Fruition Designs

A Nomination

2008-10-21T15:29:00.000-04:00

Kindly vote if you would, please.

Bloggy Giveaway - Blog Design Winner

2008-08-02T02:03:00.000-04:00

The winner of the Blog Design is Jen at Because I Said So!

Congratulations, Jen! email me at karla (at) fruition-designs (dot) com and we can get to work!

Thank you to everyone who entered.

If you are still interested in a blog design, contact me. I'd love to beautify your spot on the web!

Blessings,

Karla

Bloggy Giveaway

2008-07-28T02:31:00.006-04:00

Contest is now closed - Thank you to all who entered!

Need to spruce up your blog?

I am giving away a Custom blog Design:

{Completely Unique} Header and Color Match: (a $65 value)

- Custom header

- Color matching of current blog template (for post titles, links, background etc)

- 3 Coordinating side links

- 1 photo credit at either iStockphoto, Stockxpert, or Fotolia

- includes signature

- all designs are created from your specifications

- includes installation

TO ENTER: {Don't hate me.} please visit my personal blog, SUBSCRIBE to it (click the "subscribe" button in the navigation bar at top), and then come back here & leave a comment letting me know that you subscribed. If you are already subscribed, leave a comment telling everyone else why you subscribe.

::Contest will go through Thursday, July 31 at 12 midnight CST and the winner will be contacted via email as well as announced here, on the 'ol blog on Friday, August 1st.

::Please make sure that I have an email to contact you; either in your comment or in your profile.

::Be sure to check out all of the great goodies being given away at Bloggy Giveaways

There are some really BIG things in store for Fruition Designs. So, feel free to subscribe to this blog as well so that you don't miss out on the big news.

And while you are at it, check out my other offerings at my business web site {Fruition Designs}. My Mommy Cards have been a Parents.com Gift Pick for New Moms for Christmas 2007 and Mother's Day 2008.

Extreme Blog Makeover Giveaway: Summer Edition

2008-07-21T03:19:00.000-04:00

Karen of Simply Amusing Blog / Simply Amusing Designs and Karla from Looking Towards Heaven / Fruition Designs have teamed up to offer two lucky readers a very special prize.

Do you know a deserving blogger who desperately needs a blog makeover? Perhaps it's you? Blog your most compelling story as to why you think this person deserves a blog makeover and then send us your link. We'll choose 10 semi-finalists and let you have the deciding votes for the two finalists right here on Blissfully Domestic!
The Extreme Blog Makeover team could be coming to your blog soon!

Do you know a deserving blogger who desperately needs a blog makeover? Perhaps it's you? Blog your most compelling story as to why you think this person deserves a blog makeover and then send us your link. We'll choose 10 semi-finalists and let you have the deciding votes for the two finalists on Blissfully Domestic!
The Extreme Blog Makeover team could be coming to your blog soon!

Contest Rules:

:: Blog your most moving story about why you or someone you know deserves a blog makeover and link up at Blissfully Domestic on Wednesday, July 30th by midnight EST.
:: If it's not your blog, please provide links to the blog to be made-over somewhere in your entry.
:: We will choose 10 finalists and post the links to their stories here.
:: Reader voting will begin August 1st and end Monday, August 4th.
:: The two blogs that have received the most reader votes will be declared the winners – so make your stories good!
:: The winning blogs will enter each designer's queue and depending on the size of their queue, may have to wait up to 4 weeks, but hey! It's a gift from us to you!
::You can check out our work at Fruition Designs and Simply Amusing Designs!

Grab our button and help spread the word!

Blog Design

2008-06-29T19:09:00.003-04:00

Looking for a fab new look for your blog?

We are now offering Blog Designs. Choose from a la carte to the works.

For more information, please visit our web site.

As always, your new look will be:
completely custom
completely unique
completely you

2007-12-31T16:27:00.000-05:00

Exciting News!

We are now offering all of our pre-designed designs (wedding, birth announcements, mommy cards, holiday cards and social stationary) in .jpg format so that you can print them on your own - use your own computer printer or take them to your favorite print/photo shop.

