TMI: Too Much Ink
Something New is Here
If you've followed Truly Madly Ink for a while, you know I've always believed that calligraphy is about more than beautiful letters. It's about the feeling a handwritten word can leave behind long after the ink dries.
That's exactly why I started something new.
TMI: Too Much Ink is my newsletter. It's a place to slow down, look closer, and find the beauty in the details, whether that's the paper stock on a wedding suite, a table set just right, or the small moments that make an event feel like a memory before it's even over.
It's part behind the scenes, part creative musing, part love letter to the world of ink and intention.
Before the first issue drops, I'd love to see you in person. I'm hosting a calligraphy workshop on May 30th, in Pasadena, CA, a hands-on afternoon for anyone who's ever wanted to slow down and put pen to paper. No experience needed, just curiosity.
And if you can't make it, the newsletter is the next best thing. The first issue is already waiting for you. And it's free.
On-Site Engraving Tools for a Successful Setup
Engraving is a unique and timeless art form that can add a personal touch to any object. When it comes to on-site engraving, having the right supplies can make all the difference in the quality of your work and process. Whether you’re engraving on glass, metal, or personal items, the right tools will ensure you’re prepared and ready to tackle the job that comes your way.
In this blog, you will find a list of essential supplies that every on-site engraver should bring to an event:
A professional handheld microdrill engraver
Mystisa 2 (preferred one)
YokeFellow (backup)
Diamond Burrs in different sizes
Rub n Buff
Stabilo Pencil
Ruler
Pencil Sharpener
Cleaning Supplies
Wet Wipes
Lighting( In case lighting is insufficient)
Wrist Cushion (for resting your item/wrist)
Paint Markers
Business Cards or Postcards
For distributing to potential clients or networking
Happy engraving!
As Seen on Style Me Pretty
Check out this stunning Italian inspired summer wedding with bright bursts of color planned and designed by Harutyunyan Events.
All 16 menus (plus the bar menu) were written in calligraphy on handmade deckled edge paper with a rich, chocolate brown ink, matching the napkin color.
View the beautiful details in the full gallery as featured in Style Me Pretty.
A Heartfelt Thanks
Thank you!
A heartfelt thanks for your trust, support, and allowing me to share tidbits of my creative adventures.
Wishing everyone an abundance of health and prosperity and more cherished memories in 2022. May all your dreams take flight in the new year.
Cheers,
Angela
The Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Invitations
It’s Engagement Season!
As reported in the Knot, 37% of couples get engaged from November through February! Once the excitement of the proposal is shared on social media, the real wedding planning begins.
Your wedding invitations are one of the most important elements of your day because it sets the tone of the wedding for your guests. It's the first glimpse guests get into the vision of your big day. A traditional invitation with letterpress and calligraphy will give guests a hint to the formal nature of the event, and an invite with bold, playful colors would fit a much more casual style. While nothing in the wedding planning process is a one size fits all model, there are some traditions best kept formal for etiquette purposes.
Here are some answers to your most pressing wedding-invite dos and don’ts.
DO:
Send your invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding. That gives guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements if they don't live in town. If it's a destination wedding, give guests more time and send them out three months ahead of the wedding.
Make your RSVP date two to three weeks before your wedding date to allow enough time for you to get a final head count to all your vendors and to finalize your seating chart.
Include dress code details on the invitations. "Black tie," "cocktail attire" or "casual attire" are all acceptable wordings.
Use appropriate titles and spell names correctly of all the wedding party on the invitations or when addressing the envelopes.
Include postage if you're requesting mail-in RSVPs.
Send thank-you notes within two weeks of your wedding to express your true appreciation.
DON’T:
Include wedding registry info on the wedding invitations because it can give the impression you're asking for gifts. You can include your registry information on your wedding website or on a separate details card.
Skip proofreading. Take the time to give your invitations a thorough read through to make sure all of the information is correct. Better yet, have someone else proofread for you too.
Use address labels. Handwrite each address or hire a professional calligrapher (HELLO, I’m here to help!).
Forget to save an invite for yourself - the most memorable keepsake.
10 Holiday Gifts Under $100
10 Holiday Gifts under $100
Let’s face it, there are exactly 8 Tuesdays until Christmas Day. To ease the stress of holiday gifts for the most important people in your life, these great gifts under $100 have you covered.
Be an early bird shopper this holiday season and spread some cheer with our unique curated items well under $100 to ensure they will arrive on time. Most importantly, ‘tis the season to shop local and support small businesses.
These gifts will arrive at your front door faster than Santa and his sleigh. Happy shopping!
