The lamps aren’t cheap, but custom never is. (Can I get an AMEN, designers?)

Visit their website to see all the fun patterns and options available.

The chalkbot is back for the 2010 Tour de France, and you can leave your message of hope and inspiration on the LIVESTRONG website. If your message is written on the roads, you’ll get a photo of your message printed on the Tour de France with GPS coordinates.

There is a great backstory on the genesis of the chalkbot in the most recent Communication Arts Interactive Annual right here. Suck on that, cancer.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the perfection epidemic that seems to have swept the bridal industry. You see it everywhere nowadays — especially with the onset of so many bridal and wedding focused television shows. “My dress has to be perfect.” “The flowers have to be absolutely perfect.” “If the food isn’t perfect, I’m going to go postal on my caterer.” You get the picture.

It’s a sad state of affairs.

I see it occasionally when I work with stationery clients and I do my best to reign it in. But oftentimes I am powerless against clients who have already caught the perfection flu. Unfortunately, I don’t have the vaccine.

This isn’t meant to be a lecture, but more of an ice breaker to start some honest conversation. I know plenty of vendors who share this frustration but, like me, the solution eludes them. When did a wedding strip itself of something beautiful and symbolic and become a quest for the perfect party? Let’s face it, all wedding professionals are in this business for financial gain. Our livelihoods depend on our clients spending money. Is this all just hypocritical musing or is it possible to find a happy medium between servicing our clients well and not having the dreaded “P” word dangled in front of us? Wow, this is getting deep.

I’d love to hear what you have to say about this. Talk amongst yourselves. Then share with the class and leave some comments.

So when I stumbled upon the Walter website, I said, “well, hello there.” Check out these crazy cool wall art options:

The pieces are made of wood and have a peel-away 3M adhesive backing. They are primed and ready to paint whatever color you desire. How brilliant is that? The Teardrops set (shown above) is $42 for 8 pieces. Not bad for a picky wall art aficionado on a budget.

Mark & Cortney were married at a historical country club in Pennsylvania and contacted me to create something traditional, floral and romantic. We created stationery that featured shades of pink, green, taupe and deep brown. I loved the end result – traditional and romantic with a bold, graphic twist. We also incorporated dupioni silk ribbon into the invitations and programs. Oh dear, can I just take a moment to profess my love for dupioni? It’s lovely and fantastic and I get excited every time a bride selects it for her stationery. Mark & Cortney’s stationery is circled below (1&2).

Lindsey & Brandon were a positively smashing couple who married at The Country Club at DC Ranch in North Scottsdale. This gorgeous location served as the inspiration for their stationery, designed in shades of brown and green. We incorporated an ornate pattern along with their monogram on all pieces and it brought everything together so well. Lindsey was an absolute dynamo in the planning process and it’s no wonder she’s now an Associate Event Planner with the Outstanding Occasions gals (who also planned her wedding to perfection). Lindsey & Brandon’s Save the Date cards and favor labels are shown below, circle 4.

The new issue of Arizona Bride is on newsstands now. Pick up a copy and then contact me to design lots of stationery. Please and thank you.

Before I send artwork off to a printer, I have my clients sign a Proof Approval Form. I understand it’s not terribly exciting and many clients (brides especially) are just so stoked to see the finished product. This little form can seem like a pain in the buttocks more than anything else. But I don’t use it for the sake of annoyance. If you approve artwork without looking over everything carefully and then discover a misspelled name, an incorrect date or an erroneous price point, you have little choice. You can either live with the mistake or pay to have everything reprinted.

I do my best to hammer this point home to my clients, but I’m still met with the occasional “oops”. Oftentimes followed by an obscenity. I also do my best to review everything before I send artwork. But from a designer’s perspective, I am looking at your piece about 500% more than you. Which can unfortunately lead to lazy eye. And again, YOU are the expert of your project.

Whether you’re working with me (preferred) or another designer, it’s important to review the following points on any piece that will eventually find its way to the printer:

• Are important names, locations, products spelled correctly?

• If you’re listing dates, check your calendar to ensure the day, date and times are listed appropriately.

• How does the grammar look?

• If you’re listing phone numbers, have you test dialed the number to ensure accuracy?

• Do the colors and/or photos look right? (These items can sometimes appear differently on an initial proof – especially if it’s in a digital format. Check with your designer if you have any questions.)

• If you have questions or feel confused about something, DON’T miss your chance to clarify with your designer. If you approve everything and sign my form, you are essentially signing a contract to print. The printer is not going to review anything for you – their priority is to get the job to press quickly.

That’s my two cents. Do you have any additional tips to ensure accuracy?