Style Blog

Time Lapse, Hand Drawn Rendering | Summers with Catherine

2012-02-16T22:49:57Z

You guys have heard me talk about my best friend, Catherine. Some of my best memories with her are having fun along the coast, walking through bright and beautiful summer gardens and parties. I fogot that I had filmed myself drawing this pattern, which you see as the header to my web site.

I have flowers under my skin. My drawings have made a wonderful addition to the wedding stationery that I have long worked on. The video shows the pattern being drawn and colored over the course of two and half hours. Through time lapse, I am able to show you this in about two.

Bucket List | Chad Michael Peters Auditions for the role of Edna Turblad

2012-02-16T17:51:31Z

I can relate to the character of Edna Turnblad in the production of Hairspray. She spent a good portion of the 1950's stuck inside the house, running a laundry business and afraid to pursue her dreams of being a lingerie designer.

That is so me on many levels. I love this character, I can feel this character inside of me. I have been practicing, every day, working, honing and preparing for the audition which I will do this Sunday. Of course I am nervous, but confident that from the performance you see here on this video to my live audition performance on Sunday, that I will only get a bit better.....fingers crossed.

I was up late last night filming this, I want your reaction. If I am going to do this live, in drag no less, I want to make sure that it is the performance of my lifetime, because this is after all on my bucket list, I am turning 40. As Edna would say " If you don't like the way I look, well I just don't give a damn." Well I do really. What do you guys think?

One Moment in Time | Rest in Peace Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T18:30:40Z

My heart sank when I read last night that our beloved national treasure, Whitney Houston had passed away. From her humble roots and singing in church, to the international stage she will be remembered for her unsurpassable contribution to our memories and musical history.

Who can ever forget or surpass the performance of the then young, vibrant and passionate voice from God lifting our spirits and national pride with her rendition of our National Anthem? I cry every time that I see it and now more than ever will do so in the future.

And then there is "One Moment in Time", written as an anthem for the special Olympics, Houston once again reminded us there are few if ever that will challenge her vocal range and pitch. The song for me over the years has inspired me to move forward with what passion tells me to do. I too, want that one moment in time, when I am more than I thought I could be, when all of my dreams are a heart beat away and the answers are all up to me.

I listen to just a limited range of music on my itunes, Whitney of course is right in there. Her music has become the soundtrack to all of our lives.

Her death saddens me. Her addiction and spiral downward with drugs took from her what made her famous. She died, just Whitney Houston, a woman with her own set of problems like the rest of us, albeit exacerbated through fame and money. I am relieved that this is her time to leave us. I want to remember her as the angel running through the clouds, young, fresh, nubile running into the arms of her lover, not the Whitney Houston who spiraled out of control in the end of her short sweet life.

There will be critics of her passing and those who will use her death to make fun of her addictions and the demons that she was trying to suppress. But not I. I will not judge the other side of her fame or her personal life. I will only be a fan of the Whitney that I remember, hair slicked back, soft apricot gown, a restrained sex appeal and a voice that could only be a gift from god.

Thank you Whitney for giving us your moment in time. You are free.

You will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bobbi Kristina and the rest of Whitney's family. RIP

Cape Cod Style Wedding Invitations | Chatham Men's Stripe

2012-02-07T16:21:19Z

The process of design is two sided. I need the input from the client on the finished product. I want what we do for them to be better than the best thing that they could ask for. You saw last week that I worked on a wedding stationery suite for a client of mine. In it I introduced the Chatham Stripe pattern which is filled with pink and had touches of sea blue to compliment. When I spoke to my client she seemed kind of afraid to tell me that it was just too much pink. Not to worry. She wanted more green, more sea, less pink. I thought about it for a day or two and then finally sitting down last night at my computer I was able to draw out this pretty compliment to the Chatham Collection, The Chatham Men's Stripe. I could see this as a men's dress shirt, or lining to a summer suit of linen. Very English, very Cape Cod, very my bride and groom.

We were able to produce this suite on budget for the bride and will also compliment it with custom postage for both the outer envelope and the return envelope with the response card. So cute with the little botanical scallop and quahog shells. We did recommend an additional card for information on travel and a separate invitation to the reception given that it is a couple of hours after the ceremony. If you did not include this, I can assure you that your guests would be lingering, waiting for the bar to open and the food to be served. This way there is time between the wedding and reception for them to relax and to enjoy the beauty that is seaside in Chatham.

Winter Wonderland Wedding Invitation and Custom Envelope

2012-02-06T18:19:39Z

We have not had the kind of snow this year that New England is famous for. We have actually had the kind of snow that Florida is famous for, none, practically. Aside from a dusting on Halloween and a small dump a couple of weeks back, this winter has been void of the major element that makes it winter SNOW!! I pray next year at this time that there is a dusting, a beautiful white, crystal dusting for my bride to celebrate her wedding. Her mother had a winter wedding and now she too will have similar. We have to reflect her style AND the venue that will celebrate at. In this case it is the majestic, five star hotel, the TAJ where this winter wonderland theme wedding will take place.

