Catherine Kiff-Vozza

SAVE THE DATE!

2012-02-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

Photo Save the Date card for a destination wedding in Ireland features a photo by one of my fav photogs and friends, Meredith Mascola. Meredith went to Ireland recently and took a bunch of photos and when I saw this one I knew it was perfect for Katie and Matt's Save the Date. The deep pink color of the flower is one Katie's wedding colors and how can you have a wedding in Ireland and not include a little green!!!

meredithmascola.com

HAPPY FASHION WEEK!

2012-02-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

I love NY Fashion Week...I love reading Page Six and seeing gigantic colored photos of amazonian models parading down the length of my newspaper in my favorite designers offerings...and when one of my oldest friends told me he was reviving his own line I was so excited! He's co-hosting a party with Barbie...yes seriously Barbie, and we need to freshen up his logo we went with a timelessly modern approach...less is truly more. The simplicity of this delicate card speaks directly to Rob's elegant style.

FACELIFT!

2012-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone and everything needs a facelift now and then....so when one of my favorite corporate clients was looking for a makeover for their website I teamed with Monika Jakober to create a brand new site that reflect Dop Dop Salon's image and atmosphere. I designed the site and Monika sprinkled her magic web design dust on it and turned it into a functioning website aka, developed it. My favorite part is the Team Section followed closely by the contact page. All the photos (except for Jo's) were shot on on the streets of Soho outside of the salon by moi. This was an amazing collaboration between Noelle from Dop Dop, Monika and myself which I'm truly proud of! Check it out!

www.dopdop.com

and Monika Jakober at www.monikajakoberdesigns.com/

A HOBBY A DAY KEEPS THE DOLDRUMS AWAY

2012-01-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

I was asked to design note cards for a pair of brothers with very specific hobbies: ice climbing and fly fishing. Guess what. I don't know anything about either one, go figure. So I asked for a little assistance finding the proper ice axes and type of fly and worked a little magic with my pen and think we came up with something very masculine and indicative of each man. The grey envelopes complete these masculine designs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN THE ROUND!

2012-01-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Olivia is turning one and her mom and dad are throwing this little sweetheart a fabulous birthday party...she is one lucky little diva!

HOLIDAY SEASON TURNS TO WEDDING SEASON!

2012-01-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! I love the feeling of the holiday rush and insanity in my studio ending and leading into the start of wedding season. 2012 brides have been amazingly efficient so far and I've already completed a bunch of Spring invitation suites and am in the midst of the design process on a bunch more. Here's a taste of a beautiful Spring wedding invitation suite with pink paisley, imported Italian felt paper and envelopes. The feel of these invitation in your hand is something that doesn't translate on screen but you can't miss the delicate type and the layers of gorgeous paper!

PLAID TIDINGS TO YOU!

2011-12-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

Love this design, and not just because it's full of people I love but I think the plaid ties all the varying photos together.

Vozza Family Folded Card | 5x7 Wide Format Card with plaid accents back

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US!

2011-12-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

A belated Happy Holidays to all of you...from my family to yours and my studio to you!

This year I wanted something a little urban for the family shots so I decided on the white fur coat for Ava and the grey skinny jeans and motorcycle boots for Kristian Jr. and let everything fill in from there. I had to have red or animal print headphones for the kids, that was part of the original vision...and thanks to a strange trip to TJ Max of all places scored the perfect pairs for each kid! And then all it takes is a cool location and the BEST PHOTOGRAPHER in existence, Meredith Mascola. She is amazing at getting them to smile, ham it up and be themselves for her. Hands down there's no one better!! The result is fantastic if I do say so myself. I'm a little sad that you can't tell from my pics that the cards are printed on a shimmery pearl.

www.meredithmascola.com

And for my own cards I had to go hardcore with chevron and since I'm now like Oprah on the cover of O magazine of course it features a doodle of me running around with a serious stack of presents. Printed on watercolor paper this one feels like a I just completed it and popped it in the envelope! And if you look carefully in the greeting there is a special sentiment that I wish you all for 2012. Enjoy.

ALL FOLDED UP AND READY TO GO!

2011-12-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

A sampling of some folded cards that DON'T feature a photo...they run the gamut from graffiti themed to custom illustrated fireplace announcing the anticipated arrival of a a new baby! And a little Gucci love plus a passion for music exemplifies a family's individual personalities!

Vosper Folded Card | Graffiti style merriment!

Brown Family Card | Folded card on watercolor paper with custom illustration

Askin Family Card | Folded card on linen paper with custom design

ZIG ZAG MANIA!

2011-12-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

Chevron, zig zag, whatever you want to call it, I love it. Check out few cards from this season that feature one of my current obsessions besides stripes. And who doesn't love a family with a big enough sense of humor to send pics from in their Halloween costumes...that makes for an unforgettable card in a see of red and green mail!

And if you need to add a lot of photos to a card this season's "wide format" folded style below can translate to a any color scheme to match your photos and accommodate a few large pictures or a several smaller ones.

Cooper Family Wide Format Card

Cooper Family Inside

Copper Family Back

Porter Family 5x7 | Black and White Photos

Porter Family Back

Hubley Family Wide Format Card

Hubley Family Inside

Hubley Family Back

STRIPES CUBED

2011-12-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

A few more stripes to round it out today...

