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FAQ

Frequently-Asked-Questions-PenDance-Houston-Calligraphy (1)

Envelope Addressing

Q: How much do you charge to address envelopes?

A: Please see our Price List.

Q: How do I format my address list?

A: See Address Formatting for instructions on preparing your address list.

Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope addressing order?

A:   For Hand Calligraphy, allow about one week per 100 addresses. It actually doesn’t take that long to complete them, but since I usually have several jobs going at once, all with different numbers of addresses and start and finish dates, this estimate provides some flexibility in scheduling.

For Computer Calligraphy – after we have your final approved address list and envelopes in hand, it takes 3-5 business days for most orders.

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

A:   For white, ecru, or light-colored envelopes, please provide a minimum of 10% more envelopes than addresses, with a minimum of 10 additional envelopes. For metallic-coated or colored papers, please provide 15% extra.

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation using hand calligraphy?

A:   For script fonts, I can emulate the style to coordinate with your invitation.

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

A:    Yes, once you place your order we will be happy to help you with your etiquette questions. If we don’t know the answer, then we’ll find it out for you! You can also download our free etiquette guide!

Q: Can you match the ink color on my invitations?

A:   Yes, if you provide us a copy of the invitation or a color swatch with your envelopes, I can mix a custom color to match.

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

A:   Yes, we can start with your initial list, then you can email me the additions as needed before the due date, no extra charge. However, if you need additional envelopes addressed after your initial order is delivered, then a set up fee will apply for each additional batch of envelopes to be addressed.

Q: Do you keep my address list private?

A:   Absolutely. We never use your information for anything other than completing your order. We will wait to delete address lists until 3 months after the items are delivered, just in case a client happens to lose the address information from their computer.

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

A:   Yes, we will accept envelopes mailed from your printer or stationer. You will need to provide us with your return address information so that we’ll know which envelopes are yours (most stationers/printers fail to include the client’s contact information with the envelopes.)

Invitation Design


Q: When should I mail my invitations?

A: For out-of-town guests and international addresses, you can mail them 8 weeks in advance. For local addresses, 6 weeks in advance should be fine, especially if you’ve already sent out save-the-dates.

We have known brides who have a “B” list of guests, so they mail all their “A” list invitations out 8 – 10 weeks ahead. Once they start receiving RSVP regrets from the “A” list, they ask to have their “B” guests’ envelopes addressed.

Q: I'm interested in invitation design but I'd like to see a draft before deciding to order. Will you design it for me so that I can see what it will look like before I give you a deposit?

A: No, unfortunately I don’t offer design work on spec. I require a downpayment to begin the design process, then you’ll have 2 chances to request changes before I prepare the final design. If you decide that you prefer not to order the design, the deposit will act as your cancellation fee.

Q: How do you send proofs and how long does it take to complete an invitation design?

A: Once I get started on the design, it may take up to 5 business days to email you the first proof. Usually the approval process takes just a few days after the first draft is completed, then add 1-2 days to finalize the design and email it to you and your stationer or printer. I do require that the balance be paid on your invoice prior to emailing the final designs.

Q: If I see another calligrapher's work that I like, will you copy their style for me?

A: No, it’s unethical and unprofessional for me to copy another artist’s style or designs. Most calligraphers work extremely hard to develop their own unique styles and brand and to copy them would be stealing!

If you really like the style of another calligrapher, then please contact them first to see if they are available to create your design. If you don’t know who it is, I can try to find out for you since I know many calligraphers around the country.

I am happy to review the work of other calligraphers that you like so that I can get a sense of what you prefer, but I will not copy another artists’s work. I will do my best to capture the essence and personality of the style you are seeking, but in my own way.

Computer Calligraphy


Q: How long does it take to complete an envelope printing order?

A: After we receive your list, we import it into our printing program and create a check list for your approval. Once we receive approval from you and have the envelopes in hand, it takes about 3-5 business days to complete your order.

Q: How many extra envelopes should I order?

A: We require at least 10% extra, with a minimum of 10 additional items.

Q: Can you print on metallic-coated or pearlescent envelopes?

A: No, we prefer not to since the printer’s inks usually don’t play well with coated envelopes. However, we are happy to print a sample using your envelope to see if the printing is satisfactory to you.

Q: Can you print in color?

A: Yes, we can match ink colors, except for metallic inks (we can come close to the color but can’t print in metallic). There’s no additional fee to match an ink color.

Q: Can you match the font on my invitation?

A: Almost always, or we can find the font or something similar. We carry the most popular wedding fonts in our collection. If you prefer us to purchase a specific font, we will let you know the price and add it to your invoice.

Q: Can you help me with envelope addressing etiquette?

A: Yes, once you place your order I will be happy to help you with your etiquette questions. If I don’t know the answer, then I’ll find it out for you! You can also download our free etiquette guide!

Q: Can you start addressing my envelopes or place cards before I have my guest list completed?

A: Yes, we can start with your initial list, then you can email us the additions as needed, no extra charge. However, if you need additional envelopes addressed after your initial order is delivered, then a set up fee will apply for each additional batch of envelopes to be addressed.

Q: Can you print on place cards or escort envelopes that I provide?

