My Gocco arrived yesterday – I am so excited to get started with it! We’re waiting on a couple of supplies (screens, bulbs…) Eek!

Gocco resources:

• savegocco.com
• the small object
• thinkink.com

We’ve long been fans of Amy Butler’s beautifully designed textiles and patterns, and I recently discovered she’s been hard at work designing a new papercrafts line that is just as inspirational as her gorgeous fabrics. Buy her stationery and journals on her website and find her papercrafts here.

above images from amybutler.com

Just discovered these super cool little treasures while browsing Etsy – these screenprinted cards are the work of Portland-based Apak Studio. I can’t resist any card with a frenchie on it. Buy their stuff here.

While Brown Sugar Design is based in the Seattle area, we have worked with quite a few clients from across the country. The long-distance process is extremely similar to the local process. Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions from long-distance brides – if you have a question that you don’t see answered here please leave a comment and we’ll add that question and its answer to the list!

What’s the best way to get started?

Since every invitation suite is designed specifically for each individual client, it is a vital first step to meet over the phone or via email to discuss your vision of the perfect event. We want to know everything about your plans – from the centerpiece flowers to the cake flavors – so please feel free to share! We will ask you specific questions to get a grasp on the type of event you will be planning and what your invitation and accessory needs will be. Our mission is to design an individually unique package that will set the tone for your special day and will delight your guest from the moment they open their mailbox.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call us at (425) 830-3680 to schedule a phone consultation or email us at info@bsdstudio.com to set up a phone appointment. If your schedule is tight and you would prefer to meet via email, please let us know and we will send over a questionnaire.

What happens after we meet?

Based on your input from our initial consultation, we will send over a quote within three business days. If the quote looks satisfactory, we will begin designing! Three to five mock-up designs will be sent over in digital format (PDF) for your review. If one of the concepts meet with your approval, we will send you a physical sample for your review. If this concept is approved, 50% of the final cost is due.

Wording for all pieces must be provided by this point, and once all pieces meet with your approval, we begin production!

How long does the process take?

The design process typically takes a total of four weeks after quote approval. Production then takes about four weeks, so plan on starting the process at least eight weeks before you need to mail your invitations. More time is always appreciated! Rush orders needed within four weeks will be considered on a case by case basis for an additional fee.

What about prices? How much can I expect to pay?

Since all of Brown Sugar Design’s invitation packages are completely custom, we have the ability to customize every last detail, including cost. You tell us what you want to spend, and we design within that. We choose printing, papers, ribbons and other details based on this, so whether the budget’s tight or the sky’s the limit, just let us know!

A basic invitation set starts at $6 per unit (unit including an offset printed panel invitation, rsvp and blank envelope) and they go up from there. Many things influence price, including printing method, ribbons and other details, handmade papers, complexity, etc.

We have no quantity minimums – order 5 invitations or 500! We do, however, have a $750 total order minimum.

What types of printing do you offer?

We offer only the best in printing and finishing work and are extremely picky in choosing press shops to work with. We offer letterpress, engraving, offset and thermography. Please let us know if you have any questions about a specific printing method.

I love one of the invitations I saw on your website. Can I order that exact design?

Absolutely! Please email us with the following information:

• the invitation desired
• enclosures needed
• any customization needed
• printing method desired
• quantity needed
• date you’d like the invitations by

We will take your information and email you a quote within three business days. If the quote is approved, wording will be needed and we’ll get started!

Do you offer anything other than invitations?

Certainly! We offer everything you may need for your upcoming event, including:

• save the dates
• thank you cards
• personalized stationery
• announcements
• menus
• table numbers
• escort cards and placecards
• programs
• favors

We are a fully functioning design studio and also provide the following services:

• logo and branding design
• web design
• stationery systems
• ad design

Contact us for more information about any of these services.

Any other questions?

Please call us at (425) 830-3680 or email us at info@bsdstudio.com for answers to any of your questions!

This week (May 14-18) one of our favorite daily reads, Hostess Blog, will be exclusively showcasing pick after pick of fabulous stationery! They’ll even be throwing a couple of giveaways into the mix, so be sure to watch daily. Already featured designers include Avie Designs and Cecily Ink, a couple of our favorites.

image from hostessblog.com

Some of you have been to our new studio and have seen it in person, but for those of you who haven’t had the opportunity, here’s a photo! We still need to hang some things on the walls, but other than that we’ve moved in and are loving the space.

In other recent events, we just finished up a gorgeous letterpress suite for a fun summer wedding. I won’t post more detailed photos until these get mailed out to their guests, but here’s a sneak peak – I’m suddenly craving lemonade!

The set was letterpressed on Crane’s Lettra paper in a sunny yellow and we couldn’t be happier with the results. I can’t wait to post more photos!

We’ve designed a new ad to be seen in the fall/winter issue of Seattle Bride magazine and we’re so excited about it that we have to share a preview!

Grace of Design*Sponge blogged earlier this week about the new line coming from Spruce Avenue, and in checking out their website I came across these adorable little goodies! I LOVE the facial expression on this bird! These gorgeous paper treats are silk screened by hand. Check out their other designs as well as where to buy at spruceavenue.com.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to check out the hottest new paper boutique in West Seattle, Swee Swee Paperie. Owner Ann Conway has collected a lovely selection of greeting cards, wrapping papers, ribbons, wedding invitations and other pretty paper tidbits from the likes of Whimsy Press, Paper + Cup Design, Orange Beautiful, Midori and others.

(above images from sweesweepaperie.com)

The beautifully arranged store is a delight! Be sure to check it out!

(above image from orangebeautiful.com)

While there, we picked up a couple of Orange Beautiful letterpressed cards, including the uber-cool You Rock card. Ann also turned us on to Russel + Hazel, a nifty organizational line that I had to snatch up! Check out their pretty and functional stuff at Swee Swee or online at russelandhazel.com.

(above images from russelandhazel.com)

From left to right, top to bottom:

• Mini Pattern Binders
• Mini Filler Paper
• Bird Magnet
• Bulldog Clip
• Self Adhesive Note Set
• Label Set
• Mini Index Dividers
• Mini Rubber Band Set

The organizational freak in me has fallen in love! I can’t get over the sweet little bird magnet with paper clips on its tail feathers. Adorable!