Messages

1

Completed/Past Exchanges / Re: Favorite Book Exchange Lists are Sent!

« on: September 01, 2015, 09:04:35 AM »

Mike:  I received yours on Friday and it's beautiful!  Thank you so much.  I have not read that book but I know the author and have heard of the character.  Did you take the photo, too? 

Adrienne:  Yours just came yesterday!  It's so creative and I loved the quote.  Thanks for sending 

I'm glad mine made it safely--I realized too late that I didn't write my name anywhere on the card!     I hope the rest of List 4 figures it out from my return address too. 

2

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Better to Start to Learn on My Own or With an Instructor or Course?

« on: August 13, 2015, 10:04:12 AM »

I started with Melissa's course over a year ago.  I had no experience with calligraphy whatsoever, and I found her class to be both a good starting point, as she discusses materials, then progresses through strokes, letters, words, flourishes, and style.  But all that info is here on FF, and I think Erica's tutorial videos are terrific.  The real benefits of the online course, for me, were: (1) the personalized feedback, which helped me spot and fix issues as I progressed that I wouldn't have seen on my own, and (2) the structure of the course (30 days with specific days for feedback), which kept me motivated and helped make practice part of my every day routine.

That said, I saw the most improvement in my work after the course was over and I practiced with purpose on my own.  I could focus on a single stroke or letter or ligature for as long as I needed and only move on when I was ready.  That made the biggest difference and it's still how I practice.

Just my two cents.  Best of luck.   

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Flourish Forum News / Re: SPAM ATTACK today

« on: August 11, 2015, 12:46:43 PM »

I know it's been said before, but it probably can't be said enough:  Thank you, Erica, for all your hard work in making Flourish Forum the wonderful space that it is.  I have learned so much in the short time I've been a member.  Truly appreciate your efforts.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Your Instagrams

« on: July 31, 2015, 10:37:11 AM »

Hi Ellie, I started following you on IG.  Your kids are pretty adorable   I am lauraadamsdumont on IG as well.  I just got back from a trip to the UK last month -- London and Edinburgh.  Manchester will have to be my next trip.  So beautiful over there. 

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Introductions / Re: Greetings from Philadelphia

« on: July 31, 2015, 09:59:12 AM »

Thank you, everyone, for the welcome!

Blotbot -- I love Chestnut Hill!  I lived on the Main Line for several years but just recently moved downtown.

Rapi -- So wonderful to meet another legal calligrapher  

Janice -- Casa Papel is literally two blocks from my apartment!  I didn't know they did scraps by the pound. I will have to go this weekend.   

I am signing up for the next exchange.  It will actually be my first time lettering envelopes and I'm really excited.  Hope no one minds exchanging with a beginner!

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Introductions / Greetings from Philadelphia

« on: July 27, 2015, 01:57:51 PM »

Hello everyone,

I'm Laura. I'm an attorney by day, and I live in Philly with my husband and two cats.  I have always loved doing and making things with my hands, and I jumped in to calligraphy about a year ago with Melissa Esplin's online course.  I just fell in love right away -- the inks, the tools, the letterforms, everything.  For me, calligraphy is meditative.  It brings me so much creativity and joy, which are often missing from my professional life. 

I enjoy copperplate, and my goal is to develop and refine my own style.  I've spent the last year practicing on my own and lurking around Instagram, too nervous to share much of my work.  But I've been inspired by the support and encouragement of this talented online community.  I'm looking forward to sharing and learning from all of you.