Digital Save~the~Dates
A Save~the~Date is given as a way to announce an important upcoming eventwhich kindly requests guests to reserve the date of the special day. Traditionally, save-the-dates are printed and posted to guests, but the digital save-the-date has become an enormous trend for both cost reasons and more particularly, environmental reasons.
Digital Cards are not only modern, but the paper-free route can be very elegant and sophisticated, as cards can be totally customized. The E-Vites can also translate into Birthday Cards, Party Invitations, and even baby shower invites.
Recently, we have been designing digital invitations with automatic reply forms, interactive maps and direction pages, as well as links to accommodation for guests attending events from abroad, which proves useful when trying to plan your trip for the event.
Fortune Tellers
Fortune Tellers deserve a category of it’s own. It has several fun purposes – it can be used as an invitation, decor at an event, as part of a table-seating chart where each guest receives his own…They are fun and interactive, and serve as a point of conversation at your event.
Cake Topper Crazy
January has been a blast- back at work, with festive memories and a budget to prove it! As a highlight, we celebrated the season with glitzy cake toppers, laser cut perspex in black, gold and silver. We are continuing the trend with “Happy Birthday Toppers”…
These can also be used to stick in a pot plant, or whatever takes your fancy!
We are currently designing wedding stationery for an April Wedding, using the couples’ profiles to create “cameo monograms”, which will also be the cake topper ( see below).
Year End Function 2010
The BEST party I have ever been to: our year end function – co-ordinated and Styled by Karla Oettler from Absolute Weddings and Events, in collaboration with Molentvliet Wine Estate in Stellenbosch- what a massively cool event!
Driving down the Helshoogte pass, the excitement grew as we entered the gate, where we were given cute brooches with our names and companies, by Nancy from Creatus Designs, who designed the entire event’s stationery.
Walking down the long stretch of road leading down the valley into the vineyards, we were first greeted by lime & litchi crushers to cool down ( initiative of Absolute Delish), along with sparkly silver Christmas hats and angels’ halo’s, tagged with “Merry Welcome” notes, naming all the sponsors for the event. Just a little further down the road, another stall with white popcorn boxes printed in silver as snacks to munch on while enjoying the walk- which, by the way, was lined with crisp white polystyrene snowflake cutouts ( Area 51)-all in around the trees! Large white letters greeted us announcing ” CELEBRATE!” – which set the tone for the rest of the evening…
As the Tallest Man on Earth greeted us, (just whilst thinking that I REALLY was entering some kind of fantastic surrealist dream), he introduced himself as part of Afrodizzy Acts, who entertained the guests right through the night. His friend was dressed as a Victorian goddess with a table-like dress, balancing glasses of icy champagne, thanks to Graham Beck!
As we chatted away, we amused ourselves at the installation pieces upon entering the White Dream (all under free form tents by Nomadik Tents)- stilts with Iced towels from ‘Le Towel’ to clean your hands, Fresh minty-lemon mists in spray cans, white paper fans, and beautiful decor-including white pumpkins!Well done to marcel for his decor and floral installations. A Mountain of presents awaited us too- we had to bring white gifts in order to swop with another guest- I, of course, dropped off my prezzies and neglected to pick up a substitute- obviously too preoccupied by all the glamour.
Molenvliet Wines were flowing as the guys and girls from Saffron Events attended to every whim, where all I had to do was sit down (regal rentals) on and listen to great music – Zamar, Incognito, and Rene the Dj lit up the evening, and along with gorgeous lighting by ‘Something Different’, it could only be a recipe for fun.
I DID get stuck at the Artisan Charcuterie table, where the Black Pig served Focaccias and Bruschetta’s with his Salami and Pancetta, demonstrating a bit of food and wine pairing with his hand-cured meats. Amazing cheeses were also served by Caterix, so I had my fair share of snacks, but that did not stop me from indulging in the mini Salmon and Creme fresh Crepes and Creamy Chicken Wraps on sticks-all by Dish Food & Social, whilst being entertained by HOT flaming tricks by the ‘Shaker Events’ Cocktail Bar !
The Videographer from idodigital camera’d away at me with my chipmunk cheeks full of sweets ( hello- who can resist anything made by Wade from Cakes by Wade?), which was served at the most delectable Candy Bar. Kanya hunt’s Cakes were just too good looking to destruct, it made for beautiful decor though!