All cards in this format are just $18.00/file!

Contact us for more info.

Who Knew?

2007-12-04T15:15:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Target sells wedding gowns and clothing for your wedding party?

Launched in May 2007 and designed by Isaac Mizrahi, the gowns are lovely and perfect for a tight budget. Get this - the price range: $89.00 - $159.00!

The styles are classy, modern and feminine

The line includes shoes, veils, gloves, tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses and flower girl attire.

I think it is a perfect marriage of style and savings. Since the average cost of a wedding gown is $900.00, take the savings and spend the money on a nice honeymoon.

Lovely Wedding Gown options

2007-11-28T10:53:00.001-05:00

Many brides are thinking more about comfort as they walk down the aisle. After all, you're going to be in that dress for at least 3 hours straight. Why not pick something that not only flatters, but allows movement and comfort.

That's where J. Crew's wedding line come in.

Since 2004, J. Crew has been offering an online bridal line. Their clothes are known for their class and comfort, and this follows into their bridal line as well.

Current prices range from approx. $2200.00 to under $300.00. Each dress has a lovely, simple line, lending itself perfectly for any embellishment you might want to add. Choose a $300.00 dress, pay a seamstress a bit extra for some hand embellishment, and you've got a gorgeous, unique gown. Don't go overboard with the embellishments though. These gowns are made to be simplistically gorgeous.

Additionally, what bridesmaid wouldn't love to choose one of their bridesmaid's gowns. Pick a color and allow them to choose the style or choose the style and allow them to pick the color. Either way, your bridesmaid's will be thrilled. And they are certain to wear them again!

{NEW} Mommy Card designs

2007-11-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

Please visit our site for more information.

Parents.com Holiday gift guide

2007-11-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

click image for larger view

Our Mommy Cards are featured in the Parents.com Holiday gift guide!

Visit their site to see who else made the list!

Top 10 Most Daring Wedding Gowns

2007-11-15T12:41:00.000-05:00

Any bride will tell you that a lot of thought and time goes into deciding on and selecting a wedding gown. Maybe it is because they are all the same color... No doubt, the gown makes a huge statement and impact when the bride first appears.

What do you do if you want that statement to say "I am unique and daring"?

MSN/The Knot recently posted the top 10 Most Daring Wedding Gowns. Take a peek and decide for yourself. Personally, I think that most have potential with some tweaking. But Image 6 is perfect just as it is!

Top Mistakes that Brides Make

2007-11-10T12:53:00.000-05:00

Top Mistakes That Brides Make

by Kate Wood

Brides are only human -- and they're bound to make mistakes. No biggie. But since we hear about some common blunders all the time, we figured why not give you the heads-up?

1. Doing Anything...Before the Guest List
The problem: You're engaged! You're excited! You're ready to send out save-the-dates, book that reception hall, choose those flowers -- now! Well hang on a second, because we're afraid you're forgetting something. Who's coming to this affair, exactly?

The solution: It's not the most fun part of planning (and we'll be honest, it's one of the most likely to lead to a fight or two or twelve), but you shouldn't make any wed-day decisions before you have your guest list somewhat firmly in place. Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-law's additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyone's in agreement, then you can move forward. That said, this means that one of the parts of your wedding you can plan immediately (or at least talk over with your fiance) is what kind of atmosphere you'd like for your wedding. Do you want an intimate, close friends and family-only affair, or do you want to throw the event of the season for 300-plus people? Later, when you're in the guest-list trenches, this bit of planning will help back up your gut instinct about whether to say yes (or no) to guest-list additions.

2. Reading Aloud to Your Fiance...From Bridal Magazines
The problem: Look, we know it's not the Stone Age, and there are plenty of guys out there who want to see their wedding as an event that reflects their style too (or at least one that isn't dripping with pink froufrou). But there's likely to be a limit to your fiance's ability to cope with an infinite array of invitation choices.

