We've Moved!

After months of coding, creating and decision making the new site has launched and RiceInk has moved. I can hardly wait for you to see our new look!

Please take a moment to update your readers to www.momentaldesigns.com/rice-ink so we can continue to connect!

Be sure to head over to check out the new Momental Designs!

A Peek into the Studio - Flowers, Flowers and more flowers

The Momental Girls are busy, busy. Just a few of our favorites so far this week: Linda creating nearly 500 sculpted blooms - she's still working! Hannah's stunning table numbers - love that fuchsia satin! Lacey's hand-painted orange daisy wedding invitations - what a pop on that kraft cardstock...and finally Allison's white painted peonies.

So what's happening here beyond the projects?

Cannot wait to land here on Friday and still not sure how to pack 245 of these?

We are so thrilled to have our Shimmering Sands Invitation Collection featured here.

I'm in love with Jessica and Levi's wedding on Vintage Glam - look at that dress!

The Momental Girls and Daniel Lanton

Last Friday The Momental Girls broke out of the studio and spent the day with the crazy talented Daniel Lanton of Darker Shades of Brown Photography. Daniel has a great eye for color and contrast and this is exactly what drew me to his work. Daniel blogs his super moody, artistic work nearly every day - so be sure to take a look. Just like myself, he works with more clients outside of his hometown and loves meeting new people. We loved meeting this super guy and really connected with his zany personality and laid back style. He is a true artist and seems to capture the spirit of everyone in front of his lens.

So when I first spoke to Daniel, I said words like colorful, artistic, spirited...I think this shot captures my words precisely. From left, Steph, Joy, Linda, Kelley, Kristy (me) and Jessica.

For most of the day we had the permission of Edward's Landscaping in Forty Fort, PA to roam their grounds and essentially do as we please. There were stunning rose hedges in bloom...

So what are we doing here - Me with my handy watercolor palette and a bit of attitude, serious and silly b&w shots from Kelley and Steph, Mom in a serene pose amongst the roses and greens and Jess striking a pose with her latest invitation creation.


Harry the hairless, our trusted studio mascot.

I love this shot of Steph !

I wanted fun, not so traditional head shots that communicated just how much fun we have at the studio - thanks Daniel for making it happen!!!!

Last but not least, a HUGE thanks to Angie and her team at Sapphire Salon in Pittston, PA. The hair and makeup was a hit - we looked fab because of you!

Well Said - Invitation Wording Anatomy Series - Who's paying?

It may seem like an abrupt question but really the first one you need to ask when creating your invitation wording. If you are planning a sizable affair your wedding day is about more than simply the groom and yourself. Most likely there will be a number of parties contributing financially and emotionally. The wedding invitation can honor and respect those who are along for the ride and the last thing you want to do is ignore that fact.

Both parents paying.

One set of parents paying.

A simple way to honor all parties involved without being specific.

This option only works if no other party is contributing to the wedding. Be careful!

Giveaway on OneWed.com

A big thank you to the ladies at OneWed for the lovely words about Momental. I was thrilled to offer a Momental giveaway for their readers this week. The contest ends June 12th and all you need to do is leave a comment on the OneWed blog! So hurry up, comment and subscribe to this resourceful blog now!

Oh and by the way, if you are looking for local vendors be sure to stop by their main site for a wealth of information including reviews!

Well Said - Invitation Wording Anatomy Series - Introduction

Nearly every day I receive inquiries regarding invitation wording. Now we all know that a simple google search under "invitation wording etiquette" will produce a bevy of options to craft your invitation prose. I have found however the standard invitation wording lists do not pay much attention to invitation wording style, tone and personal expression. Invitation wording does not need to be a cookie cutter experience where you find the best recipe and simply plug in your information. Your wedding invitation wording can reflect specific style, personality and even tell a story of who you are as a couple.

The first diagram above illustrates a standard wording scenario. The second diagram gives a suggestion of how confusing the wording process can be. Who is inviting, how do we list his parents, is it " to" or "and" , where can I use a quotation etc, etc...?

My goal in the next few weeks is to clarify, explain and breathe a little life into the wording process. I plan to give you the tools to create wording that is unique fresh and innovative. I will address many scenarios such as parents inviting, couple inviting, formal, informal and most in between.

If you have any specific requests, please share!

Inspirations - A Baroque inspired collaboration

Working feverishly to overnight a few carefully crafted menus and table names to arrive in CA just in time for a Wednesday photo shoot. The design direction included words like, ornate, detailed, Versailles, Baroque along with a palette of whites and gold.

