my mobile number

Please keep in mind that I'll be taking a break. 

 In case of emergency, please contact me on:

Our new telephone number: 021 976 9080

our new landline telephone number

or 083 253 5556



Lasercut stationery by Secret Diary

I have always been a fan of the delicate and luxurious lasercut invitations.  Secret Diary specialises in intricate and contemporary laser cut wedding stationery for the style savvy couples of today. 

Weddings are all about perfection and I believe that your wedding stationery should make a statement to your guests... about you, about your personality, and more importantly about one of the most memorable days of your life.

Carla, the owner of Secret Diary wrote:  "I must say that the most rewarding part of being a stationery designer is seeing your work come to life! In saying that I must add that the most exciting stationery to design at this point in time is definately Laser cut stationery! It is in my opinion the most glam stationery you can get at the moment. Each design being uniquely designed from scratch for the individual client. Lasercut invitations are a somewhat pricey business and are generally because of their intricate makeup more expensive than conventional wedding stationery, but there is just NO competition when it comes to their wow factor! If you do choose to go the Laser cut route you will have your guests talking about your stylish event for years to come!

At Secret Diary we pride ourselves on our laser cut invitations and stationery as well as lasercut perspex wording and laser cut decor for weddings. For more indepth info or to make an appointment to come and view our laser cut designs at our studio, contact us or drop us a mail via our online contact page, we would LOVE to hear from you!"

Wedding Stationery by Secret Diary

I am sure that by now, you have heard the news:  I'm taking a break from weddings and handed this side of business to the passionate wedding stationer, Carla from Secret Diary.  Not only does she love the wedding industry, but she is always keen for new ideas and concepts.   

Please contact her if you have any enquiries regarding your wedding: 
info@secretdiary.co.za
Telephone 021 981 9682
(she is taking over my telephone number, so you can also reach them on 021 976 7111).
Cell (082) 738 1788

Trading hours:  Monday to Friday 9h00 to 18h00 and Saturdays 10h00 to 14h00 by appointment.

I am planning a 2 week (blissful) break and will be back rejuvenated and full of creative energy by 7 May 2012!  So if you need a corporate revamp or invitations to a birthday party, ideas for decorating your home, etc. please contact me! 

A heartfel thank you to all my loyal clients, please stay in touch. My cell number is 083 253 5556 or my direct email address is elsje@elsje.co.za. Watch this space as I'll be working on my new website this winter and have a few surprises in store...

This recent wedding was done by Secret Diary.  I love the creative concepts and fresh ideas, especially the beautiful lasercut flowers on the gazebo - aren't they to die for?!!  I'm sure they would make a stunning feature in a newly wed's home too!

Elsje is taking a break from weddings....

... after 12 years, Elsje Designs is saying goodbye to weddings as we officially hand over this part of business to the capable & creative hands of Secret Diary (http://www.secretdiary.co.za/).

However Elsje is doing business as usual and will continue pushing the envelope with bespoke graphic designs including birthday and corporate invitations & identity, etc. We are also expanding into other new exciting territories and will from now on be focussing more on creative consulting; decor & art investment; and project based graphic design work. In other words Elsje will now have more time for the creative avenues that took a back-seat to weddings.

We are closed from:
20 April to the 7th of May for renovations

So if you'd like to keep up with trends and the beautiful world of Elsje, please check our (evolving) website for more information and keep following our blog for inspiration!

Two on Toast - Another chance to shop

The Two on Toast team is giving us another chance to shop!

Have a look at their blog for more information.

See some of the retail eye candy below.

Travel inspiration

How amazing is this watercolour typographic world map?  So on trend right now with watercolours being so fashionable right now.










image via www.etsy.com

amazing shop or office space in Stellenbosch

Stationery Trends

What I love most about my job is the changing trends and the inspiration they bring into my life. And boy, do I have a mind buzzing with creative ideas! I have done some research to keep you updated to the latest trends in social stationery (which basically means, any printed paper products for a special occasion).


Watercolor is a technique that is just the thing if you are on-trend; nostalgic, poetic, dream-like. Find a watercolor artist or stationer that can custom design your invitations based on a color scheme, location or motif – or come to me! I have awesome artwork to show you.







images from http://soolip.blogspot.com/




image via ohsobeautifulpaper.com
In austere contrast to the softness of watercolor, geometric patterns such as dots and chevron are appealing to clients with a modern sensibility who are going for more of an haute vibe, as opposed to a fanciful, vintage one – which is anycase now officially reaching it’s sell by date.



image via onewed.com



image via spunkyjunky.blogspot.com


Metallic paper and ink screams p-a-r-t-y! It evokes glamour and sophistication.



image via moontree.wordpress.com

We’re loving the eco-friendly RSVP trend, where guests e-reply via an (email) invitation. Not only does this option save you money, it is also kind to our Mother Nature.  My own thank you cards will be going out soon and we option for a digital magazine on the wedding - something different and totally green.

Green Christmas, White Easter

I still love white...  From bunnies, to flowers, sleepy sheep, old fashioned paper note pads and decor - just can't seem to get enough!


Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.

http://aviewto.blogspot.com/

The story of Easter is the story of God’s wonderful window of divine surprise. ~Carl Knudsen

Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not simply in terms of things but in terms of ideals. ~Charles M. Crowe

http://www.herriottgrace.com/blog/

The story of Easter is the story of God's wonderful window of divine surprise.

 And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. ~St Augustine

www.twoontoast.co.za

O the Easter bells are gladly ringing,

Let the whole world join the happy lay,

Let the hills and vales break forth in singing,

Christ, the Lord of Life, is ris'n today.

Lizzie Akers

http://aprilandmaystudio.blogspot.com

Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing.

Albert Laighton

http://www.herriottgrace.com/blog/

•Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless. - Charles M. Crowe

Typography Tuesday

I'm always looking out for creative business cards, afterall that is what graphic design is all about!  So when I stumble across something inspirational, I love sharing it!  I saw these creative cards on the Dahlia Press blog. 

Anneleigh (http://www.brandconservatory.co.za/) plan to do a small series on branding and design!  So be on the lookout for some interesting reading and visuals.

Creative business cards can be incredibly impactful, especially when they take on an interactive twist, like these.

photo credit: 1. Rethink 2. Sensus Design Factory 3. Dizzy Design 4. Leo Burnett