It’s no secret that I love to write on all sorts of objects and surfaces. While I might be most well-known for my custom wedding stationery design and calligraphy services, I am always up for an artistic challenge and love any chance I get to create unique and memorable pieces for my clients.

My clients come up with the most creative ideas to add personalized touches to their wedding, like these recent Himalayan salt glasses I did for a wedding designed by Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace or these ceramic houses for a custom escort card wall display. If I can add a bit of whimsy to a celebration with my calligraphy, I’m one happy camper! You know that show, “Will They Blend It?” It’s kind of the same thrill for me: Can I calligraphy it?!

Once you have mastered calligraphy on paper, you might want to try your hand at adding special touches to other objects, whether for your own wedding, for gifts, or for a festive dinner party. There can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to calligraphy on other surfaces, particularly on items that are perishable. I am going to share with you a few tips about specifically writing on perishable items, such as leaves, fruit, cake, macarons and cookies, for your clients or even your own parties.There is something alluring about writing on a surface that isn’t forever. I always think, “No where else will this calligraphy and surface exist except for THIS night” and that feels magical! However, there are certain steps to take that can ensure your calligraphy and the object you are writing on look perfect for your event.

Here are my top 4 tips for writing on perishable items…

Whether you are creating items for yourself or a client, the timeline is very important to keep in mind. This is true for all calligraphy projects as you certainly don’t want to rush and have sloppy letters on someone’s wedding invitation envelopes or place cards, but the timeline is particularly important when creating with perishable items.

The first step is to always let the client know the timeline in advance for the items you’re working on. For example, if you’re writing on leaves and they last a week, let them know that their name list and materials must be received by X date and shipped or picked up by X date to have them done in time. Be clear about the timeline so that everyone is happy with the final product and you have enough time to complete the job. If the order will require rush shipping to accommodate the timing, be upfront about that.

As you grow your calligraphy skills, you are likely to find your favorite inks or paint pens for certain projects. When doing calligraphy on perishable items, you must choose the correct tools and supplies. If what you’re working on is edible, like a cookie, make sure you only use edible paints or markers to complete the project. These are our personal favorite food writing decorating pens – these are the best pens and what we use!

If the portion being written on is for show only, you can use non-edible pens. For example, you might be writing on the top tier of a cake, but that portion may be faux cake, for show only. There are more color options with non-edible pens, so find out if what you are working on is actually going to be consumed.

Writing on a surface other than paper is going to take some getting used to. No matter what you are writing on, make sure the surface is clean and completely dry so the ink or paint will write cleanly and smoothly. A little time spent preparing your surfaces will save time in the long run! I also recommend getting a few extra items for testing.

If you are writing on fruit or something with curves, it might take a trial or two to get the hang of things and get everything looking it’s best.

If you are only used to writing on paper, it will be a different experience when you move to something three dimensional.

If you’re writing on a cake, ask if there is an area that will be covered by florals or some other embellishment so that you can test your pen first. You want to make sure your materials are compatible and you don’t have any runs or paint drips.

When the writing is complete, package your items carefully to preserve your work. When possible, have the client {or better yet, a courier!} pick up the work in person to avoid damage in transit.

When we ship leaves, we sort them by table and pack them in bags so they don’t damage each other in shipping. Those bags are then packed into a box filled with air pockets or packing peanuts to keep them safe during shipping.

You certainly don’t want to risk your hard work being damaged or having an upset client when their order arrives.

What do you think? Are you ready to tackle calligraphy on pumpkins or pears or leaves? What unique surface should we try writing on next?

Have fun, be creative and remember there is {almost*} no surface too crazy to use calligraphy or lettering!