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Messages - Blotbot

Pages: 1 ... 64 65 [66]
976
Workshops & Conference News / Re: Indianapolis
« on: March 12, 2014, 10:19:23 AM »
Check your local library for books.  Many can be ordered from other libraries.  A great opportunity to check them out before buying or not buying.  The last time I was in my local library, I was pleased to see they had added Eleanor Winter's book.  It is very good.  Some may prefer a slightly different style, closer to the IAMPATH examples, but I think it is still a great place to learn letter forms.

977
Suggestions & Ideas / Professional directory
« on: March 12, 2014, 10:00:06 AM »
It seems like quite a few members of the Flourish Forum are professional calligraphers.  How about starting a directory of their contract information and perhaps a link to their website with examples of their work?   Are there existing directories that you can recommend?

 I am not a professional, and I would like to have a place to send acquaintances interested in having custom calligraphy done. 

978
I had an unsettling experience this last weekend.  I was going out to finger the papers at my local stationary shops, and invited a friend who recently announced her engagement so she could check out the invitation offerings.  We were in a particularly hoity-toity stationary shop (shoppe) that I think specialized in wedding invitations when the whole thing started.  My friend, whose last name begins with "Q", was looking over the fonts available and stated that, naturally, the "Q" in the font was very important.  Further (here we go), she said she much preferred the modern Q rather than the Q that looks like a "2".  Finally, she stated that she had decided to take her husband's last name, a boring "S", over the glorious "Q" name she has, which is very unique and infused with Ellis Island family history.

So what's up with Q?  I have to admit I find the modern Q easier to read, even though I learned the 2-Q when I learned cursive writing in elementary school.  It seems like the idea of the 2-Q is to start making a large oval, and then abort on the left side to swoosh down to make the foot.  It should work, but I think the oval is aborted too early and the large oval is hard to distinguish.  Sometimes I see the upper entry loop large enough to make part of the left side of the oval, and that helps (http://www.zanerian.com/Zaner8.gif). 

What are your thoughts on Q?  Are there any examples of gorgeous  2-Q's out there that I can use to tempt her away for the "S"?

Ellen

979
Show & Tell / Re: 1st Project Show & Tell
« on: March 11, 2014, 10:08:59 AM »
The symmetry is very impressive.  Even with tracing and grids, I imagine it would still be challenging.  Great work!

980
Tools & Supplies / Re: Making your own walnut ink?
« on: March 11, 2014, 09:18:42 AM »
While pomegranate is a beautiful color, the final ink should be black, if all goes according to plan.  Apparently pomegranate skin has a lot of tannin in it, so this will be an "iron gall" ink, without the galls.

981
Find a Pen Pal / Re: Penpal and Happy Mail Exchange
« on: March 10, 2014, 05:41:25 PM »
I would also enjoy the challenge of sending out some mail.  PM me for my address.  I am a beginner, so do not be shy.

Ellen

982
Tools & Supplies / Re: Making your own walnut ink?
« on: March 10, 2014, 05:24:01 PM »
Walnut ink!  Very exciting.

 I am trying to make pomegranate ink from a recipe I found on the Fountain Pen Network.  I should know how well in works sometime in April.  Here is the recipe should you like to try.  Pomegranates are in season!

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/230340-pomegranate-ink/

983
Tools & Supplies / Re: Favorite Practice Paper
« on: March 10, 2014, 03:47:11 PM »
Use the 24 lb HP paper.  You can see bold guidelines underneath it without a lightbox. 

984
Tools & Supplies / Re: Favorite Practice Paper
« on: March 01, 2014, 03:29:29 PM »
I also like the HP laserjet and inkjet papers.  Staples carries it around me.

985
Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Newbie regressing?
« on: February 28, 2014, 12:02:57 PM »
I suspect I have a rather firm downstroke.  The nib is usually totally flexed.  The is way I though that maybe a nib that didnt flex as much would be better for the smaller letters.  I think I will try a few other nibs I have acquired and see how it goes.

E2

986
Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Newbie regressing?
« on: February 28, 2014, 10:45:41 AM »
Ellen,

I have been experiencing the same issue.  I got to the point where my copperplate lettering was pretty fluid and regular on the larger beginner guidelines, but was irregular and lumpish when I moved onto smaller guidelines.  Part of it is, I think, training the hand to become familiar with the smaller movements.  But I wonder if there is something to the selection of nib?  I am using a Nikko G for most things.  The wideness of the line makes the small letters look like sausage links.  Maybe I need develop more pressure control.  But I also wonder if there are nibs more suited to finer writing.

Any suggestions out there?

Ellen, too.

987
Guidelines / Re: Copperplate Grids
« on: February 26, 2014, 02:03:18 PM »
Here is another program to generate guidelines. This one was recommended by someone at the Fountain Pen Network.  I haven't tried it, but it looks like it has more variables that can be set.  A bit complex.  I am  interested how people find working with these two programs.  My experience is only in copperplate so I have little to say about the other styles of calligraphy.

http://www.allunderone.org/calligraphy2/calligraphy.php

988
Tools & Supplies / Re: Lightbox brand/Model suggests
« on: February 25, 2014, 12:55:04 PM »
My light box:

http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Light-Tracing-Pad-Blue/dp/B0084JUNXS/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1393350408&sr=1-1&keywords=crayola+tracing+pad

Yes, the brand is Crayola.  When I bought this in November 2013, the price was around $19.00.  The price  has gone up!  But it looks like new packaging, and maybe a new model.  It works pretty well for $19!  The size is 11 x 8.5 inches.  It is bright enough to see the guidelines underneath if away from bright windows and lamps.  It is also very portable and easy to store. And it comes in blue and pink!  What else can you ask for? A good entry level light box.  The design has a series of LED lights around the outside of the frame.  I hope they will design new ones with more LED lights.  Really this product should not cost $40.

Ellen

989
Guidelines / Re: Copperplate Grids
« on: February 25, 2014, 08:50:54 AM »
Hello,

Check out this website for generating copperplate guidelines, as well as guidelines for other hands:

http://calligraffiti.in/rulings

I like this generation program in particular because it will put in the diagonal guidelines at any angle you want.  In addition, the lines are dark enough to see through a blank sheet of paper.  I prefer to put my guide sheet underneath my paper with a clear plastic sheet between rather than print the guidelines on each sheet.  Finally, the program allows both portrait, landscape and circular formats.  The only drawback that I see is that it only prints on A4 and A5 paper sizes, but most printers will convert to the US sizes.  The instructions are also good I think!


Ellen

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