The solution: Here's how to defuse a potentially sticky situation (and a minefield of fights you don't want to have). Take a night off to go out to dinner and talk with him about all the different parts of the wedding, and try to get a concrete idea of his interest in the various details. Does it sound like flowers are flowers in his book? Okay, then you can more or less leave him out of that decision. And if he's cramming lettuce leaves in his ears to block sound, you definitely don't want to drag him into it.

Moving forward, save his sanity (and yours) by designating one night a week as wedding-free. Talk about the weather, your friends, the dog -- whatever you want. He'll be psyched to see that the girl he fell in love with still lives there, and you'll appreciate the breather yourself. And who knows? Left to his own devices, your fiance just might surprise you with a great idea for your cocktail hour or the perfect solution to a guest-list dilemma.

3. Freaking Out Because Someone Else Has Your Gown
The problem: These days, to-be-weds spend so much time personalizing their weddings and trying to find really unique big-day details that it does seem reasonable to freak if another couple chooses the same favors or flowers or food. Before you decide to arm-wrestle for it, let us suggest a different way of dealing.

The solution: If someone else "steals" one of your ideas, you'll probably hear a lot of "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and "It will be at your wedding, not theirs, so it'll be totally different." Whether these statements are true or not (they are), they're probably not going to make you feel better -- but neither will stewing over it. Instead of worrying about someone else's wedding looking the same as yours, think about how you can make the copied detail different. If a friend chooses the same gown as you, add details to make yours unique: Accessorize with a brooch, add a sash, accent the train with some embroidery (you get the idea). Has someone else swiped your fun favor idea? Find a way you can package yours to set them apart. And if you're really that worried about copycats, here's a thought -- just keep mum. If you don't divulge every last big-day detail, you won't have to worry about your bride friends snatching them.

4. Realizing That Grape isn't Your Color...With Two Months to Go
The problem: When you started planning your wedding, you knew just what you wanted: pink bridesmaid dresses, peonies, and classic, engraved invites. Now that you've been hard at work for a few months, you know just what you want: jewel tones, orchids, and funky, bold invites. Too bad -- you're stuck with the wedding style you first chose ... or are you?

The solution: You should feel free to rethink, redo, and revamp any element of your wedding that you want -- unless you've accepted a ring from it (just kidding). This doesn't have to mean yet another huge investment or reneging on a bunch of contracts -- you'll be surprised how easy it is to make simple additions or subtractions and change your whole style. Already ordered those pastel bridesmaid dresses? Think about adding a bold sash or accessorizing with chandelier earrings to liven them up a bit. Unsure about the color scheme you chose? Pay an extra visit to your florist and work out changes to your bouquets and centerpieces -- adding new blooms in all of your arrangements will introduce a new color throughout the room. Same thing if you've already ordered the linens -- spice them up with bright table runners or overlays. If you decide you really can't live with it, chances are you can go back on your first choice -- just remember that it will have a cost. A good rule of thumb is that if you've already signed a contract or seen a proof, you will have to pay extra for any changes or additions you make. But if it's still relatively early in your planning process, don't be afraid to make the change. Remember, you're getting married to your husband, not your centerpieces.

5. Trying to Drop Two Sizes Before Your Final Fitting
The problem: You've found the gown of your dreams -- though it's not exactly a perfect fit on the real-life you. Your plan: Order the dress two sizes too small, and then do whatever it takes to make it fit. Or so you think.

The solution: Making a commitment to eat right and exercise is great whether you're planning your wedding or trying to stave off the newlywed nine. On the other hand, crash-dieting and chaining yourself to the StairMaster is a course likely to end in disaster -- and a gown that doesn't fit.

Instead of losing more sleep than weight, find a gown you love and order it in your current size. If you want to work on your body during your engagement, that's great -- go ahead, but be sure to make your goals are manageable (toning up but not dropping 20 pounds, for instance). You're more likely to stick with a routine that doesn't require superhuman willpower. And if you still find that you are freaking about your figure, just remember that you're about to get hitched to someone who can't get enough of the way you look (really, truly) right now.