I knew that it was important from the beginning to convey a sense of winter, the brides color choices and a lighthearted whimsy WITHOUT looking like Christmas. Not always easy. The bright white birch mixed with the opalescent hues of winter provide a perfect, polka dotted back drop to convey, fun AND winter. I know that she is going to love the look of this wedding stationery suite.

There will be revisions to the printed words and adjustments to these printed pieces prior to the launch of a custom website that will coordinate with this suite and show off the amazing engagement session that this bride and groom took with Person and Killian photography. One word, Amazing, as always. We have the details to the wedding in place, now time to hone, design and craft this winter wonderland.

Is it wrong to be singing " Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow?"

Bucket List | I want to play Edna Turnblad in Hairspray

2012-02-03T08:22:57Z

I am turning 40 this year, in a few months as a matter of fact. It seems that in the blink of an eye my life has gone past. I think back who I was, who I wanted to be. Now is time to reflect and think who am I? Why am I here? I know that I am still as passionate about design as ever. You can see that I crank it out all day....and all night long. I know in my heart that this is what I am meant to be doing. It is fueled by passion. I know what passion is. It is what has me up at three in the morning drawing, typing and thinking. I think that you realize what life is all about you have to go for what your passion tells you to do. I have and I do not regret it, although I realize that there is always a price to pay.

One of my goals for this year and in years beyond is to challenge myself to do new things. I love that charge, the thrill, the excitement. I guess that it is my own sort of bucket list. My challenge is to BE Edna Turnblad from the Broadway production of Hairspray. I have been singing every day, thinking, breathing, trying to get through her big high energy number of "Can't stop the beat". I am getting better, I can actually sing and dance my whole way through without passing out. I want to wow, I want the applause, I want that moment. I am 40, I say screw it, I am going for it.

So for the past five hours, it is now close to four in the morning, I have been drawing the looks of MY character, Edna. I want to adhere to the role at the same time bring myself into it. You have to BE the role. I say this like I have starred on Broadway, I have not AND to be honest probably never will. Although would totally love it!! I do know the parts that she plays in and what she should look like. In the end I want that wow with the "Christmas Ham" line....cue gorgeous gams in sparkly high heel reveal.

Trust me it is not just the gorgeous outfits that this famed drag character has to wear......ok you got me, it is the gorgeous outfits and the singing and dancing and letting it all out. I want that moment, I am 40. I will continue to practice and yes, I will fill you in. I actually am going to audition. Yes, chad michael peters, me, is going to get out there and shake my rump and sing my little heart out. If only for the sake of the thrill that comes from checking it off of the list.

Cape Cod Style Wedding Stationery | Chatham Stripes and Shells

2012-02-02T19:20:00Z

It is tough to come up with new ideas for a sea side wedding. I hate cliche, it is not what I do. I want something to be new and modern, yet always in some way there is a nod to the past. I have always adored French botanical prints from the 17th century. These I guess, are the first real capture of what plants and animals looked like. Drawing them was the only way three hundred years ago. I used the antique botanicals along with a custom designed stripe to incorporate a sophisticated sea side flair. The bride loves just a touch of pink in her wedding. Through the use of one of my favorite flowers, stargazer Lillies (I like all white ones!!), there will be a lovely addition of color to the palette of nature and the sea which is right outside of the windows at Wequasett Inn and resort in Chatham, Massachusetts. I have used the variant of color that exists within the flowers petals, mixed in some seaside color, and voila, Chatham Stripe is born.

I think that this collection is whimsical, classic and fun all at the same time. It certainly says seaside, but like fashion, it does it in a new, fresh and most importantly, pretty way. (Thank you Michael Kors for that line.....I live by it every day)

I do love to get the details right down to the last bit. In this case the postage is a bit of an issue as many of the guests live over seas. There are quite a few printed cards that will go into this suite so it is impossible to tell what the postage will be until we have all of the components in hand. Custom postage will be too late by then. So what I suggest is to ask at the local post office for a selection of stamps that the U.S. postal service sells. These are decorative stamps for items just like this. For the love of god, please do not choose the two rings or the doves. I know my bride won't, but you might think that it is cool. I would suggest anything natural inspired, of course I would, that is what I always suggest.

Ok with the proof and production ready on the printed suite it is time to get to work on the flowers for this wedding. We have talked about it, now I have to hit the drawing board to put together the final look of this New York City meets London wedding.

Branding your company | CMP Digital Public Relations

2012-02-01T19:10:10Z

I am known for a lot of things I guess. I am not one thing, never have been, probably never will be. Many of you do not know that I work on many different levels of digital media. I have long used these methods in the production of my events, weddings and even interior design. While I spend a lot of my time with individual clients, I do work with a lot of companies on their business planning and corporate image.