Luckily I was distracted by Robert’s Photobooth-yay!-who is an all-time favourite at any event. I loved getting dressed up in his hilarious props- what a treat. By now I needed a dose of second breath, so I made a bee-line for the Coffee Bar, where a shot of Double Espresso convinced me to start dancing to the Dj…UNTIL I SAW THE OYSTER MAN! I must have followed him around the whole evening- dressed in a thick leather suit and two buckets of Saldanah Oysters on ice: he shucks them for you right on the spot! Exclusive Hire made sure there was enough Champagne coolers and Cutlery to go around- I have used them for an event before- so professional!
Other than loving the evening, I met some very nice people in the industry, like Talita and Candice from “Le Look” Makeup, and Lana from “Hireworx”.
Thank you to JaniB Photography and Zara Zoo for capturing all the moments…I left my camera at home on purpose!
Toast’s contribution to the evening was a glass Jar with snowflake-like Fortune Tellers- the kind we used to play with when we were kids…just to say- Season’s Greetings to everyone in the Industry! I can only look forward to a super- exciting 2011 with you all!
P.s – I only opened my “Merry Aid Kit” Cracker the next morning, only to be surprised by a couple of compral’s, a plaster, some gum, and a tissue! Smile…
Tygerberg Children’s Hospital Year End Funtion
Tygerberg Children’s Hospital celebrated their annual Glitterati Evening this year on the 6th of November – a glamorous evening whereby past and present contributions towards Childcare would be celebrated. The Evening was preceded by an Academic day of Excellence, where professors and doctors delivered speeches regarding their various fields of expertise.
Toast had the honour of designing Invitation Reply Forms, Invitations and Pamphlets for Academic Day and the order of the day’s progression. We also had the opportunity to organize the entire event for the glitterati evening – from selecting the Menu’s, to lighting, Flower and Decor, organizing the Bands…we also designed the centerpieces, ordered the orchids for the event and designed the stationery with the Tyger-logo details.
The two bands who showcased their talents : “We set sail” and “St. Saviour”, proved a hit, with the only complaints being that the music should have extended into the later hours of the night – which by then was already 12 o’clock! Lighting was set up the afternoon – candles, a fireplace, paper lanterns, and rice lights to add extra sparkle to the tables.
We also designed custom gift boxes with a aluminum Tygerberg- logo key chain, which served as gifts for the doctors at the event. Even though Archbishop Desmond Tutu , who was invited as an honorary guest, could not attend -we managed to gift 20 portions of food to the Durbanville Children’s Home. Hellfire Sound also contributed a great deal to the evening by organizing sound – thank you very much!
Toast designed every detail meticulously, including the little Tyger- logo on the menu’s – hidden away in the design. Banners were placed outside to welcome the guests, stating the canape’s : Fig and Camembert on Pecan slices, Springbok Koftas with Fruit Chutney – divine! The table seating was designed so that guest would be welcomed with a glass of champagne, with the guests’ name next to the table number, we also hung table numbers on the orchid centre-pieces so it could easily be spotted.
The gift boxes had a floral detail which was custom designed in order to match the floral invitations, and these refelcted beautifully in the mirrored boxes we used as our centerpieces.
Furthermore, a Photo Booth was organized for the evening – fantastic idea for any event, as guests queued to collect props to have their pictures taken!
The evening was a great success, and we hope to entertain again next year!
Lunch at Tokara
Wednesday morning I drove through to Stellenbosch to visit my friend Kara, owner and head chef of “Delicatessen” at Tokara Wine Estate.
We studied together at chef school a couple of years ago, and it was great meeting up with her to see what she has been getting up to! Her Deli looks amazing- beautiful clean lines and great designer details.
Jan Solms, a friend who studied visual communication with me at Stellenbosch ‘varsity, designed her logo and packaging. He owns a design studio himself {http://www.fanakalo.co.za}, and it was a real treat to see his work at Delicatessen.
The Deli was already packed with customers, but I managed to find a sunny spot outside on the wooden deck, and ordered a dreamy quiche and salad with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc (well it was almost 12 o’ clock), and enjoyed the view and sounds of the landscaped rock waterfall.Yum.
What a wonderful midweek break!
My Wedding Day Shoot October 2010 ~Vintage going on 2020
My Wedding Day Shoot for Issue Number 6, was Styled and Co-ordinated by Karla Oettler from Absolute Weddings. Toast featured as the creator of some of the decor props, as well as stationery items.
Absolute Vintage Going On 2020 had a freshly inspired take on classic ideas, and resulted in a sleek shoot with tremendous bling~ Molenvliet Wine Estate proved a perfect location.
