Peggy Davis, Calligrapher:
The Invitation Album
An unusually-shaped envelope arrives in the mail, the address hand-lettered or in beautiful type; anticipation sets in. The envelope is eagerly opened. This is the first taste your guest has of what will be your simkhe, your celebration.
You will bring your sense of design, of tradition, of meaning to this event, beginning with the invitation. Peggy Davis has worked with hundreds of people to design invitations and other items which bring a personal touch to printed work.
There are many choices to be made, the result being a coordinated invitation or announcement set. The cover or border design can be applied to other items such as program booklets, benchers, centerpieces, banners, etc.
The cost varies widely, depending on the choices of materials and complexity of the design. Peggy will work with you to meet your needs and your budget. A detailed estimate will be prepared for you once a plan is developed.
You are invited to click on the thumbnail images that appear on this page to see full size images of these selected invitations. Please note that colors may not be the same on your screen as in the originals, and that designs are available in a variety of ink colors and paper colors and textures.
Choosing an invitation Design
A verse from a traditional source or Hebrew names is often the inspiration for an invitation or announcement design. It is usually lettered in Hebrew and English, often with accompanying illustration. Other languages, including Yiddish and Russian, can be used in the design. You may find a cover or border design here that you would like to use or adapt. Commissioning a new design provides one which is tailored to your taste and needs.
Another choice to make is whether to use handlettering or type. One or the other may be appropriate, depending on the design and your budget. Handlettering provides a more personal, immediate touch to the invitation, and can be adapted in shape and form in a way that type cannot. Samples of type and lettering can be sent to you.
As Peggy uses a number of printers, there are a variety of papers, sizes and ink colors available. She can send samples to help you make these choices. The standard ink colors available are: black, grey, purple, navy blue, royal blue, maroon, teal, red, lilac and brown. Some papers are recycled, with textures, fiber or flecks, others shades of white and off-white or ivory with smooth, linen or textured surfaces.
How to Begin
As you look through the examples here, you may find something that appeals to you or which you'd like to adapt. You may find examples of styles, designs or symbols elsewhere, in a book, a greeting card, a magazine. Any of these can be helpful in creating a design. From conversation with you and any examples you provide, Peggy will send you sketches, and with your comments, a sketch will be refined to your satisfaction.
The final art work will be mailed or faxed to you for approval before being sent to the printer. The printer will ship the invitation or announcement set directly to you.
Sample invitations:Please click on any thumbnail image above or below to see enlarged view. |
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Wedding Invitations: |
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Bar and Bat Mitzvah Invitations: |
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