Carol Binnie Art and Cards

I have so many happy memories of creating artwork and stationery for couples, it's hard to pick! But I think the ones where couples are delighted with the personal touches I can bring - for instance including family pets in the artwork, or items to do with homelands or travels- for instance a recent one where I was asked to combine Scottish thistles and a landmark in Africa.

Beautiful, natural, lyrical, fairytale, timeless.

I am proud that couples come away with artwork and/or stationery that they are absolutely delighted with.

When setting your budget, prioritise what is most important to you, and allocate money accordingly.

As a stationer, I'm not at my clients' weddings, but the nicest touch involving me was when a couple asked to buy the original painting I did for the stationery, and showed it beside the cake as a lovely talking point.

The couple would discuss with me what they would like painted, for instance their venue, and what added in/left out/moved around in the image, also if figures were to added. Based on that, I would do a line sketch for them to consider layout, and also send options for wording and fonts. Once I receive all the information, I would then create the drawing or painting and send a small preview file for them to see, and also create stationery proofs. Once the couple are happy with everything, I would proceed to print. If the couple are local, a consultation at my home allows a further viewing and discussion of options.

I would say the invitation. It sets the style and tone for the wedding, and in my case, gives a taster of what the venue, flowers, or theme will be!

About half of my work is painting commissions, and half is stationery. My best seller are paintings and stationery based on the wedding venue.

I haven't come across any yet - I'll need to check that out - I'm curious now!

By making my stationery completely personal to the couple.