CLAIRE & GREG
This invitation suite was designed as a delicate, bohemian-inspired tribute to the bride’s late sister, in the form of butterflies. The suite featured letterpress-printed invitation, details, and RSVP cards, with unique solar dye prints throughout, creating a soft, ethereal effect. To bring everything together, I wrapped the cards in a ribbon enclosure sealed with a butterfly wax seal, lending a bit of eleganc to the presentation.
The envelope liner featured Papillons by Maurice Pillard Verneuil from L’animal dans la décoration (1897), adding a stunning art nouveau touch that beautifully complemented the suite’s natural theme. The finished suite created an inviting and heartfelt experience for the guests, capturing the spirit of a butterfly garden with thoughtful, personalized details.
SOLAR DYE PRINTS
Solar dye printmaking is an eco-friendly photographic printing process that uses sunlight to develop permanent images on fabric or paper. The technique starts by applying a light-sensitive dye, onto the chosen material. A high-contrast transparency, like a digital negative or a pressed object, such as leaves and flowers in this case, is then placed over the dye-coated surface. When exposed to direct sunlight or a UV light source, the dye reacts and changes the color of the paper in areas exposed to light, creating an image.
After exposure, the objects are removed, and the print is rinsed in warm water to stop the dyeing process and set the image. The result is a soft, silhouette effect that’s especially suited for natural themes. Solar dye prints are each completely unique and have a vintage quality, with subtle tonal gradients that show off its handmade character.