The menus are highly painted with freehand swirls, curls and white highlights. I used a lovely combination of matte linen cardstock plus shimmering champagne and white.

A Peek into the Studio - Vintage Lotus, Plumeria and Blogging Bootcamp.

Jess and Gino's jewel tone lotus wedding stationery collection was everyone's favorite this week. Panos chose an abstract peacock feather artwork interpretation while Julie opted for a more realistic rendering of vibrant plumeria. I am just gushing over Lisa's River Tree Wedding Invitation - really - cannot stop commenting on it.

I had the pleasure of meeting a gr of great ladies at Blogging Bootcamp on Wednesday, hosted by Liene Stevens of The Smart Planner and Blue Orchid Designs @capriesevents @MewPaperArts @abcddesigns @tammygolson @asyouwishwed @EliteAffairs @attn2perf

What inspired me this week?

Donna has a way - the emotion captured in this father daughter dance photo is gripping.

Tonal texture galore via Southern Weddings.

Priceless insight to Inspire entreprenuers.

Happy weekend all!

Inspired Ink - New look, new photos part II

Layers of watercolor paper proved to be the perfect backdrop.

Black, yellow and white - yum! Pretty papers fresh from our travels to the National Stationery Show.

Shane sent these to me late last night - I am just thrilled. I really love how he captured the hand-painted details on Shea's unique wedding announcement.

An Artful Life - New look, new photos!

The day I have been waiting for, losing sleep over and after hours prepping for is finally complete! Shane East lugged his gear to the studio and set up a traveling photo studio to capture nearly 1500 shots just in the first day(more to come on Thursday). The studio was a mess of paper, paint and flower pieces being tossed/placed here and there to create the perfect environment for our invites. To experience these collections come to life on camera was quite exhilarating. I can hardly wait for the new website launch in only 3 weeks!

Each collection was "organized" onto a board for easy access during the shoot.

Jessica' s posing for an artwork shot. Her hands are so much prettier than mine!

Fresh flowers are always a part of my photos - this lovely Iris was in it's prime today.
Raffit Ribbons vintage spools proved to be the perfect detail in several shots.

Check in later this week for a sneak peek at my newest collections! Tomorrow Kelley, Jan and I are off to Blogging Bootcamp with the amazing Liene Stevens - NYC here we come...again!

Momental in the City!

Jessica and I spent a whirlwind day in NYC on Monday at The National Stationery Show. The show albeit smaller than other years was a challenge to cover in one day but we did it and managed to leave feeling invigorated and brimming with ideas!
We spent nearly an hour rummaging through the trims and ribbons at the Raffit Ribbon booth. I can hardly wait to receive my first order tomorrow!

The Dutch Door Press booth drew me right in. I was so taken with the simple imagery and bold colors.

Perhaps my favorite find was the Mother/Daughter team from Doodlespark. Hand-drawn pattern is their story and elegantly bold color is their palette.

Joy

Celebrate

Magic

Every glance at these patterns reveals something new. I am obsessed with the negative space in "Magic" - so mysterious, textural...Take a moment and visit their site, comment on their blog and share their amazing talents!

A Peek into the Studio - Breezy design, great reads and a bit of travel!

This week we had a blast creating our newest designs. Danielle and Jesse's Rehobath Beach inspired design features a simple illustration of the dunes hand-painted with touches of gold and sage. Sarah's pathway tree includes tiny butterfly's - perfect for her ceremony at Butterfly Gap Retreat in Tennesee. We just love Kim's raffi tied gatefold which opens to reveal her very own birdhouse tree! I included a quick sneak peek at my new website scheduled to launch next month!

And lastly Jessica and I are heading to the National Stationery Show on Monday - looking forward to sharing!

The hubby sent me perfect pink roses for our anniversary last week... I've thoroughly enjoyed their lovliness on my desk all week!

Gabriella's oversized lacy stamp invite was everyone's favorite this week. We placed over 1200 rhinestones!

Check out my favorite reads from the last few days:

Amazing post on hunitng down vintage stamps for your invites - the ladies at 100 layer Cake were nice enough to mention our contribution!

Globetrotting Bride blog wins the award for Best Honeymoon Blog - yay!

Wow - Jennie and Pedro's wedding on Los Angeles Style unvelied. The ring shot is perfect!