Christmas + Gratitude

Merry Christmas everyone!!

My heart is so full of gratitude for all who have encouraged and supported me through this artist journey. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for making 2015 such an incredible year. I mean it when I say that I appreciate each and every client who has supported my little lettering business. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your wedding, your home, a friend's gift, a special occasion...the list goes on.

As I look back on all my projects and orders from this past year, I am humbled and so thankful. I truly hope that this holiday season is joyous for you and those you love!

Darcie Moningka Photography

Cheers to the many wonderful things to come next year too!

With a full heart,

DIY Brush-Lettered Wrapping Paper

Merry Christmas Eve! This month flew by, and now I am so excited to spend time with my loved ones and then take off to Portland and Seattle!

So I had wanted to show you guys a few different gift wrapping ideas much earlier this month, but instead I've been resting and catching up with people who are so dear to me. This season has been tough for me, particularly with grad school, but I am constantly reminded of how good God is in the midst of it all. He provides us with wonderful relationships and friendships, and everything I could need and more. So this Christmas season, my priorities are Jesus and loved ones. I love gift shopping and holiday-related festivities, but loving God and loving people are still at the top of my list.

I pray that during the holidays, you will press deeply into Christ's love and grace - especially if family time is tough (and let's be real, it can be for every family). I pray that if your heart has been weary lately like mine, that you will rejoice in the hope we have in Jesus. Let us never lose the wonder and amazement that God Himself would live and die and rise again so that we could have life, and have it abundantly. Immanuel means "God with us"; His presence never leaves our side, and His love never fails, regardless of how we feel or what others say. Jesus has saved us from the death we deserve, and so we rejoice.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

L U K E  2 : 1 4

Thank you Jesus. My heart bursts with joy because of You. We celebrate you, acknowledge that it is your love within and between us. We love you.

Brush-lettered white ink on kraft paper.

Oh right, this was supposed to be a DIY post. This wrapping paper was super easy to make, and I love the handmade touch it added to my gifts.

Brush-Lettered Wrapping Paper
+ Roll of kraft paper (usually sold with shipping supplies)
+ White ink (I used a jar of Speedball ink)
+ Paint brush
+ Yarn
+ Scissors
+ Tape
+ Gift tag (I made mine with black cardstock and white gel pen)

Directions:

1. Unroll the kraft paper and lay on a flat surface.
2. Shake the bottle of ink thoroughly to mix contents.
3. Dip your paint brush into the ink to brush-letter your favorite Christmas song lyrics, Bible verses, or whatever else you want to write.
4. Continue until you have covered a large portion of the paper.
5. Let dry.
6. Wrap your gifts and pretty them up with some yarn, twine, foliage, and a gift tag.

Have a wonderful day!!

Blessings,

Prayer Changes Us

Prayer changes our hearts, influences the world, and keeps us intimately close to our Creator.

Prayer matters.

With love,

Free Christmas Cards!

Hey friends,

The last day to order gifts that are guaranteed to arrive by Christmas is December 15! Be sure to place your orders soon, because this month has been super busy and I will be limiting custom orders for this month soon. I am SO grateful to have an overflow of custom artwork orders though - you guys mean so much to me and I am excited to deliver your hand-lettered goodies soon.

As a thank you for being amazing customers, you will receive a FREE hand-illustrated Christmas card with every purchase from now until December 15! No code necessary. 

Much love,

A+M Wedding 2015

My dear friend Amanda married her husband Matt this past October, and it was an honor to be part of their special day. Their love for one another is Christ-centered and truly God-glorifying. I am grateful for wonderful friends who supported this couple on their wedding day, which ended up being a sweet reunion with lots of my friends from undergrad.

 

Photos by Physis Creative

Amanda + Matt, I love you both and are excited for the amazing things to come in your lives! And Matt, take good care of my girl. She's a gem.

Much love,

Pray for San Bernardino

This week was tough. My heart is heavy for the people in San Bernardino, which is only a few miles from my school and a mile and a half from the special needs school we have treated at this quarter. Precious lives were taken. I still cannot wrap my mind around this situation and others like it. All we can do is cry out to God for comfort, and mourn with the brokenhearted.



Let's continue to pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are hurting. Jesus, You are our hope and we trust that You are making all things new.

Psalm 147:3

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

In His Name,

The Shop is Open!

Hi friends!

I am so excited to announce that my new online shop is up and running, just in time for the Christmas season!

The dainty "Grace + Gratitude Journal" is a perfect stocking stuffer, gift, or treat for yourself. Fill it with positive thoughts, things you are grateful for, or notes on-the-go!

