Spring Up!

Featured in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia Edition of The Knot!

 

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Let It Snow!

Winter Wedding Season has arrived!  Busy with Christmas Card addressing, Announcements, Save the Dates, Invitations and Place cards.    Around here it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with Event Blossom’s seed paper snowflake place cards – embedded with a handful of annual and perennial wildflower seeds for your guests to plant.  It will certainly remind your guests of your special day, long after Winter has gone.

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Red Letter Day

My recent client chose red and gold envelopes for her Wedding Invitations, both colors in traditional Indian Wedding Ceremonies represent luck and wealth for the future couple!

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Cheers!

You’re not tipsy – not yet anyway.

To get in the ‘spirit’ of things, my client chose my ‘bias style’ for her upcoming New Year’s Eve Nuptials.

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Listed!

Officially listed in the 2013 Winter Edition of the New York Magazine Weddings Issue.

On stands now!

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Purple Ways

One of my recent clients chose a pretty lavender ink and a condensed version of my signature style.  Shot at the über cool Lavender Lake Lounge.  Perfect spot  for a pre or post wedding planning cocktail.    {I recommend the St. Basil.}

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Art Nouveau

My work is featured in the Fall Anniversary Edition of Nouveau Magazine, the digital and print-on-demand bridal resource for intercultural couples and multi-ethnic weddings. Issued quarterly, it offers insights into “real fusion wedding inspirations.”

I was part of Ana and Andre’s Dream Team which included destination photographer KT Merry, and Invitation Designer  Cheree Berry, among others.  A destination wedding, the ceremony took place at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.  

“…Drawing from many influences – Judaism, Catholicism, Quakerism even Atheism – we tried to create a ceremony that resonated with who we are.” – Ana Rosansky, Bride.

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Check Out

What can be better on a Summer Day than a nice cold library?  Well, for Bibliophiles, getting married in one!

My clients from Boston will be marrying in the Boston Public Library ♥swoon♥.  Their escort cards will be vintage check/out return cards.

Support your local library – get hitched in one!

 

 

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What I’m Doing On My Summer ‘Vocation’…

My Summer is certainly feeling Olympic!  My first International client, Áine hails from Northwestern Ireland, from the city of Sligo.  Her invitation was done by the über romantic Rifle Paper Company.  Stay tuned for more posts from the Summer of Love.

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Olive You

My calligraphy got to Italy before I did!

My client Ravenel, used Olive Branches with my work on her place cards for her Wedding in La Selva, Tuscany.   Olive branches are one of the traditional symbols of an Italian Wedding.  It’s often given from the Bride to her Mother in Law.  Brides are also known to wear olive branches in their hair, as a sign of fertility, peace and perhaps like an Olympic Athlete – victory!   Some strange and some lovely Italian traditions are listed here.

The photography is by the incomparable Italian artist, Leila Scarfiotti.

More of this amazing wedding on Leila’s blog under the “The Sacred Veil.”

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This May, Répondez, s’il vous plaît

Spring Wedding Season has kept me busy – suitcases full of invitations kind of busy!

If you are lucky enough to receive and invitation please RSVP!  Brides and Grooms are not only waiting for your reply, but Caterers, Florists, and friendly Calligraphers await your “répondez, s’il vous plaît” to help complete those Brides and Grooms’ special day.

At one point our civilized society didn’t require response cards-it was understood that once someone received a written invitation, it was customary to respond on their own stationery…

The roots of many of our Western etiquette practices seemed to have emanated in the Versailles Court of King Louis XIV.  Etiquette or as the French called them – ‘tickets’ were written on the back of invitations as the ‘rules’ for parties at the Court.

Newspaper columnist “Miss Manners” thinks that “RSVP” came about as a polite way of reminding people of something that they should already know:  If you receive an invitation, you should reply.  She reminds her Gentle Readers of their possible folly in not doing so in this Washington Post column.

