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Messages - mary ellen

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1
I don't know which list I had but I'm not sure anyone received mine?  so far I have gotten such lovely creative mail from Carla Hagan,  Lisa Gibby and Sandy Odom.
thank you all for the beautiful mail.

Anyone get mine? 

Mary Ellen

2
Workshops & Conference News / Re: Intro to Spencerian July 27-28
« on: July 10, 2015, 12:50:19 PM »
thanks Schin,  all great pointers!  I am going to work on my handouts in a few weeks, yours looked so awesome and
seemed to be so thorough.  Sometimes you only get an alphabet from a class, your notes looked great and a great resource for
practicing at home. 

ME

3
Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Finding Pretty Postage Stamps
« on: July 10, 2015, 12:02:50 PM »
If anyone is interested in vintage stamps (sorry, for US peeps) I would absolutely recommend http://murphs-stamps.com/. He is awesome, really awesome. What I do when I'm running low (or.. just kinda panicking about stamps even though I have a lot and don't need more) is get the $25 face packet. All at face value, and you only pay $25.49 total with shipping included. You can even ask for specifics. Last time I asked if I could get more stamps in the 15-20 cent range because I had so many low value stamps I need some higher ones to make combining them easier, and he accommodated. I've heard people ask for space themed, nature themed, etc. and he helps out. I just like to get them totally random because I think that's fun!

But I also still do buy from USPS.com if something really strikes my fancy that is not in the local post office, like those seed packet ones.

this came at the perfect time!  I've been searching for pretty vintage stamps and only finding super expensive mark up!!  thank you!
Mary Ellen

4
Soooo looking forward to Monday! I arrive (at the international terminal) at 11:30am, if there's anyone that would like to share the shuttle or split a cab!

hi papertrails,   my flight gets in around 11:15 on Monday and I booked the Cool Springs Limo service at $38.50 for a shared shuttle, so maybe you could get in on that.
here's the email to Jim Jim <[email protected]>

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Workshops & Conference News / Re: Intro to Spencerian July 27-28
« on: July 09, 2015, 10:31:14 AM »
Schin,
that looks amazing,  I want to pick your brain next week as I am planning on teaching in the fall.
I heard it was great and of course I knew it would be. 
love the idea of everyone having the same supplies,  so smart. 

see you soon,
Mary Ellen

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I booked the shuttle and it will be $38.50 for a shared shuttle.  Last year it was a shuttle van,  I thought it was worth it,
no worries about getting in the cab line,  how much that would cost, etc.  I did call the Marriott and they said a cab ride would
be around $55. 

Mary Ellen

7
Hi Prasad,

many years ago I tried teaching calligraphy to a group of 8/9 year olds.  it was difficult for them even with markers.   I would suggest you start out pencil then with some kind of markers then when they have gotten a good handle on letter forms, etc.  you could introduce the dip pen.   
get the lettering going without the challenge of the dip pen.  you could show them the dip pen calligraphy as a goal but I think it would be very difficult at that
age to practice not only lettering but also the use of dip pen and ink,  not to mention the mess that would happen!

the older teens could handle the dip pen,  but I think the younger ones would get frustrated. 

this is just my two cents!  I will ask my friend, who was my first teacher,  if she has any advice.

Mary Ellen

8
I found these quite useful tips online – they are advertising for a whole styling course in fact :). But I find these little hints quite interesting in themselves already.

http://www.weddingstyling101.com/styling-mistake-number-one

Love this!  thanks for posting,  Estefa.  I'm about to start shooting/styling for my website so perfect timing!

9
Show & Tell / Re: My new logo!
« on: May 15, 2015, 05:34:36 AM »
I also was unsure what the first word was,  the connection from "F" to "i" makes it questionable as to what it is. 
beautiful lettering but I would separate the two for legibility. 

logos are tough,  I've been working on mine for quite some time now.  I find that it's easier to design for someone else than for
yourself!

10
Workshops & Conference News / Re: Who is registered for IAMPETH 2015??
« on: March 10, 2015, 07:17:19 AM »
I'm going,  though almost didn't make it cause the calendar in my head was off by one very important day!!  but from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey a call for help was answered by sweet Emily from Las Vegas,  who saved this damsel in distress and registered me!! 
I would also like to be in Barbara's class,  I was fortunate to have taken her class back in 2010 at IAMPETH,  I wonder why she's not been back?!

I've missed a lot here on the forum but I'm super excited to meet more of you from here and Instagram.

Mary Ellen

11
Introductions / Re: Hi! I'm Christine from Philly
« on: March 01, 2015, 09:25:54 AM »
hi christine,

if you need help just let me know,  i live in south jersey.  i'm always interested in meeting fellow calligraphers,
we could meet for coffee, lettering or both!   i do both traditional hands and modern. 

mary ellen

12
I know...the answer must be practice practice and practice. But do you have any specific drill to reduce shaky hand? I find that writing in good posture and comfortable arm position might help. And how I hate when I am doing a piece for a gift, I am sooo nervous and made silly wobbly lines. But when I am on a casually practice, my upstroke is perfect (OK, not perfect, neaaarly perfect). Gah!! Do you think writing faster will make it better? Because I see so many people could write in a snail tempo, but amazingly steady. Hm...?!

sometimes I try and trick myself and think "this is just for practice"!  sounds silly but often times it works.  I still get nervous at times and it shows.  I always say
whatever you're feeling flows from your pen. 
classical music, yoga breathing and sometimes only a glass of wine helps!  it will get better, with practice comes confidence and THAT is what you will see on paper. 

13
i use distilled water when my copperplate gold gets too thick. 
and hairlines are better with a hunt 101 or similar nib  for me anyway,  but the gold has to be
the right consistency,  i think that is more important than the nib.  too thick and you won't get hairlines. 
for silver i just did a job with w&n gouache,   hairlines looked like silver thread.  i mix all my gouache with distilled water, lest you
end up with muck on the top of the pot after storing. 

ME

14
Suggestions & Ideas / Re: Chat
« on: December 23, 2014, 09:38:22 AM »
i also leave FF open and would love the opportunity to chat  live with  people!!  for those of us who work
in a studio alone this is an awesome idea  :)

15
Suggestions & Ideas / Re: Chat
« on: December 22, 2014, 05:32:13 PM »
as someone who works in my home studio alone I LOVE the idea of a chat room!!


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