When coming up with the design for our save the dates, I wanted something fun and cute that hinted at the type of wedding we are planning.
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From: Kate Kelly Designs on Etsy
Though picture STDs are a great way to do this, we didn’t have plans to do engagement pictures, and though we have some pictures of us, we really didn’t have any that were good enough that I wanted them printed and plastered on all of our friends’ and families’ refrigerators.
Plus, I was drawn to many of the adorable ideas floating around on the internet.
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Source: Martha Stewart Weddings
An envelope with our date on a string—so clever. I wanted to do this so badly. I even looked into number punches. Unfortunately, it was just a little too pricey and I couldn’t justify the cost.
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Image via Oh So Beautiful Paper / Watercolor by Swiss Cottage Designs / Calligraphy by Love* Jenna Calligraphy
I love the elegance of these, but don’t have the talent with watercolors to make that happen.
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Source: Tree Space Studio
This was my absolute favorite idea: a whimsical picture of a cat collecting hearts. Oh so cute. This had the exact feel that I was looking for. Something related to love and involving cute animals. However, it was way out of our fairly nonexistent STD budget.
Thus, I decided, even though I had no drawing or Illustrator experience, to attempt to draw something similar. I knew I wanted a very cutesy non-realistic style and didn’t think it would be too difficult.
Here are some first drafts that I did. See, not that bad?
Yeah, he looks a raccoon, but he is actually a red panda.
Sketching the ideas wasn’t so bad, but as soon as I tried to make it presentable and pretty, I realized I was so so so wrong about the ease of this project. I was very much out of my element. Getting a sketch to the point where it was viewable is very tedious and time consuming. Shading pictures made my head hurt and, honestly, it really just wasn’t worth the effort I needed to put in.
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My first shading attempt, and about the point I gave up on this project
I can’t believe I just posted this picture, but here you go. My attempt to make something realistic was awful. I was embarking on way, way, way too ambitious of a project, especially considering all of the other DIYs I had planned.
Luckily, I found the most amazing web comic ever that would save the day, but you’ll have to wait to see the rest.
Anyone start a project, only to realize that they were completely in over their heads? Ever have a simple DIY project explode on you in difficulty and time? What did you do? Did you power through it or just give up like I did?
I like your raccoon! But that black thin in the middle of his/her body looks weird… was that where you were thinking of putting the STD info?
Ummm… my failed DIY boxes. Those were a big, big fail. I gave up like you did, haha! Thankfully, MOH Cubbie is awesome at crafting, and is going to help with future DIYs!
I actually though you were going pretty good…but the black part in the shading didn’t look right…glad you found something you did like though. 
I think your efforts are actually really good! Once you’ve mentioned web comic though, I can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
Your sketches are cute, and infinitely better than anything I could ever do! I found that if a project failed, I usually found something even better to make in the end. Can’t wait to see your STDs!
Yup I remember I was going to make 1000s of origami flowers and realised it was ridiculous to consider hahah! I love your initial photos! I actually did the same when I wanted illustrated invites when I was first designing them, making my own drawings despite my utter latck of artistic drawing ability!
I think it’s awesome that you tried, Miss Panda. Just think: if you hadn’t, you might be kicking yourself wondering ‘what if?’ I’m excited to see the final project!
Miss Panda, Boston, MA Age and Occupation: 26, Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Graduate Student Engagement Date: June 27, 2011 Wedding Date: June 2013 About Me: I love window shopping, cute animals, crafting, baking, and most forms of procrastination. I tend to be overly meticulous with choices to a point of complete and total indecision. Mr. PBear and I met and live in the amazing city of Boston. We are big nerds who love trying new foods, playing video games, and cuddling with our adorable hamster. After 5 years together, we are planning an intimate, DIY-heavy, vintage garden themed, nonreligious wedding in the city where we fell in love.
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