Instead of usual paper fans, Toast suggested a perspex hand held fan with vinyl detail and a ribbon trim. Our car~bling range (coined at the TOAST STUDIO), included a car-mirror hanging display in gold mirror perspex with a “forever” typographic detail.
We also customized a picnic basket with printed wine label tags, edible treats, engraved balsam wood cutlery, as well as printed serviettes and laser cut sushi sticks. Other cocktail paraphernalia included laser cut mirror platters, and small laser cut fork-picks in a large olive vase.
The vintage car was fitted with a “just hitched” vinyl sticker, a great modern take on an old model.
Hanging mirror perspex props, as well as hand- held designer mirrors were custom designed by the TOAST Studio as gifts for the wedding party. We decided on an interesting and playful concept regarding bride, vanity and the photographer’s gaze – as the mirrors had no centers! One would rather look through the mirror and see the guests and gorgeous surroundings.
For the table decor, toast designed Blue lasercut base plates whereby the serviettes could be weaved through. The serviettes were not only customized with a monogram, but also had a sleek, elongated shape as another deconstructed take on traditional table-settings. The menu was also engraved on the base plate, a great memoir for the Bride and Groom to take home.
Side plates were turned in for mirrors, and large salt & pepper bowls contained laser cut mirror perspex lettering as scoops. These were somewhat reminiscent of the Great Karoo as layers of coloured peppers looked like sand sediment in the glass containers.
Elna, the Editor of My Wedding Day magazine, also popped in to have a peek at the shoot – quite a treat. Toast looks forward to the next venture!
Kamers Vol Geskenke!
Today I drove to Lourensford Wine Estate where Kamers vol geskenke holds their annual festival. For those who are new to this brilliant concept, please read the write-up of Kamers on their website – I quote a description directly:
Kamersvol Geskenke is a five day long inspirational and extraordinary happening of exclusive, hand made products, hand picked stalls selling exotic deli foods and designers creating beautiful spaces. It is a celebration of creative living and, as the name already suggests, offers the public rooms filled with gifts, innovative concepts and creative stimulation. The success of Kamers speaks for itself. In seven years of time this festival has grown from 40 suppliers and 400 visitors in 2003 to 11 000 visitors and 150 suppliers in 2009. Kamers is undoubtedly the biggest creative gift happening in the Western Cape. But it is even more than that. It is a lifestyle. An inspiration. An empowerment project – serving the community with hands full of ideas and creativity.
http://www.kamersvol.com
I specifically visited Kamers, not only for some inspiration, but also to support Karla Oettler from Absolute Weddings & Events, who launched her Deli Brand : “Absolute Delish” ! I have had the honour to work with Karla on several occasions, and launching her brand has been a special experience for me as I am so familiar with the food industry.
Toast added some flavour to her exhibition by creating canvas banners, printed paper menu’s, and small signage tags around the stall.
I had to order a “Lemon Zester/Crusher”, as it sounded so refreshing as it was already scorching hot in Somerset West at ten in the morning!It was – nothing but – ABSOLUTE DELISH!
A Toast to Karla and her fantastic, fresh venture!
IMS Breakfast Event
IMS Medicals (a Medical Insurance Company- http://www.medicals.co.za/) approached Toast to organize gifting for their Breakfast Event. We designed custom cake boxes for the event, and used the IMS corporate identity colours as our inspiration board. In collaboration with Mila – the Cakeshop, Toast surprised guests with delectable cupcake treats with custom chocolate piped tags – to say ‘thank you!’.
The boxes were intricately designed for easy packaging, whereby the entire box can fold open in order to place the cupcake carefully inside without crushing the beautiful icing. The Cupcakes were decorated with Edible Gold Dust, Pearl Shimmer Balls and Mini Chocolate Eggs. The mini designer cakes are also made from premium quality chocolate, and are made with an extra moist batter as not to dry out. These cupcakes are also great for mini wedding cakes.
The guests arrived at around 7 o’clock in the morning for their breakfasts at Cafe Delicioux, a new favourite foodie spot with an incredibly lush menu. Serita, Owner and chef, served Salmon and Scrambled eggs, garnished with lemon, as well as freshly squeezed juices (such as apple & pear). This hotspot is definitely worth a try – with its vintage look and modern twists, be sure to make a booking as regular customers flock to claim their seats!
Post Cards
Postcards are a huge trend at the moment. Recently we have used them for a great deal of branding, with maps on the back of the card, with vouchers that tear off, or even containing client reviews {wish you were here!}. They can either be special gifts that can be customized with any design, photo or image.
Use them as thank-you cards, send them to a friend just to say hello, or simply design your own range as a birthday gift.
