Alf & Alba

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Alf & Alba

Illustration, painting & design focused studio;
-Hand drawn & painted commissions
-Stationery design
(5)

24/07/2024

Hand painted monograms and subtle details for James and Jennie. 🍎 🌰
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Using a combination of textured card stock, lichen green details cards (printed by my lovely gal pal Abbie ), matching envelope address printing and personalised monogram wax seals 😍
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20/07/2024

Throwing it back to Lucy and Will’s folding, map wedding invitation…
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Everything was watercolour painted before being combined together onto a lightweight cream card base.
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It was designed to be read and opened in stages - so would take their guests on a ‘journey’ as they read it, describing each stage of their wedding celebrations.
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There was also a hand painted location map included on the final ‘opening’.
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The final size was A3 once opened and folded down to a 15cm square invitation.
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It was the perfect way to include a huge amount of information about their wedding in one single piece, avoiding multiple additional inserts and details cards.
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❤️✍🏻 ⛺️ 💒
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If you’d like to chat through some of your wedding stationery ideas over a quick (virtual or real life) coffee, drop me a message and we can book something in 😍

Lucy Cowper

06/06/2024

Excited to share this one…

Amber and Danny wanted something colourful and summery and totally personal to them. We included an illustration of their wedding venue along with a load of vibrant flowers - each one representing a special woman in their lives. There were also a couple of other special little details added too ❤️

I hope the final preps are going well for tomorrow , have the most wonderful day 😍

09/05/2024

A little painted monogram for James and Jennie - one that symbolises both of their surnames; Nutter and Applewhite.

This one was hand painted with watercolours before including on their invitation design. We adapted it slightly for their day of items, but it created a lovely constant thread that appeared throughout their stationery.

01/04/2024

Helloooo!

HOW is it April already?! Where is this year going?! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Checking in here to apologies for the lack of content / newness over here.
I’m still very much alive and working hard, but running two businesses is kicking my backside a little bit right now…

That said, I’ve had some fab projects to work on over , and I’ve got a lovely backlog of the most beautiful wedding stationery suites to share, that have gone out this year.

This week, I’m heading up to with my favourite bunch of gal pal wedding stationers, for two days or work and play ❤️

I’m completely booked for bespoke design slots in April and May but June is a little clearer. If you’d like to enquire about working with me on your wedding stationery, drop me a DM or fill in the contact form on my website.

Oh, and happy Easter weekend pals, hope you had a blast with your loved ones x

26/01/2024

I’ve got an amazing bespoke brief on my desk this week that I can’t wait to get started on…

Think hand painted, whimsical, meadows, English florals, and beautiful venues. ❤️
I can’t wait to get started!

This bespoke suite for Rosie and Alex was another favourite to work on.
Painted details really give your stationery a delicate edge.

I currently have one spot available for wedding stationery design in February and 2 in March.
Drop me an email or message for some more info - or you can find the link to my Client Info Pack in my story headlights ⬆️

13/01/2024

This shoot from last year was a beaut to work on - hand lettered table names and menus by me ❤️

30/10/2023

Absolutely loved this shoot! ❤️

14/10/2023

I’ll be at The Circle Bacup wedding fair on 5th November, with a host of fabulous wedding suppliers. This venue is so amazing and totally unique! If you’re local to Bacup, I’d definitely recommend popping coming down and having a mooch around!
*they also do fabulous coffee, snacks and cake! ✌🏻❤️

12/10/2023

My most popular design style...
..is definitely this bold, colourful, floral theme.
And there's another version currently on my desktop right now too!

I love drawing flowers and foliage, matching them to your planned wedding flowers and layering them in a way that creates a contemporary, alternative invitation design, that matches your wedding theme, full of personality and creativity.

09/10/2023

Dreamy, brush-calligraphy menus, created using a narrow paint brush and black ink onto this dusty pink smooth card.

Every one is individually created and therefore totally unique.

22/09/2023

🌷🌿🌺🌸🌾🌱

21/09/2023

Leadenhall Market brought to life in Tash and James main wedding invitation, for their London city summer wedding last year.

20/09/2023

Throwback to Lucy Cowper and Will Cowper's summer teepee wedding last year...

Their stationery included a full A3 foldout main invitation, that included a hand painted location map, matching watercolour painted venue illustrations and summer florals

19/09/2023

Jungle vibes...
..with this colourful, tropical inspired invitation suite.

Hand drawn details, printed onto textured gesso card stock and then shot so beautifully by Naomi Mills Photography 😍

18/09/2023

Client Information Pack...

I've put together this handy guide of how clients can work with me; my processes, prices and the services I offer.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFrcvgAE8w/Wewz6h3btugtNI81gyTppA/edit?utm_content=DAFrcvgAE8w&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

27/02/2023

I’ve got a day of drawing and painting planned today; including a watercolour home commission and a series of hand drawn pet illustrations for the most EXTRA table plan I think I’ve ever worked on ( ) - I can’t wait! 😊️
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This couple drawing 👆🏻was commissioned to include on their ‘guest book board’ that was displayed at their reception for people to write messages and well-wishes to the couple.
They plan to frame it and hang it up at home!
What a lovely idea! I love digging out our wedding guest book every now and then and having a read through all the happy memories. Having the same thing displayed on your wall is a perfect reminder of such a wonderful day! ❤️
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Anybody else opt for a less than usual guest book idea?

