Spotlight on: Spark Design Studio

Today's spotlight is on one of my favorite paper shops, Spark Design Studio. Owner, Joya Helmuth is a fantastic designer and her shop is full of all kinds of gorgeous paper goods, gifts and inspirations.

I posed a few questions to Joya, and here's what she had to say:

What inspired you to start your business?
I've been a graphic designer for many years as well as a calligrapher (and all-around paper freak), so designing wedding and corporate invitations was something that came naturally to me in addition to corporate design work. A couple of years ago I opened the shop to offer not only invitations but also stationery, journals fine writing instruments, greeting cards and the like. Our customers are great, and I've really enjoyed being able to provide fabulous, well-designed stationery and paper items that you can't find anywhere else in the area.

What advice would you give brides who are looking for invitations?
Realize that the invitation (and save the date, should you choose to send one) is setting the tone for your entire event. It's the only thing that the guests receive prior to walking in the door. They should not only get a sense of your personal style, but also what to expect at the wedding - how formal or casual it will be, things like that.

Also think about the other items you might need, such as ceremony programs, menus, thank you notes, and the like. We recommend that you plan ahead to coordinate these items with the invitation to make everything cohesive. We like to call it your stationery wardrobe, complete with accessories!

What new trend do you see in wedding invitations for 2009?

A higher level of design sensibility from our brides. Target has been lauded for 'bringing the design to the masses', and it's true that great design has become more available and affordable, no longer reserved for the rich and famous. This has increasingly become the case for invitations as well. We approach our invitation albums as a starting point, as examples of what you can do using the wide variety of papers, motifs, formats and type styles that are available. And it doesn't mean that you spend more or have to make a super-complex invitation - some of the most beautiful designs are simple and reasonably priced.

What other services do you offer at Spark Papershop that brides should know about?
We offer much more than invitations: everything from save the date to thank you notes, including (but certainly not limited to) menus, programs, placecards, handmade albums (which can include a guest book), seating charts, favor boxes, custom signage, even water bottle labels and tags for your guest welcome bags.

For those resourceful brides that want to make their own creations, we offer paper, cardstock and envelopes in many sizes and colors, gorgeous ribbons (by the yard or in bulk), as well as adhesive-backed Swarovski crystals to embellish just about anything. Bridal party gifts for men and women include fine pens, personalized stationery, and much more. And don't forget personalized stationery for yourself as a married couple!

We do more than sell products: we strive to be a resource for our customers. For example, we offer a sample book of several calligraphers where you can view their styles and find contact information for each. We have the expertise to help with wording, etiquette, and are happy to do so at no additional charge. We also have a wide network of wedding and event vendors that we can recommend as well. We love what we do and have a passion for stationery - and for helping our customers!

Spark Design Studio is located at 219 North Hill Street, South Bend, Indiana. You can call them at 574 233 8330 or visit them on the web at SparkSite.net

Beautiful paper goods for your wedding, how PERFECT is that?