Desmond 5x7 Flat Card | Triple photo, striped back


Grano 5x7 Flat Card \| Triple photo, striped photo back with family photo

TRADITION

2011-12-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a traditional design is totally fitting for a client but we like to add our own modern twist whether it's with our color or font choices and occasionally it's a patterened back which we is slowly becoming a signature element of ours!!

Day 5x7 Flat Card | Holly Leaf Patterend Back, Black and White Photos.

Caprio 5x7 Flat Card | Snowflakes and mix of fonts, Patterened back.

Younkers 5x7 Flat Card | Cranberry Stripes and traditional fonts. Striped back.

HANNAH SAVANNAH BRANDING

2011-12-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to work with Tracie, an Etsy shop owner who makes gorgeous custom wreaths. She needed the works for her shop so we worked on something classic and elegant, much like her designs. And she was recently commissioned to make custom wreaths for the holiday edition of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! Congratulations Tracie!

DOODLE COLLECTION 2011

2011-12-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Doodles and drawings have permeated so much of my work lately that I wanted to post some images from this year's DOODLE COLLECTION. I draw just about every minute I'm not doing something else, taking inspiration from people around me including friends and especially my daughter but also magazines and catalogs, television shows and movies and of course fabulously dressed celebrities. These are some of the boxed items that were for sale at our annual holiday party and the small quantities that remain are available in our etsy shop. Prints of the kid's collection are available in the etsy shop as well!

Jane Style Note Card | Flat Card, Fuchsia Envelope with Chevron Liner

Lucy Style Note Card | Flat Card, Tangerine Envelope with Chevron Liner

Ava Style Note Card | 4x5 Flat Card, Fuchsia Envelope with Chevron Liner

STRIPES, THE SEQUEL

2011-12-11T16:16:00.001-08:00

Clearly I'm obsessed! I love both of these designs. The first is a favorite design for 2 years running....Kandy Kane (named for the family the original was designed for!) This version has a vintage feel. And the second is a simply modern beach themed card featuring 3 handsome brothers and their personalities and love for each other.

Trepcos Family Card | Flat Photo Card on Recycled Matte card with striped back and grunge fonts.

Fancher Family Card | Flat Photo Card on Recycled Matte card with striped back and shell details.

SOPHISTICATED PHOTO CARDS

2011-12-10T07:59:00.001-08:00

I think sometimes photo holiday cards can border on juvenile or people's assumption is since it features cards of children that it should be juvenile in design. I love both of these designs as they are pictures of gorgeous children presented in a simple and sophisticated cards, anything but juvenile. And I LOVE that the later of the 2 opens on the short side, a little unexpected but makes a great way for the card to stand on a table top and also a better way of layout for the photos. Cheers!

Conforti Family Card | 5x7 Folded card, sliver envelope

Cofrancesco Family Card | Wide Format folded card, full photo

LOTS OF LOVE FOR THE STRIPES

2011-12-09T08:23:00.001-08:00

I was just about to type that I can't believe that I haven't had a post in over a month but then I realized how that makes perfect sense. I've been buried on holiday gift orders and card/invitation orders since October! With tomorrow's looming deadline for final photo card orders I have time to post some of the things that I've been working on! Obviously all of the fabulous gifts you've ordered won't be posted until after the holiday...I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!

So let's talk about stripes....I love adding the patterened back to a photo card. It's like the lining of a kate spade purse, the unexpected surprise. And by the huge numbers of clients opting for it, I'd have to say you love it too.

Here's a little taste to get your mouth watering!

Degan Family Card | Flat Photo Card, photos treated with "vintage effect", slate blue striped back.

Orzechowski Family Card | Folded Photo Card, full photo on front and inner, striped back.

FINAL PREP AND A LOVELY CHRISTMAS PARTY INVITATION

2011-11-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Final preparations are being made for the CKV ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY on November 10th! And since the only thing we can think right now is "Get it done!" after loosing power and being displaced for 6 days with a freak snow storm last weekend, this is a tiny post with a not so tiny invitation! 7x7 square Christmas party invitation with gorgeous script printed on natural white shimmery card with a 100% recycled envelope.

NOVEMBER PHOTO CARD SALE!

2011-11-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Save 10% off your order of $75 or more on any order from the 2011 Photo Card Collection! Order before 11:59 PM on November 10th to take advantage of this great deal! Discount does not apply to custom orders or shipping. Check out the catalog and download the order form here.

SPRING WEDDING TO WARM UP TO!

2011-10-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it snowed almost 17 inches here on Saturday....schools were closed today, we have no power or heat and our children trick or treated today through the snow. I don't think it has ever snowed here this much before Halloween during my entire existence. So in an effort to warm up your spirit I give you a wedding suite designed for a beautiful spring wedding. Good luck Blanca and Tom!

AUTHOR WILL BE SIGNING BOOKS AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY!

2011-10-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Siobhan Desmond, author of Fifty Reasons to Elope, Tips from a Bridezilla, will be at my Annual Holiday Party on Nov. 10th. Siobhan will be signing books which will be available for purchase at the party. She is coming all the way from Boston to join us for the evening and I couldn't be more excited!! I designed the cover of the book and will be offering a limited edition note card to match, both make a great gift for a bride to be! Look forward to seeing everyone the 10th, 6:30-9:30 at The Homestead Rest in Sparta.

