If you're a letterer then you know the hoarding struggle is real, so when I went to organize my studio space I knew that a clean, minimal look was out of the question - I was gonna have to somehow make functional and pretty coexist. Pretty storage, lots of shelving, and hidden drawers were the answer - along with lots of light, colorful items!
Read MoreAnne Elser is everything that is right with the calligraphy world. She has learned to focus on the joy to be found in it, for herself, and for others. I've been ogling her work for years. There's really nothing out there like it! What makes it so unique is that you can feel her joy through it. Sometimes we get boggled down with all the technicalities of calligraphy, and while Anne's technical prowess is obvious, it's the emotion behind her work that really makes you to stop and stare. I could, and have, quite literally stared at one of her posts for a good 20 minutes. You just feel something when you look at it! You feel admiration for her skill, adoration of her smart color and layout choices, and an overall contentedness. I truly believe she finds a happiness through her lettering, and it emits from her work in a seriously beautiful way. You can't help but love her for it!
Read MoreIt's the most wonderful time of the year! Especially if you're like me and show love by giving gifts! Here's a list of some supplies for the letter-lover in your life!
Read MoreThere are so many fun ways to learn calligraphy and hand-lettering! You can attend an in-person workshop, take some online classes, go to full-day conferences or enroll in actual classes. I love learning! So I'll talk about my personal experience with the classes I've taken and mention some others that I haven't taken but would love to!
Read MoreNina is the absolute sweetest! She's chock-full of talent and calligraphy know-how, and equipped with a heart-of-gold. That is the recipe for success, my friends! If you've ever been over on Nina's Instagram feed then you know what a gold mine it is! She is so incredibly forth-coming with what she's learned. She's constantly posting videos of her perfect Copperplate hand, sharing tid-bits of helpful advice and uplifting others through the Handlettered ABC's account that her and Sharisse started!
Read MoreThere are so many different forces working together to make for a good calligraphy experience. Your paper, ink, nib, holder, grip and experience. As a beginner it can be overwhelming to try and get everything set up so that you can just focus on your strokes and letters! Using a holder that works for you is important. What length should you be using? What grip size? Oblique? Straight? Ergonomic?
Read MoreIt's been a couple months since I've done a work re-cap. I'm still getting used to the ebb & flow of owning a small business. This summer was crazy with invitations for fall weddings, and now that it's the beginning of September I've had a nice bit of down-time before I have to start on all the day-of-details for those weddings, and then jump right into Christmas rush season. This extra time has provided me with the luxury of being able to brainstorm, launch new things, paint and practice!
Read MoreLaura is the amazing force behind Paper & Honey, a boutique wedding stationary studio based in Michigan. She's equal parts creative talent, humor and self-less encouragement! You know when you meet someone and you're like, 'she speaks my language.' That's how I felt when I met Laura at the Creative at Heart conference back in March. She's gritty, real, down-to-earth, and really freakin' funny, but also uplifting, positive, and has a style that exudes an amazing soft beauty. She cheers you on, sends work your way, gives really great advice and makes you feel like a true friend!
Read MoreWedding planning takes some serious work these days! You've got invitations, catering, venue booking, music and bridal party decisions, and the list goes on. There are tons of business centered completely around the wedding industry, and rightly so - sometimes it's time to call in the professional!
Read MoreChris has an amazing philosophy on business that just draws people to him. He's incredibly helpful and ready to answer even the most simple of questions! He even let's me text him whenever I want to, he may end up regretting that decision. His passion for his craft and the calligraphy community is not only contagious but encourages us all to give a greater purpose to our passion.
Read MoreThere is a steep learning curve when it comes to calligraphy, and everything effects each other! It can be so frustrating, and at least for me, it takes a couple years to really feel like you have a solid foundation established. I'm totally still building my foundation but these are some things I've learned along the way! A nib that fits your style, quality paper and good ink are the essential building blocks for your calligraphy journey!
Read MoreHeebs' holders are some of the most beautifully crafted ones I've ever seen! They're hand-carved, with beautiful woods, maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of the wood, and shaped in a thoughtful way as to keep your hand cramp-free. His sharp sense of design is so apparent in his style, it's a unique and modern spin on the traditional. And to top it all off he's incredibly likable, and forthcoming with his knowledge!
Read More