Grace + Gratitude Mini Journal, $5

In dark stained wood with classic white lettering, the mini wooden signs are versatile decorations for any home. Choose from the "Joy" and "Abide" designs to remind you or your loved one of what truly matters!

Mini Wooden Signs, $20 each

And of course, don't forget a handmade card to remind your loved ones how much you care about them. Words of affirmation and love are always a true gift.

Hand-Illustrated Christmas Card, $3 or 2 for $5

Limited quantities are available of each item, so be sure and order your favorites today.

Stay posted for new items that will be added to the shop soon!

Blessings,

Shop Small - Mini Wooden Sign Gifts

It's Small Business Saturday!

Check out these mini hand-lettered wooden signs that make great Christmas gifts. As a thank you for supporting this grad student artist, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING and a FREE handmade Christmas card if you order by December 5th.

Want a custom sign? A personalized gift?

Email me at amandaleelettering@gmail.com to order!

Thank you for shopping local and supporting makers, dreamers, and doers!

With love,

DIY Flower Crown Friday

Just kidding, I'll wear a flower crown any day of the week, whenever I get the chance. This plum, cream, mustard, and forest green crown was fall-inspired and I LOVE how it turned out!

Darcie Moningka Photography

As many of you already know, I love crafts and DIY projects. I've always wanted to blog about my projects to share tutorials and tips for fellow DIY-ers, so here we go!

F L O W E R  C R O W N  tutorial

Darcie Moningka Photography

Materials:

+ Fake flowers & leaves (find them at Michael's + Joann's)
+ Paper stem floral wire (it is usually wire wrapped in brown paper, sold in a roll or pre-cut pieces)
+ Hot glue gun
+ Scissors
+ Wire cutters
+ Twine

How to:

1. Create the base of your crown by bending the wire to wrap around your head: I used a pre-measured piece of floral wire for an adjustable crown, so that the crown is half wire and half twine. If you want the flowers to go all the way around your head (and not just halfway like mine), create the base from just wire and secure the ends to make a circle.
   
2. Bend the ends of the wire to create a "hook" shape. This prevents the wire from poking your head and will be where you attach the twine. 
3. Cut a piece of twine and knot it onto both "hooks" on the crown. This allows for an adjustable fit.
   
4. Choose your flowers + leaves: use scissors (or wire cutters if necessary) to cut the flowers and leaves from the stems. Trim down the stem portion but make sure you don't cut off the center piece (otherwise, your flower will lose the middle portion). TIP: use flowers that are somewhat flat so that the crown will rest closer to your head and not stick out too much. Flatter flowers will also be easier to glue on.
   
5. Arrange your flowers + leaves: Planning ahead with the order of flowers helps to create the look you want. I try to mix up the colors so that no two same colors are right next to each other.
   
6. Hot glue the leaves onto the wire first, making sure that you are gluing on the "outside" of the wire (not where it lays on your head). This will ensure that your flowers have something to stick onto.
   
7. Hot glue the flowers on top of the leaves. Press the flowers on for several seconds to seal them in place.
   
8. Continue gluing until you have covered the wire and are happy with the overall look. TIP: for mine, I layered the plum-colored flowers to add more dimension. Be creative!
   
9. Place the crown on your head and tie the twine ends to secure it. 
   
10. Prance around in your beautiful flower crown!

Darcie Moningka Photography

That's it! Easy and inexpensive crafts that look better than store-bought stuff are the best. Be sure to tag me in your photos so I can see your lovely flower crowns!

Darcie Moningka Photography

With grace in her heart & flowers in her hair,

P.S. My wonderful friend Darcie took photos for me. Check her out at darciemoningka.com!

N+A Wedding 2015

This past September, my Godbrother Neal and his beautiful wife Austin got married at a winery in San Juan Capistrano. It was a dreamy wedding, where vows of Christ-centered love were exchanged, happy guests danced under string lights, and sparklers lit up the grand exit. I was honored to do some lettering and signage for their big day.

My Godfather built this rustic wooden sign that welcomed guests to the adorable venue.

A simple original design for the groom's gift - a handmade book of their story.

The wedding program sign written on a vintage glass window.

I am excited to feature more weddings on the blog soon! And here is a verse I am meditating on today. May we love the people in our lives selflessly and out of the overflow of God's love for us.

John 13:34-35

"A new command I give you: love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 

By this all people will know that you are My disciples, 

if you love one another."

With love,