If you do drop some weight, this slow-and-steady approach will help you big time (and help you keep it off long-term). You'll want to lose those extra pounds before your second fitting -- any big changes after that, and though you might be lighter, your alterations bill will be pretty hefty. Your final fitting should be for last-minute tweaks, not a total overhaul.

6. Doing it All Yourself
The problem: We love nothing better than seeing the clever projects that couples come up with to make their weddings unique. But even we have to draw the line somewhere. There's doing it yourself, and then there's overdoing it yourself. After all, there are plenty of benefits to DIY. You can be sure no one else has the exact same thing, you might keep your budget in check, and (before you actually sit down to hand-tie 200 tiny ribbons) you probably think that it will make a fun story.

The solution: Rather than taking on too many projects, pick the one (or two) that you're really in love with and put your resources (both mental and monetary) into working on those. For the others, do a little research and try to find a ready-made version that makes you happy. With so many great prefab goodies out there, chances are you'll find one that fits your style -- and saves you a whole lot of time!

7. Overloading Your Mom's Big Day To-do List
The problem: So you can't do it all yourself -- fine -- but you've got to have someone you trust double-checking with the caterer and the florist, steaming your veil, or making sure the limo company's got directions. Most brides turn to good ol' Mom (or their sister or their maid of honor) to make sure things go as planned on the big day. These folks are usually happy to help in any way they can -- but hey, didn't they come here to party too?

The solution: No matter how worried you are, most wedding-day (and day-before) chores can be trusted to any competent adult, and aren't there a slew of them coming into town just for your wedding? Before you hand your mom or MOH a mega-task list, consider splitting jobs among a larger group of people -- friends, cousins, aunts. They'll be glad to lend a hand (and likely flattered that you asked), and it's a great way to include more people in your celebration. If you're worried about losing track, simply take the to-do list you already have and note who's who next to each task. Check in with each person at some point, then check off the chore from the list.

Another option: Hire a professional wedding coordinator for the final weeks before the wedding. They're experts at making sure those last-minute details get done, and having the extra hands around will help you (and mom) decide what you really want to be in charge of and what you can happily hand off. It's more affordable than you might think -- and really, can you put a price tag on alleviating that kind of stress?

8. Crying Over Mismatched Linens
The problem: The place cards just came back from the printer, and the color of the ink is a little off from the print on your invites. Or the best man's boutonniere has a hint of baby's breath where you'd specified berries. Let's face it, even the most perfectly planned wedding is sure to hit a few bumps along the way.

The solution: When you've worked so hard for so many months on your wedding-day details, it can be hard to deal when you find a flaw among them. The key is that when you spot one, you'll need to take a deep breath and think: "How important is this going to be to me in a year?" Not in 10 years, not even in five, but in one. Chances are, most mishaps that are causing you so much agita won't really matter to you once you're at your wedding (let alone after it). If it's a serious snarl, go ahead and deal with it. But if it's a minor mess-up, just move on. You can't give up all of your resources to every little crisis. Pick your battles wisely and they will be better fought.

9. Blowing Your Budget
The problem: You came up with a number. You did some research. You revised the number. You started planning ... and now that number's not going to cut it. Budgeting for a wedding can be the stuff of nuptial nightmares -- but that doesn't mean you should elope.

The solution: If you find you've underestimated some expenses, don't panic. Instead, sit down with your fiance and try to reach a constructive solution. Maybe you can give up an item or trade one for another (for example, dahlias over Black Magic roses saves about $4 per stem). If you're coming up short overall, you may have to take on some debt. To make it as minimal as possible, consider obtaining a low-interest loan or using a low-interest credit card. And to keep it from becoming a source of tension between the two of you, make a plan to deal with the debt and a deadline for paying it off so it won't hang over your heads.

10. Saving Your Place Cards for the Morning Of
The problem: Right now, it might seem weird to have a basic sketch of your seating plan or all of your favors tagged and ready to go. But other than taking up a little extra space in your closet, they're not causing any harm -- and they will actually save you a ton of stress a month or two down the line. The closer the wedding gets, the busier you'll be, so making (and sticking to) your timeline is essential.

