Messages

1

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Exchange Ideas for 2016

« on: January 03, 2016, 10:42:17 PM »

I love everyone's ideas!

What about an ocean/mermaid/old-timey-sea-faring-ship exchange?!
Along those lines... What about a PIRATE-themed exchange?

x
Riana

2

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: The Bling! Bling! Exchange 2015 Sign Ups are Now Open!

« on: September 09, 2015, 08:43:47 PM »

I'm in!!!!! So excited to bust out my favorite FineTec palette & little gemstones for this.

P.S. I am highly prepared for the deluge of GLITTER BOMBS coming in my mailbox!!!!! HAHA my poor mail guy is gonna be one sparklyyyyy blinged-out dude!!!

x
Riana

3

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Local Culture, Landmark, History Exchange Sign Ups Now Open!

« on: May 21, 2015, 03:05:21 PM »

Thank you Erica!! Cannot wait to receive a list!! I think this is the most excited I've been for an exchange!!!

x
Riana

4

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Local Culture, Landmark, History Exchange Sign Ups Now Open!

« on: May 13, 2015, 08:39:17 PM »

I SIGNED UP!!!!!! I cannot WAIT, fellow list buddies!!!!!
I love this theme, but how can I narrow the amazing State of Washington down to a SINGLE ENVELOPE!? I think I'm gonna have to make each card different, just for the unique variety and so I can get some of my different ideas out!

Pacific Northwest vibes are coming your way, Flourish Forum!

x
Riana

5

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Share your USPS bloopers

« on: January 29, 2015, 04:41:06 PM »

Oh my gosh, Suzie! That is so sad I imagine that feels pretty invasive and just icky to know that it's just... out there... somewhere. I am so sorry! Big hug your way...
x
Riana

6

Contemporary and Modern Calligraphy / Re: Modern Calligraphy, Skill, and the Test of Time

« on: January 15, 2015, 03:27:47 PM »

As someone who does not have an in-depth understanding of proper execution of various styles (I'm still VERY new to pointed pen calligraphy!) I would like to humbly offer that a major part of my own personal enjoyment of calligraphy comes from knowing that I can EXPERIMENT without rules. I love trying different shapes and lettering styles, nibs, papers, inks, metallics... without too much pressure that I "MUST" proceed in a certain order.  This is part of why I really enjoy creating it.  This may also stem from my artistic background, a general rebellious attitude about "just doing it myself", and the belief that "trying it" is a great method for overcoming fear!

I totally understand that through my less than proper process I have a REALLYYYYYYY long way to go in continuing to explore the discipline, proper forms, strokes, stylings... and it definitely does not diminish my curiosity about (or appreciation for) learning the proper methods! I just know, for me personally: locked into a rigidity of only proceeding in certain steps would NOT keep me AS motivated as a "break the rules" mentality of experimentation. Just wanted to offer my two cents on a beginner's perspective...

The masterful and experienced artists here on the forum keep me motivated & inspired, as well! Thank you for sharing your beautiful skills.

7

Tools & Supplies / Re: Eraser marks!???

« on: January 14, 2015, 03:26:12 AM »

I use a 4B pencil. I experimented with a set of drawing pencils of varying hardnesses, and it seems this was the best balance between soft enough lead, without being TOO bold (just don't press TOO hard!) Call me crazy but the 4B seems to erase way more easily than a normal #2 pencil!!!

I like Pentel's hi-polymer erasers and so far haven't seen any residue or streaking... except you know, when I haphazardly swipe through ink that's DEFINITELY not dry yet... then chaos (and usually hissed profanity) ensues.

x
Riana

8

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: SHARE A PHOTO OF YOUR EXCHANGE!

« on: January 10, 2015, 03:41:20 PM »

I sent slight variations of this design for the Holiday Exchange 2014. The shimmery blank notecards are from PaperSource, then I hand lettered everything with Moon Palace Sumi ink & dual tip Touch markers (my latest obsession!)

Riana

9

Flourish Forum News / Re: New Members - New Requirements

« on: December 15, 2014, 11:59:01 PM »

Thank you Erica!!!  That's so much moderation work for you, but it's very appreciated.
P.S. I would've been totally cool with submitting a "why I would like to join..." questionnaire, as a total newbie to the site! Just sayin'!!

10

Introductions / Re: Hello From Alaska!

« on: November 20, 2014, 12:01:48 PM »

Hi Mary!!
Welcome! Where in Alaska are you? I'm hoping you will join the letter exchanges soon-- I totally can't wait to send an envelope to Alaska!

Sending warm wishes to you!

x
Riana

11

Introductions / Re: Hello from the Netherlands

« on: November 20, 2014, 11:58:03 AM »

Hi Elma!
Hoe gaat het?!!! I am relatively new here, as well. My mother was born & raised in the Netherlands so I am exactly one-half Dutch! It's a lovely heritage to be proud of.

I'm now following you on Instagram as well (beautiful photos!)! This forum is an AMAZING place to begin any kind of calligraphy explorations-- welcome!!!

x
Riana

12

Introductions / Re: Hello from the Philippines!

« on: August 20, 2014, 12:28:00 AM »

Hello Kat!!!!  I am also an ultra newbie, but having a total blast learning from the forum.  There is so much talent here-- just browsing through the various resources and topics has been so useful for me! I hope it will help you, too.  Everyone is SO kind and supportive, despite my lack of experience. I used to teach English (in China, to 5-7 year olds!), and also do a lot of drawing.

What's your Instagram handle? I'm @riananelson. Welcome!!!
x
Riana

13

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Your Instagrams

« on: August 15, 2014, 05:25:51 PM »

I'm @riananelson on Twitter + Instagram!

It's not calligraphy heavy (YET!!)-- mostly a lot of my talented siblings (@deriknelson + @dalten), Pacific Northwest landscape beauty, + artsy little things I like to paint. See you there!

x
Riana

14

Tools & Supplies / Re: Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments

« on: July 22, 2014, 04:33:09 PM »

I have found the Pearl Ex powdered pigments to be awesome when mixed with a bit of white gouache and some gum arabic. You'll have to do some experimenting to find the right consistency. My Brause 50 nib did not clog at all, but some of the finer point nibs definitely couldn't make small hairlines with this method, though I am still a newbie "potion-maker" so it may just be operator error! HAHA

Also consider Daniel Smith's "Artist's Dry Pigment". They come in massive bulk bags, or in smaller 2oz jars. Similar to the Pearl Ex line, but I believe the colors to be even more vivid & lustrous-- they told me they source and finely grind all of their own minerals and gemstones!!! They have a warehouse in Seattle, Washington.

I believe you can order & get more info online at www.danielsmith.com / 800-426-6740

Hope that is helpful!!!!
x
Riana

15

Favorite Resources / Re: Master Penman Jake Weidmann

« on: July 21, 2014, 01:47:30 AM »

If you haven't seen it yet, Jake just recently gave a brilliant speech at a TedX event!!! He's SO talented!!

link:


x
Riana