Rational Designs Handmade

My shop's story began when I fell in love with papercrafting several years ago at -- of all places -- my cousin's birthday party. Since it was November, my aunt had put together a variety of different ready-to-assemble elements, enough for guest / family member to make a simple holiday card or two. I fell in love. It was a great release from the stress of my last few semesters of college, so that year I decided to make all of my holiday cards by hand. And then I just kept going… There's just something amazing about taking paper, ink, glue and glitter (there's almost always glitter) and making them into something beautiful.

Eventually I had more cards than people to give them to (or occasions to give them for), so I decided to offer some of my work for sale. I figured that, at the very least, if I sold a couple of things here and there, I could buy more craft supplies.

When I got engaged in January of 2013, I once again turned to cardmaking to channel my energy -- and the first product in my bridal line was born. I worked to create the cards that I wanted to give to our sisters when I asked them to be our bridesmaids, and aimed for the perfect combination of simple and sparkly. I was so proud of the final product that I listed it in my shop, just to see what would happen, and it seems my customers love them almost as much as I do.

The rest of my bridal party invitations have evolved from that first card, primarily through customer requests. "Can you add names to the invitations?" "Can you make them in different colors?" Can you make a mustache card for the guys?" I love helping my customers get exactly what they want -- and if I'm not able to make it happen, I'll do a little investigating and help you find someone who can.

Fast forward to the spring of 2014, when my fiancé and I were deliberating over wedding invitations. I couldn't find one that incorporated the elements and colors that we wanted, so, armed with YouTube tutorials and a shiny new copy of Adobe Illustrator, I attempted to create something we would be happy with. And let me tell you, digital designing is one of the coolest things ever. The possibilities are, literally, endless.

After that, a friend of mine was so impressed with my invitations (which you can also find in the shop) that she asked me to design her wedding suite, too. And, once again, after that, I just kept going.

The idea that couples ask me to create something for them that will be a part of their memories, both with each other and with their families and friends, is a huge and humbling honor. In the grand scheme of things it might not mean much, but I love getting the little things just right for you. Usually by adding some sparkle.