What is small or large, can be multi-colored,  has been a royal seal, but has also been found on common bath towels? A monogram!

      Monograms originated many years ago as royal seals for kings and queens. Since then they have been stamped on coins, a signature for artisans, a symbol of ones place in society (Victorian era), and now can even be incorporated into the seats of luxury cars. These personal identifiers are found on stationary, pillowcases, bath towels, suitcases, shirts, jewelry, or bags.

For a friends recent bridal shower, I wanted to gift something that would be unique only to her and her soon-to-be husband. I contacted Tina Marie Creations, who I have used in the past for monogram projects, and asked that she embroider the couples initials on a nice set of 600 count pillowcases.  The bride loved them! If your looking for that special something… I would HIGHLY recommend a gift of something monogrammed for any soon to be married couple. They will truly appreciate the time you took to make your present personalized!

Tina (who I interview below) also monogrammed a square (1 of 16), for a quilt I made for my first niece.

Tina who is just the easiest person to work with (& soon to be first time mommy!) agreed to a Q & A with yours truly.

Q & A with Tina Marie Creations

Q: How did you get into the business of Monograms?

A:  I started monogramming and embroidery at a time when I had many friends that were getting married and having babies. I was also between semesters at school and as I’m a busybody, needed a hobby that I could help pay school loans back with.

If you have a project or something you have been thinking of having personalized, feel free to contact Tina here and also check out her facebook for more pictures of her work!

 Monogram Etiquette:

For a Married Couple (or soon to be): The monogram will contain the bride’s first initial, the surname of the couple, and the groom’s first initial, in that order. For instance Mary and Charles Smith would be:

MSC

Monogramming a Gift for a Woman: A monogrammed gift for a woman should include her first, middle and last initial or if she is married, her first, maiden name, and married name initials. Traditionally, a woman’s monogram is presented in first, last, middle initial order. So for Rae Lillian Jean her monogram could be as follows:

RJL

 Monogramming a Gift for a Man: For men’s gifts, many people prefer to use the initials in the first, middle and last order. For these kind of items, George Henry Stonefield would be:

GHS  

Monogramming Gifts for Children: Gifts for small children, both boys and girls traditionally follow the first, last, and middle initial order. For example, both Stefan Arnould White and Susanna Anne Christensen’s monogram would be as follows:

SWA