Don't Miss Fall Martha Stewart Weddings

I just got my early copy of the Fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, and even though I knew what was coming, it was a thrill nonetheless to see things in print.



In this issue, joining the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Mindy Weiss and Sylvia Weinstock as contributors to the regular "Ask the Expert" column is Crane's own Brand Director Megan Kuntze. Megan is featured in a Q&A about all things stationery with writer Jennifer Miranda. They cover such topics as:

• What you should look for in a reputable stationer?
• What trends are you seeing now?
• What if a bride wants to go "green?"
• What are popular design elements, and
• Why is printed stationery so important for weddings?

The column is highlighted by the photography of Johnny Miller. Megan noted that one of the most special parts of the day was getting all dolled up for her photo by hair and makeup stylist Sophie Kaspar. I spoke to Megan just after she got back from the photo shoot and she said the folks at Martha Stewart Weddings couldn't have been more friendly, courteous and professional, making her feel right at home during a long day of photography and interviews.


A second highlight in this issue is a stunning wedding invitation suite created especially for a feature article on "The Golden Touch." As you can imagine, the article focused on metallic gold as a thematic design element from the invitation to the cake. Hand-gilded heavyweight stock is adorned by a hand-drawn monogram and a regally engraved crown.


Have a look.

Weddings: The Stationery Crystal Ball

When I started posting as The Crane Insider, I promised I would bring you trends as they were emerging in the world of stationery. We took a look at correspondence cards as letterhead, explored the designs selected by writers and editors of national bridal and lifestyle magazines and, most recently, we covered the phenomenon of the social calling card.

So, what’s next? What's just over the horizon?

It’s another little piece of paper with a big impact: Within the Ribbon cards.

For those unfamiliar with these cards, here’s what Crane’s Wedding Blue Book has to say:

“Church pews (or rows of seating in other wedding venues) may be cordoned off with white ribbons or cords to indicate a special seating section. When this is done, small cards reading "Within the ribbon" are sent with the invitations to those guests who will be seated in that section. The guests then bring the cards to the ceremony, which enables the ushers to seat them in the appropriate section.”

Ribboned seating areas are generally reserved in front for the closest family and friends, and especially those who may have difficulty hearing the ceremony.

Within the Ribbon cards are nothing new; they’ve been around for generations. But just like calling cards, they are enjoying a resurgence of popularity in the 21st century. And just like calling cards, they can be as formal or fashionable as you want, to coordinate with your invitations and other wedding stationery.

Within the Ribbon cards are a great stress-reliever for everyone involved in seating guests at the wedding. And they are a respectful accommodation for those most special to you on this most special day.

Keep your eyes open; you'll be seeing more of these little cards in the future.

Lipstick Calling Card Winner

Congratulations to Jennifer Buck, our lucky winner of 50 personalized Lipstick Calling Cards. Jennifer is a fellow blogger, who operates her own calligraphy business - Graceful Expressions - near Grand Rapids, Mich. You can see her lovely work here.


Thanks to all who participated. I'll start thinking about the next giveaway.


Oops, almost forgot. Ms. Bliss is all married up and beginning her new life in the north country of Vermont. Congratulations and best wishes from all of us here at The Crane Insider.

Robert Weber, Crane's and the Legal Profession

In the early 1990s, Crane commissoned Robert Weber, the acclaimed New Yorker magazine cartoonist, to do a series of cartoons depicting the importance of Crane's papers in the legal profession. Weber's humorous twists and his wonderfully crafted drawings combined to create a very successful campaign for Crane.

As Crane's historian, I get to dig stuff up all the time, and I recently came across Weber's original drawings. Here are a few of my favorites.

And just a quick reminder, there are only a couple of days left in my fabulous Lipstick on a Calling Card giveaway. See below.

You Can Put Lipstick on a Calling Card

And it's still a calling card.

The card to the right has been in one of Crane's personalized stationery albums and has been available online for several years. I figured with all the recent blather about cosmetics in the political arena, I should trot it out for your consideration.

The calling card craze continues to mushroom in the blogosphere. At the bottom of this entry are links to recent posts.

But right now, I'd like to give away 50 personalized Lipstick Calling Cards.

To become eligible for this incredible offer, just leave a comment below. Comments will be moderated. There will be a random drawing from among those who comment.

You've got until Friday the 19th. Good luck!

Here are those links I promised you earlier.

Art of Manliness (they started this latest round)

Lifehacker

First Million Dollar Home Page

Red Shoe Girl

Productivity 501

Geeks are Sexy

Creation Robot

Sophoblog

Life Clerks

Leisure Guy

Methodicjon

Mastertwisted

BestTechNow

Chic and Charming

Presurfer

A Good Husband