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Hand Calligraphy

Envelope Addressing

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope addressing order?

A: Allow about 1 week per 100 addresses. It actually doesn't take that long to complete them, but since I usually have several jobs going at once, all with different numbers of addresses and start and finish dates, this estimate provides some flexibility in scheduling.

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

A: I require at least 10% extra, with a minimum of 10 additional items. For metallic-coated papers, I prefer 15% extra.

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation using hand calligraphy?

A: For script styles, I can emulate the capital letters to coordinate with your invitation.

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

A: Yes, once you place your order I will be happy to help you with your etiquette questions. If I don't know the answer, then I'll find it out for you!

Q: Can you match the ink color on my invitations?

A: Yes, if you provide us a copy of the invitation or a color swatch with your envelopes, I can mix a custom color to match.

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

A: Yes, I can start with your initial list, then you can email me the additions as needed, no extra charge.

Q: Do you keep my address list private?

A: Absolutely. We never use your information for anything other than completing your order. We usually delete address lists two months after the items are delivered, in case a client happens to lose the address information from their computer.

Q: Does your hand ever hurt from addressing so many envelopes?

A: No, I have not had any problems so far! I try not to overbook myself, and take frequent ergonomic breaks to ensure that my wrists don't suffer too much strain. Also, I use a lot of forearm and shoulder movement when writing and don't hold my pen holder too tightly.

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

A: Yes, we will accept envelopes mailed from your printer or stationer. You will need to provide us with your return address information so that we'll know which envelopes are yours (most stationers/printers fail to include the client's contact information with the envelopes.) If we notice that the return address was printed incorrectly, we'll notify you immediately.

However, we won't take responsibility for replacing the envelopes if we happen to address ones that have the return address printed incorrectly by the stationer or printer.

Invitation Design

Q: When should I send out my invitations?

A: For out-of-town guests and international addresses, you may want to send them out 8 weeks in advance. For local addresses, 6 weeks in advance should suffice.

We have known brides who have a "B" list of guests, so they send all their "A" list invitations out 8 - 10 weeks ahead. Once they start getting regrets from the "A" list, they ask to have their "B" guests' invitations addressed.

Q: I'm interested in invitation design but I'd like to see a draft before deciding to order. Will you design it for me so that I can see what it will look like before I give you a deposit?

A: No, unfortunately I don't offer design work on spec. I require a 50% deposit to begin the design process, then you'll have 2 chances to request changes before I prepare the final design. If you decide that you prefer not to order the design, the deposit will act as your cancellation fee.

Q: How do you send proofs and how long does it take to complete an invitation design?

A: Once I get started on the design, it takes 1-2 days to email you the first proof in PDF format. I'll email it at low resolution to keep the file size small. Usually the approval process takes just a few days after the first draft is completed, then add 1-2 days to finalize the design and email it to you and your stationer or printer. I do require that the balance be paid on your invoice prior to emailing the final designs.

Q: If I see another calligrapher's work that I like, will you copy their style for me?

A: No, it's unethical to copy another artist's style or designs. Most calligraphers work hard to develop a style that's uniquely their own, and to copy it would be stealing.

If you really like the style of another calligrapher, then please contact them first to see if they are available to create your design. If you tell the calligrapher your budget, most likely they will work with you to help design an invitation in their style and within your budget.

I am happy to review the work of other calligraphers that you like so that I can get a sense of what you prefer, but I will not slavishly copy another's work. I will do my best to capture the essence of the style you are seeking, but in my own way.

Computer Calligraphy

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope printing order?

A: After we receive your list, we import it into our printing program and create a check list for your approval. Once we receive approval from you and have the envelopes in hand, it takes about 2-3 days to complete your order.

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

A: We require at least 10% extra, with a minimum of 10 additional items. For metallic-coated papers, I prefer 15% extra.

Q: Can you print in color?

A: Yes, we can match ink colors, except for metallic inks (we can come close to the color but can't print in metallic ink). We charge a flat fee of $20 to match an ink color.

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation?

A: Almost always, or we can find the font or something similar. We carry the most popular wedding fonts in our collection. If you prefer us to purchase a font, we will let you know the price and add it to your invoice.

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

A: Yes, once you place your order we will be happy to help you with your etiquette questions. If I don't know the answer, then we'll find it out for you!

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

A: Yes, we can start with your initial list, then you can email us the additions as needed, no extra charge.

Q: Can you print on Crane escort card envelopes?

A: Yes, we can print on those and most paper that is at least 3.5 inches wide.

Q: What types of printers do you use?

A: We use a number of commercial printing technologies, except for wax. The paper type determines which technology we will use.

Q: Do you keep my address list private?

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

Hand Engraving

Q: Do you offer any items for purchase that can be engraved?

A: No, not at the present time. We hand engrave glass, crytsal, and metal gift items that customers bring or ship to us.

Q: Can you engrave an item while I wait?

A: No, I usually prefer 3-5 days to complete most orders. However, if it's an emergency, I can probably arrange a time to engrave your item while you run errands or are out at lunch. A rush fee will apply for same day service.

Q: What is your minimum engraving charge?

A: Our minimun order is $25 (plus tax for Texas residents).

Q: How long does it take to complete an engraving order?

