All tied up

Today I'm sending off some paper samples to two fellow calligraphers.  This is one of the joys of being part of the calligraphy community--sharing our time, our knowledge, our tools, and our encouragement with each other.  From the most experienced calligraphers to those just picking up the pen for the first time and every step of the way between, we share our love for this craft and each other in tangible ways.  This beautiful hand-dyed silk ribbon was given to me by Joie, the fantastic calligrapher behind Bienfait Calligraphy.  She dyes this ribbon herself--a beautiful addition to her calligraphy toolbox.  And so, when I had the opportunity to share one of my favorite papers with a couple of callifriends, Joie's gift to me came to mind.  Passing on a blessing that was given to you allows you to enjoy the blessing twice!  Pass it on!

Mischief Managed

I am a reader and a lover of quotations, so I often choose a word, a phrase, or a quote from a book I'm reading as the subject for my warm-ups.  One of my favorite bits of magic from the Harry Potter series is the Marauder's Map.  To open the map one must say, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good" and to close it takes just two words:  

Other times, I just pull out a phrase as I'm listening to the recorded book:

 

A Casual, Modern Script

This script took some practice!  Before I could begin addressing these double envelopes, I had to do some warm ups.  I plugged my earphones into my iPod and cranked up some early Genesis (Selling England by the Pound).  As I listened, I wrote out snatches of lyrics.  And sang along.  Which could have been embarrassing had anyone been around to hear me singing with headphones on. . .

Next, it was time to mix the navy blue gouache.

And finally, I can begin to address those envelopes.  

 

This was a fun lettering style!  I'm glad I had the chance to spread my wings a little and give this one a go!  If you are interested in this one, it is a hand, pen-lettered script designed to coordinate with the brush script Spring LP.

Sometimes it's all about the stamp

Downton Abbey Quote: Anna

Season 3  Episode One

Downton Abbey Quote: Carson

Season Three, Episode One

Downton Abbey Quote: Violet

The Third Downton Abbey Season 3 Episode 1 Quote

I guess this is going to be my Violet Script from now on.  You'll be seeing a lot of it; she's got the best lines--and the best delivery!

Second Downton Quote, Season 3 Episode 1

Sir Anthony Strallan to Lady Edith Crawley

Season 3 Episode 1

Vacation Doodles

My granddaughter's name

Walnut ink, twinkling H20's.

My grandson's name

Walnut ink, twinkling H20's, Winsor and Newton Gold gouache

Snapped with my iPhone.  I really need to get a new camera.  Any suggestions?

(Yes, after months of 9-10 hour days in the studio, I still took half of it along with me on vacation.  Time to play is hard to come by!)