Live On-Site Calligraphy experiences
Serving Chicago & Chicagoland
Live calligraphy is more than personalization - it’s an experience your guests get to witness in real time.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering, a brand-forward activation, or a luxury wedding celebration, Letter & Lyse provides on-site calligraphy, engraving, and heat foiling that transforms everyday items into meaningful keepsakes-crafted by hand, within minutes.
Every experience is thoughtfully designed to feel seamless, elevated, and deeply personal, so you can focus on hosting while your guests walk away feeling seen, celebrated, and cared for.
The Heirloom Experience
Starting at $1,500
Designed with trendsetting couples and elevated events in mind, The Heirloom Experience is a fully immersive personalization moment - where every guest leaves with a handcrafted keepsake created just for them.
Unlike mass-produced favors, each piece is made live, by hand, creating moments that feel intentional, luxurious, and effortlessly memorable.
Includes:
- Up to 6 hours of on-site calligraphy, engraving, or heat foiling
- Two complimentary consultation calls
- Travel within 25 miles of La Grange, IL
- Optional curated favor recommendations
- Optional custom order system
- Optional branded signage
- Option to add wedding day-of signage and stationery details
Ideal for:
- Luxury weddings
- Large-scale celebrations
- Statement events where details matter
Additional artists or production assistants may be recommended based on guest count and production needs.
The Impression
Starting at $1,250
Created for brands, businesses, and midsize gatherings, The Impression delivers a high-impact guest experience designed to be both interactive and visually striking.
This experience offers a refined touch of live artistry for lower guest volumes while maintaining the same level of intention and professionalism Letter & Lyse is known for.
Includes:
- 4–5 hours of on-site calligraphy, engraving, or heat foiling
- Complimentary consultation call
- Travel within 25 miles of La Grange, IL
- Optional curated favor recommendations
- Optional custom order system
- Optional branded signage
Ideal for:
- Brand activations & corporate events
- Midsize weddings & celebrations
- Guest counts up to 165
The Moment
Starting at $800
Designed for intimate gatherings and brief engagements, The Moment is perfect for private celebrations, showers, dinners, and smaller brand moments where personalization still makes a big impact.
This experience balances efficiency with artistry, making it ideal for events where flow, volume, and brand presence matter.
Includes:
- 2–3 hours of on-site calligraphy, engraving, or heat foiling
- Complimentary consultation call if desired
- Travel within 25 miles of La Grange, IL
- Professional on-site setup
- Optional custom order system
- Optional branded signage
Ideal for:
- Short-form events
- Thoughtful, high-touch moments
- Guest counts under 80
Important Notes
Pricing
All pricing reflects starting rates and may vary based on guest count, surface type, and design complexity.
Average production rate is approximately 25–30 items per hour. Additional travel fees apply beyond 25 miles from La Grange, IL.
Enhancements
Available across all experiences:
• Curated favor sourcing & coordination
• Custom branded or event signage
• QR or printed guest order systems
• Additional artists or production support
• Extended on-site time
• Wedding day-of signage & stationery add-ons
“Elyse is such a sweetheart, and talented beyond compare!”
I’ve booked her for multiple events, and still, people are complimenting her fabulous work as well as noting that it was the most memorable part of their experience. She’s professional, warm, and overall a pleasure to work with. My secret weapon when I need to impress!! Thank you Elyse 🤍
— Sara P
Engraving
Hand engraving is a popular requested service right now - and for good reason. Using a micro-drill, I etch bespoke designs into almost any suitable surface. Glass, metal, and stone all become stunning canvases for initials, monograms, names, and short personalized messages.
Commonly engraved items:
- Glassware
- Spirit bottles
- Lighters
- Decanters
- Candles
- Fragrance bottles
- Beauty products (mirrors, makeup brushes, gua sha stones)
- Money clips
- Dog tags
- Keychains
- And more
Once engraved, details can be enhanced with gold or silver fill for an extra touch of shine.
Available as an on-site or in-studio service.
Calligraphy & Lettering
Live calligraphy is an elevated, design-forward way to create connection at your event. Using dip pens, brush pens, and paint markers, I create expressive, decorative lettering that guests love to watch come to life.
Paper is just the beginning. I can letter on:
- Cards
- Notebooks
- Luggage tags
- Tote bags
- Luggage
- Select coated metal or glass surfaces
- Gift tags
- Ornaments
- And more
Every surface requires the right tools and technique, so collaboration beforehand ensures the most beautiful possible result.
Available as an on-site or in-studio service.
Heat Foiling
Heat foiling (or embossing) adds dimensional, metallic shine—gold, silver, and more—to faux or real leather and select fabrics.
Heat foiling is perfect for:
- Luggage tags
- Wallets
- Belts
- Watch straps
- Ribbons
- Scarves
- And similar materials
Because surfaces vary, we’ll collaborate in advance to determine the best tools, foils, and colors to achieve the most stunning finish.
Available as an on-site or in-studio service.
What types of events do you offer on-site services at?
What types of items can be customized?
How many items can be customized during an event?
What do you need for setup?
Who provides the items?
How far in advance should we book?
What’s the cost?
Where are you based? Do you travel?
Can you customize items before an event?
FAQ
What types of events do you offer on-site services at?
Weddings, brand activations, private parties, corporate events, and pop-up retail experiences. If there’s a surface I can write on—and people to delight—I’m in.
What types of items can be customized?
Glass, leather, paper, acrylic, metal, ribbon, you name it. I’ll guide you through what works, test materials beforehand (if time allows - it’s definitely recommended), and recommend the best method (calligraphy, engraving, or foiling).
How many items can be customized during an event?
It depends on service type, item surface, and customization complexity. Average capacities:
• Hand lettering: 30–40 items/hour
• Engraving: 15–25 items/hour
• Heat foiling: 15–20 items/hour
For larger guest counts, additional artists can be added.
What do you need for setup?
I come fully equipped.
All I need from you is:
• 1-2 tables + chair
• adequate lighting
• a place to store or display items
• access to power (for foiling/embossing)
Who provides the items?
Clients typically purchase and supply the items. I’ll send sourcing tips to ensure everything is event-ready. If you’d like me to handle curation and sourcing, I can add that to your package.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible—most clients book 2–3 months ahead. Last-minute requests are welcome if I’m available (rush fees may apply).
What's the cost?
On-site personalization starts at $800, with most events averaging around $1,000, depending on service, hours, and travel. You’ll receive a custom quote tailored to your needs.
Where are you based? Do you travel?
I’m based in La Grange, IL, and regularly serve Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Travel up to 25 miles is included. I also offer limited travel for national events (I have two little boys at home!), with travel fees quoted transparently.
Can you customize items before an event?
Yes! I offer in-studio personalization for both pre-event and post-event needs. Email letterandlyse@gmail.com for more info.
