Studio AYT

Project Invite - Episode 2

2008-08-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Another Wednesday, another Project Runway! Sweet baby Jesus, do I seriously have to design a wedding invitation that's a sequined pink sailor-ette outfit?!!? Oh my word. Help. I might have to conveniently "miss" episode 6....yikes.

In my effort to catch up to the current episode, I am pleased to showcase the second "episode" of Project Invite. I do love me a good cocktail dress, and I adored Kenley's high-collared, tailored dress with that chic black belt. Suede's dress was another cute number, but I was honestly really worried for him when I saw him in the mid-stages of his garment- it was a hot mess!

I liked the contrasting red against the vanilla cream silk but I did wish it were a bit more tailored. I actually had some organic silk in cream from a previous project and I found a GORGEOUS satin ribbon that had a open-weave lattice pattern that mimicked the look of the woven strips. The invitation is very traditional and classically elegant. The tulle from the dress inspired me to do a tulle underlayer which the invitation card floats on top of. The look is feminine, graceful, and elegant. (Well, at least I think so)

Suede's winning look

The inspired invite. It's hard to see, but there are tulle layers sticking out from the top and bottom of the invite card. (click for larger image)

Project Invite - an homage to the genius that is Project Runway

2008-08-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well, unless you live under a rock (like I have been known to do) you're probably well aware that Project Runway is well into its fifth season. Yeah! As a little challenge for myself, I decided this year that I would take the winning designs and translate them into invitation designs. Where do I have the time in my schedule to do this? Well, frankly, I don't, but that didn't stop me from trying. Now a month into this season, I am pleased to present Project Invite, Episode 1.

Again, for those of you living under rocks (or in caves or even holes as it were) the first episode of Project Runway had the designers go to Gristides, a grocery store, to make garments out of unconventional items. For myself, my traditional medium is fabric, so for this challenge, I *gasp* DIDN'T use any. Seriously, I almost wanted to cry. That is, until I created the most wicked paper ever. Ever. I LOVED the pattern that Kelli created on the vacuum cleaner bags and was determined to recreate it. I had a lovely crinkled mullberry paper lying around that had the same greenish base as the vacuum cleaner bags and I mixed up some gouache (fancy-smancy talk for what basically amounts to a thick watercolor) and did my own little dye job- er, paint job in this case.

I found a fibrous stock to use for the invite that had a similar unfinished texture like coffee filters Kelli used for the bodice, and last off, I finished it with some basic ol' brads from an office supply store. (Side note: apparently, no one in Office Max knows what a brad is. Apparently, after much description on my part, I finally found what I was looking for, and the package says "brass plated fasteners". Seriously? Why not call them brads? Anyway, I digress)

Each of the invites will be dedicated to not only the winning design, but the designer who created it. In this case, the invite is to the launch of Kelli's own store, Black Market. The info on the invite is the real deal, and for those of you in Columbus, OH, you can visit her store at 2579 North High St. I might just have to buy a ticket to OH just for that store.

Anyway, I'll be posting each week with a new design inspired by the winning looks. Feel free to comment on how successful you think the recreation/interpretation is. Who knows, if you're lucky, maybe I'll find time to do a set of invites inspired by YOU.

Kelli's winning look

Invite inspiration

Closeup of custom paper, brads, and textured stock

I think I'm being watched...

2008-07-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post this for sometime now, but things have been so busy, I've been putting it off.
I've been focusing lately on really showing brides how the entire vision can come together, and really making the invitations an integral part of introducing your guests to a theme and feel. It is important to have impact and really drive home the decor because it will really all come together. The invite is like a teaser of the grand event to come— a sneak preview of sorts.

While thumbing through the latest issue of Grace Ormonde Wedding Style magazine, I happened across a feature editorial on tablescapes (of the most GORGEOUS variety) but one in particular caught my eye. I thought to myself, "Wow, this looks familiar!" and maybe you can see why. ;)

My invitation was for a December 2007 bride, and the feature tablescape was shown in the Spring/Summer 2008 issue. Looks like I'm being watched... (how exciting!)

