on Cape Cod. The bride printed the final design in kelly green to match her bicycle themed letterpress invitations printed by Krista Stout of Paperedtogether.

memory montage

Above is an excerpt from an full page illustration published in this fall/winter issue of Minnesota Bride. The article titled "Memory Montage", covers how to best create & show slideshows or video at your wedding.

monogram

editor's pick

I'm thrilled to announce my design was chosen by the editors in the Minted Design Challenge. It will be available to order this holiday season in 2 colorways (rosy baby pink and apple green) with labels to match.

for the reception

It's the little details that make the wedding. Above are a couple of snapshots of handlettered reception items (placecards, escort cards, table nos., dessert & drink name cards, etc.) packaged just before sending them onto to their duty at their receptions.

bloomin' cute

Kerry Doyle, a San Francisco invitation designer, recently sent me this birthday party design she created using Henparty Sans. So Cute! I especially love the little lady bug. Thanks Kerry! You can check out more of her designs at www.kerry-doyle.com.

sunny D

Published in Mpls|St.Paul magazine's June issue, the spot illustration above was created for a health article about vitamin D.

making the list

Henparty Serif has risen from a starlet to a bestseller at MyFonts.
Way to go, Henparty, I knew were a winner!

veer this

My fonts are now available to purchase at Veer as well.

ps. I am always curious to see how others use my fonts. If you use them or recognize them in print or on the web, I'd love to see it! [I may even send you goodies!]

life in full bloom

Happy Birthday Jackie! Sara Craft and I created this "years of growth" birthday party invitation for her dear friend Jackie, highlighting her big moments (ei. first motorcycle, first eyebrow waxing, the birth of her son & daughter). Created with custom artwork & lettering along with Silverstein font.

christmas in may

Making their debut at the National Stationery Show in New York this weekend, these stickers by Mrs.Grossmans. Treat yourself!

spring flowers/summer wedding

Congrats to Mary-Kevin & Patrick! Here are a couple of shots of their darling invitation ensemble, designed one of my favorite letterpress companies Hello Lucky! , addressed by me.

unique wedding

Last week, Style Me Pretty posted photos from a sharp wedding at the Graves in downtown Minneapolis. It was a delight to see some of my work included. The knockout event was designed by the ubercreative Amies at MiMi design and photographed by the talented Maribeth Romslo of Red Ribbon Studio.

my fonts

Henparty Sans & Serif, Silverstein & Seasoned Hostess fonts are now available to purchase at MyFonts as well as FontBros.

happy returns

Freshly designed return addres label to match black envelopes calligraphed in white gouche.

what is your secret?

what to do with henparty?

Wondering what to do with the new henparty font? The personalized stationery above was created as a baby gift. Henparty serif printed on precut A2 papersource luxe cards printed via Canon photo printer. Pretty stationery always makes writing thankyou notes less of a chore.

and onto the wedding . . .

And onto the wedding . . . above are photos of Nora & Joseph's wedding invitation booklets designed by MiMi Design, enhanced with a map illustration & calligraphy to match the save-the dates.

heart marks the spot

I recently created these watercolor maps for a lovely couple getting married in the mountains this summer. Best wishes to Rachel & Steve!

save the date

Best Wishes to Joseph & Nora on their upcoming nuptials! Seeking a timeless look, their save-the-date design was inspired by a collection of vintage photo albums. Beautifully letterpressed printed by Jen Galang on Arturo paper.

merci beaucoup

Thanks Meg at Oh Pickles! for the nice write-up! I appreciate it. Since my website can online last Spring I've had the good fortune to be mentioned & written about in some great design and wedding blogs. Thanks to Design*Sponge, circa 1979, Peoples Paper, Brooklyn Bride, Snippet & Ink, Lovey Dovey,DC Nearlyweds, It's Lovely, Weddingbee.
I love you all! (if I have missed anyone, please let me know)

new fonts: Henparty

Announcing the release of Henparty Sans & Henparty Serif, the two newest arrivals from Tart Workshop! These beautiful twins are welcomed home by their big siblings; Seasoned Hostess and Silverstein. Visit them at www.fontbros.com to set up a play date. (The twins are cheerful, adaptable and play well with others.)

Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion

A friend recently spotted this Be Mine heart among a lovely display of stationery & things on the February cover of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. It was fun to see. The design, available as a heart garland through PaperSource, is based on a set of valentine's I created & sent a few years ago. Thanks Darcy!

get the skinny

Skinny Cow ice cream ads featuring my lettering on a moovalicious wash are now in print. Have you tried the ice cream sandwiches? Vanilla is my favorite.

even skinnier

more skinny

stuck on you

Cute new stickers available from Mrs.Grossmans! These silver wedding stickers are available online at www.mrsgrossmans.com or at art & craft stores nationwide. More designs to follow.

latest project

meet Sophia
brand new addition to our studio

inside weddings

Published in January's Inside Weddings, my client's autumn wedding at a Minnesota vineyard. Do check out the beautiful calligraphed placecards in wine corks. The knockout invitations, programs, menus, etc. were designed by Cain Wedding Stationery.

January Issues

My lettering & illustrations are published in this month's Mpls|St.Paul Magazine as well as the fresh new Minnesota Bride spring/summer 2008 issue. The illustration above was for an poll showing that Minnesotans are perceived hipper by others than Minnesotans perceive themselves.

Duetta

If you are seeking the unique and incredibly beautiful, do visit Duetta in Linden Hills. Julie & Tabitha's darling shop is filled with an ever changing array of objects to give or keep. You'll see my handwork shown in their logo and identity materials.

wishing you a classic holiday

Holiday card & label illustration of humorous lines from classic holiday movies, such as "you'll shoot your eye out kid" from A Christmas Story. Designed & created by award winning Elements studio as their 2007 holiday card.

snowdays

So cute, Quickutz as created limited edition holiday gift set using one of my handlettered fonts. Just perfect for those indoor snow day projects. Available on-line at Quickutz or in great art & craft stores everywhere.

Glitterati

Pretty cards for pretty girls
hop over to www.prettygirldesigns.com to see the entire line

my studio

My bulletin board with layered with business cards, inspirations, and old projects.