SAVE THE DATE WITH A VINTAGE FLAIR

2011-10-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

I met with Jen and her mom one afternoon to discuss the Save the Dates for Jen's 2012 wedding. Jennifer was very clearly about a few things: wanting the Save the Date to be almost more special and informative than the actual invitation since it's a destination wedding. And she wanted something with a vintage feel and had lots of inspiration to pull from but she wanted something outside the box. She mentioned the idea of her and her fiance writing a letter and immediately we elaborated on that idea with her mom Barbara and came up with the idea of a vintage stack of love letters wrapped in twine and sealed with a wax seal. I think we created a truly unique and memorable Save the Date from the soft cotton paper with the deckled edge, the elegant handwritten font, the open end envelope to the wax seal which features a skull which is a favorite image of the bride.

A BREAK FROM THE HOLIDAYS

2011-10-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

I know it isn't even Halloween yet but I'm in the thick of all the Holiday planning you could possibly imagine. Between getting everything ready of the Annual Holiday Party (yeah!) and taking holiday card and invitation orders I could use a little something else to look at. So here's a look at a little pro bono work....for family (AMP Mechanical) and a local Catholic school (I didn't design that logo, I'm pretty sure its older than God, I did the card design.)

2011 HOLIDAY PHOTO CARD COLLECTION

2011-10-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

We are very proud to present 2011's collection of photo cards. The emphasis this season was on graphic patterns and bold ways to feature your photos. And we love a mix of traditional and modern fonts that don't detract from your beautiful pictures.

There are 10 designs to choose from and all are printed on recycled matte cardstock. White envelopes are standard but you can upgrade to a color that coordiantes with your photos if you so desire. You can also print a full photo on the back of each card instead of the pattern at no additional cost or we can make the colors of the pattern and/or text coordinate with your photos. And last but not least any design can be made into a folded card for an additonal fee.

To download the catalog and all the details as well as an order form visit our website!
http://www.catherinekiff-vozza.com/holiday

YOU'RE INVITED!

2011-10-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again.....our annual holiday party will be held at the Homestead Rest in Sparta on November 10th starting at 6:30PM. We love to say thank you for your support all year long at the holidays so all are invited to drop in for a glass of wine and a bite to eat. There will be some items for sale but we really want you to come out and relax with the some fabulous ladies before the holidays really dig their teeth in! Hope to see all there!

Psst...look for the 2011 Holiday Collection to debut tomorrow.

SUNDAY ROUND UP!

2011-10-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy week! We held our first Fall Facebook Giveaway and Breanne Zosche won 25 free photo note cards! Thanks everyone for your participation and look for a holiday giveaway in the next couple of weeks.

We also soft launched the new website design! Thanks to Monika Jakober for making my vision come to life! More content to be added before the end of the year. Stay tuned into the blog for updates and new happenings!

Here are a few items we have shipped recently!

Round Christmas party invite a la a Heineken coaster.

Invitation featuring a photo of the guest of honor as a young boy and the Austrian eagle which celebrates his heritage!

FALL FACEBOOK GIVE AWAY!

2011-10-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

So Facebook fans here it is! We are now offering photo note cards!

So in honor of this announcement we are going to hold a "raffle" so to speak. Check us out on Facebook and like one or all of the styles of photo cards (in the Photo section, Album Photo Note Cards) and be entered to win 25 Small photo note cards! Contest will close on Oct. 14th at noon and the winner will be announced that evening on Facebook! Good Luck!!!

Check out the details below for more info! They come in 3 sizes/styles:

SMALL
4.25x5.5" flat card with full photo on the back and blank back with name(s) printed at the top in a coordinating color.

MEDIUM
4.25x5.5" folded card with full photo and name(s) on the front in a coordinating color, with a blank inside.

LARGE
5x7" flat card with full photo on the back and blank back with name(s) printed at the top in a coordinating color.

All photos used on photo note cards are the work of Meredith Mascola Photographywww.meredithmascola.com

RUSTIC FUN

2011-10-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

I loved working on these invitations, fonts are one of my passions and I thrive on the opportunity to use them in fun and expected ways. The invitation is a 6x6 square in moss green card and a luxe Italian white paper. The recycled envelope is lined in a custom chocolate brown pattern featuring the guest of honor's name and age along with the buck from the invitation.

LIGHT THE NIGHT

2011-10-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of creating a flyer for a fundraiser for one of my favorite clients, Dop Dop Salon, and friends, Jessica Vosper for a very important cause "Light the Night Walk" a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Fundraising Event. Dop Dop's event is specifically sponsoring Jessica's brother Ira as he walks to raise money to fight Lymphoma and Leukemia. There is fundraising sight you can go to to donate between now and Oct. 19th and the event at the Dop Dop on the 19th is open to all who would like to support this amazing fundraiser. Hope all of my NYC friends can make it out to this!

To donate please visit http://www.dopdopsalonfundraiser.chipin.com

SUNDAY ROUND UP....IN GREEN!

2011-10-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Playing catch up as usual. I wanted to show you some things we've been working on but a lot is top secret right now! New items will be rolling out for the holidays in the next 2 weeks and a big give away will be happening on Facebook, so fan us NOW! More updates to come this week on other projects so stay tuned. Enjoy these for now...a sea of green!

RECYCLED PARTY INVITATION WITH GREY INK AND ENVELOPE LINER, CHARTREUSE SATIN RIBBON

FIRST BIRTHDAY THANK YOU CARD, PHOTO ON FRONT, BLANK BACK TO WRITE A MESSAGE OF THANKS

STATIONERY FEATURING PERSONAL MONOGRAM

SNEAK PEEK

2011-09-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

As promised a sneak peek at some of my new line of Holiday Photo Cards....pictures of the cards are terrible but you get the point...this year the focus was on the gorgeous photos and simple and clean font treatments with graphic patterns on the back that make each design sing. Love.