The solution: Worried you're jumping ahead on the wedding planning timeline? Don't be. You're in the best possible situation. If you're set on saving tasks until the appointed time (rather than going ahead and doing a little of this or that when you've got the time), you may wind up with way too much to accomplish in the last month (or week) before the wedding. That's exactly the time when anything (and everything) can happen, when everyone will have demands on your time, and you'll -- well, you'll just want to take a hot bath and dream about your honeymoon. With check marks beside all your biggest to-dos, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding -- and the days leading up to it. Make no mistake about it.

More Holiday Card Designs

2007-10-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

We've added new designs to our Holiday Card collection.

Please note that all verses and greetings can be changed to fit your card and what you'd like to say to your friends and family.

Gift Certificates

2007-10-19T10:46:00.000-04:00

Wanting to buy the perfect gift? Give them a gift certificate and let them choose!

These are perfect gifts for showers - brides may redeem them towards their invitations, or any other stationary item. Mothers-to-be can redeem them to order their announcement and Mommy Cards.

A perfect gift!

Holiday Card preview

2007-09-26T13:05:00.001-04:00

A preview of some of our designs.

Please visit our site for pricing, sizing and ordering details.

Holiday Cards are coming!

2007-09-23T18:40:00.001-04:00

We will have our holiday cards posted within the next week.

Be sure to order early to beat the holiday rush!

Reminder

2007-09-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to remind everyone that I have resumed taking orders.

We are all settled in and doing well.

Declan, 2 weeks:

With much joy we announce:

2007-09-03T10:36:00.001-04:00

Declan Yeshua __________ arrived Tuesday, August 28th at 12:49 pm.

Here are some tidbits:

We are home and we are all doing well.
THANK YOU all for all of your prayers and well wishes!
The kids ADORE their new brother, especially Seamus... so many cute stories about his interaction with his new baby brother.

Some details:

~ His name is Declan Yeshua ___________ . Declan means "man of prayer" and Yeshua is the Hebrew form of Joshua/Jesus and means "the Lord saves". The Lord has truly been with us and blessed us and carried us through the past couple of years (and, really, all of the years of our lives) that we thought it fitting for his name to signify that our children are really His.

~ The only reason I went to the hospital when I did was because I had some bloody show; I wasn't having regular contractions (though they would appear regular a couple of times through the night). But it was good that I did because the contractions kicked in quickly and his heart rate kept dropping down to 60 BPM with every contraction; he was having some major "decels". If I hadn't already been at the hospital when that was happening it could have quickly become a dangerous situation. They gave me medicine to stop the contractions and the (AWESOME!) nurse worked to manually get rid of the little bit of my cervix that was left, got the doctor in the room, pushed once, he came out with the cord wrapped 2xs (!) around his neck. One more push and a vacuum suction and he was out. I still wasn't completely dilated, but they had to get him out.

~ He weighs a tiny 5 lbs and 11 oz. And is 19" long. By the time we left the hospital, he was 5 lbs and 5 oz. His diaper is the size of my palm. But his size is a blessing, because if he had been larger, the cord would have wrapped even more tightly around his neck.

Really, the Lord's timing is so amazing. He was just under 3 weeks early, but I had prayed for a clear sign that it was time to go to the hospital. He gave that sign to me and my baby was safe from a potentially dangerous situation. Praise God!

(his one-eye-peek)

*For anyone who has placed an order in the past week, I will have proofs to you within the next day*

Maternity Break

2007-08-08T00:57:00.001-04:00

**Please note that we are awaiting the arrival of our 4th child.**

Therefore, I will not be taking orders from August 28th through September 7th.

Feel free to place your order anyway, but just please be aware and understand that I will not be replying during that time.

This will not affect orders placed before that date.

(Let's face it, I'll be on the computer anyway, and by the 4th child, I am used to typing with a babe in my arms!)

