Posts Tagged ‘modern calligraphy’

Reflections Liner & How to Use One!

May 24th, 2018
2 Comments

As requested by a couple of you fine folks who actually read this blog still (thanks, by the way!! ;)), I’m presenting a video with info on the Phantom Reflections Liner. 

This thing is a bit tricky. If you don’t get it quite right, you’ll have just slightly wonky lines that will make your work look just barely off. We don’t want that, do we?!? 

I mentioned it in my review of the laser square. I mention that the reflections liner is not that great. And it can be quite frustrating to use. But there definitely is a place for it. 

The cons:

  • You need a well-lit area.
  • You have to look through the viewing glass at the right angle in order to really see the angles, so that changes your orientation some. 
  • Looking through the dark viewing glass for hours can strain the eyes. 
  • It can feel bulky to use.

The pros: 

  • It’s old-school technology that doesn’t require batteries!
  • You can break it down for easy storage.
  • You can create guides of any shape, size or angle (for envelopes to full-blown pieces of art!)
  • It’s great for opaque or dark papers.

So without any further ado, check out the video explaining how to set up the phantom reflections liner: 

It’s basically like an analog teleprompter to broadcast your guidelines onto your paper. Brilliant little piece of equipment, right? Check out the above video for the full break-down of how to set it up. 

If you liked this video and others that I share here, consider giving my YouTube channel a subscribe! Check out my online pointed pen class (aka for learning “Modern Calligraphy”) over at calligraphy.org. I teach all sorts of things like how to understand the foundations, push your style so that it’s still readable and how to address envelopes. The class includes images, videos, text and one-on-one feedback from me & my co-instructor Erika. We help you troubleshoot, keep you motivated to continue through the coursework and answer any questions you may have. Feedback includes additional images and videos to help clarify and encourage. 

Register for my online class today. 

Tools used: 

Affiliate links are used, your purchases support additional videos and posts! Thank you!

 

 

Mondays? Mon-YAY!!

March 26th, 2018
2 Comments

Sometimes I feel so lonely in a world of Monday-haters. I LOVE Mondays! It’s a fresh week. I get so much done. My motivation is fresh. My ideas are fresh. I’m refreshed from a day of rest. They’re the best. 

I did this little real-time calligraphy showing you the stylistic differences between one nib and another. It’s HUGE, right? I didn’t change anything about my style, grip, materials; just the nib. Think about that the next time you’re in a calligraphy rut. If you’re still in a rut after that? Try taking one of my classes!! I’ve been teaching for 8 years, I’m encouraging, thorough and helpful. If you’re in the Utah area, check out April’s local workshops below! If you’re not, the online class is the next best thing with one-on-one feedback and encouragement in each class. Check it out here.

APRIL 6 | 5-8PM | DRAPER, UT

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Learn the foundations of pointed pen and how to apply your own modern personality to your letters in this 3 hour intensive! It’s perfect for beginners or if you’re looking to brush up on your skills. Seats are very limited so we have a small, intimate group. You’ll get lots of one-on-one attention and feedback as we go through the lowercase letters and forming words together. Time allowing, we’ll work through numbers and capitals. I’ll give you the skills necessary to take your practice home with confidence. Materials and snacks included. 

APRIL 21 | 9-5 | BLUFFDALE, UT

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I’ve teamed up with Natalie Malan & Cents of Style for this day-long retreat! We’ll be covering flourished brush lettering and watercolor florals! The florals will be gorgeous, vibrant loose and modern (like we are all obsessing over these days). And the calligraphy will be with waterproof brushes so that we can create dynamic pieces with our watercolors. Workshop includes lunch, materials and snacks. 

Beginning Modern Calligraphy Workshop 10/19/17

October 11th, 2017
0 Comments

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I’ll be teaching a calligraphy workshop in Salt Lake City, UT this October 19th at 5:30. Come!! We have two spots left, so sign up soon! 

If you missed out, sign up for the newsletter! Signing up means you get info on deals with the online class and when local class registrations go live. Hope to see you there! 

 

Subscribe for Updates on Local Workshops

* indicates required



Baby Calligraphy

May 1st, 2017
0 Comments

Some time ago, a calligraphy friend of mine had a sweet baby girl, so a bunch of us sent her artwork of her daughter’s name. I’m so happy with how my contribution turned out. 

I went with an upright, modern style with a meandering baseline. I loved adding florals as decor on there, florals I learned from the one and only Heather Held. 

Materials used: 

Creative things like this where I’m let loose to my own devices is so freeing. It was fun to go to town on this little piece. 

Lately I’ve been telling a lot of people how calligraphy is the perfect creative outlet. It truly is! It’s mobile, you can do it anywhere, you can start with even the simplest of supplies and it’s something that doesn’t require an artistic bone in your body. Because letters and rules are involved, it’s a fantastic left-brained art activity. It’s so meditative and calming for me. When life gets chaotic (which it is that almost entirely right now), I can pop into my studio, or pull out paper while my kids are drawing and draw letters alongside them. It’s so fantastic. 

If you’d like to learn how, definitely check out my online class at Calligraphy.org. It includes great content and personal coaching, so if something goes wrong, you’ve got someone to help you troubleshoot. I’m also available for in-person workshops and private classes. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions! 

Calligraphy Workshops in Salt Lake City, UT & Phoenix, AZ

October 3rd, 2016
2 Comments

I’m headed to Arizona this weekend for Pinners Conference!! I’ll be talking about 5 things you need to do when learning calligraphy. It’s only an hour-long, so I’ll be spending the time demonstrating, giving great advice and answering any questions that may come my way. You’ll come away with a wealth of knowledge, motivation to get started on learning calligraphy and a calligraphy alphabet to practice.

melissaesplin-pinners-conference-arizona-1

Join me in Arizona and Utah for this workshop. Use code MELISSA to sign up for my class. Sign up for Pinners right here.

Since it’s only an hour-long (the Pinners vibe is high-energy and the classes are quick), I’m holding calligraphy workshops post-Pinners in both Arizona and Salt Lake City! Because an hour-long lecture is never enough. Did you know that most calligraphy workshops (the guild-related ones) are north of 6 hours long? I’ll just be scratching the surface at an hour.

If you’re in the Phoenix, Arizona area (the workshop is in Peoria), click here to sign up for the 3 hour workshop on October 8, 2016.

If you’re in the Salt Lake City, Utah area (the workshop is in the Sugarhouse neighborhood), click here to sign up for the 3 hour workshop on November 10, 2016.

melissaesplin-calligraphy-quote-qotd-sorting-hat

These workshops are all-inclusive, beginner workshops. If you have some or no experience, come! Lefties and friends with ugly handwriting are also welcome! Just bring your passion for letters. :)

Not sure what to expect at Pinners? See this segment I did for KUTV a couple weeks ago about the conference. Hope to see you there!

If you can’t come, don’t worry! My online calligraphy class is always on-going. It’s a party over there. Feel free to reach out in the comments below if you have any questions about any of these classes.

learn-calligraphy-pen

mobile site