Monograms Monograms Videos The Monogram Monograms have been used for many years as signatures for many things, but gained the most popularity and use in the early 20th century. In the 1920's and 1930's the monogram was in the height of fashion and the classiest gentlemen and ladies had theirs on their most fashionable pieces. The classic monograms most people will recognize are monogrammed towels or the always classic monogrammed piece of jewelry. A monogram is made from two or more overlapping letters to form a symbol or design. The most recognizable would be the first, middle, and last initials of ones name. Monograms on gravestones were very popular not more than 200 years ago and are now being used for history buffs looking for information about their ancestors. A family monogram was especially popular with the Irish and many families had their own unique monogram designed to separate them from others. In modern times the monogram is still used in many ways, usually for an artful twist on something not so exciting to begin with. A monogrammed towel is probably the most popular use for this artful design. Each year brides and grooms decide on what their new towels will look like and what they will put for a monogram if so desired. Traditionally the husband's initials are put on the towels; some couples though like to have a set made with both the husband and the wife's initials. These towels are primarily for decoration and are not usually used in daily household activities. Monogrammed jewelry is also very popular. A simple sterling silver bracelet with a young woman's initials engraved in it is a very nice and sentimental gift. Many times a gift like this is given for a special occasion such as a 16th birthday, or graduation presents. Sterling silver is one of the best metals to put a monogram on because it is soft metal, much more than gold, the engraving process works the best on a soft material such as this. A monogrammed bracelet is something which can be treasured for many years. A monogram can be found almost any where; you just have to look closely. High end cars such as Cadillac will oftentimes have their company monogram sewn into the leather seats or as part of their hood ornament. The Bentley car company is also known for its very high end monogrammed "B" insignia. Many couture fashion designers use their monogram in their collections. Louis Vuitton is the most recognizable with most of their pieces made from leather or fabric with the company's signature LV monogram. Gucci, Fendi, and Chanel are just a few other designers who have followed with the monogram trend and have had their yearly profits soar with these design campaigns. Monograms will always be an elegant and timeless way to adorn a special keepsake. A monogram has endless possibilities and is truly unique to the owner. They are something that will be always changing with births, marriages, and life. See how you can be creative and make some memories for you and your family. Examples of Monograms Monograms have been used for centuries as identifying marks and embellishments. Wedding invitations are some of the best examples of monograms and the most widely used example. What a great way to start a new life together with a special and imaginative design to share with your family and friends. The basic three-letter styling of monograms has not been changed much since the late 19th century to the early 20th century. These monograms are designed with the first initial to the left, the middle initial to the right, and the last initial in the middle. Examples of monograms used in this manner are, stationary, towels, pillow cases, and of course wedding invitations, just to name a few. These styles are the most classic examples of monograms and the most widely known. While monograms are not readily used as true identifying marks so much anymore, they are still used as more of a decorative keepsake, the most popular being wedding invitations. These can be done very elaborately or in a simple sleek design. The monogram should go hand in hand with the theme of the wedding and the direction the couple would like to go. When looking for the perfect monogram for wedding invitations you should look for examples of monograms. The best way to do this is to get on the computer and open your basic text editor, such as Word. In this program you will find many fonts and can make different arrangements with the initials. This is actually really fun to do and the possibilities are almost endless. Many online software programs also offer ad on packs with even more font choices. The next step would be to find a friend with some artistic ability and have him or her draw some simple designs, or go to the stationary store and research ideas there. Go to a reputable store which features an in house designer that can give you some examples of monograms. Examples of monograms are also readily available on the internet. A simple search brings up many site results and examples offering a bounty of information and ideas. You may even be able to find the perfect online retailer to purchase your items from. Many businesses, especially wedding oriented ones, operator mainly by the internet and offer deep discounts compared to a brick and mortar store. The designs, however, may not be very unique or original. Another great idea to find examples of monograms is to ask to see someone such as a