Messages

1

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Copperplate guidesheet with only slant lines

« on: October 03, 2015, 02:10:13 PM »

Here is one that is a full 8.5"x11." It has slant lines every .25," every other one is heavier.

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Tools & Supplies / Re: Using Acrylic paint as ink?

« on: September 30, 2015, 04:10:31 PM »

There are acrylic calligraphy inks, so it may work. I haven't tried yet. You would have to test it. Thin with water and test until it seems the right consistency. Just rinse often, because if it dries in your nib it will ruin it.

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Find a Pen Pal / Re: New member penpal request

« on: September 29, 2015, 11:34:23 AM »

Hi Erin,

I'm a new member too. I'd like to be your pen pal. I'll send you a PM with my address.

Thanks!

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: You know you're a calligrapher when...

« on: September 28, 2015, 07:24:51 PM »

Omg so true! I begun to covet Viva paper towels and whenever Ken wants to use it to wipe a mess on a table, I'll be like that's such a waste of Viva! Use something else!
[/quote]

I know. My husband was going to use mine to clean up some cat puke the other day and I was like, "Don't use all my paper towels!" But I had to give them up. I shouldn't be that attached to a roll of paper towels.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: You know you're a calligrapher when...

« on: September 28, 2015, 03:05:40 AM »

...you buy two kinds of paper towels. One kind for the kitchen and one kind for your calligraphy because it doesn't leave fibers on your nib tips.

...you test ink on all your sketch/drawing pads that you got for sketching/drawing because you think they may make good practice pads.

...you put a protractor on your grocery list because you have to draw those slanted guide lines.

...you buy jam or jelly because of the shape of the jar, not the price, flavor or brand.

...you consider selling some of your stuff to get money to buy more calligraphy supplies.

...you consider using some unused, mint stamps from your stamp collection on an envelope because it gives it more of an authentic look.

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Introductions / Re: Hello all

« on: September 28, 2015, 01:18:10 AM »

Welcome, Mary!

This is a great place to get more info and solve problems.

I'm a Jane Austen fan too...and I have two cats. It's great to meet you!

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Flourish Forum News / Re: Answering security questions for new members

« on: September 24, 2015, 10:04:17 PM »

I understood and I didn't mind. I think the content and the people on this forum make it worth it. Thanks for all the hard work!

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Introductions / Re: Hi there, from Long Beach, CA!

« on: September 24, 2015, 09:56:38 PM »

Welcome, Rosemarie!

 

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Introductions / Re: Newbie from Alabama

« on: September 24, 2015, 09:54:45 PM »

Welcome, Heather! Great to meet you.

I'm a compulsive project starter, so I know what you mean;-) I did finish many pairs of socks when I knitted, but that was for selfish reasons (most of the socks were for myself).

10

Kind Critique / Re: Thoughts on this majuscule G?

« on: September 24, 2015, 09:48:55 PM »

Hi Jason!

My opinion as a graphic designer...I think it looks balanced. If you lowered it to the baseline it may look bottom heavy and unbalanced, like it would tip over to the left.

Thanks!

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Introductions / Re: Hello from Abingdon, Virginia!

« on: September 24, 2015, 09:44:36 PM »

Thanks for the welcome! It's appreciated.

Ellen, it's good to be welcomed by a fellow Virginian. Come visit at least and retire here if you can. We have the Barter Theatre (state theater of VA), the Appalachian trail goes through and we have plenty of Daniel Boone legends;-) It's a beautiful part of the country. I was born here, but I've lived in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. Virginia is my fav!

12

Show & Tell / Re: Calligraphy Cat Club

« on: September 24, 2015, 04:26:22 PM »

Here are my feline children, Mr. Kitten (white and grey) and Bob (black). Bob is good little boy and doesn't get into my stuff, but Mr. Kitten is curious. He likes to get on my desk and walk in front of me while I'm working. He likes to check out my water container too. If I'm not careful he'll sample my rinse water and any drink I have for myself. Kitten isn't bothered by water at all either. He likes showers and I tried the water bottle thing too, but he would just go on like nothing was happening. He has also been known to suddenly decide he is going to leap off my desk, and when he pushes off with his back feet he has knocked everything off my desk (he's a big cat, about 18 - 20 lbs). Love both my kitties though. They can pretty much do whatever they want. So spoiled.

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Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Black vs Color Ink in Copperplate

« on: September 24, 2015, 02:53:20 PM »

I agree with Schin. I think there just wasn't the variety in 1989 when it was first published. I think that's why Higgins Eternal Black ink was suggested, even though it's not perfect straight out of the bottle. I had to add gum arabic to get it to a better consistency.

Thanks!!

14

Introductions / Re: Too old for new tricks?

« on: September 24, 2015, 02:42:10 PM »

Welcome, Melissa!

I'm just starting out at 40 in the same place as you (you may not consider that old but some people would). I'm new on the forum too but I already feel at home and there's so much good info here that I couldn't find anywhere else. I'm using the same book, but I have learned that you really need the right materials to start out with or it will just be harder and more frustrating to learn. All the important info about tools and supplies are here. You can also email John Neal Bookseller for suggestions if you need to. They have anything you could ever need on their website.

15

Tools & Supplies / Re: Colonial Williamsburg ink powder

« on: September 24, 2015, 02:38:41 AM »

Thanks for the info. My sister had gone to Williamsburg and brought me back a pack of the black, blue and red powdered inks and I had wondered if they would be any good. I'm definitely going to try them now.