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     Time and time again, I have heard so many positive things about blogging!  It is an integral part of sharing your ideas and happenings as well as a fantastic way to make a nudge in the coveted Google search engine.  So with these things on my mind, I will try to start blogging about my daily routines, fantastic finds and new things discovered, struggles and set backs, small steps and big leaps in the world of living my life in lettering, illustration and most of all creativity.  It is a lifestyle that I hope to carry on for the rest of my days.  I hope I get the hang of this! January 9th, 2017 Happy New Year everybody!  I must say that 2016 went by in a flash and it was because I was just so overwhelmingly busy with lettering!  How lucky am I??  My tiny little dream of working and having a career and business as a hand lettering artist has actually come to fruition and I can say....there is no looking back!  Reviewing 2016 I would have to say that I am truly grateful for all the lovely couples, parents and planners that reach out with a vision of my lettering for their event.  I always feel like I am but a tool to help you create the vision of your dreams.  Love Lettering grew exponentially in 2016 with an assistant in tow (thank goodness for good help) it let me execute more ideas and not have to life the load of being an entrepreneur alone. Sometimes what I miss most about working at a regular job is seeing people everyday... but I work with LOVELY people all the time, but that is usually for drop off and pick ups! Highlights of my 2016: 1. Top of the list is landing a book deal! I will be revealing all my tools, tips and tricks that I use to execute all of the signage you see on my website and social media. I am feverishly writing and continuously shooting in order to meet my deadline and if I am diligent, we will have something to see this year! 2. Seeing my lettering in PRINT!  I made a huge jump into print this year with catalogue work with Baskits and Banglez,  wrapping paper with Creative Bag, published in Mingle magazine and I lettered for a wonderful series of baby wear with J.R.Authentics.  I also loved all my collaborations with party people, Confetti & Bows with cake toppers and cupcake toppers. 3. Second year under our belt for the One of a Kind Show! This year Posecards had some recognition as our business doubled for the show. We launched our gold plated pins "Wearable Words" adding ourselves into the elusive pin game, with 8 designs to start, wifey, husby, bestie, boss, babe, genius, foodie, and of course artist. There is so much to be happy about, I really do pinch myself everyday. I have no idea how I got here but for the fact I work hard and try my best at perfecting my craft and given talents and offering it to the world.  Here's hoping 2017 will be even more amazing.   October 21, 2016  Wow oh wow, is it October already?  I cannot believe that 6 months has passed since I last wrote and I am so perplexed at how FAST time goes by!  I have had the most incredible and overwhelmingly busy wedding season and now that it is trickling off...here comes.......the amazing Christmas One of a Kind Show ! For 11 days I will be at booth I05 with all my Posecards and hand lettered goods!  Find my gold plated wearable word pins, hand lettered dream catchers, aluminum prints and of course the 75+ designs of Posecards, the photo prop & greeting card combo!  Hope to see you all there! Click on the link below to see all the artisans who will be there, if you search for me you will some of what I will be bringing! http://oneofakindshow.com/toronto/index.php On another fantastic note, Love Lettering is officially working on a book with Skyhorse Publishing in New York City!  Have you ever wondered how I create my pieces?  What is my thought process for each piece?  What are the tools I use for all the different type of surfaces that I letter on?  This book will be like me pulling back the curtain to reveal all my tricks and illusions...!!  That being said 2017 is already getting busy and wedding commission slots are already filling up, promising another fun filled year of lettering projects! Keep you posted and thank you for keeping up with me, I can barely keep up with myself.....!  Follow me on my favourite social media outlet Instagram @lovelettering_doris wai I post on the regular!  Thanks!       April 17th, 2016 I have no idea how people find out about what I do for a living, to me this occupation is so much more than just a job, it really is a core part of who I am as a person.  And as much as I want to say it doesn't matter what others think of my art & passion, its so lovely to be recognized and appreciated for what I do.

