Deleter Neopiko Line 2 Pens from Japan

When I visited Japan last year, I loved browsing around little stationery shops where you could try out more pens and colors than you could ever dream of. I ended up purchasing some Deleter Neopiko Line 2 pens in 0.05 width, and loved them so much that I used them in all of my hand written cards, invitation packaging cards, and wedding client cards for the past two years.

The Neopiko Line 2 pens have acid free pigment ink which is also waterproof. But, my favorite part is that they draw an extremely thin line! They are definitely the thinnest that I have ever seen compared to pens that you can commonly purchase in the US. One downfall of these pens though is that you have to be a little bit delicate when writing with them, because the pen point is very small. One push too hard, and the tip is gone!

My brother-in-law, Paul, and his wife went to Japan earlier this month and I had asked them to get me a couple of Neopiko pens if they happened to see them in their shopping/browsing. When I saw what they had gotten me, I think I let out a little squeal...

They got me five Deleter Neopiko Line 2 pens, in .1, 0.05, and 0.03 sizes. I couldn't believe that there was one that was thinner than what I used before! It was such a nice surprise to get some extras, and I'm so excited to write with them in all of my future cards.

~Emilie

ASPIRE 2010 Conference Thank You Cards

I was recently asked to create thank you cards by the chair of the ASPIRE 2010 Asian American Women in Leadership Conference. This conference was held on Saturday, October 16th, at Boston University's Photonics Center and featured keynote speakers, panels, workshops, and interactive discussions. I attended the conference and acted as a moderator for a panel called "The Road Less Taken" which featured an actor, a dancer, a food blogger and community manager at Urban Spoon, and a singer, all of whom are talented and driven Asian American women. Attendees ranged from high school students to working professionals, and the discussion we had was based around how all of the panelists decided to pursue their dreams, and what advice they could give to others who want to follow a non-traditional career path.

I created 26 thank you cards for keynote speakers and panelists, and seven for panel moderators. These were made out of pearlescent white cardstock and mounted onto beet colored cardstock. Matching beet envelopes were paired with the cards, with recipient names written on the front of the envelope in white ink. I also made 11 thank you cards for the conference team, adding an extra flower detail on the front of the envelope in various colors.

ASPIRE is a wonderful Boston-based non-profit organization dedicated to developing career and leadership skills for Asian American girls and women. I volunteered for the organization starting in 2003, and had to take step back after founding Pink Orchid Weddings in 2008, but I always try to help out every now and then with thank you cards or whatever else I can because it's such a meaningful organization that definitely has helped Asian American women find and grow their leadership potential.

~Emilie

Unique lettering for envelopes and more!

Ever since I was young, I have really loved lettering. I started doing traditional calligraphy in the fourth grade, and learned the importance of spacing. I practiced my signature all of the time, and would even get asked by classmates to write their name "as a signature" so they could see what it would look like. I made huge banners in block letters for homecoming and spirit week in high school, and continued to do banners in college at Carnegie Mellon.

More recently, I've been doing lettering on envelopes. Taking the time to write out someone's name in style is a way to give a great first impression. For every card I send out, whether it's a thank you, bithday, or wedding, I always spend a little time to make it extra special. Below are some photos of lettering examples.

Block lettering: clean and modern

Cursive lettering: whimsical and fresh

This lettering is great for envelopes, but would also work well if you're looking for a unique style for tags, place cards, signs, or anything else. My lettering services are available through Pink Orchid Designs. Please email me at info@pinkorchiddesigns.com for pricing!

~Emilie