Live Calligraphy Engraving Event: La Fermière
Renowned artisanal French yogurt brand La Fermière curated an exclusive pop-up experience at Bedford Studio NYC, offering guests limited-edition flavors and a complimentary engraving (by yours truly) with every purchase. It was a joy to bring my craft as a live calligraphy engraving artist to this beautifully curated (and delicious!) event.
Personalized Order Forms
To ensure a streamlined experience, I offer personalized order forms for every event that allow each guest the freedom to select and fill out the name, word, or phrase they would like engraved. For this occasion, I included the option to add a small illustration- a sweet heart, shiny sun, calming waves, a cheerful flower, or a trio of stars- which added to the uniqueness of each pot and gave guests a further sense of ownership over the final creation.
Over the course of two days, I engraved more than 170 of La Fermière’s signature terracotta and lavender-blue pots. See below for some of the collaborations- it’s always a fun surprise for me to see what people come up with. Hot Diggity Dog!
Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more about hiring a live calligraphy engraver for your next event! Allowing your guests to choose their own engraving gives them meaningful involvement in the process, helping them truly connect with the experience. Tied to your event, it creates truly unforgettable moments and lasting mementos they can take home and treasure. And in this case, the sweetness of those afternoons remain long after the yogurt is gone!
👔🥃 The Woodford Event Experience
At work personalizing Woodford Reserve bottle for each guest with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
I recently had the honor of engraving live at The Fulton on the South Street Seaport in NYC for Spirited Conversations- a truly memorable Woodford Reserve whiskey event centered on Fathers & Fashion.
Hosted by @brooklynstrollclub and @joegonzales.co, the evening wove together community, and style against the breathtaking backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge- in a way that only New York can!
Upon arriving, guests were invited to fill out personalized order forms, sharing the names, dates, or short phrases they wanted etched into their bottle. As @dominiqueashonjones and @justinb00ne shared powerful reflections on fatherhood, self-expression, and fashion, I set to work engraving the glass of 50 Woodford Reserve bottles, transforming them into a personalized keepsake- a memento not only of the evening itself, but also of their particular chapter in fatherhood.
Watching guests light up with gratitude and excitement as they walked away with their bottles was a beautiful reminder of why I love bringing live calligraphy engraving to occasions like these!
If you’re looking to elevate your next event, let’s connect! I’d love to help craft a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests -whether for a luxury event, corporate gathering, product launch, or a private celebration, add an extra touch of unforgettable by bringing in live engraving and allowing guests get to watch their keepsake come to life before their eyes.
Brooklyn Stroll Club’s Spirited Conversations presented by Woodford Reserve.
✨ A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Favor: Live On-Site Engraving for Your Guests ✨
When it comes to weddings, couples are always looking for ways to make their big day feel special, meaningful, and memorable—not just for themselves, but for their guests as well. One of the most unique and luxurious ways to do that? Live on-site engraving as a wedding favor experience. 💍🖋️
Yes, your guests can walk away with more than just memories and a slice of cake—they can take home a custom, hand-engraved keepsake made just for them. 🎁
💡 Why Live Engraving Is the Ultimate Guest Experience
Gone are the days of generic wedding favors left behind on tables. Today’s couples want to gift something their friends and family will actually cherish—and better yet, use. That’s where live engraving comes in. It’s more than a gift; it’s an interactive moment during your celebration. ✨
As guests mingle during cocktail hour or the reception, they’ll have the chance to personalize a beautiful item—most often glassware like:
🥂 Champagne flutes
🍸 Martini or coupe glasses
🥃 Rocks glasses
🔹 Shot glasses
Whether it’s initials, a name, a meaningful word, or your wedding date, each guest gets to select something special to have engraved right on the spot. 🖋️
And the personalization options lead to the sweetest results! For example, one couple’s guests each requested their own initials engraved on matching rocks glasses—connected by a tiny heart in between. 💕 It was simple, romantic, and such a sweet detail they later displayed on their home bar. Now, every time they have a drink together, it’s a reminder of your big day. 🥰
🛠️ How It Works
I bring everything needed to create this luxe experience, including:
All engraving tools and materials ✍️
Custom tabletop signage explaining the process 🪧
Personalized order forms for each guest to fill out 📝
Once a guest has chosen their item and personalization, they can watch their keepsake being engraved live—a little moment of magic right before their eyes. ✨ By the end of the evening, they’ll have a one-of-a-kind memento to take home, created just for them. 💖
🎁 A Favor That Feels Like a Gift
What makes live engraving such a standout choice is that it combines thoughtfulness, personalization, and entertainment. It’s not just another wedding favor—it’s an experience that adds elegance and charm to your reception. 🌿💫
And the best part? You don’t have to lift a finger. I handle everything, from setup and signage to engraving and guest flow, ensuring a seamless, stylish addition to your wedding day. 👌
💬 Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Whether you’re dreaming of sleek champagne flutes with your initials or playful shot glasses engraved with the date of your celebration, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. 💡
Live engraving is the perfect blend of personalization, creativity, and sophistication—and it just might be the one wedding detail your guests will never stop talking about. 💌
Ready to create something unforgettable? Let’s chat! 🤍 Email me at hello@sunsetscribe.com to chat further!