grandmother or older aunt's jewelry collection. In the not so distant past and even today monogrammed jewelry was very popular. If the special person has some jewelry of this sort, see if you like the examples of monograms engraved. If you find something you like, have the stationary store or person creating your wedding invitations recreate this design. What a unique and special tribute to your family, and future together. Creating your wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and a helpful hand you are sure to send out something truly special and unique to your guests. The Blessed Virgin Mary: Monograms and Images The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary appears in many churches. Being a key figure in the history of religion, one can easily find a stained glass decoration of her. Church windows are adorned with the image of baby Jesus' mother. Some pictures also show her cradling baby Jesus in her arms. Monograms of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be found on the windows of churches. The Blessed Virgin Mary monogram is shaped like an M. Sometimes the monogram has a crown on the top that shows the royal bloodline of baby Jesus. The M monogram also appears with the symbol for the Holy Family. It sits beside a cross and a carpenter tool. This symbol represents the embodiment of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Besides Blessed Virgin Mary monograms, there are also other objects that she appears on. Statues of the Virgin Mary can usually be found around various churches and religious areas. These are usually crafted out of wood, although there are many statues sculpted out of stone. Even ceramic miniature versions can be found in households as well as churches. Medallions are also decorated with the Blessed Virgin Mary monogram. Inscriptions on the edge of the medal can be found encircling the image in the middle. Other figureheads of Christianity can be found on medallions as well. There is even a Miraculous Medal, or the Medal of the Immaculate Conception. It is said that the Blessed Virgin Mary herself appeared in a chapel and told faithful believers to spread her image with medallions. Many people felt greatly blessed when they received these medals. It felt like a great honor to wear the monogram or the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Other objects hold the monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Seals with the monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary have been constructed for special use. These seals can have her monogram, her image or a combination of both. Many artists have interpreted their own vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although religious artwork doesn't allow for a lot of artistic creativity, different pieces of art can be found. These can range from the standard Virgin Mary with a halo around her head to a more abstract art featuring dark skin. Jewelry can also be customized to have the monogram or image of the Blessed Virgin Mary engraved. Pendants can be crafted to show the face of the Virgin Mary. Necklaces and bracelets can also have a simple picture of the Virgin Mary hanging off a pendulum. There are also strange items which hold the image of the Virgin Mary. A grilled cheese sandwich supposedly carried the face of the Virgin Mary. The creator noticed its likeness to the Virgin Mary after taking a bite. This holy sandwich was famously purchased by an online casino company. Whether it's exquisite jewelry or burnt toast, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is quite prominent in everyday life. It's no surprise either, as the Virgin Mary is a key figure in Christianity. Monograms Monograms are part of history and culture. They have been used for centuries not only as an artful design adorning a favorite item, but as a religious symbol in Christianity. Though the modern monogram is only about 150 years old, it is still a rich and classic way to identify ones self. The standard monograms we are all accustomed to are the three letter monograms. This type of monogram will have three letters each identifying the first, middle, and last initial of a name. The first initial will go on the left, the middle initial on the right, and the last initial directly in the middle. Often times these monograms are decorated with artistic calligraphy or flowing embellishments. This type of monogram is commonly used in items such as wedding invitations, towels, jewelry, and other household items to identify the owner. The basic three letter styling of monograms has not been changed much since the late 19th century to the early 20th century and are still the most commonly used today. Before then, however, monograms consisted of usually one initial, that being the first initial of the last name. Royalty would commonly use this form of monogram with an elaborate family crest intertwined throughout. Single letter monograms are still used today but usually in the monogramming of linens. A single "M" could be used for either the last name, Mally, or the fist name Michael. In recent years a single letters on pendants have been used extensively as a first name identification monogram. As of late the most popular monograms have been on jewelry and other keepsake items. In fact, there are stores dedicated to just this such thing. Most of these jewelry items with monograms are made of