Pointed Pen Workshop with Xandra Zamora

Whether you are just starting out with calligraphy or a seasoned professional, sharpening and adding new skills is a fun part of the job.

So I was very excited to attend a workshop with the fun and fabulous Xandra Zamora this past weekend.  The workshop, sponsored by Kaligrafos, the Dallas Calligraphy Society, was on “Pointed Pen Explorations”.  (Another great reason to join Kaligrafos!)  I had the pleasure of hosting Xandra at my home and was delighted to share some extra time getting to know her.  She is just a doll!

She is an extremely talented professional calligrapher based in L.A.  In addition, she is mega handy at Photoshop and Illustrator.  So we utilized her presence by also having a Friday night lecture on “Optimizing Your Art” hosted by by Texas Lettering Art Council.

She covered the basic information about making your calligraphy and line art work digital.  What every calligrapher needs to know! (Look for future posts about Texas Lettering Art Council offerings on this topic.)

Pointed Pen Exploration Attendees with Xandra Zamora

Some of the topics we explored in the two day workshop were: Pressure and Release Exercises, Review of Copperplate lettering, Letter Slant, Spacing, Changes to Ascenders and Descenders, Playing with Caps and X-Height and Bouncing your letters!  In addition we played with designing an original word or alphabet based on pictures of a variety of old sign lettering.

Xandra also demonstrated the use of the Phantom Liner for lettering on dark or opaque envelopes.  A must know for any professional calligrapher.  I may do a video of it to place on my Lettering Art Studio YouTube Channel since this is such great information.

Xandra demonstrating how to use a Phantom Liner for lettering on dark envelopes

Here’s some of my practice sheets from the workshop.

Practice Sheets from Pointed Pen Exploration Workshop

Practice sheets from Pointed Pen Exploration Workshop

Thanks Xandra for a fabulous workshop!  It was fun to have two full days to play and explore pointed pen with you.

Xandra Zamora and I at the workshop

And as always my calligraphy font, Belluccia, one of myfonts Most Popular Fonts for 2011, is available at : myfonts.com and fontbros.com.

Optimizing your Artwork Lecture with Xandra Zamora

The fabulous Xandra Zamora will be arriving today ! She will be conducting a weekend workshop sponsored by Kaligrafos, The Dallas Calligraphy Society, this weekend.

Another great reason to become a member of Kaligrafos.

Xandra Zamora workshop

While the workshop is full, there may still be room in the Friday night lecture “Optimizing your Artwork”.

This is a DO NOT MISS opportunity for calligraphers who want to learn how to digitize their work.

Before and after Artwork by Xandra Zamora

Optimizing Your Art!
TOMORROW – FRIDAY, MAR 23, 2012
LECTURE & DINNER

Tips & Tricks for
Preparing Your Art for Reproduction

with Xandra Y. Zamora

5:30pm – 6:45pm informal Dinner
7:00pm – 8:15pm Lecture
$20 Includes dinner

Join us Friday evening for dinner and a demonstration/lecture with professional calligrapher, Xandra Zamora.
Her work has been featured in lettering and wedding etiquette books, and numerous magazines.

Xandra will take the mystery out of scanning and digitizing your original artwork for any kind of print method using a scanner, and Adobe Creative Suite. Learn time-saving tips from the experience of a master!

JAYCEE PARK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
1975 Puritan Drive
Irving, TX  75061

PLEASE REGISTER RSVP HERE

so we can order enough food for dinner.

Contact Angie Vangalis, 214-957-1736 for questions.

And as always my calligraphy font, Belluccia, one of myfonts Most Popular Fonts for 2011, is available at : myfonts.com and fontbros.com.

7 Calligraphy Styled Wedding Fonts

Christy Toney of CT Designs Inc. included Belluccia on her list of wedding fonts designed to mimic hand lettering.  Thanks Christy! The list includes a great variety of looks.  Another on the list “Origins”, was created by the very talented Laura Worthington.

If you’re thinking of creating your own DIY wedding invitation, a cursive font can add a unique touch.  Whether it’s a simple outdoor event or a more formal affair, fonts that mimic the look of a professional calligrapher add a lovely personal touch.

Christy gives lots of great tips on her blog.  I especially love her post about wedding table numbers.  Lots of great ideas!  Some that you can make yourself.  Check them out.

On Saturday, March 10, I’ll be teaching my “Intro to Calligraphy” workshop at Paper Source in North Park Center.  If you’re out shopping be sure to come in and take a peek at what we’re doing!

Have a great weekend!

And as always my calligraphy font, Belluccia, one of myfonts Most Popular Fonts for 2011, is available at : myfonts.com and fontbros.com.

DIY Valentine’s Invitation with Belluccia Font

Tickled Pink Valentine's Party Invitation

It’s time for the annual Kaligrafos Valentine’s Exchange Party!