All the way from Australia, La Bride has featured me on their latest blog post on the main page!  The feature is not only in English but in Chinese which is wonderful as I always find it hard to describe what I do to my parents as Chinese is my secondary language. Its lovely to hear that they find my work wonderous and magical the way I use lettering to transform everyday object into beautiful key pieces for style and function for wedding days. Please see the link below to read the full feature and thank you La Bride for the post and sharing my passion. English Link http://weddingblog.net.au/love-lettering-by-doris-wai/ Chinese Link http://weddingblog.net.au/love-lettering-by-doris-wai/?lang=zh-hans April 1st, 2016 It would be really mean if my win for this weeks Makeful challenge for hand lettering was a joke, since it IS April Fool's Day!  But alas it went live and I am just so happy that simple pretty lettering ideas can create great and inspiring art...and its inexpensive! Find the step by step tutorial of how to make this here: http://bemakeful.com/project/floating-calligraphy-quotes/     March 14th, 2016 Love Lettering has burst into 2016, before the confetti was cleared off the streets we had plans up to 2017!!  I must plan my year in advance and there is no other way around it, and although it may seem like madness, it is an organized madness and one that I am most comfortable with.  There are two facets of my business, the hand lettering service side, and then the graphic design and handmade craft side.  Alongside wedding commissions booked all throughout the year, I also participate in curated craft and wedding shows I feel suits Love Lettering's aesthetics and products!  So without delay our upcoming shows will be the following: Makeology Spring Craft Fair - April 16, 2016 Excited to be a part of this amazing first ever Makeology show!  With the talented Melissa Lowry of Milo & Ben as the modest and head strong organizer, I know that no detail will be overlooked because her pieces are the definition of patience and detail. Check out the fantastic vendor profiles (makeologists!) on the list HERE! REBASH - May 15, 2016 It's BAAAAACK!  And I could not be more thrilled about it!  Last year I was so happy to be a part of this new idea that wedding shows didn't necessarily need to be all glitz and glam, shiny and sparkly, it could be simple and beautiful, it could be rustic and realxed, it could be modest and it could be DIY!  I feel like last years Rebash I wanted to show all brides how to use lettering in their event, for seating, for the dessert tables, for signage throughout the wedding that displays your personality and attention to detail on the most important day. This year you can expect to find more take home one of a kind pieces, from now to then I will be scouring antique markets, second hand stores and just about everywhere looking for unique pieces that I can letter on to create special pieces for your big day.  There will be chalk pieces, wooden pieces, card boxes, mirrors, Bride and Groom canvas banners and laser cut signs for the chair back of the couple of the hour! And of course our very own, Posecards, photo props!  If you know a bride looking for ideas, its not to be missed!  If you want an afternoon of inspiration look no further than Rebash, you will be amongst a bunch of talented local businesses and vendors.  Check out details HERE!   December 27th, 2015 My goodness its been so so sooooo long since I have updated this blog, that being said I was extremely busy! For the first time Love Lettering was a part of the Christmas One of a Kind Show!  The One of a Kind Show to me was always in my heart the Mount Everest of handmade shows so it really was a life long dream turned reality to be showcasing at this beautiful event. As you may remember, I was part of the Spring show this year in the Etsy section, and fell in love with the artisan community and the One of a Kind show itself so I was over the moon excited to be accepted into the Christmas One of a Kind Show!  I was part of the 6 day vendors that started Dec 1-6, and let me tell you, the show is not for the faint of heart!  I felt like it was a 6 day marathon, I lost my voice by the end and needed a week to recover physically but I can say that I loved every minute of meeting all the people that stopped by, listened to me explain my vision for my lettering and took something home.  Here is some pictures from the show, some from my Instagram account (if you are not following, why not? =) ) and some from the lovely and talented Bruna from Simply Lace Photography who stopped by to see what I do when I am not lettering for weddings and events!     