Cheers,
Angela
10 Holiday Gifts under $100
1. Marie Antoinette inspired spring/summer, “Let them eat cake” dessert plates
2. Hayr Mer (The Lord’s Prayer) art print
3. Marie Antoinette inspired fall/winter, “Let them eat cake” dessert plates
4. Armenian alphabet tea set
5. Pomegranate mug
6. Armenian alphabet espresso set
7. All-occasion boxed greeting cards
9. Engraved Crystal Decoration
10. Personalized Christmas Ornament
How to Elevate Your Next Event with Calligraphy or Engraving
On-Site Calligraphy and Engraving
One of my favorite things to do as a calligrapher is to be on-site for any calligraphy or engraving event. During these live activations, I come to your site to create custom art on your canvas of choice, such as paper, glass, leather, or metal. Using pen and custom-colored inks or a cordless drill for engraving, the sky’s the limit for personalized gifting possibilities.
On-site calligraphy activations can be utilized during the busy holiday season, for store openings, product launches, corporate events, VIP gifting experiences, and even weddings! Customized gifts during the on-site calligraphy is a great opportunity for your guests to take away something memorable from your event.
Live activations are fast-paced, where people love watching the the art of calligraphy come to life while I’m writing or engraving. The interaction between me and the ‘audience’ is highly engaging and creates a fun buzz and anticipation. This is also a great way to make your guests feel valued and appreciated as they part away from the event with a personalized memento.
I truly enjoy collaborating with brands and creative agencies to create unique brand activations, and hope to connect with you soon.
Cheers,
Angela
Five Calligraphy and Lettering Tools for Beginners
What are the best calligraphy and lettering tools for beginners?
That’s one of the most common questions I’m asked from people who are interested in learning modern calligraphy. While the most expensive tools won’t help you master calligraphy overnight, it can ease the learning process by tenfold. With all the variety and options on the market, sorting through the basics you need to get started to learn calligraphy and lettering can be overwhelming. Here are my favorite, most trusted go-to tools for writing on different surfaces.
In this blog you will find calligraphy and lettering tools to have fun and get creative.
1. Nibs
A great starter nib, which I use for all my calligraphy workshops, is the Nikko G. This is a strong, long-lasting nib that does not break easily. It holds a good amount of ink so you don’t have to re-dip as often. Because it is sturdy, it will be easier for you to figure out the right amount of pressure you need to produce the thick and thin strokes for your letters. However, my absolute favorite and go-to nib is the tiny superhero, Brause EF66. It’s very flexible, which means that the tines spread apart more easily producing beautiful downstrokes (thick) and superfine up strokes (thin). A good rule of thumb is that once you have a good grip of the pen holder, buy a variety of different nibs and test out which suits your style best.
Calligraphy Nibs
2. Sharpie Oil Based Markers
I’m often asked what tool I use to write on mirrors/windows/glass/wood. Whether it’s a 6 foot mirror or a small wood signage, the Sharpie Oil Based Paint Pens are fantastic for decorating and adding accents to a variety of items. They are opaque, fast-drying, and mess-free.
Calligraphy on Acrylic
Calligraphy on Wood
Calligraphy on mirror with Sharpie Paint Marker
3. Micron Pens
I’m a huge fan of the Pigma Micron Pens which come in a variety of sizes and colors (black, naturally, is my favorite color). Micron pens work great for any handwritten project that requires precision and detail. When trying to determine a layout and lettering style before using ink or paint, I start with a quick draft using one of the micron pens. It is bleed-proof and smear-proof. You can get the different sizes here.
4. Pentel Aquash Water Brushes
This is a great, portable water brush that comes in fine, medium, and broad tip. You can blend colors, fill it in the barrel with water, and use it to create watercolor washes or lettering projects. The easy to use barrel allows you to control the flow of water and has a good grip. You can get it here.
5. White Mechanical Pencils
This white mechanical pencil (soapstone pencil) is widely used for marking fabric. However, as a calligrapher, this has become a common staple in my tool box. It’s ideal for drawing lines on dark paper or to mock up a chalkboard. Its fine point makes it easy to draw and erase lines without leaving residue or marks. Once you have one, you’ll always need one. Find them here.
Note to Self
5 Gentle Reminders for Self Care
No matter how busy our days might seem, self care is vital to every aspect of our lives. Here are five gentle reminders to pause, take deep breaths, and embrace positive energy into your daily life.
Love yourself first!
Cheers,
Angela
Choose Joy
Call it Kismet…
After a 15K step walk at one of my favorite gardens in LA, I thought I would use the restroom (I know.. this is so TMI) before I hit the road back home. As I was about to open the stall door, I noticed a $5 dollar bill in the crevice of one of the hinges. The first thought that came to me was that someone had accidentally left their money there, but then, my curiosity kicked in. I reached for it and slowly opened the rolled up bill to find a post it that read, “Choose joy.”