Pulling together the idea of a company's public image is more difficult today than it ever has been. The reality is that it probably will get more difficult before it becomes any easier. Not only do you need to think about your physical business presence, but you also have to pay attention to your digital business presence. What does your web site look like, do you have facebook? Do you know how to use it along with twitter to engage your fan base to follow your business story.Today more than ever a fresh digital business face is the key to success. I can almost bet that before a customer hires you, they are going to look at your web site. What do they see when they get there, a project from 1983? OR the freshest and hottest content from your business. People want to learn what it is that you do, how do you do it and what services and products you offer. Through the use of blogs you are able to not only tell the ongoing story to your business but you also provide a wonderful perspective of your business to your potential customers and clients.

As a company I am proud to have developed and distributed my brand to a broad audience. I am even more pleased that as we continue to evolve as a company, we can offer these digital public relation services, not only to individuals but companies as well.

I have long worked with my friends at Kitchen and Bath Details. They too know that they key to any business, especially a design oriented business, needs a digital showroom to compete and enhance any physical presence that the business may maintain. Of course, they have an incredible showroom located in Mattapoisett, you should visit it, amazingly good taste. But we are talking digital here. With the latest launch of their web site, I have included not only a fresh take on their logo and color, but have also added more social media outlets and better exposure through out the site of the blog stories that they write on kitchen and bath design. Behind the scenes we have further maximized brand exposure through an e:mail marketing campaign, search engine optimization and further coordination of social media outlets. A freshen up would not be complete without some new stationery to send out thanks to clients and colleuges but also some fun branded products to add just a bit of brand enhancement to their business.

Of course when it comes to public relations, a business can not forget physical advertising. We will be sure to coordinate a physical mailing to clients that ties in with the new and updated look of this fantastic company.

Of course the work never seems to stop. Owning a digital house can be like owning a physical one. There is always a list of things that need to be updated, deleted and distributed through the wonderful world of the web. Off to change the main landing page of their site. THEN on to the addition of static HTML code. Don't ask, but it will look pretty.Thank you Kitchen and Bath Details for working with me over the years to bring your on:line presense to life. It has been a joy, just like our friendship.

Put the power of CMP Digital Public Relations to work for you.

What does YOUR business look like?

Save the Date Design | Hand Drawn Pattern, Ptown Poppy by CMP

2012-01-30T19:28:45Z

Over the years I have realized how much paper, or stationery for that matter plays a part in the details of a wedding or event. Gorgeous stationary can be the star of the show, introducing and playing out the feel and look for your special event. I am happy to partner in the design and production process of fine stationary with the best that the industry offers. Together we look forward to offering you, couture paper and world class design.

We are happy to offer the following products & services

Shower Invitations
Engagement Party Invitations
Save The Dates
Invitations
Direction & Accommodation Cards
Response Cards
Response Envelopes
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Cocktail Napkins
Wedding Programs
Escort Cards
Place Cards
Menus
Table Numbers & Names
Custom Guest Books
Thank You Notes
Computer Generated Calligraphy
Hand Calligraphy

Custom Designed Stationery Suite in Eastover Summer Stripe

2012-01-29T18:42:55Z

The details never seem to end when planning a lovely wedding. Lovely does not have to cost a fortune either. I have always longed for a way to bring my custom designs for clients to life, in a way that is affordable, yet chic and stylish. AND to be in complete control from inspiration, to design, to printing and delivery.

Of course, don't get me wrong, there are weddings and events that call for a courtier level of work. If I need that for a wedding or event, I will continue to work with my amazing partners. There are times when a stylish solution for print material has to be done on a stricter budget. That does not mean a bride should compromise on the details that go into a stationery suite. I nearly had a heart attack this week when another client suggested a word document printed on a piece of paper as a supplement. If I had any hair left, I would have pulled it out. You want your basis covered, in an affordable way. Here is a list of the custom printed items that go into the pictured suite.

-Custom Dual Sided printed invitation

-Custom Printed and Lined Envelope with return address

-Custom Color printed Address Labels

-Custom Postage

-Custom Response Card

-Custom Response Label

-Custom Response Postage

Drawing and creating patterns is something that I have done my whole life. I want each client that i work with to have a completely custom wedding. I do love inspiration, but I never copy. What fun would that be.? I like to try new things, constantly. While working with my friends and clients Casey and Adam, they asked me to come up with a fun and colorful stationery suite for their upcoming late June wedding. Casey loves all sorts of things , so it has been a bit tougher to reel in the look of the wedding. I do think that I have come up with a fun pattern and have used it through the stationery suite to convey, bright, fun, farmy. It reminds me of the filed of flowers that grow on Hiller road. Beautiful rows of color, planted in rolling fields, guarded by stone walls built hundreds of years ago.

All in all, the stylish and chic wedding invitation suite is an affordable way to "brand" your event. That is what we are doing after all right? The collection can be scaled down by perhaps using just a white envelope and hand writing in a fun bright color the guests name and addresses. Or amped up with the addition of ribbon and layers. Hey this is all about you, i want it to work.

Eastover Summer Stripe Wedding Invitation and Stationery Suite is available for sale now. This suite can be completely customized to reflect the look and feel of your own wedding or event. To view this CMP product collection and many others, please visit my on-line boutique.