Listed!

2008-07-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Sorry for my brief (or not so brief) hiatus from blogging. I'm sure you were all deeply saddened by my leave. ;)

Things with the studio have been incredibly busy and just amazing. I was recently invited to join the Bay Area Wedding Network, BAWN, which is a group of the most elite and prestigious vendors in the SF Bay Area. The extra plus is all the friends I've made, like Jennifer Skog of Jennifer Skog Photography, Maria Chang of Professional Makeup Artistry, as well as keeping in touch with old friends from my own wedding like Justin and Georgina, the fab husband and wife duo behind Weddings on Film.

I am also pleased to announce that thanks to my fabulous brides, I have been listed on the infamous Project Wedding website, as well as the new up-and-coming Wedding Wire! I am beyond excited and really truly appreciative that I could make such a difference in my brides' weddings. For brides in planning, you can visit these amazing planning resource sites by clicking the images below.

Lastly, I'm so excited (and by exited I mean I'm shaking right now!) to announce that I have been listed on Martha Stewart's wedding website! Since I put all of my money back into my studio as opposed to spending it on advertising, it is really a great thing to be listed on somewhere so prominent. If I could put my listing on my fride, I would!. ;)
If you don't already have a subscription to MS weddings magazine, then get one! Honestly they have some of the greatest ideas and DIY ever. Ever.

Trash the Dress!

2008-05-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the most amazing opportunity to have a trash-the-dress photo shoot with the wonderful James of Lisa and James Photography. Even more exciting was that I had my hair and makeup done my none other than the fabulous Maria Chang of Professional Make-up Artistry.

Both of these vendors are simply top notch, and I would recommend them in a heartbeat to any bride. Here's a little slideshow that showcases the magic these two can work. Enjoy!

The Magic of Mini

2008-05-20T01:55:00.000-07:00

Many of you have already seen the work I did for a recent client, Tracy, and her soon-to-be-husband, Steve. They have been a dream to work with, and I'm actually going to be quite sad to see them go. Their rehearsal dinner invites just went out, and I just had to share them with everyone.

Watercolor-textured papaya cardstock is screenprinted with white type and finished with custom made mini Spanish tiles that tie into the event location and style. Here's where all the little details come together- not only are the Spanish tiles appropriate for their rehearsal dinner location, but they are the exact tile patterns found on the staircase Tracy will be walking down during her wedding ceremony, thus tying in her wedding location as well.

Will anyone notice this touch? Highly doubtful, but the bride knows, and that's what really counts in the end. =) Enjoy!

DIY - A lovely floral bouquet

2008-04-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Flowers are an expensive part of any wedding budget, but let's face it, those little guys do really dress up a room! Adventurous and craftsy brides are beginning to take on the enormous task of doing their own flowers for their wedding. If you've got time, patience, a great group of helpful friends, and some serious free refrigerator space, then I say, go for it!

I am doing a trash-the-dress session with my lovely friends Lisa and James of Lisa and James Photography. I'm thrilled to be working with such talented photographers, and you definitely need to check out their work!

A few of my bride-to-be friends have already done their shoots, and one recommended that I take a bouquet along. I loved the idea, but was not too keen on spending another $245 for a bouquet as I did on my first, so I decided to do a little DIY. The first stop was my local grocery store. Why not a florist, or a wholesale place? Because for this project, I'm going cheap and lazy. That's why. =P

I found a lovely little bunch of bright yellow flowers (a color used in my actual wedding) and bought them on the spot. $7.99. Score! I went home and about 20 minutes later, I had a lovely little bouquet, I'll be proud to carry for the shoot. Is it as great as the one I paid $245 for? Not a chance. But it's darling, and will do very well indeed, and for the price, can't be beat.

To make your own bouquet, you can follow the steps I took:
1. Buy a bunch of assorted flowers in coordinating colors.

You'd be surprised at the variety your local grocery store has, and they've really started to come up with some really stylish mixes. A far cry from the "wildflower medley" complete with copious amounts of babies breath and fernicus nasticus (that's my latin for "ferns of nastiness") of the 80s. My local grocer actually had a section where blooms were separated by type into small bunches and you could choose any 3 for $12. A nice way to get the variety you want, if you can't find it in a pre-mixed bunch.