A: Please allow 3-5 days for most orders. For large quantities (50 items or more), I will be happy to provide a time estimate depending on what items they are and how much text needs to be engraved.

Q: Do you engrave antiques?

A: No, I don't engrave any items that can't easily be replaced by the due date of the order. I also reserve the right to not accept orders for expensive items, since I guarantee all my work and will replace an item if I happen to misspell something, which RARELY happens.

Sandcarving

Q: How long does it take to complete a sandcarving order?

A: Please allow 3-5 days for most orders. For large quantities (50 items or more), we will be happy to provide a time estimate depending on what items they are and how much text needs to be engraved.

Q: How do I know if I should request sandcarving or hand engraving?

A: We can provide you a quote for both methods and let you decide. Please see our article on hand engraving vs. sandcarving for further information.

Q: Can I ship wine bottles to you to be engraved?

A: If you are not in Texas, you will need to check with your local alcoholic beverages commission to see if you can do this. Most states can mail wine to Texas, but some states don't allow other states to mail wine to them.

Q: If I'm out of state but Texas can ship wine to my state, can I order wine from a Houston liquor store for you to pick up to avoid shipping charges?

A: We can arrange to pick up your order if the quantity is large enough, at least one case or more. If you can arrange for the store to drop off your items to us, that would be preferable. We can provide you with the names of liquor stores in our area if you are interested.

General Information

Q: Do you have a storefront?

A: No, we work out of a home studio. All meetings are by appointment. At this time we don't carry any products, but we may offer an online store in 2009.

Q: What's the best method for placing an order?

A: We offer online request for quote forms that you can use, or you can simply email us using one of the emails on our contact page. We will send you a response by email within 2 business days. Or you may call us between 10am -5pm Monday - Friday at (281) 558-7856 or toll free (866) 476-6788.

Q: What is your minimum order?

A: For most jobs it's $25, plus applicable sales tax. You can check our price lists for further details.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and PayPal. We prefer deposits to be made by check. We do charge sales tax to Texas residents.

Q: Do you offer discounts to wedding planners?

A: At this time, we do not offer discounts for our services.

Q: Can you send me samples of your hand calligraphy?

A: I usually rely on my web site, appointments at my studio, and my display at Two Be Wed to show clients my work. If, however, you would prefer to have a few samples mailed to you I can do so for my minimum charge of $25 plus shipping (and plus tax if you are in Texas) for up to 5 samples. This fee will apply toward your job should you decide to hire me.

I regret that I can't send samples of my invitations. Since I usually only get one copy from my clients to put in my portfolio, I have no other copies to provide.

Q: Do you sign contracts with your clients?

A: We don't usually sign formal contracts, preferring instead to rely on email correspondence and our invoices which show the details of each job. Whenever a client submits a deposit, we always email them a copy of the invoice showing the deposit for their records.

If you prefer to use a formal contract with us, we will be happy to work with you to create a letter agreement that will give you the comfort level you need.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: If you have ordered hand calligraphy services that require a deposit, the deposit will act as your cancellation fee. We generally do not require deposits on computer calligraphy orders, so if you need to cancel then please let us know as a courtesy.

Q: What do I do if I find errors in my order?

A: Email or fax us the changes that need to be made, and we'll redo them right away. Any errors that are our fault are redone at no additional charge. Errors that are your fault will be charged the same rate as the previous items. We usually keep about 5 extra blank envelopes or cards when we deliver your order in the event any errors are discovered.

Q: How do you mail items to long distance clients?

A: We prefer mailing via UPS, and we'll email you the tracking number once the order is shipped. If you have either UPS or FedEx account numbers, we'll be happy to use those in lieu of adding shipping charges to your final balance.

NOTE: For long distance clients, we request that you plan the due date for your items to be delivered to be at least 7-10 business days prior to the date you need them, and check your order the same day you receive it. In the event you find any errors (yours or ours), this will allow us to mail you additional items without incurring excessive shipping charges. For errors that are our fault, we will pay up to the amount that USPS Priority Mail would cost to ship it to you. If you need the items sooner, then you will have to pay the difference between what it would cost via USPS Priority Mail and the shipping method you request.

Q: What if I need extra items addressed after I receive my order?

A: This usually happens more than not! Since we keep 5 or so additional blank items from your order, you can email us the additions and we can do those for you at the same rate we charged your previous order. However, we do ask that you try to collect these additions and send them to us all at once, if possible.

If you anticipate needing additional items done after you receive your order, you are welcome to leave the remaining blank items with us until your additional items are complete.

Q: Do you return any items that are not addressed?

A: Yes, we will return all items to you, save the few blank ones we keep for emergencies. For long distance clients, you will need to pay the cost of shipping. If you prefer us not to keep any extras, please let us know.

Q: Do you teach hand calligraphy classes or private lessons?

A: No, not at the present time. I work about 50+ hours a week with my hand calligraphy and engraving schedule, so there's not much time to offer classes. However, I will be offering a correspondence course soon to help people improve their penmanship skills.

Q: Is rush service available?

A: Yes, when our schedule allows, we will work with you to provide rush services if needed. Extra fees will apply.

Q: Do you offer stuffing, stamping, and mailing services?

A: We rarely get requests for this so it's not a regular part of our services. However, if you need this done we would be happy to discuss it.