In 1991, I started Grace Connell Designs as a graphic design service for businesses in the New York metropolitan area. Designing corporate logos and marketing materials and overseeing 4-color press runs was an interesting business for me, but I missed the tactile pleasure of working with paints, pens and beautiful papers. Most importantly, I knew nothing of the joy of working with brides.

In 1998, drawing from my Bachelor of Fine Arts, a graphic design business and a Master of Arts, I returned to my first love, calligraphic lettering, an artform I had taught and studied for over 20 years. I used my combined experience and education to form graceconnelldesigns.com.

Since then, I've had the time of my life. My work has been featured on television, book and magazine covers, in high-end window displays and as a natural extension to the bridal stationery market. Most notably, I was selected as an expert in my field by the Wall Street Journal and honored to be invited as a special wedding guest on Martha Stewart Living Television and have since had my work highlighted on the CBS Morning Show, in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine and on intricate, hand-engraved holiday cards at Mrs. John L. Strong Fine Stationers, New York. I've had the opportunity to work with some of the country’s finest event planners and learn from memberships with two prestigious lettering associations, The Society of Scribes and The Michigan Association of Calligraphers. Most of all, I use my intensive School of Visual Arts study with a master engraver from Tiffany & Co. every day in my designs.

I love marrying letters in ways which make them look beautiful together and wish to share this love of letters with you. I take great pride and joy in the materials I produce and hope you will look as closely at them as I do. I invite you to join me in making something exquisite together.

Best wishes and most of all have fun,

Grace Coughlan Connell www.graceconnelldesigns.com