stainless steel, which is a softer metal than gold and easily engraveable. A matching necklace and bracelet set with monograms are a great gift for that special occasion or holiday. A champagne glass set with matching monograms are very popular for brides and grooms to use for toasting at their wedding and is a desirable bridal shower gift. Baby blankets with custom monograms for the baby are also wonderful gifts and keepsakes. Monograms have also been used throughout history to mark gravestones. These were much more than artistic embellishments. The initials of the deceased were oftentimes engraved in the top portion of the gravestone for easy identification. Many of these gravestones were commissioned by the wealthy and were usually put on already elaborated memorials. Irish ancestors put monograms of IHS on their gravestones in some areas of the country denoting they were of the Christian faith. The letters IHS are a direct Latin reference to Jesus Christ. Monograms of IHS are also commonly found on crucifixes. Whether it is a piece of jewelry, or a religious artifact, monograms have had many purposes and uses throughout history. There are more around than one would think. Next time, stop and look and see for yourself, I'll bet you find some interesting monograms. Monogram Wedding Cake Toppers - 1 Using a monogram is a classic method to customize the look and feel of many items. An embroidered monogram in clothing can give it the extra appeal that you require in an office setting. Monogram stationery adds your own unique taste when you write letters or leave memos for others. Monograms aren't just for clothes and paper, either. They're an excellent way to add a professional and elegant atmosphere to a social gathering. Monogram napkins are a great way to add class to a wedding. Also, you can use a monogram design for wedding cake toppers. Monogram wedding cake toppers are an interesting change to the typical bride and groom adornment that is found on most cakes. With a specially designed wedding cake topper, you can build onto the atmosphere or theme that you're looking for. At the very least, you can get rid of the ordinary bride and groom ornament and add a little pizzazz to your cake. Creating your own custom monogram wedding cake topper couldn't be easier. Many stores have preset designs for you to pick and choose from. If you need something simple but stylish, you can browse through the different types of lettering that is offered. Or maybe you require a look that only a specific material can fulfill. In that case, you can choose between items such as solid brushed metal or gold acrylic mirror. Make sure to choose the right color for your monogram wedding cake topper as well. There exists a wide variety of colors to choose from. If you desire something that stands out, you can go with a ruby or topaz look. If that's too fancy for you, there are more simple choices such as gold or silver. There are many types of monogram wedding cake toppers for you to decide on. A crystal covered single letter monogram adds a touch of beauty to your wedding cake. A ceramic cake topper can also yield the same atmosphere while producing a different effect altogether. The possibilities are limitless. Where would one start their search for these exquisite items? A wedding supplies and accessories store should have a few of these items in stock. You may have to look around though, especially if you are looking for something specific. Be sure to ask friends and family if they know any good wedding shops. Being a highly unique accessory, monogram wedding cake toppers can be expensive. Depending on where you shop, you might be paying for the number of letters, the size, or the amount of decoration on the cake topper. Of course, hosting a wedding is a rare lifetime event, so don't be afraid to spare no expense. It will be worth it when you get the design you're looking for. Don't omit any small details when the time comes to plan and host your wedding. If you need a small decoration to spruce up your wedding cake, try a monogram wedding cake topper. A simple detail might just make your wedding a whole lot memorable. Monogram Cake Toppers - 2 Monogram Cake Toppers are becoming a popular way to adorn a wedding cake. One online site researched exclaims monogram cake toppers as all the rage. These cake toppers are usually very simple and elegant. The toppers are readily available at wedding decoration retailers and at a bevy of online retailers. Monogram Cake Toppers are available in endless designs. You can find everything from laser precision cut to glass. The monogram cake toppers are designed with one, two, or three letters. The three letter designed toppers feature the groom's first initial on the right, the brides on the left, and the couple's last name in the middle, oftentimes larger than the other two letters. Two letter designs are usually that of the first initials of both the bride and the groom. When choosing one letter, it is typically representative of the last name of the newlyweds. Metal monogram cake toppers are the most popular. Whether they are made of colored or classic white or yellow gold, they are a timeless and elegant way to remember your special day. The metal designs are precision cut for nice clean edges. These can be made in any color imaginable and are the sometimes embellished in Swarovski crystals. These crystals are hand placed