This simple act of kindness not only made me feel all warm and tingly inside, but it made me realize that you don’t have to move mountains to make a difference. Kindness requires no effort. It has no bounds. We can always choose to be kind and spark joy to lift someone’s spirits.
Oh, and if you’re wondering what I did with the money, I paid it forward with my new note that read, “Choose love.”
Cheers,
Angela
Choose Joy
Top Ten Books to Boost Your Creativity and Productivity
September is the new January!
Ever heard of the “fresh start effect?” It’s in September! As summer winds down, and fall beings to peek in, take advantage to reset your creativity and trigger fresh ideas.
So, grab one of the books from the list, find your favorite nook, pour yourself a glass of wine, light a candle, and snuggle up to it. Better yet, go out and read in nature. Not only will it boost your energy and mood, but it will give you an opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself to an imaginative escape.
Here are 10 books to ignite your creative juices and help you feel productive.
Cheers,
Angela
Top Ten Books to Boost Your Creativity and Productivity
How to Write Thank You Notes
Have you ever stared at a blank card looking for the right words to compose a meaningful message? One of the best ways to show gratitude is to write a thank you note. To further impress your recipient, and make your note feel intimate and personal, make sure it’s handwritten.
Here are 10 note starters for when your writer's block kicks in.
Cheers,
Angela
How to Write Thank You Notes
Tuesdays with TMI
Introducing our new weekly blog series - Tuesdays with TMI
In this weekly series, I’ll be sharing short, insightful content that motivates and inspires. I hope it evokes positivity and laughter.
Please feel free to share this post if it speaks to you or may benefit someone you know.
Cheers,
Angela
Unique Enamel Pins
Looking for a unique enamel pin to add character to your backpack, hat, denim jacket, and more? Look no further, we’ve got you covered. Inspired by the art of handwritten letters, wax seals, the Paris Love Locks, and an ode to Ryan Gosling’s “hey girl” meme, we’ve curated one of the most unique selection of enamel pins.
Gifts Under $40 for the Paper Lover
Give the gift of handcrafted art this holiday season for all the stationery enthusiasts in your life! To satisfy their paper-quirkiness, choose from a variety of our build-your-own boxes, single cards, or art prints. Enjoy 20% off on ALL orders with code thanksTMI. Happy Shopping!
Our holiday boxed card set includes 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Each card is paired with a black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Choose 6 messages from our holiday collection.
6 cards. Folded cards, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our live/love/party card set is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Each card is paired with a black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
6 cards, 2 of each. Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our celebrate/thank you/superstar boxed set 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Each card is paired with a black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
6 cards, 2 of each. Folded cards, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our joy to the world card is 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our twinkle all the way card is 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our sleigh it girl card is 100% cotton paper in custom gold calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our if not now, then when print is letterpress printed in rose gold foil on bright white, 100% cotton paper. Fits an 8 x 10 inch frame.
*Frame not included*
Featured on Brides!
Check out this chic Bel-Air wedding featured on Brides.com
Designed and Planned by Rock Paper Details
Photo: Sposto Photography
Purple Love
PURPLE LOVE: Not literally, but as in this bride's love for the color purple. This pertinent, yet only information was all I was given when I began collecting inspiration for our recent bride. While pairing subtle touches of metallics, fresh lavender, letterpress printing, and preserved skeleton leaves, the unique details gave a classy take to this suite.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
Love is in the Details
When I met Stella and her mom at our initial consultation, I immediately realized something: She knew exactly what she liked! Stella had a keen eye for attention to detail, and I was anxious to start on her project.
This invitation suite is a combination of unique watercolor brush strokes and modern calligraphy, printed on 100% cotton paper. Blush tones, soft grey, and rose gold details, brought together a romantic, yet cohesive suite, just like Stella had envisioned it.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
Dads & Grads
Right before June rolls around, dads and grads finally get the spotlight. They have worked hard for their achievements, so let’s congratulate and celebrate them for their dedication, time and commitment.
Shop one of our newly curated sentiments for the special “dads and grads” in your life, and write on the inside to show them your appreciation and how much they mean to you.
Yours truly,
Angela
#LiveTrulyLoveMadly
Our proud to call you dad card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our you did it card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our soaring to new heights card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Our you inspire me card is 100% cotton paper in custom calligraphy. Paired with a white envelope, black and white striped liner, and a custom tmi wax seal.
Folded card, blank inside.
Size: A2 “4.25 x 5.5”
Wedding Calligraphy
Check out our interview on Harsanik's blog for unique ways to incorporate calligraphy into your wedding and why you should hire a calligrapher.
