We have had our fair share of travels these days. Between partying in Vegas with Calligraphy friends, Disneyland with the kids and a Phoenix Calligraphy workshop I’m happy to be home. And I’m tired. One of the many reasons why I haven’t updated this blog in some time.
I hate the silence! Let’s fix that. :)
A couple things I’ve come to obsess with over the last couple of months:
- The glories of ombré lettering (this is just a tiny part of a “big project” I can’t tell you about just yet)
- Clear glitter pens
- Glitter glue
- My Lettermate (c/0)
- Jacquard Lumiere and Pearlex for inks
In the above image I used Jacquard’s Lumiere Halo blue gold for the “Local Calligraphy Workshop” lettering. It’s one ink and the golds and blue swirl around to create this fun dance with color.
In the envelope below, I did an ombré with dioxazine purple and turquoise blue gouache. It’s more obvious in person, but the gradation is fun. And I also used the lettermate for writing guides on that envelope.
You can subtly see the clear glitter gelly roll pen on the above card. It gives things the subtle hint of shimmer. I like to do swirls, but I don’t worry if they’re perfectly balanced or executed, because you really can’t see them that close when you’re looking at it in person.
In the ‘thank you’ I’m using that jacquard lumiere ink. It’s got to be diluted with water a fair amount. Mix regularly and apply with a brush, but it’s great.
I’m also using little bits of glitter glue for little dots of sparkle. I have one in every color except orange. That needs to change soon. I need ALL the colors!
Here I’m using Jacquard’s Pearlex super bronze powder. It’s hard to convey through a picture alone how bright the metallic is. It’s mirror-like in some lights! I love it! Mix with gum arabic and water to make a useable ink.
I’m using the Lettermate directly on the envelope to write the above envelopes. The top one I letter without ascenders or descenders then I take off the template and pen them in afterward.
With the Scratch envelope I wrote Franky Scratch by hand, let it dry then used the Lettermate for the address below. I added an excessive amount of flourishes between each line when I finished.
What are your favorite calligraphy things right now?
If you have no idea what I’m talking about and would like to get into calligraphy, take my class! I teach year-round at istilllovecalligraphy.com. Purchase the class and starter kit right here.