on the cut letters to create beautiful accents to the monogram cake toppers. Acrylic monogram cake toppers are also very nice. Done in the right way they give a ceramic look to the piece and are a little softer than the metal designs. These are usually done with just the basic acrylic material and do not feature the crystal embellishments. Most manufacturers of monogram cake toppers offer a wide variety of styles and fonts. One online site visited offered over 1700 font choices and dozens of colors. The toppers are also available in a variety of sizes ranging from 2 inches to 8 inches. For the larger pieces an extra fee will be added to the monogram cake toppers. The prices for monogram cake toppers vary from the $25.00 single letter design to an elaborate $300.00 crystal laden masterpiece. It is not recommended to wait until the last minute as with most wedding items because the monogram cake toppers take up to seven weeks to deliver. Most sites do offer a rush order, for an additional fee. Not sure what to do after the wedding with your cake topper? Monogram cake toppers solve this problem for you. Instead of storing your cake topper in a box, the flat designs of the monogram cake toppers are easily mountable in a frame. This could be done very easily at home with a little creativity or brought to a local art store for a professional to do. Your cake topper is now a memory to cherish for years to come in your home, not just another dusty box in your basement to keep moving around with you as your family grows. Monogram cake toppers, an elegant and simple way to celebrate your wedding day and a keepsake to last a lifetime. Though a little more costly than the classic cake topper; the sentimental and lasting value is well worth it. Monogram Cake Toppers - 3 A monogram cake topper is a truly unique and increasingly popular way to adorn a cake. Of course the first thought is to use the topper for a wedding cake, but there are many more possibilities. Baby showers are a really great way to use a monogram cake topper. Of course knowing the baby's name beforehand is a must! Some online retailers of the cake toppers offer a design as more of a 3-D type look. Imagine a cookie cutter, but without the ends meeting. This type of monogram cake topper can be used as a decoration well after the baby is born and would be a beautiful keepsake in any nursery. A monogram cake topper could also be used for an anniversary cake. The cake toppers are available with numbers instead of letters, so if it is so desired to have a year denotation instead of the couples initials. If a decision between the two styles cannot be made, one design on the cake and one on the table as an adornment would be very elegant. The monogram cake topper is not limited to just letters as mentioned above. There are many other designs available besides initials. A Quinceanera is a special time in a Latina girl's life and many of the aspects of her party border wedding-ish features, including a large wedding cake. A single letter for the birthday girl's first name is very elegant, as is the number 15 for her birthday. Many retailers offer designs other than numbers and letters. Flowers, sparkly tiaras, and Swarovski crystal embellished designs are also very popular for Quinceanera's. Most manufacturers of a monogram cake topper offer a wide variety of styles and fonts. One online site visited offered over 1700 font choices and dozens of colors. The toppers are also available in a variety of sizes ranging from 2 inches to 8 inces. For the larger pieces an extra fee will be added to the monogram cake topper. The prices for a monogram cake topper vary from the $25.00 single letter design to an elaborate $300.00 crystal laden masterpiece. It is not recommended to wait until the last minute as with most wedding items because the monogram cake toppers take up to 7 weeks to deliver. Most sites do offer a rush order, for an additional fee. After the event if the cake topper is not able to stand on its own in a display, it could be taken to a stationary retailer who will copy the design into custom stationary. This is something which also could be done before the wedding for the wedding invitations. The monogram cake topper is something unique and that no one will have exactly the same of. The possibilities of design are truly endless and the imagination can go completely wild! It is something which will last a lifetime and will be talked about for years to come. It is one of the best reminders of your special day everyday for years to come. Monogram Napkins: Personalize Your Wedding or Party Monograms are an easy way to add a personal touch to many objects. Clothing, for example, can have your initials embroidered in the chest or the back. You can also add a monogram to stationery supplies. They're perfect for sending out letters to loved ones or for invitations to formal gatherings. These designs aren't just for paper or clothing either. If you really want to spruce up your upcoming wedding or add to your restaurant, you might want to look into monogram napkins. That's right, monogram napkins. You can add your own unique logo or other design to napkins. Monogram napkins are a classy way to add a special touch to your social gatherings and events. By creating a monogram design and placing it on your napkins, guests will be in awe of your excellent taste. It will make people feel like