20/02/2023

Where are all the plant parents?
Anyone else struggling to keep the wee green pals alive recently in these cold dark months?!
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I loved working on these plant inspired save the dates for Fi and Rich’s summer wedding.
I drew each one by copying the ones that live in my home! 🌱 🪴

19/02/2023

Looking forward to my first modern calligraphy workshop this week Mad Chair Co in Blackburn. It’s on Thursday 23rd February 6.30-8.30pm.
I’ll take you through all the steps, drills and exercises I use in my own calligraphy practises, from the basics of pen holding and nib preparation, right through to letterforms and full words. Each ticket includes two hours of tuition, a full calligraphy kit for you to take home with you and refreshments on the evening.

Maybe you fancy creating some beautifully written personalised cards to give to your friends and family? Or make a hand lettered version of your favourite quote to hang in your home?
This is also a great option if you’re getting married soon - you might be thinking of making your own wedding place cards or addressing your invitation envelopes?
The workshop will help you learn the skills to do all of these things, and I’m so excited to show you! 🙂
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Your kit will include:
A step by step Modern Calligraphy work book
dot paper sheets
Pen holder
Nikko G nib
A pencil
Ink pot
3 x blank place name cards
2 x blank gift tags
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There are still a few tickets left, so get in touch if you fancy coming along. You can book your place on the website (just tap the product link on this post) or by contacting Tracy at the Mad Chair Co shop.

14/02/2023

Your wedding invitations really do set the scene for your guests as to what kind of day they can expect to experience when they arrive. The colours, fonts, paper qualities, print finishes and the language you use all help to highlight to your guests if they’re to attend, for instance; a formal, black tie affair in a beautiful hotel or a laid-back tipi wedding in a field.
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Discussing your wedding plans with your stationer is the best way to work out how to build your wedding day vision through your wedding invites. We’ve got a wealth of knowledge in this area, and can guide you on techniques, design ideas and details to include that help to build this scene.
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If you’re still not sure what sort of info you might need to include, or how much you need to tell your guests, get in touch with the stationer you like, they can talk you through everything you’re going to need and when things need to be sent (I can’t speak for all of us here either - but I bloody love a good natter about weddings! 🥰)

13/02/2023

My next introduction to Modern Calligraphy workshop will be at Mad Chair Co on 23rd February 6.30-8.30pm.
Come and learn a new skill in a fun, relaxed environment, over a cuppa and cake! 🙌🏻
Tickets include all tuition and a full beginners calligraphy kit to take home with you.
🖊 ✍🏻

01/01/2023

This Fairground Wedding shoot I collaborated on last year has just been voted Unconventional Wedding blog of the year! 🙌🏻🙌🏻❤️

I love UW - so many cool, alternative wedding ideas x

27/12/2022

What day is it again?!
I don’t know about you guys but I’m now thick into that realm of post-Christmas / pre-new year, where no one knows what day it is, we’re all fuelled with Prosecco and Quality Street and the biggest decision is which Home Alone to watch next (Lost in New York, obvs)?
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I hope everyone had a lovely relaxing time with family and friends? We’ve had the best time with our nearest and dearest; and I’ve even managed one brisk outdoor walk, which should hopefully go some way in counteracting the 100,000 calories I’ve eaten since Thursday! 😉
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I’ve started doing a little updating on the website too in prep for all of you lovely people who got engaged over the festive period, hopefully making the process of enquiring a little bit more straight forward and easier to understand.
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In the meantime though, if you have any questions on bespoke wedding stationery, processes or price lists, drop me a DM and I’ll send over some info!
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Emma xx
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Image credits:
Stationery
Dried flowers including bouquet, button and hoop
Stylist and decor
MUA
Bouncy castle and balloons
Dresses
Neon sign
Photography .captureco
Cake & Favours & Welsh Cakes At Home Bakes

21/12/2022

Multi coloured menus - we couldn’t decide which colour we preferred, so we went with them all! 🙌🏻
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Hand drawn hydrangeas and olive leaves.
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Printed onto hammered gesso card.

20/12/2022

The most beautiful day, at the wonderful for Jon & Lara’s wedding this weekend. A perfect frosty day, with Bellinis, dancing, the most amazing sweets and desserts (obviously ) and catching up with all of our pals before Christmas ❤️❤️

I also did a wee invite photo shoot the next day 🤩

07/12/2022

Last orders of the Christmas shop will be this weekend, for guaranteed delivery before Christmas. Local pick up will be available up until the 23rd Dec.