A: Most place cards and escort envelopes are too small to go through our printers. However, we do offer our own custom Crane tent cards in our online store that we can print on for you!

Q: Will you keep my address list private?

A: Absolutely. We never use your information for anything other than completing your order. We usually delete address lists two months after the items are delivered, in case a client happens to lose the address information from their computer.

Q: Can I have envelopes mailed directly to you from my stationer or printer?

A: Yes, we will accept envelopes mailed from your printer or stationer. You will need to provide us with your return address information so that we’ll know which envelopes are yours (most stationers/printers fail to include the client’s contact information with the envelopes.)

Hand Engraving


Q: Can you engrave an item while I wait?

A: No, I usually prefer 3-5 days to complete most orders. However, if it’s an emergency, I can usually arrange a time to engrave your item while you run errands or are out at lunch. A rush fee will apply for same day service.

Q: What is your minimum engraving charge?

A: Our minimun order is $45 (plus tax for Texas residents).

Q: How long does it take to complete an engraving order?

A: Please allow 3-5 days for most orders. For large quantities (30 items or more) I will be happy to provide a time estimate depending on what items they are and how much text needs to be engraved.

Q: Do you engrave other items besides wine and liquor bottles?

A: We currently only offer engraving on wine and liquor bottles brought to our studio.

General Information


Q: Do you have a storefront?

A: No, we work out of a home studio. All meetings are by appointment.

Q: What's the best method for placing an order?

A: You can email us on our Contact page. We will email you a response within 2 business days but usually within a few hours.

Q: What is your minimum order?

A: $45 plus applicable sales tax.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

A: We appreciate cash or check, but we also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX. We prefer downpayments to be made by check. We do charge sales tax to Texas residents.

Q: Do you sign contracts with your clients?

A:  We don’t usually sign formal contracts, preferring instead to rely on email correspondence and our invoices to show the details of each job. Whenever a client submits a downpayment, we email them to confirm that we received their payment so they have that for their records.

If you prefer to use a formal contract with us, we will be happy to work with you to create a letter agreement that will give you the comfort level you need.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A:   If you have ordered hand calligraphy services that require a downpayment, the downpayment will act as your cancellation fee should you decide to go in another direction. We generally do not require downpayments on computer calligraphy orders (unless it’s for 500 items or more) so if you need to cancel then please let us know as a courtesy.

Q: What do I do if I find errors in my order?

A:   Email us the details of the changes that need to be made, and we’ll schedule an appointment with you to redo them while you wait. Any errors that are our fault will be redone at no additional charge. Other errors, changes, or additions will be charged the same rate as the previous items, plus a $15 set up fee. We usually keep about 3-5 extra blank envelopes or cards when we deliver your hand calligraphy order in the event any errors are discovered.

Q: How do you mail items to long distance clients?


A:   We mail via UPS, and we’ll email you the tracking number once the order is shipped. If you have either UPS or FedEx account numbers, we’ll be happy to use those in lieu of adding shipping charges to your final balance.

NOTE: For long distance clients, we request that you plan the due date for your items to be delivered to be at least 7-10 business days prior to the date you need them, and please check your order the same day you receive it. In the event you find any errors (yours or ours), this will allow us to mail you additional items without incurring excessive shipping charges. For errors that are our fault, we will pay up to the amount that USPS Priority Mail would cost to ship it to you. If you need the items sooner, then you will need to pay the difference between what it would cost via USPS Priority Mail and the shipping method you request.

Q: What if I need extra items addressed after I receive my order?

A:    This usually happens more often than not! Please email us the additions and bring by the additional envelopes, and we will complete those for you at the same rate we charged your previous order, plus a $15 set up fee. The set up fee applies for each separate batch of envelopes we need to address, even if it’s just one or two.

Q: Do you return any items that are not addressed?

A:   Yes, we will return all items to you, unless you request that we keep a few on hand just in case. If you prefer us not to keep any extras, please let us know.

Q: Do you teach hand calligraphy classes or private lessons?

A:  Visit our Calligraphy Classes page to see when our next classes will be!

Q: Is rush service available?

A:   Yes, when our schedule allows, we will work with you to provide rush services if needed. Extra fees will apply.

Q: Do you offer stuffing, stamping, and mailing services?

A:  No, we do not offer these at this time. If you need to find someone to assist you, please let us know and we will check with our favorite stationers for their recommendations.

 

  • Envelope Addressing
  • Place Cards & Escort Cards
  • Invitation Design
  • Wedding Signage
  • Wine Bottle Engraving
  • Vows & Love Letters
  • Family Trees
  • Calligraphy & Handwriting Classes
 

On the Blog

Modern Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners – July 24, 2017

By Maureen Vickery

Help My Handwriting! Workshop – July 23, 2017

By Maureen Vickery

Help My Handwriting Workshop – July 23, 2017

By Maureen Vickery

Rave Reviews

Maureen, I just wanted to tell you how amazingly beautiful and stunning your work is and what an incredible job you did on our invitations! There was not a single mistake, and I just couldn’t stop looking at your artistic ability.

Julie Miller

@PenDanceStudio On Insta

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