Look for the full line to debut in the next couple of weeks!

Photos in this card are by Meredith Mascola Photography. Meredith can be found at meredithmascola.com

BABY BOYS NEED NOTE CARDS TOO!

2011-09-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Playing my favorite game of catch up this weekend in terms of blog posts, photographing recent items and all that great stuff! So here's a few items that shipped this past week....colorful note cards for 2 handsome little guys. Fun animals were in order for new born Jude and something city themed for city dwelling Colin who just turned 2!

By the way...stay tuned tomorrow I might just post a quick teaser of the recently received Holiday 2011 photo card samples I designed and had printed!

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-09-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

View finder wedding invitation from melangerienyc on etsy.com, vintage bridesmaid dresses from Dressesia, hipsters love unique items like a doughnut cake fromMelody Brando of Sweet and Saucy Shop, bride and groom photographed by Jenna Walker Photography, hanging photo decor from wonderweds.com, 3 gun vase makes a great gift, pencils engraved with great pairs makes a great favor from knot and bow pencils, card display from suidoo, and more photo display from Hatch Creative Studio, photo by Jenny ebert

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-08-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

Real life bride and bridesmaids, photo from perfectwedding.org, cake topper from marilynkeepsakes.com, candle and just married banner from stylemepretty.com, fascinator from Vintage Vibe Accessories, umbrella cookie cutter from ecrandal.com, tablesetting from thebottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.com, bouquet from bridalbuds.com

MINIMAL + TEXTURE = PERFECTION

2011-08-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

I love this invitation because it's so minimal with lots of white space and grey and black text. What I think makes it so perfectly successful is the texture of the white card, so rough and so refined all that same time!

A NICE TRIP FROM THE MAILBOX

2011-08-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's nice to open your mailbox and come across something other than the bills, magazines and credit card offers we are all inundated with on a daily basis! Today I went to the mailbox after a few days away at the beach and came across an envelope that had a familiar return address on the back...and I knew immediately who it was from. Emily was a bride who emailed me and needed her wedding invitations done ASAP and she had a very strong vision for what she wanted. We worked very quickly to create a really charming set. The wedding was in Switzerland in July and she sent me a very very sweet thank you note for my hard work and she sent me some pictures from the wedding as well! What a very considerate little gesture that means a lot to me! So thank you Emily and I wish you all the best of luck!

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-08-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do something extra celebratory today since it's my son'S 4th birthday! So what's better than balloons to say "CELEBRATE?"

Desert table from Sweets Indeed, balloon favor from Little Lovely, Engagement photo shoot from Jose Villa, centerpiece ideas from Jolie Jolie and Love and Lavendar, Cake topper photo from Wildflowers Photography, Hairclips and shoes from Ban.do

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-08-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

With school fast approaching I couldn't help myself...

Have your servers show up wearing school uniforms, image from catwalkqueen.tv, bride and groom Christina and CJ used school buses for bridal party transportation (Pleasant Surprise Events), tablescape complete with books and chalkboard photo from Lucida Photography, apple place cards and display from Martha Stewart Weddings, Snippet and Ink created favor bags a la brown bag lunch, apple decorated cupcakes from Coco Cake and invitation from Catherine Kiff-Vozza, Couture Stationer of course!

MISSION: PARTY HARD!!!

2011-08-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

This invitation was so much fun to work on. Mom and Dad are going all out with an army/camo theme for baby's first birthday and wanted each little guest to feel like they were receiving an extra special invitation to join an "elite force" to help celebrate their son's birthday. So we created a 8.5x11 invitation printed with a map of the party location (to scale, and accurate down to every last little tree), instead of a map key we added all the party info down including the location listed in longitude and latitude as well as the time being written in military format. The back of the invitation wass printed in camo with a custom logo featuring baby's initials. Some invitations were delivered by men in army uniforms and in that case they were rolled up and put in the mailing tube and labeled with guests name on a custom sticker created to match. If the invitation was mailed it was placed in a letter size envelope and tied with the sting closure.

I love the opportunity to step outside of the box and I'm grateful I got the opportunity to do it for a cool party for such a handsome little guy!!

Siamo felici di annunciare la nascita di Nico!

2011-08-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

This is my handsome nephew's birth announcement so of course it's extra special to me. Named after his grandfathers Nicholas and Stephen, my sister and brother in law call him Nico and wanted a way of letting everyone know what his nickname is. So we really drew attention to it on the announcement and to make it fun we used some creative wording in English and Italian!

Siamo felici di annunciare la nascita di Nico! No, we aren't announcing the opening a new Italian restaurant or pizza parlour but the birth of our newest addition Nicholas “Nico” Stephen

The opening sentence translates to "We are happy to announce the birth of Nico!" And who doesn't love a big satin ribbon in knot? Crazy people that's who.

Nico, my handsome precious nephew, 2 months! Love him.

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-08-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

"Crab cakes and football, that's what Maryland does!"

A classic line from one of my husband's favorite movies, "Wedding Crashers"....lots of Maryland and blue crabs for this wedding, not so much with the football. But maybe I'll have to work on that idea once football season starts.