2. Take the flowers out of their package and remove the rubber band.
3. Put the flowers in a sink full of cold water to keep them fresh while you work.

4. Take each stem individually and clean off any excess foliage towards the middle and bottom sections so you have a clean stem to work with. Lay your cleaned stems aside and arrange by type of flower.

5. Start with a single stem and work your way around, adding various stems and turning your bouquet as you go. Having my stems arranged by flower type really helped me to evenly disperse the blooms, and rotating the bouquet as you form it makes sure it's nice and even by the time you're done.

6. When you've finished building your bouquet, secure with floral wire or tape. I had neither, so I used the rubberband that the bunch came with. Trim the stems to the desired length.

7. All you need now is to cut a length of any ribbon you like and wrap around the bouquet stem to cover any of your bindings. Tie an exaggerated fluffy bow, or tuck neatly under, and secure with a pearl-head pin.

8. Marvel again at your handiwork and enjoy your new bouquet!

My Cubist Crab

2008-04-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

At the Academy, I was given an assignment in a class on the Golden Section and Sacred Geometry. The basics: design something in the style of cubism, in an oval. I am not yet at the point where I can make art for art's sake, and I always have to have a utilitarian application for my products.

I instantly thought, "oval platter," then thought of different foods that could be served on said platter, that were also oval in shape. The final result is this little guy, who we shall call Karate Crab. =) KC is basically cubist in the fundamental sense that he is shown from varying perspectives simultaneously. One of his claws and set of legs is shown right-side up, and the other upside-down and his body is shown from a top-down view. Topping it all off are his eyes, which are shown from an upright face-forward position (imagine getting down and staring at a crab "in the face")

I think he turned out pretty well, and is charming in a very Nintendo-esque sort of way. My husband wants a T-shirt, so I think I'll oblige as soon as I get some transfer material. Or perhaps I'll turn Karate Crab into "Klassy" Karate Crab and have him embroidered really small on the upper left chest where our good friends Lacoste and Polo have put their logos. Seriously though, that alligator and horse have got nothin' on my little guy. I feel a clothing line coming on...

If you'd like to make your own decorated plate, you can follow these instructions:

Materials:
- ceramic platter (glazed or not; I bought a platter off the shelf at a local discount store)
- waterslide decal paper (inkjet or laser compatible; I used laser)
- bowl of water
- brayer with sponge roller
- spray glaze; any finish (I used glossy)

1. Design your artwork in any design program (Please, please, please don't design in any Microsoft product!) I used Adobe Illustrator, but I've also used CorelDraw in the (distant) past.

2. Print out your artwork on the glossy side of the waterslide decal paper, following manufacturer's instructions. If you are using laser paper, just leave for a few minutes for the toner to fully set in. For those using inkjet paper, you'll have to spray your image with a polyurethane coating so the inks won't bleed on the fourth step.

3. Cut out your image as close to the edge as possible.

4. Soak decal paper in water for 30 seconds to a minute. The glossy side will begin to float off the paper backing. Discard the backing and gently lift the decal out of the water.

5. Position decal on your plate and use the sponge brayer to roll out any air bubbles. Be careful so as not to tear the decal in the process.

6. Leave the decal to dry completely.

7. Once dry, you may spray a coat of glaze to protect your decal from peeling off later. NOTE: spray glaze is not intended for use with food and should only be used for decorative purposes. For those with access to a kiln, you can use any glaze and fire at the appropriate temperature for a lasting finish that allows you to use your plates for food service.

8. Sit back and enjoy your handiwork!

Tips and notes:

- different waterslide decal manufacturers have different methods; some requiring you to reverse the image when printing, then flipping the decal over once you take it out of the water, so that the image is right-side up, and others just let you print as you want it, and slide the decal straight from the backing onto your surface. Check and really make sure which one you have.

