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Since 1981, the exquisite, hand-lettered art of calligrapher Michele Papineau has created memorable first impressions and elegant accents for weddings and corporate events, special pieces for framing, and unforgettable business cards, brochures, product labels and more.
Her lettering for brides and wedding designers has appeared in multiple publications, including Martha Stewart, Town and Country Weddings, Elegant Bride and Brides Magazine. Papineau Calligraphy’s clients include film and sports celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and many of the top event consultants and planners in the wedding industry.
Warm and approachable, Michele’s years of experience have enabled her to develop a broad client base and bring her art to a variety of projects. Her extensive repertoire of custom lettering styles ranges from whimsical to traditional, all done by hand with brass dip nibs and ink- or water-based pigments, such as gouache or watercolor.
Michele is well versed in bridal etiquette and protocol. She can mix custom colors to match a bride’s color palette or a florist’s focal piece. She has achieved an international reputation as an artist who puts her heart and soul into work that is renowned for its quality and skillful attention to detail.
From her bright, welcoming studio in Oakland’s Montclair District (just off Highway 13), Michele offers her clients a broad base of resources and contacts that all work together to achieve an unforgettable final product, completed in a timely and professional manner. Prices are competitive and based on the complexity of the individual project.
Michele can create full invitation packages, design your invitation and hand letter each one if the event is small, or simply address envelopes with your selection of lettering style. Table cards and menus become an integral part of beautiful table settings when graced with Michele’s fine hand. Time and time again, grateful clients have shared the amazement and joy their guests have expressed when receiving one of Michele’s artistically lettered pieces in the mail.
Let your imagination go -- and then let Michele Papineau add her special touch to your special occasion.
Q: Why should I choose hand-lettered calligraphy over just my own handwriting or computer-generated typefaces?
Michele: The fine art of hand-lettered calligraphy is just that -- a fine art -- and when done correctly, it is elegant, consistent without being contrived, and lets your guests know that, from the very moment they receive their invitation, your event will be distinctive. Anything “handmade” is unique. Hand-lettered calligraphy creates a memorable first impression, and will be the only impression of your wedding or special event if your guest is unable to attend. Calligraphy makes your guests feel very special that you have chosen to communicate with them in such a time-honored tradition.
Q. How do I select a lettering style and color?
Michele: It all depends on what you like! I offer lettering styles that set a special tone for any event, from professional, to ultra sophisticated, to whimsical. Because I can custom mix colors in addition to offering clients a broad selection of existing inks, I have the capability to match whatever color scheme you choose.
Q. What about paper stock and stationary?
Michele: Once again, it all depends on what you prefer. Some clients have their stationary or table cards all picked out and just need my lettering services. Other clients have come to me for my many resources in the stationary industry. From custom-made cards to high-quality, ready-to-buy stock, I offer my clients a wide variety of vendors to choose from.
Q. What is your normal turn-around time?
Michele: In peak spring and summer months, normal turn-around time is 2 to 3 weeks from when the envelopes and guest list arrive in my studio. For other hand-lettered projects, it depends on content size. However, I really do try to meet all deadlines if possible.
Q. What if I don’t know the proper way to address some of my guests, like the difference between a doctor who is a Ph.D. or one who is a pediatrician – and they are married to each other!?
Michele: That is a very common concern and it is my pleasure to guide you through all those questions. Properly addressed envelopes are a must!
Q. Is hand-lettered calligraphy expensive?
Michele: My prices are very competitive and clearly outlined from the start. My years of experience have enabled me to develop a creative process that is both organized and efficient. There are no hidden surprises, and I am readily available to answer any questions that might arise. I am happy to email my pricing and also give you a quote over the telephone.
Q. How do I secure your services and what is the schedule for payment in full?
Michele: A $75.00 non-refundable deposit is required. This holds your time and the $75.00 is applied toward your final invoiced balance. Payment is due upon pick up or shipping of wedding envelopes/invitations. Final payment is due upon pick up or shipping of all other materials such as seating items. I do book up months in advance so booking me as early as possible is suggested. I accept VISA and MasterCard.
Q. What is the best possible way to get my envelopes to you?
Michele: I try to make the invitation part of your wedding planning as easy as possible for you. You may bring your envelopes in by appointment, or you can ship them to my studio. And we can ship them back to you as well! Guest lists and content copy can be emailed.
Q. How many extra envelopes do you require?
Michele: A 10 to 15% overage is required.
Q. How do I go about reserving your time for my other lettering requirements, like table cards or menus?
Michele: Your time is automatically reserved if I have done your wedding envelopes. I can also just do your seating materials, but it is advisable to book in advance for this.
Q. Besides hand lettering, what other services do you provide?
Michele: In addition to addressing your envelopes, Papineau Calligraphy can assemble, stuff, seal, stamp and deliver your invitations to the post office for hand canceling. We can also stuff and organize seating items so when you get them back, voila! they are ready to be placed at your reception or special event. Additional fees for these services apply.
As you are planning your wedding or special event, or trying to create that memorable product label or brochure for your company, you have to ask yourself questions like, “What impression am I trying to make here?” “What is the tone I am trying to set?” “How can I differentiate myself from others?” With Papineau Calligraphy, you can be assured that the hand lettering you receive will be distinctive, memorable and exclusive to your preferences. It really is about what you are trying to achieve.
• Opaque envelopes or envelopes that have a dark lining may incur additional charges to address.
• Square envelopes require additional postage.
• A 10 to 15% overage on envelopes is required so be sure you will have extra envelopes. Some stationary companies make you order extras in increments of 25 so if your numbers are close, give Papineau Calligraphy a call before you order and we can discuss the number of extras really needed. I don’t like to see people order 25 more envelopes if you only need 2 to make the 10-15%.
• Hand-canceling your invitations adds an elegant, decorative accent to the overall look. I would be happy to discuss this with you in further detail.
• When preparing your typed address lists:
1. Addresses should be in a format like they would appear on an envelope:
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gagner
10 Summerwind Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92660
2. Abbreviations are okay to use for street, state, apartment, house number etc. I never abbreviate when addressing but this will save you typing time when preparing the list.
3. When typing, use upper/lower case.
4. Number or alphabetize the names.
5. Use 14-point type.
6. A separate column is recommended if there is an inner envelope.