Tag Archives: calligraphy

For Your Valentine

Posted in Cards, Gifts, Holiday by

Valentine’s day is right around the corner. I’m a huge fan of flowers and dark chocolate, but one thing I look forward to each year is getting a sweet card from Mr. Husband.

Show your love this holiday with a pretty card for your sweetheart or BFF.  There are so many fresh and lovely designs to be found, and I promise they’ll make your loved one smile. Here are a few of my favorites…

Valentines day cards handpicked by one charming life

1) Sparks by Blue Eye Brown Eye, $8

2) Peace, Love & Cupcakes by Parrott Design Studio, $4.50

3) Je t’aime by Rifle Paper Co., $4.50

4) Zealous Arrows by Lindsay Letters, $5

5) Hearts & Hearts by Inclosed, $3

I adore Rifle Paper Co.’s hand-painted flowers and hot pink lettering. What’s your Valentine’s day tradition? Do you send or exchange cards?

XO, Mariel

Chic Paleo Brunch with The PBQ

Posted in DIY, Entertaining, Home by

Happy New Year! 2013 is officially here. And what better way to kick it off than with a fabulous {and good for you} brunch. The Primal Beauty Queen and I have partnered up again to bring you tips on planning a Paleo New Year’s Brunch. Dee has created some scrumptious Primal recipes {Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Omelette Cups, Pear & Walnut Salad, and a few drinks too, YUM} and I’ve created a quick and easy idea for place cards.

brunch table setting from one charming life

DIY Succulent Place Cards from One Charming Life

Here’s what you’ll need: 

1 mini succulent per guest  //  small vase or votive per guest  //  tags  //  pen

Here’s what to do:

Simply place each succulent in a small vase {I used mercury glass votives}. Write each guest’s name on a tag, and tie it around the plant {I used white calligraphy on kraft paper tags, but you can really use anything!}. Place one at each setting, and your guests have a new plant to take home with them and care for as they start off the new year.


 DIY mini succulent place cards with calligraphy

teal and neutral brunch place setting

Call up your friends & family and enjoy the first few days of 2013 together. And don’t forget to visit Dee’s blog for the yummy recipes. ;)

May your new year be blessed with love, laughter & new adventures!

XO, Mariel

P.S. If you’re looking for a dinner party, check out this post. :)

Custom Monogrammed Stationery

Posted in Cards, Design, Gifts by

Last month, one of my fabulously creative friends asked me to create stationery for her mom and two sisters. It wasn’t something I’d done before, but I was so inspired by her ideas and couldn’t wait to get started.

Kathryn (a classy Southern girl) asked for monograms in calligraphy. So perfect. I did some research and we decided on colorful monogrammed note cards and notepads. But after we got started, she came up with a brilliant addition: custom rubber stamps so their charming little monograms can be pressed wherever they wish. Adorable!

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Notepad from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stationery Set from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stamp from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Notecard Gift from One Charming Life

I adore how they turned out. I can’t wait to make and gift a few of my own… and perhaps make one for myself as well! :)

XO, Mariel

Winter Wonderland Envelopes

Posted in Baby Shower, Envelopes, Lettering by

I loved doing something different for these baby shower invites. The whimsical lettering is so playful and unique. And the envelopes looked lovely paired with the vintage-inspired invites inside… perfect for a casual winter get-together celebrating the mother-to-be.

grey envelope with white lettering calligraphy from one charming life

baby boy shower invitation - light blue and grey

grey envelope return address with white lettering calligraphy - One Charming Life

Special thanks & congratulations to the cutest baby boy and his sweet momma. :)

XO, Mariel

Fairy Birthday Party Invites

Posted in Birthday Party, Design, Invitations, Party by

Do you believe in fairies? This glittery invitation is perfect for a little girl’s birthday party. I loved creating these and addressing the pretty pink envelopes with a silver pen. It was the perfect touch!

Custom Pink and Silver Fairy Birthday Party Invitation

Do you believe in Fairies? Party Invite with Calligraphy from One Charming Life

hand lettering calligraphy by one charming life

cute pink invitation for a girl's birthday party- fairy theme

And who doesn’t love the color pink? :) Happy Friday!

XO, Mariel

Kathryn and Robert’s Save the Dates

Posted in Envelopes, Lettering, Wedding by

Today I’m sharing a project that’s very special to me. Last fall, a dear friend asked me to help with some of the lettering and paper goods for her wedding. That friend, Kathryn, chose to kick-off the festivities with these lovely envelopes for her Save the Dates. With a clean design and purple accents, they served as the perfect introduction to the couple’s fresh yet classic wedding style.

purple lettering on wedding save the date envelope - one charming life

vintage purple stamps. wedding save the date. affordable calligraphy.,

purple. pumpkin. fall. tablescape. one charming life.

kathryn and robert's save the date envelopes. one charming life.

To this day, I’m so grateful that Kathryn and her sweet mother had enough faith to entrust me with so many pieces for their beautiful wedding. They encouraged me to pursue my passion for lettering and design, and I am so excited about where I’m headed today!

The support I receive from family and friends means the world to me. Thank you all for your encouragement and for following along with my adventures through this blog!

XO, Mariel

P.S. Kathryn and Robert’s wedding was gorgeous. This is just the beginning… be on the lookout for more pictures soon!

It’s a Wonderful Life

Posted in Design, Lettering, Wedding by

I love when my friends come up with a creative idea and ask me to be a part of it. That’s why I was thrilled when Anna approached me about making a special wedding gift for her cousin.

Anna was inspired by the couple’s wedding song, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and wanted to incorporate the lyrics in her gift. We discussed a few ideas and I began sketching out the song’s chorus in calligraphy. After some tweaking on the computer, the words were printed on canvas and stretched over a wooden frame.

I love the end result. It’s such a wonderful blessing to have found that special person, and I hope this little piece of art helps the happy couple think back on sweet memories from their wedding day.  XO – Mariel

Calligraphy quote on canvas via One Charming Life

"Wonderful Life" - calligraphy print via One Charming Life