Topics

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Workshops & Conference News / Letters of Joy - Edmonds, WA / May 1-2

« on: March 26, 2015, 07:17:32 PM »

Are any of you planning to attend the Letters of Joy Conference in Seattle (actually Edmonds)?  I wasn't planning to go since I live in CA at the moment and am already signed up for IAMPETH, but it just so happens that I will be in Seattle visiting family during the conference, so I signed up. It's just one day of classes, so nothing to the extent of IAMPETH, but they do have some great classes lined up. I signed up a bit late so we shall see what classes I actually get. Anyway, thought I'd share the link and see if any of you will be there too. Would be so fun to say hello and put names to faces.

Here's some add'l info on the conference:
http://writeoncalligraphers.org/letters-of-joy/loj-event-information/

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / I love me some monograms...a giveaway

« on: October 25, 2014, 05:44:46 PM »

Just wanted to share with my flourish friends that I'm hosting an Instagram giveaway for a personalized leather zip pouch from Mark and Graham.  The giveaway item was inspired by my current status of "traveling calligrapher" as I am in the middle of my relocation from England back to the US. I had to pack a select few calligraphy items to travel with me and will have to wait another 8 weeks for everything else to arrive!  Any how, since we all know our calligraphy supplies like to travel in style, I thought these beautiful monogramed pouches were a perfect giveaway!  Entry details are on my Instagram page: @bespokestrokes

See you all Stateside soon!

Best,
Chantelle

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Handwritten letter etiquette

« on: October 06, 2014, 05:11:42 PM »

When writing a handwritten letter, is it not correct to sign your name on the lower right side of the page? I'm having a difficult time answering this from internet searches since most of the responses that come up are with regards to type written letters. I just looks wrong to me to have the name on the left, but now I want to know if this is indeed correct or some habit I've picked up somewhere along the way. Any etiquette gurus that can help in this one?

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Fixing mistakes

« on: June 27, 2014, 01:45:05 PM »

75% finished with a long, time consuming piece.... and I make a stupid spelling mistake!!! Agh.  I got REALLY REALLY lucky with the paper and ink combo that I was using and was able to use an old nib to scrape off the ink and still be able to write over the top of it without leaving too much of a noticeable mark.  However, I know I just got lucky. So, question for those more experienced than I.... what are the tricks of the trade for fixing errors? Ink blots, smudges, etc.??

Here's what I've found helpful so far:

* Only work when I'm not rushed and don't listen to music (or a crying baby)
* Pray for commissioned pieces that are short or on envelopes so I can toss the error and start afresh
* When error occurs, recreate the error an similar paper to test correction method
* See if any of the spelling errors can be easily corrected (like turning an i to an l, etc.)
* Try to scrape off the ink without damaging the texture of the paper
* Use a stiff eraser to go over the scraped area, repeat scraping if necessary
* Depending on the paper, sometimes rubbing something hard and smooth over the scraped section helps it to blend back in with the rest of the paper

What else have others found to help with errors??

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Tools & Supplies / Unusual supplies - hijacking items for calligraphy use

« on: June 27, 2014, 01:32:37 PM »

As I've been doing a lot more calligraphy lately, I've found myself coming up with some creative uses for household items to assist with writing. My new favorite ink well/ water jar for dipping my nib when writing is a shot glass . It's like a big brother to the small glass ink well I got from PIA. My next favorite is the bottom half of my butter dish which I use as a pen/brush rest. It cleans up so easily since it's china. Glad I didn't toss it when I broke the top half.
Anyone else out there have any "unusual" calligraphy supplies that have helped you work?  Now I just need to find something fun to address my current irritant: eraser shavings!

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Tools & Supplies / What is this thing? - Calligraphy antique

« on: June 16, 2014, 03:29:56 PM »

I'm wondering if any of you historians might know what the third item in this trio is. After I drooled over my mother's new antique acquisition, she lovingly gifted me with this inkwell, blotter, and... mystery item. I've used it as a letter holder of sorts, but I'm not so sure that's its intended use. Any other ideas?

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Tools & Supplies / Phantom Liner - helpful or cumbersome?

« on: May 03, 2014, 03:56:01 PM »

Do any of you use a Phantom Liner (or reflection liner) regularly? I am considering purchasing one to help negate the need to draw lines when a lightboard wont do (ie. for writing on thick or lined envelopes). I feel I've heard or read somewhere that they can be a bit tricky to use or get used to. I'd love to hear if others have tried these and if you found them a timesaver. Thanks!!

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Letter Pixels / Mac vs. PC for design work

« on: February 11, 2014, 04:32:59 PM »

I will likely be purchasing a new laptop in the coming months (thank you to my 2yr old for dousing my old one with juice to bring its last breath). As a Microsoftie in my previous life (HR, non tech), I'm prone to lean towards buying another PC. However, I know Macs have a fantastic rep in the design community. My question: is it worth spending the extra $$ on a Mac book pro vs a quality PC? I am planning to use PhotoShop, Illustrator, etc. Digitizing my work is still new for me, but I'm wanting to purchase with future use in mind. Will my choice of machine make a big difference? Thx!

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Introductions / Cheers from Oxfordshire!

« on: January 23, 2014, 03:59:30 PM »

Hello! I am so THRILLED to have just found this forum! My name is Chantelle Hoffmann and I am an American expat living in gorgeous Henley-on-Thames, England. I was first introduced to calligraphy at age 8 when my mom (who was taught by French nuns) signed me up for a copperplate class. Although she could have chosen an easier hand for me to start with, my mom ignited a passion that has only grown stronger over time. Copperplate is my go-to hand, but I'm learning more Spencerian and modern calligraphy styles as well. 

Up until now, I have only ever done calligraphy projects for friends (mostly weddings). However, I'm hoping to take the bold step of starting a small at home business this year.... sometime after baby boy #2 arrives and I can sit comfortably at my calligraphy desk again. 😊 Before charging for my work, however, I feel there is much I can still learn to improve my work. I can't wait to read all the tutorials and suggestions on this forum. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Chantelle