Wedding gown from Collette Dinnigan, beautiful wedding venue Mary's Hope in St. Ingioes, Maryland photographed by Robin Owen Photography, cake from Whipped Bakeshop, crabcakes from cute-ecakes.blogspot.com, tablescape from Amy and Mark's real life wedding, perfect favors from chic meetshealthy.blogspot.com, bridesmaid gift of crab charm from Charm City Company on etsy.com and the ultimate gift to add to your registry: crab themed dishware from kaboodle.com

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-07-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

I more than heart these mobiles from gin & rummy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ginandrummy). I love mobiles and not just for nurseries but as sculpture in my home. Of course I love the craftsmanship of the origami but when you add beautiful color combinations and ribbon my heart starts flutter a little too fast and I'm thinking about who I can buy all of these for. Shannon, the artist and shop owner is a paper enthusiast much like myself and has taken great care to develop her concept and pays special attention to the ease of shipping and they practically put themselves together. You should go buy one for every baby and paper lover you know! PS She also has some really cool vintage pieces for sale...check it out!

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-07-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Gwen Stefani's John Galliano for Dior ombre wedding gown, Dessy Isabella print floral bridesmaids gown, flower girl dress by Beane and Company on etsy.com, ombre scarf for bridesmaids gift from Etro, ombre cake by Cake Coquette, tablescape by Esla Events and Therese Jacinto Design photographed by Rizza Riz Photography and invitations by Catherine Kiff-Vozza, Couture Stationer.

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-07-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Lavender wedding favors from Martha Stewart, lavender bouquet photographed by Tine Hoffman, lavender cocktail from Mark Anthony, 2 seater bike for the hip bride and groom, cake by Eden Cakes, Memphis TN, custom dress by lizarietz etsy shop! and wedding location: The Foundry NYC.

WHITE ON WEDDING GUESTS?

2011-07-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

I think we need some clarification on this rule. In a time where brides are wearing everything from brightly colored accessories to dresses with soft washes of color, I think we need to contemplate "If brides are wearing color, are guests allowed to wear white?"

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-07-13T05:41:00.002-07:00

Despite my vacation I'm posting a Wedding Wednesday collection...mostly because the heat inspired me to do something "desert themed"...this shore house needs central air, bad.

Wedding photo of bride and groom from Simply Bloom, photo of cake from Project Wedding, succulent bouquet from getmarried.com, photo of cactus favors from Sara Yates and all other photos from Stephanie Williams Photography

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-07-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Rock, rock, rock and roll wedding!! Tattoos, guitars and feathered fascinators, oh my!

Photo of the bride and her maids by Dina Douglass of Andrena Photography, favors from idoinspiration.blogspot.com, table setting from noviaevents.blogspot.com, cake by Laura Edwards and photo of groom and grooms by Jennifer Rau.

BABY PHOTO SHOOT DONE!!

2011-06-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Some of today's work....baby pictures complete for site! Party pics to come tomorrow!

NEW LOGO

2011-06-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Logo for a start up business...

2-4-6-8!!! COME ON GIRLS LET'S CELEBRATE!!

2011-06-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ava is turning 7. I can barely handle that thought but I digress....the diva has requested a cheerleading party. So we looked at the calendar, picked a date and I realized we need to get the invitations in the mail like...yesterday. So we made these today (and by we I mean me and Ava made an origami mess in my studio), complete with folded paper skirt and illustration of the cheerleading birthday girl!

WEDDING WEDNESDAY (THURSDAY)

2011-06-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Lilly Pulitzer dresses for the bride and maid of honor, Jimmy Choo wedges in orange, the bride carries a tropical bouquet from weddingsamples.net while the groom wears seersucker and aviators, guests sip passion fruit kir royale from Northern Virgina Magazine and indulge in a dessert bar from Long Beach Dessert Darling photographed by Juan Posada Photography

IRONY

2011-06-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

So I designed this invitation for a client who chose a variation of it. Then I received and email from a potential bride and was putting together ideas for her and this popped in my head. I decided to include it as a long shot...go figure, she chose it as is....NO CHANGES! Love it. Looks phenomenal letterpressed in olive green on an ivory card with custom liner.

WHO WANTS A SNEAK PEEK?

2011-06-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to post this because there's nothing I love more than a big surprise but I can't resist. Website re-design is in full swing now so here's a little peek at the home page...

PHOTO EXPERIMENT IS A SUCCESS

2011-06-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

New photo and editing techniques is EXACTLY what I'm looking for...this is a sneak peak.

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-06-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-06-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

The cold grey weather we've had over the weekend made me think of Ireland...my mother would love
this if she could find her way around my blog or anyone else's!! She moved to America from Ireland in the 70's leaving her whole family behind. I know she misses it very much.

Bridesmaids in wellies and cardigans: photo by Cooper Carras via Once and Kelly Armour, Waterford Powerscourt 5 piece place setting, ring pillow from Home Spun Ireland on etsy.com, bouquet is a mix of indigenous Irish flowers and greens, bridal gown from Carina Dresses, baby in a kilt from Project Wedding and my two favorites: Irish car bomb cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake from boneats.ca and do the whole thing at Lismore Castle in County Waterford, a castle my grandfather sketched and painted many many times.

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-06-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-06-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

....Savage Beauty, the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met. I'm dying to see it. Dying. He is one of the artists I admire most, his clothes are walking masterpieces, every inch carefully created and thought out. The show demonstrates his 20 year career and is drawing record crowds. I don't need to have see it yet to recommend it....as soon as my daughter finishes school next week, I'm there. Here's a preview:

EXPERIMENTS

2011-06-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

So I'm experimenting with some new concepts for product shots for the website....I think I've figured out exactly what I want to achieve and how to do that. Here are some digital sketches for what I'm going for. Finally feel like I start shooting and get this thing done!!!