Mommy Card giveaway

2007-07-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

If you'd like a chance to win a set of my Fruition Designs Mommy Cards (set of 50 one-sided), please head over to Boston Mamas for your chance. They are having their first birthday party and giving away some great things through August.
All you need to do to enter, is email them your favorite Mommy Card design by midnight tonight (Friday, July 20th).

If you enter, leave a comment for me in my comments. I plan on having a giveaway in the weeks to come, so keep your eyes open for that as well.

2007-07-07T11:44:00.000-04:00

Are you planning a wedding using Robin's egg blue/muted shades of blue and brown? This is the perfect invite for the occasion.

Remember, we can always change the colors to match yours.

Apologies BUT LOOK new birth announcements!

2007-06-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Mommy Card bonanza came to temporary screeching halt, several weeks back.

I had a ton of Mommy Card orders come through - so, obviously, that took priority. You'll notice when you work with us that our customer care is top notch.

I will resume posting new Mommy Card designs in the weeks to come.

But in the meantime, take a look at some of our new Baby Announcements that we've added.

Here is a peek:
View the rest on our site.

::Mommy Card Bonanza - Week 3::

2007-05-16T23:50:00.000-04:00

As promised:
I love this design! Perhaps, my new favorite...

Visit here for ordering information.

Mommy Card giveaway and review

2007-05-11T00:38:00.000-04:00

Our Mommy Cards are on the Mother's Day giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom. (This is open to US residents only- sorry Canada). To enter, just go over and visit them and leave a comment on this post. That automatically enters you into the drawing.

If you don't win, take heart - please be advised, that the cards were just given an AWESOME review and write up by Mommies with Style. Through June 30th you can receive a 15% discount and free shipping (free shipping for US residents only...)

Remember: these cards make wonderful gifts too... so even if you don't have young children, they'd be perfect for a new or expecting mother.

Mommy Card Bonanza - Week 2

2007-05-08T17:02:00.000-04:00

Here is the new design for week 2:

For ordering information, go here.

Latest Mommy Card design

2007-05-02T18:41:00.000-04:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE designing Mommy Cards! They are so much fun! Because of my idea spurt, I'm planning on releasing a new Mommy Card design each week through the end of June.

That's 8 new designs in all!

This week's design:

This also looks great with bright blue (robin's egg) and pink for the child's name and address info.

Visit here for ordering info.

Mommy Cards for Mother's Day

2007-04-26T16:40:00.000-04:00

Wanting to get something for a favorite mom for Mother's Day, to go along with her chocolate and flowers?

Look no further than our popular Mommy Cards!

Now through May 12th we are offering free shipping on our Mommy Cards.(When ordering, be sure to use Code: MomDay)

To ensure delivery before Mother's Day orders must be placed before noon May 3rd.

To view our Mommy Cards and for pricing and ordering information, go to our website here.

Paisley Corners Mommy Card in Blue

2007-04-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

I had a request to see the Paisley Corners mommy card in blue rather than pink.

I am quite fond of the results! (although, this online color is a bit off...)

correction

2007-03-22T15:05:00.000-04:00

Cool Mom Pick's review of our Mommy Cards will be Monday the 26th.

New Mommy Card Designs

2007-03-22T00:53:00.000-04:00

We've added some new designs to our Mommy Card collection. Check back in the days ahead for more fresh, new designs!

Mommy Cards reviewed at Cool Mom Picks

2007-03-21T11:55:00.000-04:00

This saturday, March 24th, please be sure to pop over to Cool Mom Picks for a write up and review of our Mommy Cards.

::::{Swaddled Baby Collection - Birth Announcements}::::

2007-01-16T07:02:00.000-05:00

We're introducing our {NEW} birth announcement line!

Swaddled Baby Collection

*please note that the blue border is not part of the announcement. It is a border on the photo*

Announce the arrival of your new bundle of joy with a customized birth announcement.

Designed to be as unique as your baby.

Nothing compares to a new life coming into the world. You want your announcement cards and invitations to express the miracle of your new bundle of joy. They should be as unique and special as the new little person you love so much.