Behind the Scenes: Setting Up for a Live Calligraphy Event
I would love to share the process of preparing for a live calligraphy event, from selecting materials to setting up the workspace.
Live engraving events are a fantastic way to add a personalized touch to any occasion, whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or brand activation. They not only showcase your craftsmanship but also create memorable experiences for attendees. Proper preparation is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up for an on-site live engraving event. I will be running through this list as I prep for On Site Events.
Hi! I am Victoria and I am happy you found my page!
I am your go-to calligrapher based in Bergen County New Jersey, specializing in wedding invitation design, custom calligraphy commissions, and on-site calligraphy and engraving services for events. With a background in the fashion industry, my passion for calligraphy has evolved into a thriving business, creating heirloom artwork and personalized invitations for clients.
Want to work together? Or just say hi! You can find me here:
Here are some of the things to consider to prep for a live calligraphy event:
Understand the Event Details
Before diving into the setup, gather all the essential information about the event. This type of information I would gather during the email process with the brand or client to find out logistics and guest count. I would also want to know the guest count so I could calculate how many pieces I would need to finish hourly if I was hired for 4 hours (which is my minimum)
Event Type and Theme: Knowing the event type (e.g., wedding, corporate, retail) and theme helps tailor your setup and engraving styles.
Guest Count: Estimate how many items you’ll be engraving to ensure you have enough supplies and if you need to hire another engraver or calligrapher for the event if the budget allows.
Venue Specifications: Understand the venue layout, available space, lighting, and any restrictions. This also helps with the flow of the activation in order to keep your table busy but not overwhelming.
Plan Your Equipment and Supplies
Ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials for live engraving:
Engraving Tools: High-quality engraving pens, depending on your method, engraving burrs, burr lubricant.
Engravable Items: I bring my sample bottles so that clients can see my style but typically the venue provides what is being engraved and that is planned ahead of time.
Protective Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, mask and any other protective equipment required for your tools.
Backup Supplies: Extra tools, replacement parts, and a back up engraver.
Drafting Pencil/Marker: Stabilio white pencil, chalk marker to draft the clients personalization
Alcohol: To clean the surface of the glass
Create a Portable Workspace
Design a workspace that is functional, attractive, and easy to transport:
On Site Kit: something that is easy to carry, think roller or backpack and is professional. Most likely all black.
Lighting: Portable lighting to ensure you have enough visibility, especially if the venue lighting is dim.
Display Setup: Arrange your tools and materials neatly. Use displays to showcase samples of your work and attract guests. I like to use acrylic pen holders to hold my rub and buff and qtips, etc.
Personalize Your Setup
Make your setup visually appealing and aligned with the event theme:
Branding Materials: Desk sign with your name, company and “calligraphy + engraving” or your title. You can keep business cards in your kit and pass out to anyone that asks.
Signage: Clear signage to explain your services and any instructions for guests.
Prepare for Interactions
Engaging with guests is a crucial part of live engraving events:
Greeting Guests: Have a friendly introduction prepared to welcome guests and explain the engraving process.
Customization Options: Offer a variety of fonts, designs, and engraving styles for guests to choose from.
Order Forms: Use order forms or post its to collect information and personalization details.
Conduct a Test Run
Before the event day, do a complete test run of your setup:
Practice Setup and Teardown: Ensure you can set up and dismantle your workspace efficiently.
Test Equipment: Check all your tools and equipment to make sure they are functioning correctly and charged.
Time Management: Practice engraving to gauge how long each piece takes, helping you manage time during the event.
Pack Strategically
Organize your materials for easy access and transport:
Storage Containers: Use labeled containers or bags to keep your tools and supplies organized.
Checklists: Create checklists for packing and setting up to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Transport Arrangements: Plan how you’ll transport your equipment, whether it’s by car, or public transport.
Arrive Early
Give yourself ample time to set up before guests arrive:
Early Arrival: Arrive at the venue early to allow for unexpected delays and to ensure a calm, organized setup.
Coordinate with Event Staff: Communicate with the event organizers and staff for any last-minute instructions or adjustments.
Engage and Enjoy
Once everything is set up, focus on creating a memorable experience:
Interactive Demonstrations: Perform live engraving demonstrations to attract and engage guests.
Customer Interaction: Chat with guests, answer questions, and ensure they are satisfied with their engraved items.
Collect Feedback: Encourage guests to leave feedback or reviews to help improve your services.
Conclusion
Setting up for an on-site live engraving event requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding the event details, organizing your equipment, and creating an inviting workspace, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests. Remember, the key to a great live engraving event is not just the quality of your work, but also the interactions and memories you create for your guests. Happy engraving!
Checklist for On Site Events:
Engraving drill (charge the night before)
Back up engraver
Burrs in different sizes and back up
Collet reducer if needed
Drafting pens and pencils
Alcohol, wipes, cotton pads, qtips
Rub and buff (silver, gold)
Post its or small intake forms
Branding sign
Business cards
Container to hold rub and buff, cotton pads, etc
Samples of bottles to clients can see personal style
Portable light
Phone mount for videos/content
Personal makeup kit (lip gloss, hairties/clips, contacts, gum, headache meds)
water/snacks
Washi tape
Small bag for trash
Drafting pens or pencils
cushion