RIBBIT RIBBIT

2011-06-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

Monika loves frogs. Frogs. Frogs. Frogs!!!! Nuff said!!!

We both love the Spot UV printing method for the glossy square in Monika's logo so much that we are already working on a new variation for when this box runs out!

P.S. testing out new photography and editing techniques...what do you think?

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-06-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, Franc Sarabia wedding gown, striped shoes by Nine West, cocktail dress for bridesmaid: David Deister at Neiman Marcus, nautical cake with flowers and sugar chain and anchors from Cakestress (photo from Jennifer Klementii Photography), place cards from Details, place card display photo from Snap Photography.

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-06-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

PRATT + PAPER AND RAPLH PUCCI

"Pratt Institute and Ralph Pucci International recently presented "Pratt + Paper & Ralph Pucci," an exhibition of 20 paper sculpture designs by fashion design, fine arts, industrial design, and interior design students from Pratt's School of Art and Design at Ralph Pucci International/Gallery Nine Showroom. The event was celebrated with an exclusive by-invite only exhibition preview on December 7 that was attended by nearly 200 people." excerpt from pratt.edu

The exhibit was later shown in Macy's windows on Broadway in January...how could I not heart this big time: Pratt + fashion + insane paper techniques = big hearts

photos shown in this post are courtesy of Pratt, Antoine Bootz for Ralph Pucci , Ralph Pucci International facebook photos and flickr photos from *Sparked

MOD AND MASCULINE NOTE CARDS

2011-06-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

So much of what I'm working on are surprise party invitations of all sorts: birthday parties, a baby shower, and several wedding showers. And as usual wedding invitations that have yet to be mailed to guests. I don't want to ruin anyone's surprises so this is an effort to update the blog without blowing anyone's spot up....

These were a gift so I'm late on posting them. This was a set created for specially for a Valentine's Day gift, it was packaged with matching Monarch sheets, all with 100% recycled envelopes and a letter sorter to match.

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-06-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today's doodle is clearly a joint effort....while cheering for Roger Federer I was coloring and drawing with the kids...Ava drew a unicorn, Kristian Jr. drew the prettiest chic he knows (his words), me. And I colored in Ava's coloring book because let's face it, who doesn't like to color in a princess coloring book every now and then?

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-06-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by favorite fruit! I used to eat strawberries and whipped cream anytime I could when I was kid. My Aunt Pat indulged me every time I asked, in that memory I give you a berry sweet Wedding Wednesday!

Christian Louboutin shoes, cake by Joy the Baker, strawberry bouquet by Wish Special Events, Melissa Sweet bridesmaid dress, table setting from frolic.com, strawberry lemonade by Chow Bella kids, wedding gown by Carina Dresses and favor idea from Martha Stewart. And save the date card by me!

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-05-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

...beautiful dresses by Joe Challita Couture, 2011 collection. They are intensely sculpted pieces that reminiscent of origami. I HEART THIS BIG TIME.

www.weddinginspirasi.com

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-05-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-05-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Inspired by blooming trees and fluttering butterflies. Enjoy!

Oscar de la Renta dress on recycledbride.com, ultimate grey suit from Indochino, cake from Cake Alchemy, fascinator from hairbowswonderland.com. Drink stirrers from Pink Peony Couture, Butterfly placecards from Timeless Paper and flower girl tutu from Studio Wed by Mirela all on etsy.com, shoes by Aruna Seth. Tie it all together with a ceremony under the blossoms in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

WEDDING WEDNESDAY

2011-05-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

I love Kate Spade. I have loved an advertisement for her china (see below) since the first time I saw it and have had it hanging on my wall of inspiration ever since...I WANT to be at this dinner party. So this week I wanted to create the look and feel of this ad...enjoy!

Invite your guests to a fun New York wedding with a colorful invite featuring the NY skyline (by me of course!)...get hitched at New York's City Hall in a cute cocktail length bridal dress keeping it fun with colorful tights and a lemon yellow cocktail dress for the maid of honor both from Kate Spade. Crepe paper flowers and paper lanterns keep it casual, Chinese fans keep guests cool in spring sun and silver fortune cookie place card holders from favorideas.com bring something a little unexpected...end the day with a piece of cake reminiscent of the kate spade logo (from Faye Cahill) on a Haviland Laque de Chine Gold dessert plate.

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just for fun...something a little more "innocent"...possibly inspired by yesterday's post.

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-05-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

...Anne Owens artwork, thats what! Love the cute, soft and delicate nature of her work juxtaposed with the quirky, eerie details. This is exactly the kind of work I'm drawn to. Thank you StumbleUpon for helping me "stumble" on her site. Enjoy!

http://ouchclub.com/front.html

DOODLE OF THE DAY...100th POST

2011-05-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

This post is a few things rolled into one....doodle of the day, my 100th post and my 33rd birthday! The doodle was something I did this morning of me and my kids, Ava and little Kristian. I start everyday looking at their little faces and they may have been more excited that was my birthday today than I was! The entire day has been great (including the weather) so thanks to everyone for the amazing birthday wishes and happy 100th post to me!!

INTRODUCING.....WEDDING WEDNESDAY!

