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Messages - Starlee

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916
Thank you! Joi, I agree. The E was hard. Although I find I struggle more with N, W and V the most. :) I have moved on to numbers and currently finding '3' to be particularly brutal! :)

917
Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: A few questions from a newbie
« on: April 20, 2014, 10:07:37 AM »
Andie, I've tried the Gillott 404. I don't mind it, but do you find the nibs scratchy?

918
Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: A few questions from a newbie
« on: April 20, 2014, 06:52:52 AM »
My practice paper has the grids and slant angle it. I don't use a light table either. I am taking small steps in my purchases. I've put my money in ink, nibs and paper first. I use good-quality blank paper for 'good projects'

919
Easter is such a bright holiday that I thought it was the perfect opportunity to test out my new Twinkle H2O's from John Neal. First I tested them as their original intent (watercolour), and got a little gutsy and tried some spontaneous flourishing. Usually I pencil-plan first, and I still think that this method is best for me until my skill improves, but this was fun just the same. Then, I tried using the Twinkle H2O's as ink. It is possible, and the colours are beautiful (they have a nice metallic sheen and I think they will look amazing on dark paper), but I found it quite hard to 'load' the nib. And now the scary question, how is my flourshing? Is it too much?

I wish everyone a very happy Easter and hope that you are all enjoying time with family and friends! 

920
Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: A few questions from a newbie
« on: April 19, 2014, 08:39:57 PM »
Hi Tracie,

I, too, am quite new to this (just started in January). But here is what I've figured out so far. I agree with Gary that cleaning the nib definitely helps keep the ink flowing (no caking) and helps remove fibres as well. I dry the nib on a microfibre cloth or another rag type thing (less fibres come off of it than Kleenex or paper towel) before dipping in for more ink.

As for dipping, I don't completely submerge my nib. I find it wasteful and I don't like getting the ink too close to my holder, but I do submerge it to the breather hole (but even this isn't necessary). I have a scratch pad next to me to test the nib before I start writing.

I first started with Hunt nibs as well. They were hard to use for a beginner. However, I did continue with them (because I wanted to make sure this was a hobby that was going to stick around before I invested in more nibs), but I found that getting used to them made the other nibs a breeze once I changed. :) The flexibility of the Hunt nibs and the other one you described is definitely not for the heavy handed. Easy up on the hand heaviness comes with time. With each lesson, I would focus on how the pen works. As I understand the mechanics of the pen and my comfortability grows, I am finding that my hand is getting lighter and lighter. As with most things, practice is crucial, but quality of practice is key. Regarding dipping, I find the frequency is nib-dependent. The Hunt's I was dipping every letter it seemed. My current favourite nib (Leonardt Principle EF), I can write almost a whole line without re-dipping.

I use practice pads from John Neal with blue grid lines on each page. Even with Sumi ink, I still get some feathering. So I'm not sure that changing ink will help per se. But to be fair, I haven't played around with different inks too much yet.

It seems that many people prefer writing on an incline. I've never tried it yet, so sorry I can't help there. I enjoy a flat surface just fine though. I hope this helps!

921
Erica, that video is great!! Thank you so very much!

922
Kind Critique / Re: Less is More?
« on: April 18, 2014, 08:37:11 AM »
I agree with the 2 previous comments. The M is so beautiful, but I agree with Schin, the flourishes distract from the name. I find the pussy willow flourish (for a lack of a better name to call it), is too thick and too close together to the thinner throw-off flourishes. Maybe 1 or 2 less in the bunch would have spaced them out more. Also, one flower instead of two on the bottom to balance out the flourishes. But really, it is awesome as is!

923
I'm loving this thread!! I've been struggling with this myself. I've been doing the touching up method, particularly with the bottoms. I agree that paper angle is crucial. For me, writing with the page at 90degCW (or sometimes even more) works well. I am left handed and write with a straight holder though.
\

924
Show & Tell / Re: Sometimes I like to live trace.
« on: April 17, 2014, 08:57:30 PM »
Thank you for sharing this! So helpful in general. :)

925
Tools & Supplies / Re: Writing Mats
« on: April 16, 2014, 09:07:23 AM »
Writing with a cushion?!! I have not heard of this! I just use my pad of paper. Can't wait to try!

926
Tools & Supplies / Re: Small ink containers, such as Dinky Dips
« on: April 16, 2014, 09:04:40 AM »
Ellen, from your description, it sounds like the same ones I first tried as well. Hated how they crusted. My local craft store had larger screw lid containers that I love. They're about an 1.5" in diameter, 2" high. They are a delight. Maybe yours has something like that too in the paint section?

927
Kind Critique / Re: Mother's Day project part 2
« on: April 15, 2014, 03:07:56 PM »
I'm trying Zazzle. I printed my 2013 Christmas cards (non-calligraphy style) with them and was quite happy with the quality. I'll let you know (post pic) of the final product. Should arrive in a couple of weeks. Of course I notice the spelling mistake now (waiver is waver...grr...lesson learnt the hard way) lol

928
Kind Critique / Mother's Day project part 2
« on: April 15, 2014, 05:55:00 AM »
Thank you for the comments on the outside work. I now have the inside done. It's ok. I find as a stand alone it's nice, but that it doesn't transition too well from the outside look. That's where more experience comes in. For now, I'll have to settle because I need to send it off for printing to the card back in time for Mother's Day. Excited to see the final product. :)

929
Kind Critique / Re: Opinions on Monogram Stationery
« on: April 15, 2014, 05:47:25 AM »
This is so pretty! And I agree with sisterofadream, no border is needed. It's classy on its own. :)

930
Coffee & Nib-bles / Re: Thank You Notes
« on: April 10, 2014, 08:46:19 AM »
I couldn't agree more!!

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