Crimson and Clover

Today I received new ink...Winsor and Newton's crimson calligraphy ink so while I was sitting outside I had to do a little Crimson and Clover! I am always amazed at how quickly I receive things I order from the Internet. I love it! I am also a little fond of this color...crimson!

I took a Copperplate calligraphy class from Anne Elser at a conference in the winter and she did such a great job. I want to take more lessons from her soon. Here a practice page from the class. She is a stitch! 

For more crimson and clover enjoy this...

Happy Valentine's Day

For most single people today is not their favorite day.  I made my day special all on my own!

Years and years after my grandfather died, my grandmother married a man named Tom. They were only married a few years before he became gravely ill. After Tom passed away, my grandmother would give herself gifts on special holidays. She always presented the gifts to us by saying, "Girls, look what Tom gave me." So today, on this Valentine's Day, I tried out her strategy. For Valentine's Day Tom gave me a pretty little ring, a bracelet, and a new purse. He is so generous!

I hope you had a happy Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year!

Being a teacher, I usually make resolutions at the beginning of the school year. This year I do have a few things on my mind...areas I want to improve, things that need to be changed in my life.

On one of the blogs I read today, a young woman outlined about a dozen or so things she resolved for the upcoming year. She wrote that she wanted to get closer to God, make healthy choices (I'm going to guess that means lose weight), volunteer, draw everyday, organize her house, etc. I was exhausted just reading her list.

In my quiet time I reflected on the resolutions I've made over the years and all the prayers I've prayed. I've been blessed to have hundreds of prayers answered and I've kept my share of resolutions.This year I resolve to be kinder to myself. If that means that I need to forgive myself from past mistakes, talk to God more, loose weight, then that is what I need to do.

Tonight I have been working on a few projects. First, I made some personalized cards for my daughter. I hand printed her name and drew a sweet crown on 10 cards and then wrapped them in a pretty ribbon. Here is a sample:

I've been thinking of creating a calendar. Maybe featuring toys and things from the 70s. I turned my practice into a little greeting. 

The Great Blue Pumpkin

Every holiday that I can remember I have gotten wrapped up in some kind of craft.  This year the holiday can be defined by dip pens, calligraphy nibs and stained fingers.  I think I've about gotten the process figured out.  I really like the Brause 361 steno nib. I've also tried the Nikko G but it is pretty sharp.  I also like J. Herbin pigmented ink.  It is thicker and more gel like.  I'm probably swayed by the sparkle.

I've created my own "font". I have very shaky hands so a straight up and down stroke helps me have consistent letters.  Take a look at a practice page...

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a memorable Christmas!

The Road...Traveled

I have been doing a lot of traveling lately. It seems I've spent more nights in a hotel than in my house.  Christmas break is coming and I will have many days working at home.  I can't wait! I sketched a map of my travels for the last 10 days in my sketchbook.  I still have several more days left before I'll be back home. 

Practice Makes Perfect...

I am practicing using a dip pen for the first time.  It is pretty interesting that the nib keeps enough ink to write several words or depending on the size of your letters, an entire sentence. I really like the ink I am using.  It is J. Herbin pigmented ink.  When the ink dries it is even lovelier.  It is raised and has a metallic finish.

This would be beautiful on a Christmas card.  I just need to figure out how to write without putting my hand in the ink.