2011-05-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

What is Wedding Wednesday? Well, it's something new I’m going to try on and see how it fits....each Wednesday I will feature inspiration for a wedding with colors, invitations, jewelry, flowers, locations....the works! I find inspiration for wedding planning everywhere and thought it would be fun to share! So enjoy the inaugural Wedding Wednesday....BLACK AND WHITE.

Inspired my own black and white wedding, I created this inspiration board. My wedding, almost 8 years ago, was very formal and traditional...if I could do it all over again I would do something a tiny bit more casual and inspired...

CREDITS: ELIZABETH FILLAMORE DRESS, SOME IMAGES FROM RUFFLEDBLOG.COM

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-05-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-05-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sher Christopher is a paper sculptor from the UK...she's amazing. I love what she says about the challenges she faces as an artist, it's something I agree intensely with...the struggle or the challenge you face as an artist or designer is often the ultimate stimulus.

"The challenge of working purely in paper breathes life into each individual portrait or character and continually provides inspiration for those yet to be created."

www.sherchristopher.com

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-05-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Not typical of my style but nonetheless this was a funny joke. It's actually a few days old since I haven't had time to post it. A student of mine was talking about he wanted to be a teacher and my whole class was having such a hysterical time describing how he would dress and act as an adult/teacher...so I doodled this just for a laugh. The whole class is now requesting a doodle of each of them.

DOODLE OF THE DAY: MAD HATTER MER

2011-05-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

My friend and favorite photog posted a photo of the most insane little hat (it's like a fascinator and a top hat had a baby and called it Fabulous) she is thinking about wearing to a wedding at the end of the month...she asked...."Should I?" To which I responded "You should, you really really should." I couldn't stop thinking about it...work it Mer...work it!

COASTAL WEDDING, PART DEUX

2011-05-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is a follow up to the previous post COASTAL WEDDING. The wedding will take place on the West Coast with a follow up celebration on the East Coast where the groom grew up! Below is the invitation and reply card for the East Coast celebration....it all coordinates but doesn't "match" or compete with the actual wedding invitation suite. Colors and fonts are pulled from the original set but made fresh by exchanging the crisp white of the invitation for a really beautifully textured dove grey card. All items are thermographed in navy ink and envelopes lined in matching shimmery silver. Love, love, love the simplicity.

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

VACATION!

2011-04-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a much needed siesta this week! I'll be back in action on Monday, May 2nd!

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-04-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

For Monika....my friend, web designer, dog-coffee-tennis lover. Doodle soon to be appearing on her updated blog!!

COASTAL WEDDING

2011-04-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Navy raised printing on a mix of smooth white and textured dove colored cards and envelopes. Swirl design is carried from the invitation to the envelope, which happens to be one of my favorite things...the swirl curling from the back flap onto the front of the envelope. Matching invitations to a reception on the right coat will be posted as soon as they are mailed to guests! For now...enjoy this part of the set!

Congratulations Megan and Joe!

Invitation with raised navy printing and flat grey swirl.

Return address on back flap

Front of envelope

Reply Card and envelope

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-04-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

Elsa Mora is a multimedia artist currently living in Los Angeles, California. Her work is nothing short of a-mazing. Love it, especially the rings. Be inspired.

http://elsita.typepad.com/allaboutpapercutting/

LESS IS MORE

2011-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need to keep it simple....here are 2 orders that went out yesterday...


Black on thick white recycled matte card, scissor detail on back.

Family note card featuring all the family members names.

JAY

2011-04-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ultra thick business cards for my friend and hair stylist Jay....or as I like to call her "Jesus with Scissors"

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-04-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-03-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a character from "The Corpse Bride" after I opened my desk drawer and spotted the DVD. I love that movie.

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

SWISS WEDDING INVITATIONS

2011-03-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

Emily contacted me 2 weeks ago when she was referred by a good friend from college. She had been working with a stationer in Seattle where she and her fiance live and was unhappy with the progress they had made. She chose to go in another direction with her invitations and I was that direction.

THE APPEAL: Emily liked one of my invites that featured the NY skyline and wanted something decidedly different than the usual and something Swiss. The wedding is taking place in a castle in Switzerland. (awesome)

THE CHALLENGE: It had to be done in 2 weeks from start to finish! That was ironically appealing as well though, it was refreshing to work in such time restaints but Emily made that easy: she knew what feeling she wanted, what colors and most importantly, she understood that not only did I need to work quickly but so did she!

I couldn't be happier with the result....CHEERS TO EMILY AND CASEY!

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

I'VE HAD A LITTLE BIT TOO MUCH

2011-03-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

PROM 2011

2011-03-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

An Enchanted Forrest is the theme for this prom....I'm in love with the fuchsia buck.

Normally the Prom Committee chooses something very fancy (ie traditional) for the invitation in what I think is an effort to appear more "mature" or "sophisticated", I was pleasantly surprised when this year they choose a more casual and fun design.

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

50 REASONS TO ELOPE

2011-03-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I lost the USB cord for my camera but have been still taking photos of all my work but have had no means to upload it. Today, I opened my camera case and guess what was right where it belonged? USB cord. Perfect. So I will upload images and post over the next few days in an effort to catch up!

Photo of a book cover I designed and was recently published.

