Hi!
I'm Chanda Alicante, owner of Paper Crew. A small stationery studio located in a small community, Bixby Knolls in Long Beach, California. I specialize in Wedding Invitations, letterpress, foil, diecutting, but also dabble in all other printing, crafting and paper goods. Our invitations have been featured in several magazines and blogs. I worked there full time with my part-time employee/daughter, Sam.
My calligraphy history: I took a typography class back in 1995 that I had an intro in calligraphy. After that class I packed my nibs away. I got married, had 3 kids, opened up Paper Crew. More then 18 years later, my business started requiring more and more calligraphy. I was having to send out all my clients to several other people to do the calligraphy for me. Then one day, the person I used bailed on me with a project! I dug out my (now) vintage nibs, opened up youtube, bought a few books, and prayed that I can get through 150 envelopes.
That's when I realized that I needed some serious practice! I'm so happy that I found this forum. Filled with so many inspiring people, answers to my questions, and great support.
I look forward to meeting new friends, working on my calligraphy, and hopefully growing my business with new designs that I penned!
