Upgrade Your Tablescape with DIY Hand lettered Plates

This month we’re offering up easy ways to elevate your gatherings and fill them with little bits of magic. We are starting off the season with a simple DIY to seriously upgrade your tablescape game!

To make these pretty hand lettered pieces, you’ll need glass plates (you can usually grab them at any dollar store if you don’t already have some), a chalk marker and a paint pen.

I chose to write “thank you” in a different language for each plate (German, French and Swahili pictured here!) for a Thanksgiving-inspired setting.

STEP 1-First up you’ll need your chalk marker! Write the word or message on the front of the plate. I just freehand mine, but you can measure if you’d like! Because the chalk will easily wipe off, you can experiment and try different words and styles until you get it how you like.

STEP 2-Grab your paint pen and flip the plate over face down. Trace the lettering with your paint pen. Let it dry!

STEP 3-Flip the plate back over and wipe off the chalk lettering on. the front. Tada! Place your handiwork over cloth napkins, plates or chargers that will contrast well with the white lettering. Hand wash the front of the plate so it is ready to house some homecookin! When you are ready to clean off the paint pen lettering on the back, use acetone then wash as usual.

Let us know what you decide to write on your plates! Happy hosting! : )

Mama's Day Gift Guide

Here’s a round up of a few favorite small biz gifts for mamas!

Paper Rose Co.’s got ya covered for many Mother’s Days to come-these forever fleurs are a serious feast for the eyes.

We love everything Lindsay from Three Line Designs creates-but especially this linen cross back apron. This sunny gold color will even make doing the dishes more pleasant!

If you’re able to splurge a little for this special day, here’s a good choice! Black-owned and brimming with color, character and soon libations of your choosing, Estelle Colored Glass luxury hand blown cake stands and stemware will earn you major points in the Mother’s Day gifting department.

We didn’t think candles could get any better-until now! Snag these botanical beauties (topped with dried flowers!) from The Wild Heart. Might just have to get one for yourself, too.

Spruce up her stoop with a custom hand lettered mat! Anything goes : ) Keep it simple or get creative-Pencraft + Post will make her doormat dreams come true!

Happy small shopping to you!

XOXO

Galentine’s Gift Guide

Stay close to home this V-day season and shower your best girl friends with some lovely local loot. Here is a round-up of some of our favorites! We hope these ideas help you to brighten someone’s day-happy small biz shopping!

for your SWEET TOOTH SIS

Oh and I Bake just melts our hearts (and some butter!) with these attractive treats. One for you and definitely one for me!

for your PET PARENT PAL

Deck the neck of your pretty paw pals with adorable designs from Pretties + Papers. Snag some cheery gear for both dog + feline friends! Plus with every purchase you help support sweet shelter pups.

for the WONDER WOMEN

Love will certainly be in the air with this one! Customize your red, white or pink balloon with your own message and tassel color choices. Lift that hard-working woman’s spirits with a meaningful message + surprise drop. If you plan on breaking someone’s heart this Valentine’s Day, just ask us to fill it with confetti first! Extra points: these Pencraft + Post balloons come with a V-day card, too!

for the HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST

On the hunt for the prettiest pink? Search no further than Brookland Parks’s Alma’s RVA. Some of our personal faves are these Kiara Pelissier glass anemones (pictured) + Vitreluxe salt stacking bowls. Pro tip: take a pass on the online shopping for this one-you’re gonna wanna go see this place in person!

for the STATEMENT-MAKING SEÑORITA

The perfect Galentine’s garment! Ethically made, this tee is available at one of Richmond’s most thoughtfully curated black-owned boutiques-Little Nomad!

for the BOTANIST BABE

Fire Ball Bromeliad for the plant mamas in your life! Not to fear-she’s a low-tend friend. You can snag one of these stunners at Cole’s Plants on Church Hill.

for the DETAIL-LOVING DAME

Of course no Galentine’s shopping spree is complete without a stop at Quirk Gallery, Richmond’s pink palace- where all my monochromatic dreams come true. If you’re wondering who the “detail-loving dame” in your life is, she’s the one who finds joy in the little things, the unexpected things, + the aesthetically-pleasing things. (Also, it’s me!!!)

for your ACCESSORY-OBSESSED AMIGA

Find this festive pair of hammered heart hoops at Emily Warden Designs. Sleek and simple, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite!

for the NEUTRAL-LOVING LADY

Find these quietly festive (and handmade!) macrame coasters at Mod + Soul. Don’t forget to pair with their favorite beverage!

for the ASPIRING SOMMELIER

Speaking of beverages.. Two bottles and a baby bouquet will certainly make her day! Shop this Valentine’s special from Rich Wine VA + Secret Flowers.

for the SINGLE NOT YET READY TO MINGLE MAMA

Break-ups are no joke, so she’ll appreciate this essential. She may not want a real man around yet, but we’re sure she’ll appreciate the scentiment. Ditch the former flame + find this one at Dear Neighbor.

for your SCHITTY FRIEND

Simply the best gift to give the Schitt’s Creek-obsessed. Shop this smoky black acrylic sign- in David Rose colors-at Pencraft + Post. (No, Tina-YOU’RE the best)

Thanks for reading-we’ll leave ya to go grab some gifts!

Pencraft + Post product photos by Kia & Co.

Femme Fête: A Galentine's Gathering

Got together with some favorite gals this week for an early Galentine’s celebration. With peonies, cakes sprinkled with pink peppercorn, and hand blown glass pieces in every shade of pink, the space was gushing girliness in the best way. No rose-colored glasses needed for this one. (But yes to these blush-colored goblets!)

Vendors:

Design + Coordination: Blushing Richmond , Pencraft + Post , Gari-Ann Kia Photography

Photography: Gari-Ann Kia Photography

Calligraphy: Pencraft + Post

Florals: Fleuressence

Rentals: Nomad Rentals

Linens + Flatware: Rent-E-Quip

Cakes: Fat Rabbit Cakes

Videography: Double Take

Makeup: Richmond Makeup Artist

Venue: Alma's RVA

Glass Artists: Vitre Luxe + Kiara Pelissier

What’s in a name

Have an assortment of unique names for your seating chart or place cards and worried about spelling? Not to fear! With a name like Deirdre (DEER-druh), I’m well-versed in having my own name misspelled and mispronounced (except when I’m in Massachusetts or Ireland). Names are important and Pencraft + Post takes pride in our extreme attentiveness to details like these. Also bilingual (and a Spanish teacher!), I have written many a sign in Español. I have yet to write in Irish, but it’s only a matter of time.

Vendors:

Cake + Photos: Fat Rabbit Cakes

Planning: Belles & Whistles RVA

Venue: The Commonwealth Club

Tabletop & Linens: Rent-E-Quip

Blooms: Petals & Twigs

Napkins & Chargers: BBJ Linen

Lighting: Lighting Professors

Cake Calligraphy: Pencraft + Post