November 5th, 2015 I apologize for the lack of communication and updates of my blog, the wedding season has been a whirlwind and even breathing seemed difficult from all the excitement that surrounds Love Lettering!  Latest show and tell moment would have to be this beautiful feature with Junebug Weddings, captured and submitted by Olive Photography, this wedding was so simple & beautiful. I worked with lovely bride Olivia for months leading up to the big day and I loved all the thought and details she wanted for the event and each guest.  From seating chart, to sign in table, to dessert/cake to tags for the succulents in teacups, every detail was not overlooked and it shows. Hope you enjoy some of the pieces that were part of the day.      August 5th, 2015 I am so elated to share this stunning collaboration with Make My Day Count and many other extremely talented vendors to create this Great Gatsby Styled Shoot featured at Wedluxe.com.  Here are a couple of pictures from the day but there are so many more beautiful shots and it was a pleasure to be a part of this shoot. Check out the link to find yours truly and all the other amazing vendors that had their hands in this gorgeous shoot.   July 12th, 2015 On the most rainiest, gloomiest day in June, lifestyle & wedding photographer Janet Kwan lugged her equipment into my studio and created...magic.  When I say magic I mean she created sunshine in my studio not only visually but really in my heart.  As my business grows, I knew it was time to update my "About Me" section, being in a creative business, people and clients like to see the maker of the product, the person providing the service, the heart of the company.  Honestly, all that is one person at the moment, and that is me.  So it was time to take that step and open the doors to Love Lettering, a 2 room studio where I letter, create and fulfill my happiest and wildest dreams as a Mom and a full time designer/illustrator and hand letterer. The morning started with a visit to the talented Janet Ford who created a  polished look for me, squeezing me in as her last client before her 4 week summer vacation, lucky girl. She didn't rush me out and did a fantastic job and I left her chair feeling pretty and put together, just the right tone for the shoot ahead. The following 3 hours Janet Kwan styled and shot tirelessly through the dark and gloomy clouds with her giant "A" clamps and lighting/reflector screen and the results and photos were so pretty it was hard for me to choose what to post!  From portrait of the artist, to details of the studio, to styling and work in progress pictures, she captured it all with a quiet confidence, strong direction, and a keen eye of who I am as an artist. Thank you both Janets for helping me accomplish this long overdue step in the business, it was a fantastic experience and one to be remembered and I, and the company are so grateful!  Here are some of the amazing shots of the day, as mentioned it was hard to choose.  Enjoy the window to my daily world.           June 29th, 2015 Love Lettering has made its first debut in television!  When August In Bloom approached me to do a wecome board for a segment with the hostess with the mostess Rebecca Wise, I was happy to create a gorgeous and decorative piece for the event....a Queen's Plate Garden Party!  Queen's Plate is similar to the Kentucky Derby, fancy hats, fancy food and of course, fancy decor!  Check out the beautiful set up below! To See the Whole Segment, Link Below: http://www.thesocial.ca/food/entertaining/how-to-throw-a-queens-plate-party Amazing Vendors: Event Designers- Event Wise & August in Bloom Florals- Floral Fetish Designs Cakes & Sweets - Sweet Philosophy Hats & Fascinators - David Dunkley Hats Vintage China - Plate Occasions Chalkboard Rental - Southern Charm Vintage Rentals Lettering - YOURS TRULY!   June 15th, 2015 Sometime late 2014, I dreamt up this crazy idea.  I am really a hopeless romantic, and one of the most romantic things to ME, is the marriage proposal.  I am not sure if its because of the element of surprise, the creativity or how the proposal is done, I just love that moment when a boyfriend and girlfriend, become....fiances!  So fast forward to this contest!  I have teamed up with talented photographer Janet Kwan to offer this creative Instagram contest!  The prize includes my hand lettering in any proposal setting you can dream of, the coffee shop where you first met?  The driveway of the home you just bought? The more creative the better, and  Janet will be there to capture the moment in pictures!  Please read the rules and regulations below, and you must have INSTAGRAM to enter!  Follow us @lovelettering_doriswai and @janetkwan to read how to enter!

