There are some really cute place cards out there, but as I bounced around looking at different options and sites, I fell in love with Belle Jardine Seating Charts.
Their designs are beautiful and best of all-handmade! As I've mentioned in the past, I'm not artistically inclined. Ok, let's be real-I can do an ok copy of something, but put a paintbrush or the like in my hand and I'll pretty much go-um,now what?! That's why I am so impressed when someone makes something beautiful with the wonderful gift of talent. And that is what Theresa Willyard has.
Just look!!
I'm always interested in why people do what they do. Here's what Theresa had to say about Belle Jardine-
"A couple years ago, my sister, Barb, was getting married and asked me to make a seating chart for her wedding. I think my reply was "Of course I will. What's a seating chart?" She explained that a seating chart is used instead of place cards, so I went online to find examples. I then came up with my own version that had white cala lillies and a blue background, which matched my sisters colors and flowers. The guests' names and table numbers were placed over the background. When it was finished, not only did Barb love it. but the vendors at the hall were very complimentary. My sister told me I should consider opening a business making custom seating scrolls, which I did. Thanks, Barb!"
I love the colors and wondered what kind of paint she used.
At this time, all of the backgrounds are painted with watercolor paint. I like to explore new ideas, though, and would not hesitate to use something different if it created a desirable effect that could not be achieved using watercolor paint.
But, she's also added a new element-Sparkles!!
It's common knowledge that I have some of the worst handwriting, I think second only to my daughter. Though Terri uses established fonts, I am definitely impressed by the fact that they are drawn and hand-painted.
I thought it must be quite a challenge to come up with these designs, but she had this to say-
"If a bride wants something different than one of the painted examples shown on my website, we would discuss what she wanted and I would create something new for her. Actually, each of the charts/scrolls shown in the gallery were at one time created for a specific bride. If she wants something extremely different than what I offer, I would certainly entertain the idea to see if I would be able to come up with something that would make her happy... The brides are so different in their choice of design, color, fonts,etc., that every one is both fun and challenging to create."
One of the challenges she does face is a rush order, but even that doesn't stop her from making a bride happy!
"I will say that very recently I received a call requesting a seating scroll for a wedding that was only a week away. Normally I require at least a month or more. The bride was so sweet and, fortunately, I was able to clear the way enough to put it together for her."
Can you believe she did this in a week!?!
I noticed that the scrolls were displayed on a special easel and wondered where a person gets something like that, or what could be used instead.
"I do supply the easels and garland for those in the Metro Detroit area. For those outside of the area and in other states, I find the hall usually has a floor easel they will allow you to use. Another option which is quite inexpensive is a table top easel."
And she is so versatile! Not only does she do scrolls for other types of events...
What kid wouldn't love something like this at their birthday? What a fun way to compliment a theme!
...and this makes a very special momento from a momentous occasion.
...she also does other artwork as well.
though she has "been concentrating mainly on seating scrolls these days."
And there is definitely a lot that goes into making one of these scrolls. Theresa gives a nice overview of the process.
"The process is fairly simple and the correspondence is done almost exclusively by email. Normally a future bride (or groom) will visit my website and fill out the "Quick Quote" page in which she answers several pertinent questions. At that time I will email back a price quote. If she decides to use my services, she lets me know if she liked a particular scroll shown on the Gallery page or whether she would like me to create something different. She gives me a variety of information, including her colors, what font she would like, whether she has a theme, etc. From this information, I design and paint the background, then email a photo of the finished background to the client."
To read and see how this scroll was made, look here!
I thought, "WOW, with all that, there must be some important timeframes to keep in mind."
"As far as time restrictions, I love to have as much time as possible. Since the scrolls are each hand made, I can only do two or three each week. If the order is placed early, I can reserve the date for that particular client. The other date that is important is two weeks before the wedding when the guest list is due. This is very important because occasionally there is an error with the printing and I want to make sure there is time to have it reprinted if necessary. In addition, about half of my scrolls are shipped out of state, so there is delivery time to consider."
What do you like most about working with brides and grooms?
"The thing I love most is working with the clients and giving them a seating scroll that truly makes them happy. This is such an exciting time in their lives and I am honored whenever they choose me to be a part of such a special day."
"I would like to thank all the clients who have allowed me to do the work that I love. And also, a very special thanks to you, Melinda, for asking me to be a part of your blog."
And I would like to thank Theresa for sharing her craft. For myself I hope to be able to offer her services to my clients as a special way to display their poem. But for the time being I will leave you all with this...
Here's one last piece of artwork by Theresa Willyard, titled "Misty Mountain"
and a poem I wrote years ago....
Mist in the Mountain
Mist in the mountain
A church on the hill
Peace descending
All is still.
Green all around me
Silence abounds
Except for my step
On solid ground.
Mist in the mountain
Brings rain on the wind
Washing me clean
And cooling my skin
Grandeur and harmony
Lay out ‘cross the land
Beauty to savor
Untouched by Man
Mist in the mountain
Nature’s amazing grace-
Is it mist from the mountain
Or tears on my face?
M. Lancaster
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