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International Mail of Mystery

I love writing International addresses, it gives me a chance to ‘travel’ to places I have not been (yet.)  They all sound so exotic, without moorings or maps.  My favorite addresses, as I have mentioned before on my blog, are those from Ireland.  They are so mysterious, noting Castles and Counties, often without postal codes or street addresses.  It’s always a mystery to me how they find their addressee and yet they do!  In a blog post last year, I  attributed this magic to the Celtic philosophy of Anam Cara – a spiritual notion of  finding your ‘Soul Friend.”  Little did I know, but soon found out, that the photos I featured in that blog post belonged to a client whose ancestry was connected to  John O’Donohue, poet, philosopher and the author of Anam Cara.  Now THAT is the luck of the Irish.  Recently, I worked with two clients of Irish descent, one is even having her Wedding IN Ireland, complete with a Jameson Whisky tour and tasting.  Both clients invites were…numerous.  And when I stood aghast at one client’s mention of how many brothers and sisters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in her family, she simply shrugged and offered an explanation of ‘her people’:  ”This is what we do.”

May we all have numerous International addresses to send to!

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Famous Couples You’ve Never Heard Of…

…Many clients ask me about the folks in my logo photo.  It is in fact my parents, Donna and Daniel who have been married for over forty-five years.  In fact, there are three couples in this photo who took their vows very seriously.  Some of their stories are below.  I love to share their stories with my clients who are so often confronted with tales of divorce.  Perhaps we are all looking for inspiration in the wrong places.  I recently attended a Mass that celebrated World Marriage Day which acknowledges marriage as a sacrament.  At the Mass, married couples stood up and received a blessing, and were reminded that they serve as an example for single people.   These folks serve as my example of extraordinary love and devotion.  Maybe they will inspire you too.

Lucy and Dominick.  April 23rd, 1938.  My Grandmother survived her husband, who actually lived next door to him.  At the time, my Grandfather Dominick, was dating another woman, but apparently he could not get Lucy out of his head.  He often found himself staring at her legs while she sun bathed in the backyard.  ”You want these legs?” Lucy asked Dominick, “You’re gonna’ to have to marry them.”  And he did.  Their marriage survived the death of one of their own children.  Their union was loud, but they shared a fierce dependency – especially at Bingo.

Alva and John.  February 20th, 1946.  Alva survived her husband John who passed away in 2007.  They met in New York City at the White Star Tavern shortly after WWII.  My grandfather, who had served in Merrill’s Marauders, briefly chatted with Alva who at the time, was divorced with three children.  When she and her girlfriend excused themselves to the Ladies’ Room, John told Alva, “I hope everything comes out okay.”  It did.  He went on to take care of Alva, her three children and together, they had four more children together.  They have fourteen grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren (and counting…)

Donna and Daniel.  February 20th, 1966. My parents met at the RKO Keith’s Movie House, where they both worked as Ushers.  They claim they married on the coldest day of the year.  But the legendary story that has been told and retold, was the one that recounted the time after one of their many break ups.  After a time apart, my father called Donna’s house to invite her to a New Year Eve’s Party.  Unbeknownst to him, he called on the day of her engagement to another man.  ”I’m sorry Danny,” my mother told my father, “you’re just too late.”  But you are in fact, never too late.  (A family motto.)  Soon after, my mother broke her engagement off to the man who was never meant to be my father and reconnected with the man who is my father.

Marriage carries on, even past death.   Unfortunately, ’til death do us part,’ is perhaps understood today as ’til death of this particular union.’   But marriage lasts even past our mortal lives.  It is a commitment that actually can be achieved, done in style and done well.  Too often we are told about Hollywood marriages ending quickly and suddenly.   But marriages do last, in other places, all the time, in fact, it happens every day…

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The Jersey Sure!

Featured in Spring/Summer The Knot New Jersey

“Real Weddings” Erica & Eric

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In this New Year…

…don’t forget your ‘old acquaintances’ – send them a letter!

Many thanks to all my clients for a wonderful year.  Looking forward to 2012.

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❆ Happy Holidays ❆

“..Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don’t you see? It’s not just Kris that’s on trial, it’s everything he stands for. It’s kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles..” –Miracle on 34th Street

“…What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.”  –It’s a Wonderful Life

“Oh! The theme I’ve been waiting for all my life. Listen to this sentence: “A Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time”. Poetry. Sheer poetry, Ralph! An A+! ” –A Christmas Story

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All Hallowed Love

Happy Halloween to all the Monsters and their Ghouls.

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…Like dancing…

“The best calligraphy comes gracefully, without thought.  It is like dancing, governed by rhythm and intervals” – Milton Glaser

tuccicursive is happily hunkered down with work for the Fall/Winter Wedding Season!

Exciting News & Sample Work Coming Soon!

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Style is Eternal…

Many thanks and luck to all my Fashion Forward clients!  You make myself and NYC ‘work!’