Love Lettering & Janet Kwan Photography “Will You Marry Me?” INSTAGRAM CONTEST OFFICIAL RULES No purchase necessary to enter or to win. 1.  Eligibility: TheLove Lettering & Janet Kwan Photography “Will You Marry Me?” Instagram Contest (the “Contest”) is open to legal residents of Toronto, Ontario, Canada who are 16 years of age or older and who have the Instagram application downloaded on their mobile smart device (“Device”) and an Instagram account as of date of entry.  Employees of Sponsor, Sponsor's parent, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, advertising or promotional agencies and the immediate family (defined as parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents) of each such employee, and all those with whom such employee are domiciled, are NOT eligible.  Void where restricted or prohibited, and subject to all federal, state, provincial and local laws. 2.  Contest Period: The Contest begins on June 15, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on June 30, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. ET (the “Entry Period”). 3.  How to Enter the Contest: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter the Contest. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.  Before entering the Contest, the “Photos Are Private” option in your Instagram account settings must be set to “OFF”. To enter the Contest, you must be following: Love Lettering by Doris Wai, @lovelettering_doriswai (instagram.com/lovelettering_doriswai/) AND Janet Kwan Photography, @janetkwan (instagram.com/janetkwan).  During the Entry Period, (i) Post a picture of you and your partner with a hashtag #inlovesotrulymadlydeeply (ii) Send Love Lettering a PM with the same picture of the both of you. Tell us how you would use our hand lettering in your proposal, creativity is key and we love hearing a good love story of how you came up with the idea. 4. Entry Requirements:  ANY ENTRY DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE OR UNSUITABLE, IN SPONSOR’S SOLE DISCRETION, WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. * Entries must not contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, contain profanity, nudity, sexual content; hateful content of any kind; content that promotes violence or harm to another living creature; or any other offensive content (as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion) * Entries must not contain material that promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing) or promotes any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous * Entries must be in keeping with Sponsor's image and not contain any material that could reflect negatively on the name, reputation, or goodwill of Sponsor, its subsidiaries or affiliates * Entries must not violate or encourage the violation of any law, rule or regulation

5. Winning Submission and Notification: Entries will be judged by representatives of Sponsor.  During the Entry Period, one (1) potential winner will be selected daily among all eligible Entries received  to win a prize based on the following criteria:

* Style and creativity- 100% All Entries received as of 11:59pm ET June 30, 2015  will be eligible for the winner selection.   Winner will be notified by Sponsor via comment to their winning Instagram photo and given instructions on how to contact Sponsor through email to claim prize. The winner (or winner’s parent/legal guardian if the winner is a minor) must reply to the winner notification from Sponsor and include the mailing address and email address of the winner (or winner’s parent/legal guardian if the winner is a minor) within forty-eight (48) hours.  If a winner is not reachable at the address or e-mail address provided and a forwarding mailing address or e-mail address is not made available or if prize notification is returned as undeliverable, then the prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected.  Determinations made by Sponsor are final on all matters relating to the Contest. *** For Toronto Residents Only *** 6. Prizes: Love Lettering will be offering Hand Lettering service of “Will You Marry Me?”  for the duration of the proposal, wording can be more elaborate to include names and sentiments as well in the setting or creative idea submitted. Janet Kwan Photography will be offering a photography package that includes: 30 high res images, an online gallery to share with family and friends, a blog feature.   Entrants are responsible for the negotiation with any vendor to use a space or surface if the proposal is to be taken place in a public or private business or establishment. No cash in lieu of prize(s) will be awarded.  No substitution or transfer of prize permitted except at the sole discretion of Sponsor who reserves the right to substitute one or more prizes within the prize pack with prize(s) of equal or greater value. All applicable federal, state, provincial and local taxes related to the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.

7. General Rules: By entering the Contest, entrant grants Sponsor a worldwide, royalty free, non-exclusive right and license to copy, distribute and display each submitted Entry and use each Entry in any manner including promotional, advertising, marketing, publicity and commercial uses without any further notice or payment to entrant (except where prohibited by law).  Entrant represents and warrants that its Entry does not and will not infringe on any copyright or trademark or any other third-party right or violate any applicable law or regulation, including any right to privacy or publicity.  In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an Entry, the Entry will be deemed submitted by the person in whose name the identified Instagram account was registered. Acceptance of the prize or parts thereof constitutes permission to use winner’s name and likenesses for promotional purposes without further compensation except where prohibited by law.  Except as otherwise provided herein for the use of certain winner information, personal information collected from each entrant will only used by Sponsor for the purpose of administration of the Contest.

