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I grew up in Raleigh at a time when the nuns taught at Our Lady Of Lourdes. They lived out back of the school and wore those imposing yet Holy Habits that commanded your adoration, attention, and, quite frankly, your fear. So, when they asked you to "sit up straight" with your "feet flat on the floor" and compose your letters properly according to the Palmer Method of Handwriting, you did just that! I believe it was at that impressionable age that I became infatuated with the formation of letters. When I was introduced to calligraphy in 1978, it was no wonder I fell in love with this beautiful art form. My first taste of the calligraphic world lasted no longer than one hour. The instructor turned a piece of chalk on its edge to form calligraphic works of art from A to Z on the chalkboard. That was that! But it was all I needed to fire the embers that had been sparked in elementary school. Watching the slow, rhythmical shaping of those letters was like listening to classical music. It was not until 1997 that I enrolled in my first formal calligraphy class. Boy, were my eyes opened! I knew I had a lifelong road of learning ahead of me. It's been 38 years since that white piece of chalk was laid on its side. I am still learning. Come learn with me!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Peace on Ampersand Stampbord



I have been playing with Ampersand Stampbords, trying to figure out how I can use them with lettering. I think I finally came up with something I like, and it is not hard.

You can find this product at Jerry's Artarma here in Raleigh or online. This is a 3.5 x 2.5 size piece (ATC size). They come in all sorts of sizes. I've used the little 1"x1" ones to make charms.

First, I took a cosmetic pad and drizzled alcohol on it. Then sprinkled on Jacquard Pinata alcohol ink onto the pad as well. Next you sort of dab the pad onto the Stampbord and let the ink do its thing. You can change up the coloring as you go and keep dabbing until you are satisfied with your effect.

I let that dry overnight.

Next comes the lettering. What to use? Well, I experimented on several pieces. For this one I used a 5mm Zig marker for the lettering and then embellished it a little with a gold gel pen.

Now all I need to do is buy some matte spray to protect what I've done!

I hope you try this out. It was fun and I am giving my little pieces of art to friends.
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