Always String in Pencil

It's fun to delve into something artistic other than lettering. I must say, I do enjoy Zentangling. but if you notice, I did letter in monoline Italic. :)

Duke University Award Certificate

I really enjoyed this commission for the Program in International Comparative Studies at Duke University. I designed and lettered the entire certificate. Then it was sent to my letterpress guy who letterpressed it in Duke blue. Once that was done, the certificates were sent back to me to add in the names in black qouache. I get to do these every year, and am honored to do them.

Gabby's Apron

Gabby is my granddaughter. At the time of this posting, she is 3 years old. She LOVES to help her Mother, and anyone else, in the kitchen. She is quite good at it. In the morning, she helps "Ukki" (her grandfather, my husband) make his coffee. She then helps make the oatmeal with  him. When her Momma makes cupcakes, Gabby is right there with her, getting flour everywhere...except under her apron. :)

I used fabric markers for the lettering.

Nib Tine Positioning

This is an interesting image to think about from calligrapher, Dr. Joseph Vitolo. If you are lettering Copperplate or any other calligraphic hand that requires shades (thick lines), this image is food for thought and then experimentation.

Face Painting

This is off the beaten calligraphy path, but when asked by my daughter to hold court at the Face Painting Station for my granddaughter's birthday party, how can I refuse? And with such a lovely canvas, my attempts at face painting are enhanced greatly. 

Follow Rachel Yallop

This beautiful lettering is an example of what calligrapher Rachel Yallop cranks out prolifically with ease. She lives in England and I have been a fan and follower of her work for over a year now. I was fortunate to have been able to take a workshop from her in the summer of 2014 during the international calligraphy conference in Richardson, Texas, called "Legacies II." If you want to see exquisite letterforms, check her out on FB.

Handmade Quill

I took a yearlong class from Reggie Ezell called "26 Seeds, a Year to Grow." For one of the last sessions, he brought quills for every student that he had cut for us. I had never used a quill before. I dipped the tip into some blue pigment I had made, then started lettering in Italic. It was an experience like none other. The quill glided over the paper, making the letters seem effortless, and I thought I heard The Hallelujah Chorus softly singing in the background. If you have never written with a handmade quill, I encourage you to leap tall buildings in a single bound to do so.