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Luck of the Irish

It’s always fascinating to me how the residents of Ireland get their mail with so few numbers!

The addresses are mysterious and exotic and some of my favorite to address.

Apparently, both Ireland and Panama do not have national postal code systems.

Check out ‘Frank’s Compulsive Guide to Postal Addressing‘ for information on how to address envelopes for your International Guests.

Personally, I think Anam Cara is responsible for getting letters to their destination–the Celtic spiritual tradition that acknowledges the presence of ‘soul friends.’  When you are blessed with Anam Cara, you have arrived at that very special destination–Home.

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a-DRESS-ing…

…with Monique Llluillier fine papers.

Many  top American fashion designers like Vera Wang and Kate Spade
are creating this wedding stationery trend.

So.  ”What are YOU wearing?”

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Breakfast With Tiffany’s

The ‘Morning Drive.’

Attempting to make the world a prettier place–one envelope at a time….

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Sitting Pretty

Congratulations to William and Kate.  

I suppose our invitations got lost in the Royal Mail…

And Congratulations to all my recent clients who share their Wedding Day with the Prince and Princess as well those whose special days are soon to come!

I’ve seen many variations of place cards and escort cards, and many creative ways in displaying them.  I believe that when it is ‘your’ day, you should bring yourself, and your personality through every aspect of your Wedding, including through the place and escort cards.

However, there is traditional etiquette that is worth noting.  I turned to The Wedding Planner Whisperer herself, Lauren Sozmen of Loli Events, for some advice on dealing with this special ‘deck’ of cards.

Lauren reminds us that ‘the escort card table is one of the first things that your guests will see when entering the reception. It is worth spending time thinking about it; use your colors, be creative and set the tone for the party to come!!’

One of my clients, Judy McDermott O’Keefe, did just that by placing wooden gift tags on paper mache trees from the West Elm David Stark Holiday Collection. Tables were not mere numbers but cities, and guests had a great time ‘finding their city.’

Stephanie (nee) Driscoll combined her favors and escort cards. Stephanie used Green Post tags (composed of recycled paper with wildflower seeds that when planted, grow) and put them on wine bottles to demarcate table numbers as well as guest names.  

Although Gabrielle {nee} Obermeier used traditional tent cards, she too used the opportunity to seat guests at ‘meaningful locations’ rather than typical table numbers…

Whatever creativity you do use, Sozmen says that ‘etiquette for the escort cards should follow the formality of your event. If guests were addressed as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith on the invitation then the escort card should be in the same format. A more casual invite and escort card would be Kate and John Smith.’

If someone is bringing a guest you should do two separate cards.   Sozmen feels that is never ‘right’ to ‘write’ “John and Guest.”

If a husband and wife have a different name then it is best to put the woman’s name first.’

And in regard to Placecards, Sozmen goes onto to note that ’place cards are only necessary if you feel strongly about where your guests sit at their table or if you are having a small intimate and formal event of 50 guests or less.’

And unless yours is a kind of casual cocktail party, your Wedding MUST have escort cards!    It makes the mood more of Royal Affair rather than that of a High School Cafeteria.

For more etiquette rules and guidelines check out this page from Crane & Co.’s.

Hope you’re sitting next to someone special!

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The Gift That Keeps on Living {vendor spotlight} Twig Terrariums

The Spring Wedding Season has Sprung–and so brings on the Wedding Registries. Another toaster?  Crockpot?Ladle?  No!    Why not consider giving an original keepsake gift to that special couple?

Meet the team behind Twig. The creators behind “Moss Terrariums and Other Small Worlds.” These exquisite custom Terrariums can commemorate that special couple’s first meeting or their legendary favorite trip or even their Wedding Day.

The team specializes in “easily contained, easily maintained life.”

Lifelong friends and crafters, Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow have been creating “moss terrariums and other small worlds” for a little over a year.  They have received press from the New York Times, Country Living and Rachel Ray’s Everyday Magazine.

Katy and Michelle use over 15 different kinds of moss and capture ‘moments’ in antique, vintage, apothecary science glass and jars, in kitchenware, and any odd glass objects they find in their travels.  You can view many of their creations here.

These living sculptures require a small amount of upkeep, and as time goes on, these terrariums will not only ‘take care of themselves’ but will take that special moment and make it literally and figuratively live forever….

Isn’t this the gift that you’d rather ‘give?’

Terrariums can be purchased locally.  Twig also supplies Gift Certificates and DIY Kits.

