Welcome to Calligrafea by Karen, where timeless calligraphy meets modern luxury personalization. I’m Karen DC, a Toronto-based calligrapher, engraver, and live event artist specializing in luxury brand activations, corporate events, weddings, and bespoke gifting experiences. From my home studio in Scarborough, Ontario, I serve clients across Toronto, the GTA, and beyond.
I’m a proud Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines (fun fact: I was named after Karen Carpenter!). In 2008, I moved to Canada with my family, and it has been home ever since.
By day, I work as a rehab nurse, and by nights and weekends, I create calligraphy, engraving, and bottle painting under Calligrafea by Karen. Both sides of my life are deeply connected—each allows me to lift spirits, create meaningful moments, and bring joy through care, creativity, and intention.

Elevating Luxury Brands, Events & Celebrations

Today, I collaborate with brands, corporations, PR agencies, event planners, and private clients to deliver live calligraphy and engraving experiences at events. From engraving perfume and champagne bottles to personalizing leather goods and stationery, each piece is designed to elevate the guest experience.
Whether it’s a luxury brand activation, corporate event, or intimate wedding, my live personalization services create memorable, interactive moments that guests carry with them long after the event ends.

Trusted by Global Luxury Brands

My work has been featured in Confetti Magazine and Wedding Ring Magazine (Fall/Winter 2024 Edition). I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with brands including Hublot, Roche Bobois, Tiffany & Co., Shiseido, Laura, AIR MILES, KOTN, and more.

Services Offered

At Calligrafea by Karen, I offer:
  • Live calligraphy & engraving
  • Luxury brand activations & in-store personalization
  • Corporate gifting personalization
  • Live wedding favour personalization & guest experiences
  • Wedding calligraphy (place cards, menus, signage & more)
  • In-studio engraving, custom calligraphy gifts & bespoke pieces
Whether you're a brand, event planner, or couple, I create elevated personalization experiences designed to leave a lasting impression.

ABOUT ME

A woman with shoulder-length black hair, dressed in black, sitting at a table and writing on a notepad with a marker. A white vase with dried pampas grass is on the table, and the background features white paneled walls.