Front and Back of Valentine Invitation featuring my Belluccia font,flourishes and oraments with hand lettered envelope

I was happy to create this “Tickled Pink” invitation for it.  Several of our Kaligrafos members volunteered to do all the calligraphy on the envelopes.  The White lettering on the dark pink envelope really pops!

Here’s the quick DIY steps:

Darice brand Sticky Shapes

1. I used the pre-cut heart shapes purchased at Michael’s.  Since only one side has an adhesive, and I wanted to attach something to both sides, I sprayed the back side of the pink paper I chose for the back of the invitation with 3M 77 Multi-purpose adhesive spray.  Then I attached the non-adhesive side of the heart to the adhesive sprayed paper.  I was able to fit 4 on a 12″ x 12″ piece of pink pattered paper purchased at Hobby Lobby.  ( Say that three times:) Then I cut the paper around the hearts using an x-acto knife.

Pink Patterned Paper attached to heart

2. I traced the heart and scanned it into my computer so I could design all the lettering to fit into the heart.  Using Adobe Illustrator, I placed the scanned heart on a layer to use as a guide.  On a second layer, I created the design using my Belluccia font, flourishes and ornaments.  I chose to put the lettering on a slant for a more dramatic touch. I also created the background flourish and ornament design in a lighter pink.  You can download the PDF here.

Heart outline copy

3.To print, I used a white shimmer Stardream paper in text weight.  I was able to fit two on an 8.5″ x 11″.

Heart and printed page with Belluccia font on light table ready for cutting.

4. I placed the printed sheet on my light table so I could see where the wording was located. I placed the heart over the wording, making sure everything fit.  Then using my x-acto knife, I cut around the heart.  I purposely wanted some of the flourishes to go off the edge.  If you don’t have a light table, you could use a window with light behind it and trace the heart in pencil before cutting.

5. Lastly, I attached the feather to the center of the heart using a glitter stick-on pink foam heart.  Both the feathers and the stick-on hearts are available at any craft store.

That’s it!  I’d be “tickled pink” if you decided to make these:)  Please send me a pic for posting if you do!

Kaligrafos is the name of the Dallas Calligraphy Society, a wonderful group of talented sharing calligraphers and artists.  We have meetings 8 months of the year with programs focused on various calligraphic hands and related artistic fields. We offer a variety of workshops and classes in which to participate including free workshops aimed at new members or to those who wish to enhance a particular hand. No matter where you are in your lettering journey, join us – we all start somewhere, so why not now?

And as always my calligraphy font, Belluccia, one of myfonts Most Popular Fonts for 2011, is available at : myfonts.com and fontbros.com.

Next Intro to Calligraphy Workshop at Paper Source

Calligraphy on Envelopes by Lettering Art Studio

For those of you who have been asking, I will once again be teaching the Intro to Calligraphy workshop on Saturday, March 10 from 1-4pm.

I’ll be covering the basics of lettering including letter forms and stroke making. We’ll be using chiselled calligraphy markers and brush markers to make it easier for beginners to get the feel of the letters. ( There will be no pen and ink used in this class. ) We will also experiment with gel and glue pens, lettering on dark paper, as well as using a Versa brand brush marker with embossing powder and heat tool to create words that pop!

This class is designed for beginners. So whether you want to make place cards and gift tags, have envelopes you’d like to address or have always wanted to try calligraphy, this is a good starting point.  I hope you can join me!

To sign up, call the Paper Source at 214-696-4400.
Class size is limited so sign up early to get a seat!

And as always my calligraphy font, Belluccia, one of myfonts Most Popular Fonts for 2011, is available at : myfonts.com and fontbros.com.

“The Artful Envelope” New Workshop at Paper Source

I’m always excited to share my love of letters with people!  My latest new workshop is “The Artful Envelope”.

Zebra Themed envelope by Lettering Art Studio

I’ll cover unique and creative ways to address envelopes.  I’ll show you how to create an envelope that compliments the invitation or card inside.

2 color/ 2 style Envelope design by Lettering Art Studio

Whether it’s for a festive Christmas party, Christmas cards, a New Year’s Eve blow out, a Birthday Card or an elegant wedding invitation…I’ll help you look at different ways to make your envelope stand out.

We’ll work with a variety of Paper Source products including their beautiful colored envelopes, gel pens, glue pens, chalk markers, stamps, embossing powder, heat gun and anything else that will fit the bill!

I will not be teaching calligraphy but will guide you in how to use your own handwriting or printing.  So you don’t have to have taken my “Intro to Calligraphy” workshop to attend.

If you have, this would be a great follow up workshop for you!

White on Peacock Blue envelope by Lettering Art Studio

Here’s the info:

“The Artful Envelope Workshop ” with Debi Sementelli of Lettering Art Studio

Saturday, December 3 from 1 – 4 pm at Paper Source in North Park Center

$55.00 includes all supplies

To reserve your seat please call the store at 214-696-4400 and speak with any one of the lovely people there or register in person.