 

 

 

 

For Custom Orders, please email Michelle and Katy at info@twigterrariums.com.

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{post-’taste’}

My client, Vanessa, used vintage stamps from Champion Stamp (NYC’s premier stamp store) to complete my handwritten invitations.  She even went a step further by matching stamps with her guests’ hometowns!

How will you make your invitations mean more?

 

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Bee Mine {vendor spotlight} Worker Bee Designs

Meet the woman behind the films that make your weddings appear timeless and cinematic.

Meet Jessica Lyons of Worker Bee Designs…

Worker Bee Designs Highlight Reel from Jessica Lysons on Vimeo.

Jessica uses the beauty of Super High 8 Film to make 15 minute heirloom keepsakes of your wedding, union or event.

In an article by Lindsey Eden Turner in Austin’s “Rare” Magazine,  Super 8, developed in 1965, is noted by Phil Vigeant, Owner of Pro88mm in LA, as not only being archival, classic, and lasting forever, but containing a ‘human element.’   “It lends a quality of immediacy that makes the person behind the camera feel connected with the actions in front of it.”

As Jessica notes, her mini epics are like an ‘espresso’, having all of the good stuff and none of the filler.  The look is timeless and the technology is archival.

In other words, it’s the best of both worlds.

But an even more lovelier creation are Jessica’s Flip Books.

As a book, film, and ephemera junkie, this sold me on Jessica’s point of view as an artist.  These books encompass what a great wedding day should be, one that is sweet and clever–A memory you can literally put in your pocket.

See one in Action by Clicking Here!

Jessica Lyons grew up in Spokane and now lives in Brooklyn.  She studied Architecture at Yale and was Clerk of the Works for a general contractor in Seattle. She also happens to be the Vice President of an investment banking firm.

Strange but true.

“I love giving handmade gifts.”  Jessica says.  “ I love objects that display the mastery and passion of the maker.  I started Worker Bee Designs to do what I love on a bigger scale.”

The unique kind of Valentine we’d all like to receive.

Visit Worker Bee Designs for more information on rates and demos.

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Lucky You 幸運您

A recent client got me thinking about Chinese New Year.  After addressing these lovely red envelopes in traditional gold ink for a Corporate Event, my curiosity was piqued about this ancient tradition.

Centuries old, Chinese New Year, the most important festival in Chinese Culture, takes place on February 3rd.  The New Year lasts from this first day until the 15th Day of the year.   2011 is the Year of the Rabbit.   “Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most.”

Red symbolizes prosperity and luck and these red envelopes are given out on Chinese New Year and at Traditional Chinese Weddings.  Those that give and receive a red envelope are considered lucky!

This monetary gift is often given to children and unmarried adults.  Married couples give red envelopes to their parents and money in these envelopes must be new and the total must be even, certain numbers such as four are considered unlucky.   On the morning of the New Year, Mandarin children greet their parents with “Gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái” (Happy New Year, now give me a red envelope!)

Images of carps, dragons or lotus, with four character expressions of well wishes are traditionally featured on the unsigned envelopes.

Giving a red envelope is one of the many traditions practiced on Chinese New Year, and though they vary, other customs include hanging red decorations in windows and sweeping homes of the past year’s misfortune to welcome in the New Year’s luck.

This culture’s tradition is a great way to adopt the idea of reconciliation and renewal in your own New Year.

Why not spread some luck by making your own “Ang Pow” or Chinese Envelope.

Another great source for Chinese Envelopes and Traditional Chinese fare, is Soho’s Pearl River Mart.

Spread the luck and the wealth this year.  And see what returns…

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè

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Dear Mr. President…

For each client that I work with, there is one popular guest I can always count on writing an envelope for.  He and his ‘plus one’ have been getting invited to weddings since his Inauguration.

Apparently if you send President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama an invitation to your wedding, you will receive a personal response from the Prez and the First Lady.  It will probably be a regretful R.s.v.p, but it makes for a sweet keepsake for your wedding!  There’s always a chance?  The audacity of hope!!

You must allow at least six weeks for a response.  Be sure to include your old and/or new address.

The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama

The White House

Greetings Office Room 39

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC 20500

For all you British Citizens {non-British Citizens will not receive a response}  You may also invite the Queen!

