There is a unique, iridescent magic in seeing a guest’s name written on capiz shell calligraphy place cards, bringing an organic kind of elegance to the wedding table. As a calligrapher, I’ve had the joy of writing on almost everything from marble tiles to smooth pebbles, but a recent wedding project brought something new to my desk: capiz shells.
If you are looking for a way to bring a touch of sophistication or organic texture to your wedding tablescape, let me tell you, these shells are a dream. But as I quickly learned, they’re also quite temperamental! While I could easily imagine how pretty these would look on the dinner table, my first few attempts were a bit of a reality check. Unlike paper or card stock, the translucent surface of a capiz shell is bumpy and unpredictable.
The biggest hurdles? The shells have natural ridges and a slight oily sheen that made the nib catch more than a few times. Ink flow was a challenge as well, for standard inks would bead up and not adhere to the surface. It took a fair amount of trial and error (and a lot of patience!) to find the perfect formula.
After experimenting with various consistencies, I finally found the recipe to make it work. To get the ink to flow smoothly from the nib and adhere to the shell, I used a custom blend of white gouache, gum arabic and distilled water. Even with the perfect mix, writing on shells is a sloooow process. Sometimes the ink just decides to be stubborn! But seeing the final names against the pearlescent background of the capiz shells made every minute worth it. Watch this reel to see the actual writing process.
There is a pleasant feeling of satisfaction in seeing your name handwritten on a piece of nature. These capiz shells didn’t just serve as ‘place cards’. They became keepsakes that guests brought home at the end of the night.
Bring a Personal Touch to Your Big Day
Your wedding stationery shouldn’t end at the invitation. On-the-day calligraphy (from place cards and seating charts to personalized menus) is the final flourish that ties your entire aesthetic together. Whether you are dreaming of capiz shells for a beachside wedding or classic vellum for a formal reception, I would love to help you create something unforgettable.
Planning a wedding? Let’s make your guests experience something special with custom calligraphy services. Click here for the contact form and walk me through what you need!
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