Seating is limited.

I hope you can join me for some fun with envelopes!

Speaking of envelopes, I was delighted when the lovely Carol Alexander sent me these pics of her dad, Robert, who followed my instructions from a previous post and created this Halloween themed envelope.  Robert is an 86 year old retiree from Kingwood, Texas. You are never too old to get creative!  Thanks Carol and Robert!

Carol Alexander's dad Robert with his Halloween themed envelope

Halloween themed envelope by Robert Roush

As always, my Belluccia calligraphy font can be found at myfonts.com and fontbros.com.  Check it out!

DIY Bride Custom wedding projects

Love to see the way the DIY bride, Laura Duni used the lettering I did for her.   I created artwork of Laura and her fiancé’s names in my Belluccia lettering style.   She had a stamp made.   With that stamp, she was able to customize napkins, out of town guest bags, post cards and a name plaque for her Guest book.  I LOVE when I can help DIY brides add those special touches for  a minimum cost!  Great job Laura!  Check out the pics.

Guest book names created with Custom Calligraphy Stamp

Names stamped on napkins

Guest bag with names using custom calligraphy stamp

Close up of Custom names on Guest Bag

Here’s the link to show how she created the  Out of town Guest bags: http://sayingidoinnewyork.blogspot.com/2011/08/out-of-town-bags-part-ii.html

Post card using stamp of names in custom calligraphy

Stamp of Names in Belluccia lettering style

The lettering style, Belluccia, was made into a font and is available at: Myfonts.com.

Intro to Calligraphy Worshop

It’s time, once again, for my Intro to Calligraphy workshop at Paper Source in North Park Center.  The date is October 8 from 1- 4pm.   There is only one spot left! You can sign up by contacting the store at 214-696-4400.  Please tell them that you heard about it here on my blog!

In this workshop, I introduce the basics of lettering including how to create different lettering styles and basic strokes that comprise the letters. We use chiseled and brush markers to make it easier for beginners to get the feel and the flow of lettering.

Once everyone gets a general feel, we experiment with gel and glue pens and lettering on dark paper, as well as using a Versa brand brush marker with embossing powder and heat tool to create note cards that pop!

This class is set up for beginners. So whether you want to make place cards and gift tags,  are a DIY bride or MOB and have envelopes you’d like to address or if you’ve  always wanted to become a professional calligrapher, this is a good starting point.

Next up on my blog: I’ve got a very fun boxed Birthday invite to show you.  I’m just mailing them out tomorrow.  So stay tuned!

More Unique Guest Book ideas

I love creating things that are non- traditional.   So when Julie Weaver of the Ritz Carlton contacted me to create this Unique Guest Book for her sister’s wedding, I was thrilled.  The funny thing was, the picture she sent me to show me what she wanted was one of a book I’d already done for another client!  So I definitely knew the process to create it:)

She chose the “LOVE” book published by National Geographic and authored by Ferdinand Protzman.  The paper she brought me to use was from Paper Source ( my heaven on earth).   I used brown and red to bring out the colors in the paper and coordinate with the cover of the book which was red. She had me inscribe a saying by John Lennon on the inside cover.  She presented it as a gift at a bridal shower in her sister’s honor.   Love was definitely in the air that day!

Personalized Guest Book

"love" book cover

I actually purchased one of these “love” books for a future contest give away:) I have DIY instructions on how to duplicate the look of  this Guest Book in my older posts from April 14 and July 15, 2011 .

Another client came to me with an idea she’d seen.  She wanted me to paint the bride and groom’s initials on a platter.  I’d never done this before, so of course I jumped at the chance to do something new!   I used Gloss enamel paints in brown and deep salmon.  The platter can be “baked” in the oven to better adhere the paint.

Her guests signed the platter using brown sharpies.  The end result will make a beautiful display in their new home.

Guest "Book" Platter

Here’s the platter all filled in!

Platter signed by guests

Still a third client opted for a Matted Photo of the Bride and Groom to be signed by guests.  These are available at any craft store and relatively inexpensive to do.  I hand lettered the saying “better together forever” as well as their names and wedding date onto the mat.

Matted Photo for Signing

Here is a sample of the invitation, addressed envelope and place cards that I did for this couple who got married in the beautiful land of San Diego!  I loved the simple, clean look they created.  I chose an all lower case, modern lettering style to compliment it.

