Topics

1

Tools & Supplies / Has anyone calligraphed a moleskin notebook?

« on: August 09, 2016, 01:45:28 PM »

Hi all

I'm just doing some research into calligraphing onto moleskin cover, and with a little testing can see that neither acrylic or Dr PH Martin's Bleed Proof are likely to make the grade. I've learned that the covers are made from oil-cloth (in the vinyl family)? So wondering whether I'd need to use a paint that was oil based or specific for vinyl? Appreciate any advice you have from experience (or otherwise that you think worth testing).

I can't use a pen because it will need to be a specifically mixed colour, so would be using nib or paint brush, I think. But it has to be quick drying as it's to be done at an event. Is this possible?

Thanks!
Kate

2

Tools & Supplies / Modern script 'place cards' on Agate slices

« on: January 27, 2016, 08:07:22 AM »

Hi everyone!  I've been asked to calligraph names on Agate stone slices. not sure about the tools/medium to choose, and would appreciate any thoughts for this non traditional request. I'm thinking either glass paint -- directly out of one of the bottles with a thin tip dispenser (sorry that's a really unhelpful description),  or oil paint and paint brush. Any experience with writing on stone like this? The request is for gold colour names, but the stone is bright pink and blue so it might get lost.

Thanks!

3

Show & Tell / Forum baby!

« on: August 07, 2015, 01:41:20 PM »

Hi everyone

I have been so so out of the Forum loop lately, but I know you'll forgive me because I've been busy working on one big creation: our baby girl, Anise. She was born on 24 July 2015, and today has been my very first day back at the nibs since she was born. Boy, does it feel good! Life, indeed, does not end... just as they assured me

So, I wanted to share my announcement calligraphy -- a bit of a modern approach (I also took up knitting in my final months of pregnancy...hence the blanket in the pic), and a little photo of our girl.

Hope everyone is well!
Kate

4

Workshops & Conference News / Hand lettering workshops in the UK and Europe

« on: February 03, 2015, 03:40:29 PM »

Hi everyone. It's been a while between posts, so I hope this makes up for my absence for some of you on this side of the world. I just wrote a little blog post about finding two awesome websites, Better Letters and Ghostsigns.

Better Letters has just announced a bunch of workshops in Europe and the UK, and Ghostsigns does tours of painted signs, fading on walls around London.

Have a great day!

5

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Oblique holder available to buy in the UK

« on: November 27, 2014, 07:52:55 AM »

Some of us were recently lamenting over on Instagram the lack of availability of oblique holders in the UK. I have a speedball, but would love to try my hand with a classic oblique holder. Coincidentally, I received an email from Scribblers yesterday announcing they'd teamed up with The Yoke Pen Company in the US to supply a classic oblique holder.

So, for those looking to source an oblique holder a little closer to home, it might just fit the bill.

Cheers

6

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Upcoming London events (Sep/Oct 2014)

« on: August 21, 2014, 08:47:05 AM »

For the London (and beyond!) locals, two events are coming up that you might be interested in:

• 19th – 21st Sep: Kirstie Allsop's 'The Handmade Fair' (at Hampton Court) featuring a skills workshop with Claire Gould (from Calligraphy for Weddings) – I'll be there on 21st
• 5th Oct: The London Writing Equipment Show (at Holiday Inn Bloomsbury)

Hope to see some of you soon.
Kate

7

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Twitter chat hour #ukcalligraphyhour #ukletteringhour

« on: July 30, 2014, 04:44:16 AM »

Hello everyone and especially my UK friends here on the forum. I just wanted to promote two hashtags for a Twitter chat hour tonight (and every Wednesday)

#ukcalligraphyhour
#ukletteringhour

Obvs, the main topic is about issues/tips/work of artists in the UK, but everyone is welcome to join in (timezone permitting).

Wednesdays 8 – 9 pm GMT.

Hope to see you there.
Kate

8

Introductions / London calling!

« on: July 26, 2014, 09:01:37 AM »

Hi everyone

I've been dipping in and out of the forum too irregularly, if you ask me. I just realised I've never introduced myself. I'm Kate, an Australian living in London for the last 3.5 years. I started learning calligraphy in January when I was looking for a new goal (much more relaxing than my last one: an ultramarathon), and decided that I would design our December wedding invitations. I set about finding the resources that I needed and found wonderful calligraphers online, and then I found the Flourish Forum. What an amazing place to be.

Over the last six months, I've noticed that the majority of inspiration publicly available (aka easy to find on the web) is largely outside of the UK, and that some of the recommended supplies don't translate here. So, I've set a new goal, to promote the work of UK calligraphy and lettering artists, supplies and suppliers, and events. I know that marketing isn't something that many artists want to spend time doing, and I agree: they should be creating the art. I've been working in digital marketing for five years and feel comfortable in that space, and I see that those skills combined with my passion for calligraphy could bridge a gap here.

So, I've now established Olive & Reid Studio as a showcase of the brilliant talent (as well as resources) in the UK, which I hope not only serves as inspiration to the other artists, but also to people who love beautiful stationery and art in general. I would love for you to visit the website. All feedback welcome, and submissions are open! I've already been in touch with Scarlet Blue (forum member) and non-member (I think!) Claire Gould, who have both provided really positive feedback and will be submitting next month.

I think I've followed many of you now on Instagram, and want to say a thanks to you (and, of course, Erica) for creating such a "flourishing" (sorry!) community here and online. It makes a lonely London calligrapher wildly happy and calm all at the same time.

Kate