Today we’re thrilled to share the sweetest artist collaboration between Hallmark Signature and Lauren Saylor, creator of the blog A Fabulous Fête. We’re big fans of her calligraphy and passion for entertaining. Today she’s answering questions about Valentine’s Day, and sharing a behind-the-scenes look into her work process and card collection. Thanks for sharing, Lauren!
How would you describe your collection in five words?
Feminine, luxe, simple, versatile, artistic.
What was your inspiration for the collection?
I wanted a mix of simplicity and luxe touches…something that was timeless.
Do you have a favorite card?
Definitely! I love the way the gold foil “i love you” heart card executed (scroll all the way down to see). I think it hit all of the points exactly that I expressed above. It can be mixed with so many different styles and interpreted in so many different relationships.
What was it like working with the Signature team on this collection?
So easy! They gave me great direction at all intersections of the project, but still really let me do what I wanted to artistically and design-wise, which was really important to me in releasing designs under the Hallmark brand.
Who are your biggest creative inspirations?
I am constantly inspired by the young talent I find on Instagram. To be totally honest, I don’t follow a lot of calligraphers…there is so much of the same out there. But there are a lot of ladies breaking out, trying new things and making a name for themselves, and they endlessly inspire me. Those that are breaking out of the box and constantly innovating for their clients make me want to work harder and create what hasn’t been done.
How did you learn hand-lettering/calligraphy?
I taught myself. It was both a good and bad thing. I think that it took me much longer to understand essential techniques…but I think that I also developed a very unique style because I wasn’t learning on another’s guides.
Any design trends you’re particularly loving right now?
All of the astrological illustrations and color inspiration (the stars, moon, dark/moody shades with a contrast of bright white and silver and gold!) is my favorite at the moment. I’m planning on incorporating a lot of this into my new wedding suite designs for 2017!
What inspires you or how do you stay inspired?
Nature, by far. I know it seems crazy when you see gold foil and pink and black hues…but I find it in the colors of a sunset, contrasts of foliage and architecture while exploring my favorite places, or even the sun sparkling on the ocean at sunset.
Are you a night owl or an early bird?
Um, neither? I really like my sleep…but I like to get a workout in early, otherwise it won’t happen. So I’ve sort of forced myself to be an early bird, I guess. I’m usually up around 4:30/5 to do so. So I end up being my most creative and productive in the morning after that.
Studio, office, table? Describe the spot in which you create your artwork.
Office(s)! Two of them now! But really, they’re our spare bedrooms. I work from home and we’ve recently taken over the second room, which mostly houses packing supplies, inventory (envelopes, paper, place cards, etc.) and a lot of our things for Wilde House. I’m usually in our other office, though, where my computer desk and lettering desk are. I’m lucky enough to have the space for both so I can really focus on the task I am doing at that moment. I shared a single desk for both in the past and it was incredibly distracting!
If you could design anything (billboards, t-shirts, coloring books) what would it be?
I love having paper around me. Stacks of it. I love note cards and sticky notes and journals and calendars. I buy a ton of it and don’t use it because I don’t want to ruin it! But it is a goal to make an amazing line of the stuff and have closets full for personal use. 😉
What do you think about Valentine’s Day? Love it? Hate it?
Love/Hate for sure. I hate that it’s become this big thing that is about spending money and over-the-top dinners with fixed menus and prices jacked up. It’s really impossible to go out now and have a normal date night if you wanted to…everyone has their VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL and it’s so annoying. We started staying home a few years ago and making a nice dinner with a bottle of wine that probably would cost hundreds of dollars if we went out. So I love that (and the flowers if my husband is nice and brings them home). But yes, hate everything else. With that being said…a card (with a nice note) is one of those things that can show your love (for anyone!) on that day, without going nuts on the teddy bears and candy.
How will you be celebrating this year?
Prob at home! With plenty of wine, cupcakes and Netflix.
Any fond/fun memories of the holiday growing up?
Yes! My mom always had gift baskets for us growing up. Just a little candy and small gift, but it was always so exciting to wake up and have something there. That’s why I think I’ve come to love showing your affection with a little something (for my husband, friends, whoever…I love giving little gifts!) like a card or something you made.
What couples have been the biggest inspirations to you—real, fictional, TV characters or otherwise?
I can’t give specifics because nothing came to mind…but I always admire the couple on TV that doesn’t give a crap about anyone else. They focus on each other and themselves and that’s it. It’s not about showing the world their love…that inspires me.
Do you have a special Valentine in your life?
My husband, duh. 😉
Any other special people in your life you’d like to give a shout-out to?
My friends that listen to my crazy ideas…help with my crazy ideas…and believe in me no matter what: Kristin, Sharon, Megan, Lan, Christie, Kristen, Lan, Cecilia (I’m in trouble if I forgot someone, sorry!). My family, for listening even if sometimes they don’t really understand what I’m talking about or what I do for a living. And most importantly my husband. He’s encouraged me to create this life for almost 10 years now. The fact that it is a reality now is because he has been there cheering me on the whole way.
What is your favorite piece of art you own—either yours or someone else’s?
Art is always evolving in our house and I haven’t really invested in anything I love yet. I’ve been waiting for the perfect piece. I’ve also been waiting for my style to stop evolving because I don’t want to spend and get sick of it!
What’s your perfect Valentine’s day look like?
It starts with an amazing flower delivery—ha! 😉 —followed by a couple’s massage, then champagne, watching the sunset at the beach, and ends with a home-cooked dinner of some sort of seafood/lobsters/indulgent dish we come up with. If there was a personal chef there that does the dishes too I wouldn’t be mad.
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store to check out A Fabulous Fete’s Hallmark Signature collection in person! Or shop it online here. Be sure to tag us if you share your favorites on Instagram. @think.make.share @hallmarksignature @afabulousfete
Photos by Lauren Saylor
Nice.