they're at a five-star restaurant or an exquisite hotel. Of course, the monogram towels aren't included. Before you can actually purchase your own customized monogram napkins, you first have to design the monogram. It may seem like a lot of work, but it's easier than it sounds. With the help of Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, you can create a graphical monogram to your liking. It'll turn out even better if you have access and the ability to use software such as Adobe Illustrator. You can also ask an artistically inclined friend to help you with your creative vision. And if all else fails, you can pick and choose from the wide selection of designs that a store is sure to have. Once you have completed your design, all that's left is to send it to someone who can add your monogram to napkins. This would involve seeking out a wedding accessories store or an equivalent of sorts. You can do this by looking around malls or asking any of your friends if they know of such places. The internet is also a good place to shop around if you can find a discount. So, what kind of monogram napkins can you expect to find? Well, they are only limited by design, either your own or the place you're buying them from. Napkins come in a variety of colors and shapes. If those standard white square napkins don't match your theme, you can look for a blue napkin with a rectangular shape. The options are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment with the right look. Being personalized items, monogram napkins don't come cheap. You're looking at an average of $25 per 100 napkins. Yes, it's a small price to pay for that extra feeling of elegance and class. It's not too steep though, especially if you handled your money carefully. There is usually a price drop if you order more napkins. Don't leave out any details on the next social event you plan to host. If you want to impress your guests with minimal effort, try adding a personalized touch to your napkins. A simple monogram design can go a long way. Louis Vuitton: The Monogram Miroir Collection Louis Vuitton is a company known for its line of French fashion products. From their stylish handbags to their cool looking sunglasses, their line of items is respected greatly in the fashion world. In fact, the brand is so strong that the Louis Vuitton monogram was designed not just for style, but to prevent any counterfeits. It's ironic that this famous brand also sports the most knockoffs. That just goes to show how recognized the brand name is. Taking a closer look at the Louis Vuitton items, their winter 2006 show collection revealed the Monogram Miroir style of products. This style would breathe new life to the classic handbags such as the Alma and the Speedy 30. The Louis Vuitton Monogram Miroir products all share an eye-catching reflective gold or silver coating. With an objective towards fashionable trends instead of practicality, these items aren't for the unsophisticated. The Louis Vuitton Monogram Miroir collection is no exception. Highly known celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Scarlett Johansson can be seen with this famous brand. Various models and actresses have even lent their name and image to be used in marketing campaigns. Surely, a Monogram Miroir product will make you shine like a star, if you aren't one already. Being an older line of products, you probably won't run into many Monogram Miroir products from the Louis Vuitton brand. But if you do some looking around, you'll find that the prices can climb well into the thousands. Not only do you have to shell out a pretty penny for an exquisite item, but you'll have to keep an eye out for counterfeit material as well. Although there are newer lines of items that are always being produced, none will match the flashy look of the Louis Vuitton Monogram Miroir collection. The gold version gives off a brilliant shine, but it may be a little too pricey for some. You may want to opt for the classy silver color. Not only will you save a little money, but the silver version seems to match with anything. If you liked a specific handbag, the Monogram Miroir collection extends itself to a couple of types. The Pochette is the smallest model. It is smooth and compact, and the gold/silver coat looks like a portable mirror. The Keepall functions as its name implies; it allows you to carry all your goods with you with ease and style. It is the largest model of the Monogram Miroir collection. If you don't like the extreme choices, you can pick something in between. The Alma is the Pochette's bigger sister. The shape is slightly different and it has a bigger storage space. The Speedy handbag can be considered the Keepall's younger brother. The maximum capacity it can hold is slightly less than the Keepall. However, the Speedy still retains the same shape and feel. The Louis Vuitton Monogram Miroir products are rare, but you can still find one if you do a little searching. If you can find one, expect to pay big bucks for it. Louis Vuitton -- Monogram Boulogne The Louis Vuitton Boulogne Purse is from the famed handbag and leathergoods company's 2007 catalog. The Boulogne comes in 4 styles all of which have the same basic design, but feature different fabrics and accents depending on which bag you choose. The two largest purses in the Boulogne collection measure 11.8" x 11" x 3.5." The basic designs of the bags are the