It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Eclectic decorated Christmas tree, Fort Eustis, VA Christmas is literally tomorrow!

It's a big deal at our house;  not only is it the birthday of Christ, but this is the time of year many a DIY project ensues and baked goods start their way out of the kitchen and into packages to send to loved ones.  I am one that loves to decorate, and each theme is different from the next.  I am not someone who decorates a Christmas tree the same every time, oh no..I have to have something that speaks to me and defines what the year has meant to me.  Last Christmas my tree was decked out in black and white pictures of family and loved ones here and gone.  Belt garlands and many a white light created a sensational memory piece for our living room. Every Christmas we give our kids an ornament specifically picked out just for them.  They take those ornaments and decorate their own personal trees.  The big tree is normally the themed tree, whatever I have been inspired to do is created into an art piece by the time I am done.  This Christmas I reversed it!  We put all our family ornaments on the big tree, using a thick burlap ribbon to bind it all together and themed the kids trees in each room.  I have to say I LOVE it!  The DIY project on our big tree was the creation of the Star.  I hate to see a inadequate star on such a glorious tree.  I love the star, but as of yet been unable to find one that speaks to my style and balances out the tree.  Solution: a paper star lantern with tiny white lights already to go;light weight, easily seen, a little spray paint and voila a tin star with pizazz!

England ornaments for Tree, Fort Eustis, VA

My daughter Olivia loves England, and I have to admit I am a little crazy about England myself!  For her birthday we created a little haven of England in her room, but what better to go in that room than a England themed tree.  Armed with paper, clothespins, ribbons and fur my daughter Erian and I created a tree that will definitely make England proud. This tree is the first tree ever to have boots as a tree skirt, 3D red phone booths. Its awesome and has definitely put me into the Christmas spirit!

snowman tree

My son wanted to go with a Snowman theme for some of the extra ornaments he had left over.  Armed with a scarf, and twig arms and a homemade tree topper, it's the cutest thing ever.  Being a teen he would never tell you that, but I love it!

Christmas Tree Themed around Travel, Fort Eustis, VA

Last but certainly not least my oldest daughter would love to travel.  She loves all things Korean, Indian, and Italian. She also hopes to journey around the world.  Since we are on a budget during the holidays..what is a girl to do about creating that little moment?  Stickers, paper and  burlap tags and quotes are what make this tree so much fun!  Erian the creator of all things wonderful during this Christmas shared her talents with everyone's trees making little things here and there, and I am indebted to her for the wonderful feeling they give each room!  Here a few pix to give you an idea of how much fun we had!  Tune into tomorrow and we will wrap up our Christmas Crafts part 2!!!

Trees decorated with eclectic ornaments, Fort Eustis VA

 

 

Leaving a Paper Trail...

A big "hello" and "how do you do to you today?".  It's windy and cold outside, but its full of warmth and great tips inside.  As we countdown to #ProjectBurberry ,our guest blogger for today, Tricia Duncan from Labyrinth Productions (http://www.labyrinthproductionsva.com) is here to share with you her experience know how when it comes to "custom paperie" for your special day.  I hope you enjoy and remember an event is all about the details.

      If you really want your wedding to pop, and want to do it stress free, considering finding a graphic designer to work with for your wedding. I have the advantage of being a graphic designer long, long before I became a photographer. There is nothing I love more then creating custom items for my Brides and Grooms.

Invitations can be printed on normal gloss card stock or if you want a softer touch linen papers. I offer a custom line of very thick linen stock that really makes invitations blow away the people receiving them. Your designer can customize these further with things like custom designed seals and envelope inserts.

I love taking it a step farther and creating beautiful custom seating charts, guest book albums to sign and even amazing wedding banners which you will see in the upcoming shoot. Don’t forget the small things. Sure you can buy pre made table markers, menu cards and food labels at places that carry stationary, but why not match it to your wedding?

One of my favorite things to design are custom wine labels or wine tags. Even a converting your favorite beer into a one just for you day is easy with a custom designed label.

The possibilities are endless and I am excited to be able to work with Jessica on this project even though I was booked to shoot a wedding the day of the upcoming shoot. I hope you are all as excited as I am. - Tricia Duncan