Messages

31

Tools & Supplies / Re: Crane's Lettra

« on: August 10, 2015, 06:44:46 PM »

I'm wondering, on this somewhat older thread, if anyone has any further advice regarding Crane Lettra / nibs / inks?  A nice job is coming my way & here we go again....Lettra.  So far I've read in various threads & in this one, that most of you recommend Zebra G or Hiro 41 (Crown), with gouache or MP Sumi.  Catherine Langsdorf & Jean Wilson like Holbein acryla gouache with Lettra, so I'll try that as well.  Thanks!!
 

32

Tools & Supplies / Re: Vintage Blanzy 2552

« on: June 11, 2015, 09:50:02 PM »

I'm not in a desert & still dilute sumi!  About 4:1, ink to distilled water. 

33

Introductions / Re: Hello from Wisconsin!!

« on: June 09, 2015, 09:45:39 PM »

Welcome Brie!  Good wishes to you as your work on your calligraphy skills & ask/force your hubby to make you an oblique holder.   

34

Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Instagram images reused in art exhibit without permission of copyright holder

« on: May 31, 2015, 12:28:51 PM »

Another aspect of this story:  I wonder how his buyers who apparently spent $90,000 each feel now?  If it were me, I'd feel sick to my stomach.  Perhaps they are so wealthy that it was only a drop in the bucket.   

35

Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: I'm married!!!

« on: May 31, 2015, 12:09:00 PM »

Congratulations on your marriage & your new beginning!  Each and every calligraphy piece for your wedding was spectacular!

36

Tools & Supplies / Re: Paper Source Shimmer Envelopes / ink issue

« on: May 31, 2015, 09:40:20 AM »

Debbie, you are absolutely right about using gum sandarac on slick envelopes!  I tried it on some leftover Stardream envelopes that I have on hand....it made a HUGE difference.  I took a old fan shaped cosmetic brush, lightly brushed it on the paper & blew on it a little before writing.  It worked beautifully.  I used Moon Palace sumi, a Zebra titanium nib & was able to create thick & thins while writing.  Awesome!

37

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Art video about hebrew calligraphy

« on: May 23, 2015, 04:51:56 PM »

Michel's mastery puts tears in my eyes!  Thanks for posting, Christophe.

38

Tools & Supplies / Re: Making Tan/Sand/Beige colored ink???

« on: May 18, 2015, 06:36:00 PM »

Beige & gray are both harder to mix & there are wide ranges of color.  Tan would be better for readability than beige.  For a matte color, you can start with an opaque white like Dr. Martins Bleedproof & add an acrylic sepia, drop by drop, until you have the desired shade.  H2O might be necessary with BPW.  Or...you can start with an acrylic white like Ziller or FW, then add an acrylic sepia.  For darker envelopes, there is Dr. Martin's 13R Nickel or their Spectralite Nickel. 

I have received wedding envelopes that were addressed in a light "champagne" color & honestly, I don't know how they passed GO for mailing at the post office. 

39

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Nonmachinable Mail

« on: May 17, 2015, 02:00:55 PM »

Janis  and Jean, thanks for showing us how important it is to go the extra mile. I am definitely going to follow through with both of your  suggestions and advice. 

40

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Nonmachinable Mail

« on: May 16, 2015, 04:32:03 PM »

I'd like to think that hand cancelling avoids the automated machines, but no guarantees!  I always advise my clients to take a completed & assembled envelope to the P.O. to weigh & assess if there are any extra fees.  Weddings are already expensive, but if it costs say, $25 extra, in the scheme of things it's part of the planning. 

41

Tools & Supplies / Re: Paper Source Shimmer Envelopes / ink issue

« on: May 16, 2015, 04:22:44 PM »

You're right to describe PS's shimmer envelopes as "slippery."  Stardream envelopes also have the same type of finish.  I have written on them & have had success with Moon Palace Sumi & most likely a Zebra G chrome or titanium nib.  After the sumi dries overnight, it doesn't budge with finger rubbing & also won't run.  Have you also tried an acrylic, like Ziller glossy black or FW black?

42

Show & Tell / Re: Wedding invitations

« on: May 15, 2015, 11:22:05 AM »

Everything blew me away, Star!  Beautiful invitation design & addressing.  This work is definitely something that you can be proud of for a long time.  Congratulations & enjoy your new life together!

43

Show & Tell / Re: My new logo!

« on: May 15, 2015, 11:10:53 AM »

Hi Leanda, I loved your 1st logo post & now see your refined & revised pic - LOVE it even more.  The uniqueness of it is very special.  I thought about how would it look with pale pastel color on a few of the hearts & then decided it would take away from your lettering.  Great work!

44

Show & Tell / Re: Opinions needed please!

« on: May 11, 2015, 06:43:48 PM »

Leanda, this is a simply beautiful piece, your style is lovely & fits the nature of the composition for this little boy.  The simple gold detail at the top was a perfect choice.  If I were on the receiving end, I'd be so grateful.  Well done!

45

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: To old for calligraphy?

« on: May 11, 2015, 06:35:12 PM »

Hi Pam, there's much to be said from doing what you love at any age.  Plus, your brain cells will thank you for it!!  Haha, yes I'm with you all on "blowing off the opinion" that we are not too old to learn new things.  At 63, I've been a calligrapher for 25 years & just learned Copperplate 2-1/2 years ago.  Always practicing, always learning new techniques.  Good luck Pam!!