same, but are very different because of the details. One of the Boulonge purses is black monogrammed Mini Lin cotton and linen canvas. The fabric on this Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Boulogne purse is very elegant and rich. The bag is lightweight and perfect for summer. Brass hardware and black leather strap and corner reinforcements only add to the look and make it a well rounded bag. This particular bag would look great with almost anything and any outing. The other Louis Vuitton Monogram Boulogne purse of the same size (11.8" x 11" x 3.5") in this collection is more of the classic Louis Vuitton style. This bag features the notable gold monogrammed LV insignia on rich dark brown leather. This bag is very similar to the above mentioned, but instead of the canvas and linen is made of leather. This style features a light tan leather strap and matching corner reinforcements. The bag also has brass hardware. The next bag of the Louis Vuitton Monogram Boulogne purse collection is the Monogram Mulitcolore bag. This bag is smaller than the first two measuring at 12.2" x 10" x 3.9." The bag gives the ever popular Louis Vuitton design an updated look. Instead of the tan and brown color combination this bag features a black background with multicolored LV insignia's. This bag has a very nice outside zippered pocket, which would be great for credit cards or cash on the go. The straps and corner reinforcements are tan calfskin. The smallest bag of the Louis Vuitton Monogram Boulogne purse collection is the Little Boulogne. This bag is much smaller than the others in the collection at 7.5" x 5.9" x 2" but is very versatile and great for on the go. The LV monogram pattern is featured in black jacquard satin. Black leather strap and reinforcements make the bag very elegant and usable for many occasions. The bag is also the only one of the collection to feature silver hardware, which looks great next to the black on black styling of the bag. This collection is very modern and versatile for everyday use or a night out. The little Boulogne could be paired with jeans or with a little black dress. The styles of the larger bags would look perfect for a light lunch and walk in the park with a good friend. This bag is a classically designed Louis Vuitton and could be used for years to come. It is perfect for any age or taste. The Louis Vuitton Monogram Boulogne would also make a great gift. These traditional styles will be a timeless addition to your collection. Free Monograms: Where to Find Them Free things in life are hard to come by. You probably won't see too many things that are free of charge. And if you do, let's just say that you'll get what you pay for. Maybe if you're incredibly lucky, you'll gather a couple of free items in your lifetime to sell at yard sales. But when we do get access to free stuff, sometimes it's not totally lame. Sure, maybe you could live without your free keychain. Perhaps life would still be the same without that free souvenir mug your co-worker picked up for you. And maybe, just maybe you could survive without those free monograms. Actually, free monograms are pretty neat. They may be a small insignificant design, but they can still add a personal touch to your stationery. Of course, it takes time and resources to create a monogram and apply it to a letterhead or a piece of clothing. With this in mind, where would free monograms be found? Free monograms can be found as an option on many small items. Some banks will allow you to personalize your checks. You can add a monogram or alter the lettering styles with no extra cost. Certain washroom accessory stores offer free monograms on their items. You can add your initials to towels. This will make you feel like a king after relaxing with a nice hot shower. You can also add a special touch to your bed pillows and covers to give your bedroom a more personal feel. If you want to avoid mix-ups at the airport, a free monogram on your briefcase will do just that. Your luggage will be easily distinguishable from similar types of baggage. This will certainly save some time and effort in finding your briefcase. Even custom rubber stamps can come with a free monogram. These will help give anything you stamp a unique touch. Some companies will even allow you to use your own custom graphic with no extra charge. Products from Lillian Vernon also feature free monograms. Almost anything you purchase from this company will monogram it for free. This includes small and big items like office accessories and fireplace grates. The Vera Bradley company also has free monograms on certain items. You can get a monogram on placemats or duffel bags. It's a nice feature to add on an already fashionable design. Jewelry is also yet another item that can have a free monogram added to it. If an inscription doesn't suit your tastes, you can add a special design to a piece of jewelry. That special person will appreciate the thought that you cared a lot should you decide to personalize their jewelry gift. It looks like free stuff doesn't have to be a complete waste. A couple of items may turn out somewhat useful, and a few items are cooler than others. Still, nothing beats the level of customization and personality that a monogram offers. Being able to add your own style for free to an already purchased item is well worth the price.
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