- Though I have not tried it, Lazertran's brand of waterslide decal paper allows you to put the decal on the surface, then bake in your home oven. This process is supposed to take the toner and heat bond it to your ceramic plate, much like your printer heat bonds it to the paper. The clear parts of the decal will melt into a gummy substance that you wipe off with rubbing alcohol. I'd love to try this since it seems that you would benefit in two ways: the first being that you don't have to be so careful when cutting your decal out since it will melt away anyway, and the other being that the image will be inherently more durable since it is heat-bonded to the ceramic. Perhaps you might not even need to glaze.

Blog Stalking

2008-04-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

So many people wonder where I get inspiration, and aside from my brides themselves, I'll admit that I am an avid blog-stalker. Daily visits to The Bride's Cafe written by my lovely friend, Janie are a MUST, as well as trips to Style Me Pretty.

To satisfy my design and creative tendencies, I make sure to stop by Design Sponge and How About Orange. These are my two favorite design blogs, chock full of great DIY projects, inspiring home makeovers, and incredible works with textile design – which if you don't know by now, is a weakness of mine. (And by weakness, I mean a complete Achilles heel. Good textile work brings me to tears...but I digress...)

Rounding it all off are trips to Smitten Kitchen and Cupcake Blog. I'm definitely what you would call a foodie, so these two are a must. The only problem is that I can't just read up on food (I mean, who can?) and I've got to go out and make it. I can't tell you how much money I've spent on vanilla beans, fine saffron threads, and truffles. Oye. Between those three ingredients (and a fine helping of garlic) you can make any dish taste out-of-this-world orgasmic.

I've been on a baking craze lately, and have been making cakes and cupcakes virtually every night for the past week. It all started with a "trial run" of a Devil Dog cake recipe from Smitten Kitchen, which I am making for some friends this weekend who would sell their souls for a DD cake. Admittedly, the "trial" was not necessary, but who am I kidding, there is no way I could share that kind of cake. I have to have one of my own. Then it snowballed from there, and I made some Top-to-Bottom Crumb Cupcakes, followed by Fudge Marble, and Mississippi Mud topped with oreos, chocolate chips, and chocolate drizzle, all compliments of Elinor Klivans fantastic recipes. Last night, I made some Banana Boston Cream cupcakes and used a cream cheese frosting instead of the original recipe's chocolate ganache. In a word– divine. The recipe made WAAY more banana cream filling than the cupcakes could hold (and in fact, I got a full 24 cupcakes from a recipe claiming to make just 12 standard size ones...) but I am certainly not complaining. In fact, I am quite happy to sit down with a gigantic bowl of banana cream filling and a spoon. And Court TV. Ahh married life...

What's old is new

2008-03-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

When I'm not designing invitations for my wonderful brides, I'm busy working on many other projects, most non-wedding related. Currently, I am working on a little coffee-table book that I'm producing cover-to-cover. From the research to the writing, to the actual printing and binding of the book, it'll all be done by yours truly, and if all goes well, it'll be done in the next two weeks.

Though I had no choice in the topic of the book, it is one that is very personal to me as my late father was a history professor, among many other things, and I personally find great interest in the history of early and ancient civilizations. This book is about the evolution of writing styles and takes the reader from Sumerian cuneiform to modern cursive. As passionate for texture as I am, I couldn't resist the opportunity to incorporate some real writing substrates, and so I am including papyrus, parchment, and a clay cuneiform replica.

Making this book has been really fun, but honestly, it's the most work, ever. Right up there with wedding planning! Yes, I took it there. If you are ever inspired to make a book, I say go for it, but make sure you have some vacation time set aside, because you're going to need it after this!

Cuneiform insert. The text says "wedge" after the meaning of the word, "cuneiform."

Closeup of letterform

Thickness comparison; the entire tablet is about 1mm thick. It has to be thin so I can insert it into one of the interior pages.

Cover. The title page that follows inside the book will have three images where these three textures are. Each of these textures relates to one of the historical writing implements that influenced writing styles. I have bamboo veneer for the reed pen, a goose feather for the quill, and metal sheeting for the metal nib and fountain pen tip.

