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!

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...

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. 

Brenda Swenson Workshop

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a workshop taught by the amazing Brenda Swenson. For this newbie, it was a humbling experience! She taught me so many new things and I will share them with you over the next few days. First, I had to get ready for the workshop. This required cleaning up all my tools and packing them in my cute new train case I re-purposed for my art supplies.

Sharpies (for labeling pans), Lamy Al-stars, Stilman and Birn Zeta Sketchbooks, Kremer Watercolor box, Platinum Carbon Black ink, Clips, Eraser, Flower Frog (for holding brushes), a Roll of Brushes, Apron, Paper Towels, Water Sprayer, Sweeper Brush

Look how pretty... It makes me so excited to see all my supplies cleaned up and ready to go! 

Here is my sketchbook page showing my prep work. 

Thanks for peeking inside my sketchbook!