About
The Flourished Fern

Nice to Meet You!

A photo of the calligrapher- caucasian woman with dark hair and glasses stands in a doorframe, smiling. She is wearing a black and white spotted top.

Ashley Schafer

Calligrapher, Mom, Teacher, and Avid Reader

Hi! I'm Ashley, the person and artist behind The Flourished Fern Calligraphy. I'm a mom, a teacher, and I've loved crafts for as long as I can remember.

Thanks for joining me! Scroll down to learn more about my calligraphy process. Please visit my Contact page if you have questions or would like to commission a calligraphy project!

Or, head over to my Bio page if you'd like to learn about my calligraphy backstory!

The artist's signature- Ashley- is written in black calligraphy. An outline of a heart follows the name.

Calligraphy Styles

I currently offer three calligraphy stylings, but feel free to message me with specific requests. My style is always evolving, so watch for even more selections in the future!

The word Traditional is written in formal calligraphy

Based on classic copperplate,
this is my most formal style

A bright red place card rests on stack of other place cards, mostly out of view. The name Charles is written in traditional calligraphy in shiny, golden ink.

The words Modern 1 are written in a bouncy calligraphy style

Modern and sophisticated,
with some bounce

A folded blue place card sits on a white countertop. The name on the card is Jennifer, and is written in elegant, modern calligraphy in white ink. Behind the place card are a blue and white teacup and saucer on the left, and a teal tea pot on the right.

The words Modern 2 are written in a flowy and flourished calligraphy style

Delicate, bouncy, & flourished,
this is my signature style

A dark black place card sits on a white surface. The card is scored across the center. The name Gabriela is written in gold calligraphy, with graceful loops and flourishes.

Ordering Custom Calligraphy ~ The Process

Dreaming & Planning

So you're intrigued by calligraphy! Perhaps it's the handmade touch-- or maybe the elegant lines and curves captured your heart and stopped your scroll. The personalized nature of hand-written calligraphy makes it a wonderful choice for event- planning or gifting.

How do you start an order? First, you can view my Etsy shop for papers and inks that are currently in stock. New products and variations are released each year, so check back periodically! You can place an order through Etsy or contact me directly for slightly lower prices and more cardstock selections.

If you're looking for something more unique, you can browse my past projects in my Portfolio page or Instagram. If these photos have you thinking, "I wonder if she could make... (fill in the blank)?", then keep reading below!

Two black and white gift tags lay next to a bright blue hydrangea flower. The first gift tag is longer, and says happy birthday to my love, written in traditional copperplate calligraphy with flourishes. The lower tag reads simply, Tiffany. Both have a strand of black and white string attached through a hole punch, at left.

Exquisite Black & White Gift Tags

Each includes a white grommet and cotton twine

Three light pink, square place cards rest on a white surface. Each has a name written in bouncy modern calligraphy: Hannah, Megan, Krista. The cards are scored in the center, so they can be folded by the customer.

Whimsical Valentine's Day Place Cards

Featuring gold ink on a blush pink tented card

Large Orders & Custom Projects

At this time I am offering services and shipping to US customers only.

If you are ready to book me for specific calligraphy services, you can reach out in one of three ways:

For wedding or event calligraphy, complete the Event Calligraphy Interest Form. This form will collect essential information about your event, such as the date, theme, and type(s) of calligraphy needed. It will also ask for your contact information. I will get back to you within 48 business hours with a price quote and any additional questions I may have before offering a proposal and/or contract.
For all other custom projects, please fill out the Custom Calligraphy Inquiry Form. The form will ask you some questions about the nature of your order-- the occasion, color(s), quantities, etc., as well as contact information.
If you have general questions about the types of services offered, reach out via email instead! I'd be glad to talk through your vision with you!

Proposals, Proofs, & Production
(oh my)!

Once I receive your inquiry, watch for an email with more specifics about your order. I may have some clarifying questions before I can produce a proposal or invoice for your order.

Smaller orders (under $200) must be paid in full before I can begin your calligraphy. I would be glad to produce & photograph a sample or proof of your project before sending the invoice. If you would like a sample mailed, the customer pays shipping.

Customers requesting an event calligraphy package should expect to receive a proposal with various options and price points. Larger orders (over $200) require a signed contract and retainer (deposit) of 50% before I begin your calligraphy project. The balance will be due before shipping.

Production times vary according to the size and complexity of the order, as well as my personal and professional schedules. I will be in communication with you about when your order will be ready to ship.

Rush orders are only offered as my time allows.

A hexagon shaped Christmas ornament hangs from an artificial tree via a sheer white ribbon. The phrase Oh Holy Night is written in white calligraphy on the plastic ornament's slightly frosted surface.

Frosted Acrylic Christmas Ornament

With white ribbon and lettering

On a table decorated for a special occasion, rests a blue tea light holder and flickering candle, a vase of water with hydrangeas, a scrunched blue table runner, an anemone flower, fully opened, and in the center of the photo, a sign made of frosted clear plastic with the words, Table 3 in elegant modern calligraphy. The sign rests in a stained wooden base.

Acrylic Table Numbers w/ Wood Stands

Written by hand in calligraphy with white acrylic paint

Delivery & Returns

I use USPS to ship within the United States. Prices vary according to weight and service. Priority Mail (recommended) would be approximately $10 to $12 for paper products. Acrylic products will cost more to ship.

Once packages are mailed, The Flourished Fern is not responsible for shipping delays. Insurance is recommended on orders over $100, or time-sensitve orders. Please consider ordering well in advance of your special events!

Once your order arrives, please check your custom calligraphy for accuracy, damages, etc. Do not wait until the day of your event to open your package! I would be glad to work with you to correct any issues with your order, as time allows. If a contract was signed, it will detail processes for corrections, returns, refunds, etc., if applicable.

All other customers, please see my full Terms of Purchase here. Due to the custom nature of my work, a full refund will generally not be issued, but I will always work with you to try to make right any workmanship issues or damages that incurred during shipment.