Weddings on Film Blows My Mind!

2008-02-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

There's a reason Justin and Georgina of Weddings on Film make my Dream Team list. They are some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet, super-stylish, and are masters of the art of wedding videography.

Now let me preface my story by telling you that until I met these two, I thought wedding video was all cheesy and just all around blech! When I saw Weddings on Film's demo videos, I actually cried. Yes, that's right. I cried and I didn't even know the bride and groom. From that moment on, I knew we had to have them. They don't come cheap, but they're not exorbitant either, and let me tell you, they are worth EVERY PENNY they charge, and then some! Do what you gotta do to make this work; mortgage the house, promise off your first-born, send your fiance to Chip n' Dales for some extra side money - whatever it takes!

We just got our video in, and I have to say I'm blown away yet again. It was amazing to see all these moments I missed, like my groom getting ready, and also scenes of our guests we never saw on the day of. Photography is wonderful, but nothing can really replace seeing and hearing your loved ones speak, and really reliving those moments, some of which you forgot you had!

Justin and Georgina, if you're reading this, a big 'thanks' to you both! It was an honor and a pleasure to work with you, and your video is sure to delight us for years to come.

To see our video, click the image below:

P.S. Please forgive the less-than-stellar (okay-downright terrible) dancing "showcased" towards the end. I come from an Asian family, and awkward dancing is in our blood. =P

UPDATE:
Many of you have commented about the choreographed dances, so I thought I'd add some clips of our first dance and our "garter" dance taken by one of our friends at the wedding. The garter dance was a little long for her camera, so she had to shoot the dance in two separate takes. Enjoy!

Lovely Details Showcase - A Success!

2008-02-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

A little over a week ago I participated in the Lovely Details showcase hosted by Karen of Huckleberry Karen Designs, and Lisa of Bellisima Vita Weddings. The show was a raging success, with fabulous turnout, despite the rough weather early in the day, and that other minor event going on the same day - The Superbowl. =)
It was amazing to see such wonderful and creative people under one roof! What I liked about the show was that it was intimate enough that people really got a chance to meet personally with the vendors and the group of vendors showing all have fantastic personalities, and really care about what they're doing, and making the couple's day just perfect. The show was such a success, look for a blog coming soon!
We've already got a Lovely Details showcase planned for sometime next year, and all of us are looking forward to making this a fabulous annual event!

Here are some shots of the day courtesy of Ed Pingol Photography and Lisa + James Photography. Enjoy!

The Bride's Cafe

2008-02-05T20:52:00.001-08:00

I am so honored to be in today's feature on the new hit blog, The Bride's Cafe. Janie Medley is an AMAZING floral designer based out of Virginia who's blog has been the talk of the wedding town since it launched. She has an amazing eye for style and grace, and is super-sweet to boot!

Janie has interviewed the likes of Jung Lee of Fete in NYC, and Monique Lhullier who needs no formal introduction! I am thrilled and beyond grateful that she found my work worthy of feature!

Please visit her blog at www.thebridescafe.typepad.com for some GREAT inspiration and ideas. Also, if you're looking for killer floral, look no further than her site, www.jmflora.com.

Meanwhile, check out some of her work, which really has me inspired to design some great matching invites!

Lemon chiffon yellow and chocolate...what a great color combination! Perfect for any season!

Check out these killer bouquet wraps! So rich and textural...the colors...the embroidery...the beading....*sigh* Janie is a woman after my own heart! Those wraps would make a FAB element in a silk or suede invitation suite, wouldn't they?

And how fun is this?! Love the colors and the whimsical feel. =)

The Bride's Cafe

2008-02-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Calligraphy

2008-01-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Studio AYT is delighted to announce it has partnered with Jennifer Cota of Pretty Pen Jen!

I absolutely love her work, and the fact that she is a TRUE calligrapher who uses real nibs and ink. I took a calligraphy class as part of a requirement for my graphic design degree, and I can tell you, it's HARD. I appreciate her attention to detail and the fact that she offers a great number of differing lettering options. Also, if you don't find what you're looking for, she'll customize a lettering style to match your invitation!

