Messages

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Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Where in the World?

« on: July 07, 2014, 09:02:46 AM »

Springfield, MA

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Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: So... what do you all do?

« on: June 26, 2014, 01:40:53 PM »

Oh my goodness, if your lives were novels I would read them all!!

I was very curious about what hobbies/careers people here had so I am so glad I found this thread!

I am a 30-something getting married this December. I just bought my first home! It's a lot of work, but I love it. I am a true DIY-er.

Also, I work in finance, I love sliced and dicing numbers.

I have had lots of hobbies! I think I may have tried all of them. LOL. I HAVE to keep my hands busy. My longest running hobby to date is probably sewing. I enjoy figuring out "quilt math" and I love making "something from nothing." It's very rewarding. I don't have many crafty/DIY friends! So I am loving this forum to be able to interact with other creatives.

Here are a few of my quilts:

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: What is your current favorite letters?

« on: June 25, 2014, 09:06:33 AM »

I'm still new here -- so i don't even bother with any capitals right now!! Don't do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right?? 

But I LOVE lowercase: g, y and h. They are so easy and look very impressive.

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Tools & Supplies / Re: Schmincke Dry Gouache HELP

« on: June 25, 2014, 09:04:13 AM »

This is GORGEOUS!! 

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Guidelines / Re: Copperplate Grids

« on: June 25, 2014, 08:41:02 AM »

Awesome! thank yoU!!!

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: business cards

« on: June 24, 2014, 08:44:32 AM »

This is amazing schin! Old world and modern at the same time. I'd hire you!

As for using a font or your own script.. I must agree with Erica that while it's not wrong per se, it's just kinda weird that a calligrapher do not have any of their work represented on their business card.. at least have your name in calligraphy!

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Who writes / can write script - the demographics??

« on: June 24, 2014, 08:27:22 AM »

Maybe it would also help for me to produce more meaningful output from my calligraphy time, rather than scraps I just put away. I have a friend who I'll be writing to when I move to university, and I plan to start a couple of projects to frame... and I will also hunt for some vintage pen points by making a little frame for the 5 'Dream Points'. It must be like being a Pokemon trainer... you have to catch them and train them. Gotta catch 'em all (;

I've been thinking about this and you're right. Often times when I am "practicing" it's on scrap paper and it's the same letter over and over -- and i know this is a necessary part in order to learn... but the other day I pulled out my "fancy-only-to-be-used-when-i"m-a-professional-calligrapher-paper" and I picked out a quote i like (I have an arsenal pinned on pinterest) and I centered it out and wrote it. And i was trying SO HARD and was trying to be SO PERFECT. and doing that really helped me zone in on some things to focus my practice on -- instead of the whole alphabet-- i was able to see "wow my Ps need help" or "I have to find a different captial A to use" so, doing that kind of REJUVENATED me. and motivated my practice. I have a tendency to hoard supplies and never use them because there isn't a time/reason "special" enough, but i have to remind myself to USE WHAT I HAVE. you can always get more-- and if not, oh well! something else will come along.

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Introductions / Re: Hello From Western MA

« on: June 24, 2014, 08:19:45 AM »

Thank you all!

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Kind Critique / Re: 2 weeks in...

« on: June 24, 2014, 08:18:26 AM »

I can't wait to get home and practice with bigger letters! That's a great idea. That will probably also help with my slant because I'll be doing the slant angle for a longer amount of time on each letter, if that makes sense.

And next time I will post a bigger photo! Thank you for the encouragement.

I don't know about anyone else, but I often sit down to do a "little" practice and before I know it, it's time for bed. LOL. I watch alot less TV since I've taken up this hobby. hahaha.

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Kind Critique / 2 weeks in...

« on: June 23, 2014, 09:06:18 AM »

Hi all,

I posted my first practice sheets last week - these sheets are two weeks in. I am using Erica's videos and I love watching her draw the letters and trying to emulate that. I think the videos are the most helpful to me so far.

I am working on my slant. These are done without guides - I really need a lightbox because drawing guides on the page every time is a pain! I can print them out on copy paper and use that, but I LOVE my rhodia pad.

I am open to any ideas/feedback you have to help me improve!

thanks

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Kind Critique / Re: My first practice sheets

« on: June 17, 2014, 12:50:34 PM »

Hi Joi!

Believe it or not, I have been practicing my basic strokes! And I practice them, and they look great, but then when i go to put letters together, it's like everything i learned I forgot!!

Hopefully if i just keep practicing between the two something will click!

PS JOI -- your envelopes!! How inspiring!!

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Kind Critique / Re: I dare to post my practice...

« on: June 17, 2014, 08:57:49 AM »

I love this - so pretty. I can't wait until (hope that) mine looks like this!

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Kind Critique / Re: My first practice sheets

« on: June 17, 2014, 08:54:32 AM »

Thanks Erica, now that I have poked around the forum I see what you mean! I will be doing that tonight.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Anything ideas to practice with a regular pen?

« on: June 16, 2014, 11:16:35 AM »

Thanks! I am going to have to check out zentangles - i also quilt and i know alot of quilters use these.

And great idea for the ovals! I will be able to put my doodling to good use now.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Anything ideas to practice with a regular pen?

« on: June 16, 2014, 10:38:36 AM »

I am a doodler -- any ideas of things to doodle to practice my calligraphy skills with just a regular pen/paper?

Thanks!