8.  Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Contest is Love Lettering and Janet Kwan Photography.

  June 13, 2015 Wedding season is in full swing and I have been busy as a bee lettering and I could not be happier!  Amongst some of my lovely couples were Sonia & Neill, they had a long list of things for me to letter and I was more than happy to take on every task!  From wedding program to seating chart, to table numbers, to photo props and more I enjoyed the whole process.  Here are some peeks at the pieces I created: And to top it all off, their lovely wedding is now featured in Wedding Obsession!!  Sonia & Neill's wedding photographer Lushana Bale captured the wedding beautifully in the setting of the Berkeley Church, with its gorgeous windows and architecture, its not hard to see why it was featured!  Please see link below for full on stunning elegance. See Full Post: http://www.weddingobsession.com/2015/06/12/classic-berkeley-church-wedding-in-toronto/   April 27, 2015 There has been some fantastic posts about Love Lettering after our 2 biggest shows to date!  Please check out the links below to read Makezine's post about Love Lettering at the One of a Kind, special features about my Posecards, and Freshness wrote about our lettering services for your next event!  So so so happy & thankful for both features and we will continue to make beautiful lettered things for the days to come! Stay tuned! Makezine Post http://makezine.com/craft/doris-wais-paper-posecards/ Freshness Post http://www.freshnessgf.com/toronto-rebash-wedding-show/ Thanks and stay tuned!   April 20th, 2015  REBASH was AMAZING!!! So first annual REBASH show happened on April 18th, 2015 and I can put my life savings that this won't be their last! These ladies really know how to throw a show/bash with the perfect mix of stylish vendors with their own unique game to bring to the show! If you missed it, what I wanted to accomplish was to inspire brides, grooms, and event planners to use hand lettering on ordinary things to create an *gasp* factor. My table consisted of three sections, a Bar & Fun section, a simple and elegant Reception & Guestbook section, and a fancy and ornate Dessert section. Throughout the table I wanted to show that I can hand letter on chalkboards, glass, plastic, paper and mirror, even a hand cut paper letter company banner for the antlers, imagine a Mr. & Mrs, or the names of the bride and groom! How can you use hand lettering?  Think about signature drinks, table numbers on centrepieces, dessert menus on mirrors, lettering on an Ikea greenhouse to create a card box, really thinking .....outside the box!  Hope you enjoy the peep into the day, for more daily inspiration, please follow me on Instagram: @doriswai I post my daily happenings there! April 12th, 2015 Love Lettering has been featured in Hostess with the Mostess!  Alongside wonderful vendors Southern Charm Vintage Rentals, The Cocoa Cakery and captured by photographer Bruna Sanches of Simply Lace, this first birthday a Lumberjack themed party featuring triplet boys was an amazing collaboration.  My involvement included the cardboard moose trophy head, hand cut forest themed cake toppers,  hand lettered mini mason jars, little axe food tags stuck in real wood stumps, custom lumberjack buttons/pins, and of course chalkboard work throughout the party!  Click on the link below to see the amazing pictures from this fantastic shoot, enjoy! http://bit.ly/1EHwjt7 Collaborators: www.southerncharmvintagerentals.com www.simplylacephotography.ca www.thecocoacakery.com March 17th, 2015 Time is just going by so quickly and I cannot keep up with all the exciting news happening in and out of the studio!  First things first!  The One of a Kind Show is really just around the corner!  March 25-29 at the Direct Energy Centre!  I will be there with all my goodies that I have created in this past year!  Please find me in the Etsy section Booth Q41D!  Pop by, say hi, would love to meet you!  If you know you are attending the show, please use the link below to save $3 off when you buy tickets in advance online! https://www.microspec.com/tix123/eTic.cfm?code=OOAKS15&promo=ASDqgf2   January 8th, 2015 Happy New Year!  2015 is upon us and I am so looking forward to another year of doing what I love....illustrating, designing and lettering of course!  As you may know I am an illustrator with a love and niche for lettering and alongside my hand lettering for weddings, parties, events and windows, I also like to keep busy by designing things that I adore!  