I received a book of her work and I can tell you that it is divine. If that weren't good enough, all Studio AYT brides will also receive a special discount off of Pretty Pen Jen's already great prices!

Looking forward to many lovely collaborations with Jen!

When baked goods inspire design

2008-01-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

I just went through some photos I had taken for a photography class a while back and came upon these tasty treasures. I can't remember why I took these, but really, I don't care...I just want some bread and cookies!

I was so absorbed in the texture of the goodies that I could practically SMELL the fresh-baked goodness! Then it hit me. Starting February 2008, Studio AYT will now be offering custom matched scents for each invitation design.

How about a blend of jasmine, rose, and bamboo sugar cane for a Hawaiian affair, or Japanese pear and ginseng for a botanical garden wedding? I'll be doing a French crumb cake scented piece for my mother's intimate birthday bash later this year. Can't wait!

Enjoy!

P.S. Who knew bagels came in SQUARE form? Leave it to my engineer husband to take something soft and organic and make it as artificial and geometric as possible. =P

Free Bridal Show!!!

2008-01-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies,

I'm very excited to announce that I will be showing at the First Annual Bridal Faire hosted by my good friends Lisa, of Bellisma Vita Weddings, and Karen of Huckleberry Karen Designs Floral. The show will be held at the FAB Fort Mason Firehouse in SF, and will host everything a bride needs for a chic and one-of-a-kind wedding. Best of all, it's FREE!

I'll have a table full of unique invitation ideas and it will give my brides a chance to see and, more importantly, *feel* all the pieces first hand.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Tracy and Steve

2007-12-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

This past August, I had the pleasure of meeting with, Tracy. She is so upbeat and fresh, and it really shows in her design perspective and wedding details. Since our initial consultation, she has moved out of state, but this organized girl has got it all together. We've nailed down all the design details for her suite, and it is well underway in production.

Tracy and Steve are having a chic winery wedding with a flowering branch theme. A blooming branch motif is carried through her suite to keep the collection cohesive, but the branch appears in many different forms for variety, sometimes embossed, die-cut, flat printed, or turned vertically and washed out. To give a hint of their winery venue, without being cheezy, cork was incorporated in a new way - as a bulletin-board inspired save-the-date, base for the invitation card, and die-cut for her table numbers.

The entire suite is finished in beautiful watercolor textured cardstock, rich green Thai-silk, imported specially for this design, and two different raffia colors.

This suite has been amazing to work on, and there is no client that deserves this as much as Tracy and Steve. Congrats, you guys!

Photo Shoot with Jennifer Skog

2007-12-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to have a fantastic photo shoot with none other than the great Jennifer Skog of Jennifer Skog Photography.

She's a total sweetheart, and is crazy creative. Her work speaks for itself. Jennifer was able to capture beautifully all the exquisite details and nuances of each piece, and really made them sing. It's hard to capture how textural and tactile the pieces are, but I couldn't have asked for better. Wouldn't you agree?

New Business Cards!

2007-11-08T15:26:00.001-08:00

Well, not quite, but here are the initial proofs. We've just got to correct some registration issues for the final run, but otherwise they're good to go. They are double thick cover, and letterpressed. The cardstock is smooth as silk, and lends itself really well to highlighting the wonderful texture of letterpress.

I'm also working on my studio print collateral, and I'll have that finished on coordinating heavyweight paper. I'll be putting together a packet for all new clients that highlights some information about the studio, the design process, and current pricing schedules. I hope to get that up pretty soon.

Andrea

Welcome

2007-11-08T02:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I caved and I've decided to start blogging. This trend is what, a decade old or so? Well, I'm finally getting to it!

This blog will be dedicated to all things design related, with particular emphasis on my design work for my beautiful brides. This will be a real test of my tech-savvy (or perhaps, lack thereof) but I hope to have some nice photos and possibly some videos up. I'm hoping to give everyone a peek into the crazy world and mind behind the Studio.

Looking forward to this!

Andrea Yung Toth