Fine Letters

"Yoga for your hands." Sign me up. 

My obsession with calligraphy is growing faster than I'd like to admit. I have always admired calligraphers - to the point of envy. So, I have decided to finally take the plunge. 

Yes, that's right, classes start this fall. 

   

If you visit my Pinterest page, you will see a new board labeled "Fine Letters". I have recently started stalking researching freelance calligraphers on Etsy (and elsewhere) and their love of the craft is absolutely contagious. I cannot wait to get started. 

I will be sure to keep you updated on my progress. If all goes well, WYWH will be providing custom calligraphy services by the summer of 2012. 

Wish me luck,

Ryan

Tuesday Tip

You have probably heard of Crane & Co., a stationary company that is in the seventh generation of operation, with roots that extend before the American Revolution. The history of this company is quite interesting. Now in it's third century of operation, Crane & Co. is still owned and managed by members of the Crane family. 

Suffice it to say, I would jump off a bridge in the name of paper if these people told me to. Which brings me to my point: stationary etiquette. 

I know, I couldn't believe it either. Crane & Co. has an entire section of their website devoted to the etiquette of addressing envelopes, assembling invitations, sending thank you cards, etc. For all of my fellow rule-followers out there, no, you're not dreaming. 

For those of you who are not as jazzed about this find as I am, I encourage you to take another look - wouldn't it feel good to do the right thing?

Just imagine; someone, somewhere, has devised all of these rules for you to follow, and now another generous someone has compiled said rules and posted them to their website for your convenience? 

Here's to divorced women, unmarried couples living together, diplomatic leaders, and our men and women of the military! Do they not deserve to be addressed with dignity?

Ha - gotcha! You'll never not double check. You're welcome. 

Ryan

Drink More Water

If you're anything like me, a little encouragement goes a long way on a Monday afternoon. So, after a long day in the office, and very little creative inspiration - I am officially instituting Mantra Mondays. 

A few months ago I created four DIY chalkboards out of used frames purchased from a local thrift store. They have since served as a constant reminder to keep moving forward, thinking creatively, and to try to live simply - one day at a time.  

Here's to creating transformation in your life. 

Ryan

DIY Project: Embossing

If you have even the slightest interest in paper goods, you must visit Oh So Beautiful Paper. This blog is a personal favorite of mine for just this reason: a few days ago they posted a gorgeous DIY tutorial on embossed custom stationary.

 The necessary basics: custom rubber stamp and hot tool. 

Tell me this isn't perfection. WYWH would love to put together a similar custom paper suite just for you. 

As usual, we'll take care of all of the work. Weddings invitations, holiday cards, you name it. From design to creation, to postage -  we have it covered. 

Don't forget to visit our website for more information about DIY services. Thanks for being right here!

Ryan  

The Habersham Hacienda

This 7 acre mini-farm, located 70 miles north of Atlanta, is likely to be one of the most beautifully eclectic, down-to-earth, and affordable event facilities you have ever experienced. I could not be more eager and excited to share this location with you, as it is undoubtedly unique. 

This 4,000 square foot facility is home of chef and restaurateur Michele Niesen, whom I have had the pleasure of working with over the past several weeks. Let me be the first to promise you, she will not disappoint. Michele recently invited me to The Habersham Hacienda to get a feel for the space as a wedding venue. What I expected to be a 2-3 hour visit, turned out to be an all day adventure. This property is complete with terraces, organic gardens, free roaming chickens, a sunset that is second to none, and a hostess/owner/creator/chef that is absolute magic. 

Below are some of the details that stole my heart. 

The Habersham Hacienda is more than an event space or a wedding venue; it is home to an award winning chef, it is a farm, it is a mountain house, it is a fiesta just begging to be had! To put it simply, The Habersham Hacienda is an experience. It is charming, entertaining, and yes - it is trendy. It is just what the Georgia DIY bride has been missing. 

WYWH is thrilled to be working with Michele Niesen and The Habersham Hacienda. I can't wait to keep you posted on upcoming events! This space is truly something special. Be sure to visit the website to get a taste for yourself! 

Ryan

Tuesday Tip

If you are not already familiar, let me be the first to introduce you to a wonderfully addictive little site called: 

Pinterest is, without a doubt, the best thing to ever happen to my bookmark tool bar. It's genius, it's addictive, and it's functional. 

The concept is simple: if you come across something online that you must have, must make, must remember, etc., all you have to do is "pin it". It's magic. I promise. 

For all of you DIYers, you're welcome. 

Ryan  

WYWH

Welcome!  

My name is Ryan.

I am pleased to introduce Wish You Were Here, a small business that I created in 2011; a business that is less like a company and more like a friend who wants to provide you with charming products and endless services because I know it will make your life easier and more lovely - and because I know we will have fun working together.  

WYWH works with clients to create visually engaging and infinitely personal products and services; including event consulting, DIY projects, invitations, announcements, greeting cards, stationary, and much more.   

I find myself constantly intrigued by the creative process. We all have a different aesthetic for sure, however, there is something magical about each of our methods. WYWH is about working through this process successfully and this blog is my way of sharing in the adventure.   

To my family and friends, thank you for not thinking that this was a really bad idea.  I hope you continue to peruse the website as it is sure to be updated often.  

Also, please feel free to contact me at wywhdesgins@gmail.com if you have any questions at all, or leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you.    

Thanks for being right here.   

Ryan