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-03-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

RIP LIZ TAYLOR

2011-03-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor is one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen. Her delicate features, long neck and her velvety complexion remind me of the bust of Nefertiti which I've always loved so much. And her inner beauty was equally as rare, fighting AIDS and embracing those infected when it was taboo. She was a pioneer in the early days of the fight to understand AIDS so in honor of the passing of a beautiful woman and even more importantly an activist I give you today's doodle of the day. Rest in peace Ms. Taylor.

Inspired by a favorite head shot of the actress.

WHAT I HEART TODAY

2011-03-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Peter Callesen is a Dutch paper artist. He does some amazing things with paper and is pretty clever. I love these images on a not so spring like day in the Northeast. "Alive but dead"....seems appropriate for the work and the weather. Enjoy!

www.petercallesen.com

AVA IN RAIN GEAR + CHALK = ADORABLE

2011-03-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

My daughter was outfitted in her rain gear this morning because of the wet snow, and that always makes me smile, she look so cute in her boots and her big bow. (I'm biased but it's true) And I received and email from a friend who was on the playground with out kids last week and all the girls were making a huge mosaic with chalk and the cracks in the parking lot...Ava loves chalk, LOVES CHALK! And she was in her rain gear in the photo so today's doodle is dedicated to my Avy Gravy...my Little Love.

WEEKEND IN THE WOODS

2011-03-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Not very "me" at all to spend a weekend in the woods....however hanging with 2 of my closest friends, the Senator and Scary Gary is reason enough to get me on a bus chaperoning 50 teenagers. And while this is not a activity typical of me, mainly because it's outside with nature and I frankly like seeing nature through glass from the comfort of my couch, I still stay true to me and wear my favorite Marc Jacobs rain boots...which by the way I got at a sample sale at the store on Mercer St. for 10 bucks!!! I said 10 bucks!!!!

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY!

2011-03-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

DOODLE OF THE DAY

2011-03-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

This past holiday season I created several cards using some of my "doodles". I also had a book cover printed recently using another of my doodles. So in that spirit I'm starting a new addition to my blog" DOODLE OF THE DAY" I already create these doodles everyday when I'm waiting for things to print of download, talking on the phone or trying to relax at some point during the day even if only for a few minutes so I'm just going to publish them on my blog daily...here is the first of what is hopefully many many doodles.

Today's doodle was inspired by the rainy, gross weather I woke up to....trench and crusher inspired by a favorite Burberry ad.

NOTE CARDS A PLENTY

2011-03-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite clients and constant supporter placed her latest order this week. She loves handwritten notes and that makes me very happy! Here are few of what she's taking home this week...

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONFIDENCE

2011-02-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take some time to reflect on the importance of having confidence in your stationer, your custom stationer. When working with any custom vendor you need to have trust in your vendor in order for the process to work smoothly and with a wonderful outcome. And you also need to be honest, honest with your vendor about your budget and your expectations. Communicate all of your wants and your desires. Ask yourself what is a "must' for your invitation suite and what is negotiable. And after that you need to have faith in your stationer that they will deliver you a beautiful and impressive product.

If you feel you need to see something before you commit, custom work is not for you. It's perfectly fine to be a "doubting Thomas" but you then need to consider choosing something "off the rack" or in the case of stationery "from an album". And that's perfectly acceptable, there are a number of wonderful, high quality stationers who can deliver an amazing wedding invitation suite.

Why the clarification on the importance of trust and communication (which is good practice for you impending marriage)...I'm in the process of redesigning my website and in particular the order process and "praise" pages today. While reading the beautiful compliments some of my clients have written about me and my work I was touched and proud to be able to do work that people appreciate and are impressed by. And while re-writing some important parts of the order process it's obvious when you submit to a deposit and contract for wedding invitation suites that have yet to be created you need to have confidence in me. The kind words of my clients is evidence they were ready to take a leap and to take it with me. And that is what makes this process work and that is why I love what I do.

Below are some of the beautiful words some of my clients have recently shared:

Catherine Kiff-Vozza has delivered exceptional, unique and quality products for my family. From our wedding invitations to our birth announcements and Christmas cards, I have not seen anything else like her work. Just this Christmas we received calls and emails to say how beautiful our Christmas card was that Catherine created. People even framed it! We will definitely use Catherine for our holidays and other family milestones for many years. {Niamh Mahon Grano}

I didn't know what I wanted for our wedding invitations but I knew the feel I wanted: simple, elegant, classy, and fun! Catherine provided numerous samples which all fit those descriptions and we took elements we liked from each to create a unique and one of kind invitation that was exactly what I envisioned. She really is an artist! {Megan Reid}

Catherine is obviously a talented artist, but I would say she is an even more talented listener. She has an uncanny ability to turn just a few words about a hazy idea into something that is both exactly what I want and somehow better than I could ever imagine. {Katie Fox Porter}

Omg!!!!!!!!! They exceeded my expectations! Thank you is not enough...you are amazing. {Amy Cilli}

We LOVE them. They came out great, exactly what we wanted. Thank you sooo much. It was wonderful working with you. Hopefully we will be contact with you in the future for baby announcements, haha!!!!

www.catherinekiff-vozza.com

A FAMILY AFFAIR

2011-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

It's a family affair when everyone needs note cards! So mom and dad got some flat note cards while baby got 2 different folded designs.

You can also see here the new standard in envelopes at the studio...brown bag kraft which contain 100% post consumer waste, why the change you ask? Well they're neutral, interesting and responsible. We heart the earth.....Happy Valentine's Day!

New standard envelopes we will be carrying are shown here: brown bag kraft.