Designs by Starla

Business Details

Custom Calligraphy & Engraving Services

Designs by Starla was founded in 2003 as a creative outlet during my transition to becoming a stay-at-home mom. Over two decades, I have honed my craft through formal study with renowned calligraphers like Timothy Botts and Reggie Ezelle, as well as Ken Brown for engraving techniques. Since becoming a Certified Zentangle Instructor in 2013, I have expanded my offerings to include innovative combinations of calligraphy, engraving, Zentangle patterns, and alcohol inks. Our mission remains focused on delivering one-of-a-kind gifts that educate and inspire through personalized artistry. We specialize in transforming ordinary items into extraordinary keepsakes through meticulous handcrafted techniques. Our expertise spans wedding stationery, custom engraving on unconventional materials like brake rotors, and creating Zentangle-inspired home decor.

Every project reflects our core values of excellence, creativity, and spiritual inspiration. With extensive experience teaching calligraphy and Zentangle methods, we share our passion through public and private workshops. Our reputation for quality craftsmanship has been built through years of satisfied clients, including real estate professionals and local businesses. We maintain strict attention to detail in all our services, from hand-lettered invitations to on-site trophy engraving for events. Our work has been featured in local art shows and online marketplaces, demonstrating our commitment to artistic innovation.

Services

Calligraphy Engraving Zentangle Art Design Collection Art Classes

Highlights and features

We offer 20+ years of professional calligraphy experience since 2003
Our team includes a Certified Zentangle Instructor since 2013
We provide personalized service for unique custom projects
We work with unconventional materials like brake rotors and bricks
We use premium materials for lasting, high-quality results

Associations and certifications

Certified Zentangle Instructor

What people say

Beautiful work Excellent customer service Unique items Artistic expertise On time delivery

Website

Update Listing

Services

Calligraphy

Our calligraphy service creates elegant handwritten text for weddings and events. We specialize in custom envelopes, invitations, and place cards with quick turnaround times. Each piece receives meticulous attention to detail using traditional lettering techniques.

Engraving

We offer custom engraving on diverse materials including glass, wood, and metal. Our capabilities extend to unconventional items like brake rotors and bricks. This service transforms ordinary objects into meaningful keepsakes through precise hand-cut designs.

Zentangle Art

Our Zentangle service creates meditative abstract art through structured patterns. We offer both finished pieces and instructional classes. This technique combines artistic expression with mindfulness practices for therapeutic benefits.

Design Collection

The Design Collection features handcrafted home decor items using mixed media techniques. We create unique pieces combining alcohol inks, Zentangle patterns, and calligraphy. Each item represents experimental artistry with functional home decor applications.

Art Classes

We provide instructional classes in calligraphy and Zentangle techniques. Our workshops accommodate various group settings from scouting troops to community centers. Sessions focus on skill development and creative expression through traditional art methods.

People

Starla Snead

Owner

Starla Snead founded Designs by Starla in 2003 after studying calligraphy with renowned artists. She became a Certified Zentangle Instructor in 2013 and expanded her engraving skills through Ken Brown's teachings. Her work combines multiple artistic disciplines to create unique personalized gifts.

Questions

What calligraphy services do you offer?

We provide hand-lettered envelopes, invitations, place cards, menus, and frameable projects for weddings and events with quick turnaround times.

What materials can you engrave?

We engrave on glass, wood, metal, ceramic, brick, and other surfaces. Our capabilities include unconventional items like brake rotors and custom trophies.

Do you teach Zentangle classes?

Yes, we offer Zentangle workshops for groups at various locations. Classes accommodate different skill levels and focus on both technique and creative expression.

Can you create custom design projects?

We specialize in custom orders for personalized gifts and event-specific items. Our team works closely with clients to develop unique solutions for special occasions.

Where can I see your work?

Our portfolio includes items available on Etsy and Ebay. We also participate in local art shows and vendor events throughout the year.

Videos

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Deb Villarese

Dec 16, 2021 Report

Not only does Starla carry beautiful products that can become personalized, hard art and talent go far beyond that. Seat teaches healing through arts using Zen tangle as a method to calm and distract
If youre looking for something personal for that special gift Starla is your girl

John Olesk

Oct 16, 2020 Report

We had a family heirloom hand-engraved for our son's wedding and it came out beautifully! It was completed in less than 30 minutes while we waited and the cost was reasonable. High quality and artistic work!

Wiicccked

Jul 01, 2020 Report

Fair prices and friendly service
I had 8 knives hand engraved for bachelor gifts. Turned out as excepted. Would go again.

Veronica Hui-Rodriguez

Aug 29, 2018 Report

Starla is friendly and kind. She has a home office where she does her artistic work. From engravings to calligraphy. We inquired about a few engravings and she was able to do them within 1 hour. She gives accurate estimated times for her work. The engravings came out beautiful!!! We shall use her for many future personalization projects!