Topics

1

Coffee & Nib-bles / Pass the coffee!

« on: May 06, 2015, 09:12:36 AM »

Some of you may have missed me and some of you never knew I was alive.  So this is for the formers. 
I saw the thread about unfollowing ppl on IG and thought I'd comment here.  (Erica, move this if need be)  I haven't been MIA on purpose and I don't, not comment on your IG accounts on purpose.  We all have busy lives and businesses.  Some of us busier than others (no one more than Erica!).  And our responsibilities pull us in a million directions.  At times I feel like I can't breathe for fear of drowning.  Last month we went away on vacation and the day after we got back my husband had a stroke to his eyes.  Strangest thing possible!  He subsequently was in the hospital for 5 days and was off work until 4 days ago.  It's been emotional and very scary.  He's adjusting to being blind in one eye.  All of that(personal crap) said to say this; I get the unfollowing - please understand that!  It's your prerogative and your life.  I just wanted to say how much I do appreciate the encouragement, following and perseverance with following me.  We all have stories and battles we're fighting.  I get that... but calligraphy is a safe haven for me to go to when I need peace in my life.  I need the encouragement and kinship and I want you to know that I don't take YOUR time for granted. 
Carry on my friends!

2

Coffee & Nib-bles / Alive? Yes, Alive.

« on: February 16, 2015, 10:35:16 AM »

I know this Youtube video has been circulating for a while now.  If you haven't seen it you MUST. 

http://youtu.be/NKDXuCE7LeQ


While the video is moving, the full movie is a must see as well.  No matter how you feel about end of life matters we all must agree (in the end) about this movie.  (I won't spoil it for you.)  BTW - it's not about end of life either... go see the movie!!

Since there's such a huge presence around the globe here, I'm wondering what the conditions are in your country.  Do chime in!!

ETA:  The movie is now available on Netflix.  It's called:  Alive Inside.

3

Coffee & Nib-bles / Robots and Calligraphy

« on: February 16, 2015, 10:29:13 AM »

I just replied to Schin's post about robots.

You know, when I was in elementary school my second grade teacher told the class that by the time we get married we will all own our own robots.  I've been wondering where my robot is for years now.  I recently told my husband this and he replied - you DO have robots, Danny the Dishwasher, Mickey the Microwave, Dave the Drier and Wayne your Windows phone.  *sigh*

That got me thinking... I truly believe this is why people today (more and more) are loving a hand written note.  I remember seeing a cartoon last year (paraphrasing here) about a man opening his email in 2001 to 50 emails and him being all googly eyed.  In 2009 he's burnt out at 35 emails.  In 2014 he's jumping for joy at a hand written letter that comes in the post. 
Let's keep lettering peoples.

4

Tools & Supplies / Envelopes

« on: January 21, 2015, 05:09:49 PM »

I saw the thread about the DIY envelopes and got me thinking about this... well, before I go buy that envelope template thingy.
 I get A LOT of envelopes in with my mail.  You know, the kind that have the glassine windows.  I've been collecting them for about 2 months and I'm sure I have over 30.  My question... what the heck can I do with them?  Any ideas?

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Coffee & Nib-bles / Silver and Gold have I none!!

« on: January 21, 2015, 12:11:22 PM »

So you know the saying; make new friends and keep the old ones, one is silver and the other is gold.  Well, I come back just some few short months (even weeks) and there are SOOOO many new people here.  I'm so happy for the FARM!  I read on one of the threads how Joi said most calligraphers have become personal "friends" although they live across the globe.  Well, I certainly feel the same way!!  And yes, my DH and daughter know a lot of you by your work on IG. 
There's no real point in my thread... just thought I'd stop in and say I miss you guys!!!!

PS  Wish there was a flourish forum app for my phone... JS....

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Coffee & Nib-bles / Hello FARM!!

« on: October 23, 2014, 02:57:08 PM »

I missed you guys down on the FARM!  I'm back for a few weeks.  Just finished up the busy season.  How have you all been??  So happy to be catching up.

7

Coffee & Nib-bles / Quote

« on: March 11, 2014, 11:58:47 AM »

Saw this in this morning's paper:
"When I address envelopes to send cards to friends, I feel love." Kathy Lu
Ms. Lu, how right you are!  ... and of course, I thought of all of you would love this!

8

Tools & Supplies / Oblique Holder

« on: February 26, 2014, 09:07:59 AM »

Please tell me again what an oblique holder is for.  How does it give you an advantage over a straight holder?

9

Tools & Supplies / Runny ink

« on: February 14, 2014, 01:34:43 PM »

Hi there,  I'm having probs with my ink.  It won't load on the nib.  This was the same prob as before when I took the nib over the flame again.  This isn't a new nib.  It's a Hiro 41.  I literally can only write 2 letters that are very thick and look like I'm brushing on with a brush.  Also, it's happening with Higgins and gouache.  I'm a bit frustrated.  I've changed nibs to no avail.  What the heck am I doing wrong?  Should I thicken it?  If yes, with what??

10

Open Flourish | General Discussion / That thing we call a nib...

« on: January 28, 2014, 03:44:31 PM »

So ever since we opened Pandora's box and talked about how long a nib lasts, I have broken 2.  My question is 2 fold; when you're running your nib over the flame how long is too long?  I think I may have weakened the metal.  But the ink wasn't loading so I ran it 2x.
Secondly, I never thought I was heavy handed... could I be?  I don't poke holes, my nib doesn't catch (well, not a whole lot) and I don't spatter ink (well, not too often).  Do you think that perhaps I am?  How do I resolve that?

11

Introductions / Hello from Amish Country in PA!

« on: December 16, 2013, 04:19:03 PM »

I actually don't live in Amish Country but our towns are quickly associated with the Amish.   
I'm a (very) newbie that took up calligraphy in HS some 30 years ago.  I work full-time in the wedding industry and see calligraphy all of the time.  I have always admired and loved it!  It's the down season for me so I decided to buy a nib and relearn calligraphy.  I'm a lefty that has learned EVERYTHING as a right hander (I don't write upside down) but I'm really struggling with this.     So between sitting the new grandbaby and running our family business, I'm going to try (literally!) my hand at this.
Hi and I'm so glad I've found you!!!