She describes it as "crafty-enthusiasm."

Fans of her work would argue there's a lot of talent behind the drive.

For local resident, designer, and DIY expert, Jennifer Vaughn, it all began with the purchase of her L Streets home in 2005.

"I was teaching middle school at the time, and over the course of a year or so I gutted and remodeled the entire house."

A second house soon followed, also in the L Streets neighborhood, and in addition to that remodel Jennifer also designed and built her own pieces of furniture.

"I'm most happy when I'm creating and building," she says.

"I absolutely love my table saw!"

So when plans for her 2009 wedding got underway, Jennifer naturally had pretty specific ideas about how the big day should look and feel.

"My wedding was really a catalyst for me," she explains.

"I found it frustrating and overwhelming to try and find exactly what I wanted."

The answer to her problem?

Do it herself!

The end result was Memento Designs, an invitation and accessory line that includes everything from custom event invites and programs, to accessories like feather broaches and rosettes.

Jennifer even throws in lessons in interior decorating, and remember that furniture she likes to build? She shares it all on the Memento Blog.

"The blog is a big part of how I reach people," she says.

"At least half of my clients are out of state."

"I actually had one customer contact me and say, 'just make my wedding invitation look like this room!'"

Over the last year-and-a-half, Jennifer's work has been featured in The Knot, D Weddings and Bride & Groom Magazine.

"I never want to stop designing. Vintage, traditional, modern – I love it all."

"Each of my clients wants something special, something just for them."

"And I love being able to help them tell their stories."

---

To learn more about Jennifer and Memento Designs, be sure to check out her blog here.

You'll find details about how to contact her, sign up for emails from Memento, and have fun soaking in the beauty of all her work.

Enjoy!

Lead photo © 2010, Arden Prucha Photography