And if you would like to receive a Papal Blessing from the Pope of the Catholic Church, write to:

Pope Benedict XVI
Prefettura della Casa Pontifica
00120 Citta del Vaticano, Italia

For more information about inviting V.I.P.’s to your wedding, check out Bliss Weddings.

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Season Your Greetings…

…in this overly digitized, socially mediated age, it’s important to support and employ the beauty and tradition of sending greeting cards!    Don’t just show up in someone’s ‘inbox’ – show up with your wishes in your own original handwriting (or yours’ truly) in a special card.   Be a part of a tradition that dates back to the age of papyrus where early Egyptians and Chinese sent messages of ‘goodwill’ to each other.  And couldn’t we all use some good will in our mailboxes?

Here are some ideas:  Check out the Center for Book Arts’ Holiday Fair for cards and ephemera on Saturday, December 11th.    Visit Downtown NYC’s own InkPad which has great classes to inspire you in making your very own cards.  Discover The Robin Hood Foundation.  If you order greeting cards from the Foundation’s Annual Holiday Card Drive, you can customize your order with an imprint or calligraphy!  Every Robin Hood Holiday Card you send will go towards helping the 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty.

If you’re a shutterbug like me, turn your awkward family photos into Holiday gems with the help of the folks at Zazzle or Tiny Prints.

As a homemade Holiday card maker myself, I love to make my own envelopes from maps, newspaper or vintage paper.  You can purchase an envelope template from any craft store.  I still own mine from JudiKins of CA.  Or find a bounty of envelopes in every size and color at Jam Paper, many at closeout prices.

Don’t forget the finishing touches like postage – you don’t have to go ‘Holiday’ – there are great postage choices this year like Kate Hepburn, The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games or Hawaiian Rain Forest. (Yes, I am an admitted stamp snob.)

And if you’d like to keep the tradition alive by keeping a few artists alive, there is always the mighty Etsy.  Consider it the kitchen of this world wide web party, where all the cool folks hang out and make the stuff you’ve always imagined…  Happy Holidays!

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Got Paper?

 

Tuccicursive

Many folks ask me for my recommendations in paper selections.  Here’s a few of my favorites, especially  for you ‘DIYers.’

PaperSource – The Chicago born national chain, finally makes its NYC Metro debut in Brooklyn.  While I do prefer independent paper stores, it’s hard to resist such a great house.  You can tell they are obsessed with paper.

Papél – Because this is a small Brooklyn paper boutique, Owner Raegan Hirvela can give you personal service.

Paper Presentation – The famous DIY Chelsea haunt, is my go-to store.  While their website is convenient, you really must walk the wood floors of this mecca. The staff knows their paper and their inventory and are not afraid to show it!

And for custom made invitations and designs, check out my “Folks I Like Page.“  Though the process and the price is not cost effective, letterpress is hard to resist.

In addition, check out Bowne and Company, Stationers at South Street Seaport.  They still use their 19th Century Treadle-powered presses.

Also visit the West Village sister run Greenwich Street Letterpress.

Many couples and planners are doing away with paper and going ‘green,’ using digital invitations and Social networking to invite folks to their special day.  While imagination and conservation is much appreciated, there are many more ways to keep this lovely tradition alive (while keeping trees alive.)   Many printers use post consumer materials and soy based inks.

You can also scale down your own consumer materials in many interesting ways, Consider using postcards!  Check out this design by Lucky Luxe proprietress Erin Napier.

In this electronic age, it is still and even more worthwhile to receive a personal invitation in the mail.

If you have a favorite paper/invitation source, please feel free to post yours below.

Stay tuned for more vendors profiles!

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Love’s Labour, Never Lost

…Little things mean a lot~as three of my recent clients have demonstrated.

Jessica chose her escort and table cards from whiteaisle.com.

Their ‘modern stationery with a vintage feel’ along with some simple lower case script showcases her sense of style.

Stephanie used recycled paper from GreenPost.  These 100% Recycled Escort Table tags not only tell her guests where they will sit, but when planted will grow wildflowers!

A perfect gift for your guests and for the world.

And Kelly, used a small clever graphic of a Buffalo~an homage to her hometown to accompany her envelope’s return address.

How will you show your sense of style and whimsy to the world?

As you can see, it just takes a little bit of love and imagination.  It’s bringing your sense of self to the ‘table’…

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Site Under Construction. But you can check out samples on tabs above, and contact me for rates at tuccicursive@gmail.com.  Reviews and Samples are also found on my Public Facebook page.

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