We are happy to create the most joyous and special cards to let everyone share in the beauty and happiness that has just entered your life.

Choose from our Swaddled Baby line or have an announcement custom designed.

::::{2007 Wedding Trends}::::

2007-01-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Right now I am loving the color combo of blue and orange. It reminds me of warm summer days. Fresh. Clean.

Orange is the hot color for 2007. And paired with a shade of blue, it is sure to be a hit at your summer event! (click here to see our full list of 2007 wedding trends)

Click here for another orange invite from us.

Also, added to our Signature Line, is this stunning brown and pink invite.

::::{2007 Wedding Trends}::::

2007-01-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

The Knot recently came out with their wedding trends for 2007.

I was curious as to any other trends out there, so I researched around the web and scoured articles for other tips and trends for the new year. Some are trends carrying over from the fall wedding season. Others are fresh and new.

Bouquets with jewels: Weddings always include beautiful jewelry. Now those jewels are being added to the bouquets, too. Again, these details can be subtle, or attention-getting.

Friday night weddings - not only can you find great rates for Friday nights (though probably not for long, as the trend moves forward), but it sets the tone for a weekend event.

A lot of couples are making a weekend or week-long event out of their weddings. With friends and family coming in from out-of-town, couples are planning events that proceed the wedding, or continue the day after.

Cupcake trees/towers - depending on your wedding style, these can range from quaint to over-the-top gorgeous. With the elaborate styles that some bakers are creating, these are no longer just being used because they are a "cheaper alternative."

Shades of Blue and Brown: a carryover from last year, blues and brown are still a gorgeous choice. And depending on the shades chosen, this color combination can be used no matter what style of wedding you have planned. Look for hues such as turquoise, powder blue, cornflower blue, denim, alice blue (a very pale, yet striking, shade)and robin's egg blue paired with hues of brown such as medium taupe, raw umber, sepia and chocolate.

Shades of Brown and Pink: another carryover is this modern, yet classy, color combo. It harkens back to the 80's, which is a style that has come back with an updated twist. Consider shades of coral, salmon, hot pink and puce paired with chocolate, raw umber, sepia or any shade of taupe.

"Punches" of color: a colored sash on the wedding dress, a design element on the invitations. Choosing a bright color for your wedding doesn't have to mean you have to hand out sunglasses to your guests. If you want to add a punch of color, use hints of the color you are considering in small ways (a ribbon tied around the bouquet handle, as a table runner at the reception)

Jewel Tones: a new trend for those brides wanting something that is not a carryover, is bold jewel tones such as rich purple, red, gold and orange.

image: academy-florists.com

Color in wedding gowns: this trend is slowing making its way from Europe. Look for it gain momentum. If your not ready to let go of your dream of a white gown, consider a colored sash.

Back of the dress details: deep-v backs, special embroidery and other details are being paid to the back of the wedding dress.

Viennese Tables: (also known as dessert tables) various desserts, ranging from cookies to truffles to chocolate fondue. Traditional family desserts make a nice touch for the table too.

Letting the bridesmaid choose: we all know someone who (or are ourselves) are stuck with a bridesmaid's dress that never saw the light of day once we quickly shed it for something more flattering, after (or even before) we left the reception. Another carryover trend is either choosing a style and letting the bridesmaids choose a color that suits their complexion, or choosing a color and/or length and letting the bridesmaids choose the style.

Donations to charity: instead of handing out matchbooks or boxes of chocolate, some couples are making donations in guests names. Additionally, some couples are asking for donations made to charity in lieu of presents.

Asking quests - beforehand - what to play at the reception: one reason people don't dance at weddings? They aren't interested in the music. While it is your day, remember your guests, and incorporate what they like. Afterall, you want them to feel welcomed.

Order of the Day cards: like a "mini-itenerary", these cards let everyone know when and what will be taking place from the beginning of the ceremony to the end of the reception. Also included would be any information regarding things which not all guests may understand (ie: jumping the broom, or breaking the glass etc.)