All cards, gift tags and wrapping paper are currently online with free delivery 📦

I’m down to my last 10 ’Paint your Own Ceramic Bauble’ kits

Thanks so much for all of the orders I’ve had in so far - I appreciate you all 🙏❤️

🤶🏻🥰

P.s shop link is above if you want to have a mooch around! ⬆️

04/12/2022

This time of year is always a busy one for me. I work on such a variety of different projects - if you’ve seen my stories recently you’ll have seen a few of these; hand painting furniture pieces, in-store engraving, some lovely branding and logo work and running my xmas shop of colourful illustrated bits and bibs under . It does mean though, that weddings take a bit of a back seat on the old gram’ around now 🙃
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So I’m throwing these happy, illustrated, spring goodies in here to help keep up appearances - and let you know weddings are still my fave to work on! 😜
I’ve got one more wedding suite to finish off this side of Christmas and then it’ll be mince pies and mulled wine until the big guy arrives 🎅🏻 🤶🏻

03/12/2022

I’m back at Dior, Selfridges Trafford Centre this year hand engraving their perfumes and cosmetics.

Engraving is complimentary with all items purchased on the day and they make for the perfect personalised gift 🎁

On behalf of Graphiplus

22/11/2022

We’ll after that recent hiatus in wedding content following the launch of my Xmas shop, here we are back to normality…
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Calligraphy envelopes - these are brush calligraphy, with a paint brush rather than pen nib - and are one of my fave things to work on for your wedding stationery.

19/11/2022

🎄🤶🏻🎅🏻🎁
My Christmas range is now live and available to order over on Emma Weston Illustration (or click the link in bio above to shop the collection).
A colourful mix of illustrated cards, tags & wrapping paper, along some hand painted items, personalised baubles and festive creative kits.
Stock is limited, so be quick!

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http://www.alfandalba.com/

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Videos

I know I’ve been quiet the last couple of weeks - I’m still here, just squirrelling away on this months projects - like this pen & ink illustration of St Peter’s Church, Salesbury in Blackburn. 🖊

I’ve given the website a bit of a refresh! It should now be slightly easier to navigate, but let me know what you think! www.alfandalba.com ❤️

P A I N T E D S H O E S I showed a little sneak peak of these on my stories last week, so here’s a very sped up snapshot of the stages of painting. These were very much an experiment to see what they looked like. But I’m thinking I might add this service to my website with the choice of options in style, size and detail of painting. What do you think?

I tend to create the majority of my couple and family cartoons on the iPad these days, but there is something nice drawing them by hand on paper and layering the detail.

Foliage Timelapse

This was one of the first videos I ever recorded of me painting - a VERY sped up timelaspe video of a series of leaves and foliage that were used on a wedding invitation design. Painted using Winsor & Newton watercolour palette.

A quick video of Angelica and Jeff’s unfolding-envelope invite, complete with gold foil details and handrawn sketch of their wedding venue - @fasquecastle. These can be sent in a contrasting colour outer envelope or even with just a branded wax seal to keep them closed. 😍 (Excuse the very amateur filming skills, I was doing it one handed! 😀) . . . #weddinginvite #weddinginvites #foldinginvitations #envelopeweddinginvite #weddingstationery #bespokeweddingstationery #uniquedesign #bolddesign #colourfulwedding #newlyengaged #2020wedding #2020bride #weddingplanning #onthedaystationery #weddingsigns #personalised #weddingcouple #weddinglove #gettingmarried #stationerydesign #stationerydesigner #lancashireweddingsuppliers #northwestwedding #weddingsupplier #papergoods #dailydoseofcolor #dailydoseofpaper #madeinuk #alfandalba #alfandalbadesign

✨shimmy, shimmy✨ Blush and rose gold foil, perfect for a spring wedding. Actually, probably pretty perfect all year round! 😍 . #foil #invitation #wedding #love #stationery #stationerydesigner #bespoke #design #unique #wedding #springwedding #newlyengaged #alfandalba

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Alf & Alba Design - Wedding Stationery and Luxury Paper Goods.

Hello! Thanks for popping by! :) I’m Emma, and I design everything for Alf & Alba from my home in Lancashire. I’ve worked in design and the creative industries since I graduated 10 years ago (wowser! It sounds a lot longer when you write it down like that!) but only ventured into the world of weddings following my own wedding (to my lovely husband Chris - Westy to his pals) at the end of 2017.

I love weddings. I also love talking, meeting new people, drawing pictures, painting and cake. So designing wedding stationery provides a perfect opportunity for me to do a bit of all of these things! I really enjoy working with couples to help bring to life their ideas and provide them with invitations that are beautiful quality and so unique their guests remember receiving them even years later.

I have a Studio Collection of around 10 designs that can be personalised with names, dates and locations etc. These can currently be ordered on my #nuMonday shop at https://www.numonday.com/shop/alf-and-alba-design/. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit more specific and designed just for you, I also offer a Bespoke Design service. Here I like to start off with a wee chat with you both to help me work out the kind of thing you’re after; along with a colour scheme and any theme that might be running through the rest of the wedding. I’ll then start on your design, working with you during the process until your totally happy with the final piece. Then it’s just a case of printing and you’re ready to start sending them out to your guests. If you would like a bit more information on the Bespoke process or want to discuss any design specifics, you can send me a message or email me at [email protected].