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2023 Exchanges / Re: Exchange Share
« Last post by passionforwriting on June 07, 2023, 09:11:59 AM »
I loved your peacheful calligrapher card Erica! I literally felt relaxed reading it and your work is stunning.

I agree, the Word Salad exchange was a challenge and it's always so interesting to see what everyone comes up with. I have to admit I was at a loss and after receiving Michael's he inspired me to try collage (thank you Michael!).

These exchanges are always so much fun! Thank you again for everything you do to make them happen.  :)
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2023 Exchanges / Re: Exchange Share
« Last post by handmadeletters on June 07, 2023, 06:11:21 AM »
Erica, the Chat GPT word salad message was hilarious, and truly unexpected. I loved it!

And such a beautiful beach theme for the peaceful calligrapher exchange. I was sad to have missed out on that one.

I'll post my word salad exchange later. Like Grace, I had a hard time coming up with something, but it was definitely a fun one.
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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Copperplate on Birthday Card Envelopes
« Last post by JanisTX on June 06, 2023, 08:54:28 PM »
Thank you for the advice!  If I use Pearl Ex ink, it also feathers less!
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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Copperplate on Birthday Card Envelopes
« Last post by TeresaS on June 06, 2023, 02:31:07 PM »
I feel your frustration Janis!  I hold my breath when I make that first downstroke… praying it is not going to feather!  I seem to have better luck using Sumi ink.  I once used hairspray on some stationery paper, and that worked!  Sometimes I just trade out the envelope with one I know takes ink.🤷‍♀️
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Show & Tell / Re: It's not beautiful, but it's a start and I am proud of it.
« Last post by TeresaS on June 06, 2023, 02:21:51 PM »
 Very very nice!
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2023 Exchanges / Re: Exchange Share
« Last post by TeresaS on June 06, 2023, 02:17:16 PM »
Those are both so wonderful!!
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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Copperplate on Birthday Card Envelopes
« Last post by AnasaziWrites on June 06, 2023, 01:47:46 PM »
@JanisTX
Agree with K-2, fixative works pretty well. Here's my favorite. Commercial greeting cards and their envelopes, with a few exceptions, are made with really poor paper, and the ink you put on them always bleeds. I've had only mediocre results with gum sandarac.
I generally make my cards using Strathmore Bristol Smooth (300 or 400) paper. Takes ink beautifully.
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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Copperplate on Birthday Card Envelopes
« Last post by K-2 on June 06, 2023, 12:36:18 PM »
@JanisTX - This is my go-to fix: Krylon Matte Spray (https://www.krylon.com/en/products/clear-coatings/matte-finish-spray-coating). Usually charcoal, pastel, and graphite artists spray it on finished work so that the chalky, soft, pigments stay fixed to the paper.  But it's also fantastic for making paper less prone to bleeding and able to accept a really wide variety of inks.  Spray it on the blank paper/card-stock BEFORE you start, and let it dry for a few minutes (do it in a well ventilated area). When in doubt, matte spray!

* note - if you spray it OVER finished ink work, it will dull any special qualities of the ink (like shimmer or sheen, which work by reflecting the light at different angles; since it kind of makes everything adhere to a single plane, you won't get so much sparkle).
** also - don't go overboard spraying the paper/card.  I over-sprayed once, and it literally caused the ink to bead up on the paper.
*** If you want to be old-fashioned or traditional about it, you could use pounce (aka gum sandarac https://www.johnnealbooks.com/product/gum-sandarac), but I find matte spray to be easier to use and more reliable, especially with poorly bonded paper or really juicy ink.

--yours truly, K
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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Copperplate on Birthday Card Envelopes
« Last post by JanisTX on June 06, 2023, 10:39:01 AM »
I keep buying cards (birthday, graduation, new baby, etc.).  When I letter on them, the ink “feathers” like mad. My lettering then looks sloppy. Other than switching to Italic & using a marker, is there anything that I can do??  I’m beyond frustrated! 
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Show & Tell / Re: It's not beautiful, but it's a start and I am proud of it.
« Last post by Erica McPhee on June 05, 2023, 04:40:17 PM »
WHAT?! Not beautiful???! It’s gorgeous! Well done! So happy you shared!  :-*
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