This includes stationary, original prints, aluminum prints and my line of Posecards*TM which are photo props and a card in one!  These were developed originally for a personal wedding and were such a hit and looked so amazing in pictures I had to take it further.  These Posecards start out as original illustrations hand drawn and lettered with Sharpies, Pigma Microns & Sakura Pigma Sensei pens, they are then printed onto a stiff kraft card and then the colouring is added BY HAND and the prop is also assembled and packaged by hand!  What can I say, I like using my hands!  Holidays were the perfect time to debut these beauties with an array of festive designs from mistletoe, to naughty & nice banners, to candycane glasses!  That being said Love Lettering will have a whole new line of Posecards featured at the Spring 2015 One of a Kind show!  I will be in the Etsy section with many other creative minds and hands!!  Keep you posted with new and exciting product additions!   December 9, 2014 Feeling so lucky to be featured on the Berkeley Events Blog! http://www.berkeleyevents.com/blog/love-lettering-doris-wai-creates-some-beautiful-handcrafted-signage-at-airship37/ A fantastic event company that has 3 unique and beautiful spaces for weddings, corporate parties and even photoshoots. Check out my interview with them as I provided wedding signage for an Airship 37 wedding! Thanks for dropping by!   December 8, 2014 Ahhhh! Better late than never?? I am hoping this is the case! Wonderful news! I have been featured in a lovely lovely blog hosted by Rebash! Please visit www.rebash.ca/blog to read a little bit about what I do and I will be vendor at this splendid event taking place April 18th, 2015! These girls really know how to pull a bash together so this event will be amazing, this I am sure! Also! I am so looking forward to another awesome event hosted at the Evergreen Brickworks by Elephant in the Attic...Vendor Queens Marketplace on Dec 14, 2014! The Brickworks space is just jaw droppingly beautiful and there will be a lot of action going on! Live bands, a farmers market and free skating! Really fun for the whole family. I will be vending alongside some other very talented and creative people and I can't wait! Hope to see you there!   October 10, 2014 Bear with me, I have not gotten the hang of this blogging yet!  But I will let you know that I will be a part of an upcoming Winter Open House!  Its a 2 day craft and gift sale with a bunch of the sincere & lovely ladies around!  Please pop by  Friday Dec 5th, and Sat Dec 6th to find some awesome stuff, handmade cards, gorgeous hair accessories for little girls, and books  from local artisans an Momprenures like myself!  Hope to see you there and I will keep you posted! Aug 7, 2014 - Upcoming Shows For Love Lettering & Etsy Shop: Life Long Love If you have been keeping up with me you may or may not know that I have an Etsy shop, Life Long Love. I opened up in 2009 and sold a couple of paintings, all to the same buyer (thanks Cheryl!) but life got hectic and the shop was static for a while! This year I have opened the windows and doors and dusted everything off and brought in new stuff so I am happy to say that things are going well! That being said I am involved in TWO upcoming shows that are hosted by Etsy & Etsy Teams! Please drop by to say hello and check out my handmade goodness! First one, The Weekend Vendors Market,  I will be participating on the weekend of August 16-17, from 10-5!  Hosted by ReFluff  on Etsy, the most beautiful coffee cozies and adorable bibs and ECO friendly!  Triple threat people.  A  lot of other talented & creative locals will be there as well.  Please visit me at 1630 Dundas St.West, Toronto. Second show is on September 27, at OCADU!  Happy to be going back full circle to where it all began seriously...!  This show is hosted by ETSY and they are hitting multiple hot cities in Canada!  So I am so extremely thrilled to be a part of this show as: 1. Etsy is the most inspiring & easy to use site ever to sell my creative goods. 2. It's hosted at OCADU my school!  Taught me so much and the best years of my education. 3. I am MADE IN CANADA, and I am so proud of it! Hope to see you all there, its ONE day only so please drop by!  10-5pm at 100 McCaul Street. Toronto. ON, M5T 1W1.That is it for now!  Hope to post more soon!  Have a lovely day!  Too many exclamations???