Wedding "logos": another trend from Europe headed this way, is having a logo designed that goes on everything from the save-the-date cards to the napkins to the cake toppers (another returning trend) to the "just married" sign on the car.

Glamour and elegance: it doesn't have to be a big affair to be either of these... but expect to see candelabras with flowers draping off, designer table linens (rather than just standard white) with punches of color thrown in by the napkins, pillar candles or table runners. Touchy-feely fabrics (such as leather and suede) are also making their way into the decorating. Subtle touches are added to stationery, centerpieces and trim.

Groom's cake: a mainstay at Southern weddings, this trend is headed north. Be sure you understand it though, before you go pick one out. It is traditionally chocolate, and boxed and given to guests as they leave. A nice touch is to incorporate a hobby of the groom's into the cake. Consider using it as a centerpiece on the dessert table, or feature it at the rehearsal dinner.

Square tables: gives the room a clean, modern feel.

Forgoing the garter and bouquet toss: who wants to be singled out for this anyway?

In ending this list, I will say that no matter what the trends, choose according to what YOU like. Choose unique or subtle ways to incorporate these trends - but only if you like them. Don't feel pressured to choose what doesn't feel like it fits you and your style. The success of your marriage doesn't rest on following trends to be perfect, and neither should your wedding.

::::{Things I am loving for the upcoming wedding season}::::

2007-01-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

2006-12-31T15:44:00.000-05:00

::::{Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year}::::

2006-12-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

From all of us to you!
Thank you for a wonderul year!

Blessings,
~Karla~

::::{Mommy Cards}::::

2006-12-11T17:17:00.000-05:00

Mommy Cards!

These handy cards are perfect for handing out at playdates, nursery... anywhere that you need to give important contact information. Consider adding any medical alerts (ie: medications or allergies)

Never dig around for pen and paper again!

(Click on images to see larger view)

50 cards: $30.00

100 cards: $45.00

Print additional info on back for just $7.00!

Questions or to order: email me (orders will be invoiced after you are contacted about your design choice)
Return to Fruition Designs website

2006-11-28T09:49:00.000-05:00

Please scroll down for Christmas card samples.

::::{Christmas Cards}::::

2006-11-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

*click each image for larger view

joy hope peace --- flat circle card. Change the the wording or add a scripture verse

Retro Christmas --- folded card. Inside blank (or have your message printed inside)

Many Blessings --- flat card. choose your own message to be printed, along with your photo

The Star of Christmas --- flat card. *optional folded card, blank inside or printed with message inside

Be sure to order your holiday cards and party invites soon!

Please contact us for pricing.

::::{From our Signature Line}::::

2006-09-12T22:48:00.000-04:00

Our site is growing and there is so much going on around here!

Be sure to contact us soon for your January/February events.

Here are some designs that we will be adding to our new Signature line:

Best Regards ~ Fruition Designs

2006-05-16T11:31:00.000-04:00

This beautiful invite has a layer of vellum printed in a leaf motif overlaying white cardstock. Your text is printed on the cardstock. An eyelet holds the two layers together creating a lovely early summer look.

Fruition Designs

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Gift Certificates

Holiday Card preview

Holiday Cards are coming!

*Reminder*

With much joy we announce:

Maternity Break

Mommy Card giveaway

Apologies *BUT LOOK* new birth announcements!

::Mommy Card Bonanza - Week 3::

Mommy Card giveaway and review

Mommy Card Bonanza - Week 2

Latest Mommy Card design

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Paisley Corners Mommy Card in Blue

correction

New Mommy Card Designs

Mommy Cards reviewed at Cool Mom Picks

::::{Swaddled Baby Collection - Birth Announcements}::::

::::{2007 Wedding Trends}::::

::::{2007 Wedding Trends}::::

::::{Things I am loving for the upcoming wedding season}::::

::::{Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year}::::

::::{Mommy Cards}::::

::::{Christmas Cards}::::

::::{From our Signature Line}::::

Reminder

Apologies BUT LOOK new birth announcements!