Laura Hooper's Calligraphy:: Elegance for all occasions

Envelope Addressing
How do I place an order?
Just fill out the client information sheet with as many details as possible. We will contact within 24 hours to determine your exact needs for your special day. See the How to order page for details.

What format should I send my list in?
All lists should be numbered, typed, emailed to laura@lhcalligraphy.com and should be in MS Word format. We use the list to gauge line length, so names and addresses should appear just as they would on an envelope (lines stacked). Please do not send me spreadsheets. Lists will be written exactly as provided so please check your salutation lines, abbreviations and spelling for accuracy.

Do you ship outside California?
Of course! I work with clients all over the country and worldwide on a daily basis.

Where can I send my envelopes/other materials?
Please send it to: Laura Hooper's Calligraphy, 9645 Sylvia Avenue, Northridge, CA 91324

Can I have my printer ship the envelopes/materials to you directly?
Definitely! Please give them the address above and ask them to reference you on the shipping label.

What types of paper can you write on?
We are very resourceful and can write on handmade papers and dark paper with light inks. Please email for photos or physical samples.

Do you need extra envelopes?
Please provide 15-20% extra for spillage which is unavoidable with hand-written calligraphy. For orders of less than 50 envelopes or rush orders please provide 20-25% extra.

Can you match the style of my invitation font?
Yes I can come close to matching the font on your invitation, please include one of your invites so I can determine the alphabet that was used. Please inquire about prices on custom styles.

I have questions regarding envelope addressing etiquette, can you help me?
Most questions regarding envelope addressing etiquette can be found in our information packet. Please contact me to receive the packet. If you still have questions, please send your specific questions and I will be more than happy to provide you with answers.

What's the turnaround time for envelope addressing?
It depends on the style of your script and quantity of envelopes. Standard turnaround time is approximately 2-3 weeks but can vary by 1-2 days . Please let me know the date you prefer to have them back by, but please keep in mind that all work is done by hand and delays are sometimes unavoidable. We will make every attempt to complete them on time. If you require your envelopes in less than 2-3 weeks please inquiry about rush fees.

What if I have last minute changes to my guest list?
Additions to the guest list after I have received the order are very common. Email me the additions or changes, and I will make note of them. I will gladly accommodate these changes, as I know how hectic it can be to plan your dream wedding! I do not charge extra for this service unless I have already written out the envelope. If you send changes after an envelope has been written you will be charged for the change.

What if I have corrections after I receive the envelopes back from you?
Please let us know if there are corrections within 48 hours of receiving your order. Please send a list of complete addresses to be corrected and please indicate what the problem was. Provided there are enough additional envelopes we will redo whatever errors you find. Please let me know if the errors are by our fault or your own. We do not redo envelopes on account of spacing/margins unless you have paid for centering. Corrections will be mailed by USPS first class. LH Calligraphy cannot be responsible for the neglect of USPS with regard to shipments.

Invitation Design
What is the design process for camera-ready artwork?
Camera-ready artwork is a great way to get the look of handwritten calligraphy on your invitation set. Each is a one of a kind work or art created by the artist. Once you email the wording you would like in a layout on MS Word, we will put together a proof of black ink on white paper. The proof will be faxed to you for signoff as soon as it is perfect. Once you sign off on the proof, we will forward a digital copy of the artwork to you, your printer, or your invitation designer, or we can print it for you. The printer uses the original artwork in order to get the very best quality for printing. Please instruct your printer to have the envelopes sent back to our office as soon as they are completed so we can start addressing them.

What does the design fee include?
The design fee includes the design of the invitation and its various components. It includes all the proofs. It does not include shipping.

How long does it take to design?
Please allow at least 2 weeks for the design and approval process. 2-3 weeks additional for offset printing and 4 weeks additional for letterpress printing.

Will I see a proof?
Of course. You will see the design before it is sent to the printer. Proofs are included in the price. Please note that the maps are not to be intended as actually driving maps for your quests. If you need driving directions on the map these can be inserted on the back for an additional fee. The maps are meant to be a cute keepsake for you and your guests.

Can you create a map to match my invitation?
Yes we can. Please send us an invitation by USPS so we can determine which size and paper type to use.

Can I send your artwork to my own printer?
That is fine, we just ask that you send a complete set of the order back to us to keep in our portfolio. We can send the digital files to you, your printer, or your stationery designer.

Can I keep the artwork?
No, all original artwork remains the property of the artist. If, after completion, you choose to purchase the rights to the artwork please let us know and we will work out a comission for each piece. We can also take your map and make it larger as a keepsake for an additional charge. Please inquire about pricing.

Miscellaneous Information
I live in the Greater Los Angeles Area, may I make an appointment to meet in person?
Yes you can. You can contact me to make appointments at my home in Northridge Monday through Friday. In some circumstances I can accomodate appointments in the evening or on Saturdays. LH Calligraphy is closed Saturday and Sunday.

What's the minimum order?
There is no minimum order for envelope addressing or artwork, however the minimum order for printing is 25.

Are rush orders available?
Rush orders can sometimes be accommodated. Please feel free to inquire regarding our schedule. There is an added fee for rush orders of 20-40% depending on the timeframe, my schedule and size of the order. Please take note that "rush" orders are not actually rushed, they are scheduled on nights and weekends, frequently ahead of numerous other clients, so you are paying to be moved to the front of the queue.

How do you ship my order?
We use USPS, Fedex and UPS to ship orders which can all provide tracking information upon request. You are more than welcome to supply your account number with any of the above companies to us. LH Calligraphy cannot be responsible for the neglect of USPS, UPS or Fedex with regard to shipments.

When is my payment due?
Payments are due in full at the time your order is placed. We are unable to start on an order until we receive the envelopes, the address list, and the payment.

What methods of payment do you accept?
I accept all major credit cards and debit cards. I also accept personal checks, Paypal, international money orders, and of course, cash.

What is Paypal?
Paypal is secure site in which you may pay for services using your credit or debit card. You do not need an account with Paypal to use this service.

Do you offer refunds?
Due to the handwritten quality of all our work, we do not offer refunds. It is very common when doing calligraphy that there will be variances here and there in the calligraphy type, spacing, size and style. Some of that variance is dependant upon the amount of text, the ink or tip and/or what we feel will give your envelope the best quality possible. Please remember that we are artists and calligraphers, not a computer, and that our ultimate goal is that your invitations make the best first impression on your guests for the event you are planning. Although we do not offer refunds, will gladly redo any reasonable discrepancies.

How do I order samples?
We would love to send you some physical samples of our work. Please go to our order samples page and indicate which styles you would like and we will send them out within 1-2 business days. Samples packs are $7.00 including shipping. Unfortunately we cannot send physical samples of our invitation design but are more than happy to send digital photographs or scanned copies of invitation sets in our portfolio via email.

Do you charge sales tax?
Yes, the State of California requires that we charge sales tax to all California residents.