Surprise!

I love surprises. Love. Them. I think it is the sweetest thing in the world to know that someone you love is walking around all day long thinking, "it is just another day." Little do they know that people are at home, getting ready and heading out just to celebrate them. I had a chance to throw a surprise party for my Sweetie Pie (SP) this past October. He had the good sense to be born on Halloween and if that doesn't scream party...I don't know what does. It started out as a simple idea. I had recently bought a new book of ornaments/drawings from my local bookstore and there I saw it. A design of a fortune teller's palm with the description of the lines and that old time-y feel that only Dover illustrations can convey. Instantly I thought, "there has to be a way I can use this in an invitation." As I was mulling over possible designs and details for the party my friend called me to let me know that she recently acquired a letterpress. It was perfect. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Crane Lettra stock, black ink, letterpress. Handsome, tailored, with a nod toward the old-fashioned. Just like SP.

It is always fun to design invitations for my client's events. I love that I get to be involved in the beginning stages of someone's celebration. Whether it be a birth, a union or a celebration of memories, I think it is quite a privilege bear witness to people's lives. I have to say, however, that planning an event from start to finish is even more fun. Once I completed the sketch of SP's invite it was time to pick the location of the event. It is no secret that our friends are jukebox and band type folks and I wanted to find a venue that expressed that same vibe. Cool, uncomplicated with a touch of rock and roll. While scouting locations that fit my budget a friend told me that Old Soul at 18th and L rents out their space after hours. Could it be true? I have been in love (seriously, IN LOVE) with their almond croissants since the day they opened their doors. I sent one e-mail and there was a quick reply from the event manager and it was set. She totally got me. This is a short version of our meeting:

PP: Could I have a band?
OS: Absolutely.
PP: Could I bring in my own drinks?
OS: You bet.
PP: Could you do the food?
OS: We would love to.
PP: When should I have the rental company drop the tables and chairs off?
OS: Oh, don't worry. We can do that for you.
PP: You guys are prefect! Will you marry me?
OS: Ummm...aren't you throwing a party for your SP? Besides (uncomfortable cough)...I think my three o'clock just got here.

Now onto the entertainment. During the wee hours of the morning I got on my trusty laptop and did a quick search. I landed on a website called Gig Masters and there I found both of the artists I was looking for. I knew I wanted a band and the Dover illustration of palm screamed the need for a fortune teller. With a few clicks of the keys I booked the Lightning Hand band and Tarot by Jacqueline for the event.

Next up: decorations. I knew I wanted to create hand-glittered signs using our Papaya and Black stock from Waste Not Paper. Using the 5x5 and the 5.5 x 5.5 inch square cardstock, I printed each letter for "Happy Birthday" onto the Papaya stock. Then, I used the black glass glitter to highlight each letter. I used craft tape to mount the two pieces together and then used the Midori black rayon trimming to string each letter together. I made three more signs using the variety of shapes we carry in the store. Printing each sign in black ink, using my trusty Elmer's glue to hand glitter each letter and using the craft tape to create layers.

As the responses rolled in (almost everyone came!) and the decorations and entertainment came together, I thought it would be a shame not to document this event so I called Chantel Elder from Eleakis & Elder Photography. From our first conversation, I knew that she totally understood what I wanted for the party. Plus...she is from my hometown. It was a win-win!

Finally, all of the pieces came together. Austin Powers and Felicity Shagwell costume for SP and I. Check. Hand carved pumpkins by our in-store craft guru Heidi. Check. Food, booze and music at Old Soul. Check. As we walked in the Austin Power's theme song came on (Soul Bossa Nova), everyone yelled, "SURPRISE!" and SP had no idea what hit him. As all of our family and friends came up to us to wish him a happy birthday, I thought "Whew. First surprise party down...one more to go." Yes, I had one more surprise party to go in less than thirty days. Stay tuned!