As I mentioned a few blog entries ago, I will be hosting a mixer for the
Greater Palm Springs Wedding Association in a couple of weeks. The mixers are a way for local vendors to meet and mingle, and an opportunity for the host to showcase a location and/or work.
I never had the opportunity to host a GPSWA mixer, because I work out of my home based studio. It wasn't until recently, when one of my aunts purchased an hacienda style home, which she intends to market as a vacation rental and reception site for special events. She offered me full use of it, as a way to give her newly acquired property a bit of exposure, and give me a place to showcase my work for an evening.
The GPSWA mixers are open for all members, and to vendors who are interested in joining the association. But because there are many members I haven't seen attend a mixer in a while, I designed and eye-catching invitation that will hopefully spark their interest and will entice them to make an appearance.
The invitation consists of a combination of velvet, embossed, and traditional ivory and khaki colored paper, neatly layered, and accentuated with rhinestones. I included 3 separate inserts, a map, a note with admission rates for members and non-members, and my business card. These three items were secured with gold cord, placed behind the invitation, and everything was mailed in sparkly gold envelopes.
I agree that pocket invitations are beautiful, but this is just another example of how we can further customize an invitation by applying the budget toward textured paper and embellishements, rather than pockets.
My sister celebrated her 23rd birthday Toy Story style, this weekend. She created an adorable birthday banner as part of the decor, and my cousin made these amazingly delicious alien cupcakes. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head stood at each side of the cupcake stand to guard the cupcakes. Too bad we didn't have any water guns, I think some toy weapons would have made it more official. You know, the little green aliens have always been my favorite Toy Story characters so seeing them (and tasting them) in cupcake form was awesome! Definitely one of my favorite party elements!
The night ended with an entertaining Toy Story Trivia Game, in which contestants had to yell "foof" before answering a question because there were no buzzards or whistles available. A contestant from the looser team had to take a shot of tequila (or milk, depending on their age) each time the opponent team answered a question correctly. Needless to say, the team with the kindergarten teachers and children won the trivia game. They were happy, but we (the losers) were BUZZing AND happy. Whoo-hoo! ~ The best part of all was when her boyfriend sat her down to open her gifts. As she opened a gift from him, he got down on one knee and proposed. The gift was an engraved photo frame that read "She said...YES! June 18, 2010" ~ Awww...what a great night! Congratulations Cynthia and Tim! This is just the beginning of your story. "To infinity and beyond!"
We were out all day on Sunday, exhibiting at the 4th Annual Bridal Expo at 
Courtyard view. 
Lots of beautiful flowers and religious images.
Me, my daughter Andria, nephew Damian, sister Melina, and sister Cynthia. Melina is going through the credential program to become a grade school teacher and Cynthia will be transferring to Northridge next year to become a Sign Language teacher. Andria and Damian mean trouble! Hee, hee. (I'll delete this before they're old enough to read)
Bed and stove of the 1800's. 
Cynthia, Andria and my crazy brother Erik.
Mom, Erik & Cynthia resting in the corridor; to the right is what appears to be a GIANT gold fish swimming inside a gorgeous waterfountain located near the entrance.