Invite,envelope and place cards in lower case modern lettering

As always my calligraphy font , Belluccia,  is still available for purchase at Myfonts.com.  I am slowly working on the next font.  It’s a challenge to do my regular work, which I love, and add in time to work on the font.  I love it all!! If I could eliminate eating and sleeping, I’d have all the time I needed:)

My calligraphy font, Belluccia

My next “Intro to Calligraphy” workshop at Paper Source in North Park Center will be October 8 from 1-4 pm.  There are only a few spots left. You can call 214-696-4400 to reserve your seat.  This workshop is very beginner and a lot of fun.  We use calligraphy and brush markers to learn basic strokes.  Then play with Paper Source products to see what the possibilities are!

My next give away for new subscribers to my blog will be coming up soon.  In addition, if you tell someone about my blog and they subscribe you will be entered in a contest as well.  I’m still working on the details but I’ll let you know soon.

To connect with me here are the following links:  Letterheadgirl on Twitter, Lettering Art Studio facebook page, My pics on Flickr, Lettering Art Studio website

Thanks for reading!

More pics from BONT Magazine Spread and DIY Table number project

My last post included my own pics of the items I created for the latest issue of  the Brides of North Texas magazine spread.  Now I can show you the official photos from the magazine (photography by Edmondson Weddings), which are just lovely.

In addition to the Coco Chanel themed spread for DFW Events, I was also thrilled to be a part of the pages created by Holly Tripp Events.

And how lucky can a girl be?  Very lucky.  There was also a feature on Kandi and Hunter Mahan’s wedding, coordinated by Misty Duncan Events.  Some of the work I did for the wedding also made it into the magazine.  Needless to say, being lucky enough to have my work with three great event planners all in one magazine is cause for  doing the happy dance:)

I am also including a DIY project to show how I made the three dimensional table number that was a part of the Coco Chanel shoot.

First the magazine pics:

Brides of North Texas Magazine spread by DFW Events

My work includes: Hand lettering on dinner plates and charger plate, hand lettered invitation and envelope. Love the blush and black combo!

Brides of North Texas Magazine Spread by DFW Events

My work includes: Three Dimensional Table number ( No. 5 of course!), favor tags for french soap and perfume bottle.

Brides of North Texas Magazine Spread by Holly Tripp Events

My work includes: “Let them eat cake” sign and pink with white place cards.

Signature cocktails

This pic, by Holly Tripp, didn’t make it into the magazine but I just love the look of the pink cocktails.  I created the  “Signature Cocktail” sign.

Now for the DIY  Three Dimensional Table number instructions:

Supplies

Supplies include: pink material, wire that is sturdy enough to hold beads and be molded into number shape, black beads with holes large enough to place on wire, circular styrofoam, ribbon, scissors, material cutter, ruler, spray adhesive.

styrofoam with pink material

1. Cut a square of material to cover styrofoam, then cut off corners

material attached to styrofoam

3. Remove styrofoam from material and spray with adhesive.  Place on material and bring up around sides and top which will actually become the bottom.

Ribbon attached to styrofoam base covered in pink material

4.Turn the base over so the smooth side is now on top, spray wrong side of ribbon with adhesive, and attach around top of base.

base with "table" sign attached

5. Trace base on matching card stock. Cut out and attach to bottom ( for stability).  Hand letter or print “table” on card stock.  Cut out and attach to ribbon.

Beads on molded wire

6. Mold wire into desired number and add beads ( with holes that are large enough for wire to go through.) Leave enough wire at bottom of number to stick into base. Angle the wire for better support. Paint the wire the same color as the material ( in this case pink) so that it blends in better.  I also added a small pink chiffon ribbon that was tied to the wire at the base.

Table numbers in pink and black

Wallah!  As you can see I made another one with pink beads, but they didn’t have holes large enough for the thicker wire so I had to use thinner wire.  This was a problem as it didn’t support the weight of the beads so I had to re-inforce it with thicker wire, which was visible. That’s why it’s always good to create a sample so you know of any problems in advance.

Luckily the black beads worked perfectly!

Hope you have fun making table numbers of your own!

Now for ongoing info:

Belluccia font

My calligraphy font Belluccia of the”Correspondence Ink” type foundry is still on the Best Sellers list on myfonts.com.  Check it out!

I’m working on another script font that I hope to release at the end of September or beginning of October.

I’m still giving away ” Welcome Banner” artwork to new subscribers until Aug. 20. You can use it for your personal use.

Free artwork when you subscribe to my blog. Ends Aug. 20

My next “Intro to Calligraphy” class will be held October 8 from 1-4 pm at Paper Source in North Park Center.  There is limited seating and the class fills up fast.  So get a spot now.  Call Paper Source at 214-696-4400.

To connect with me here are the following links:  Letterheadgirl on Twitter, Lettering Art Studio facebook page, My pics on Flickr, Lettering Art Studio website

Thanks for reading!

Calligraphy Lettering and Flourishing Practice

Whenever people take my workshop they always want to know what the secret is to becoming proficient in calligraphy.  Practice!  It’s that simple.  There’s nothing better.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear Master Penman, Harvest Crittenden say the same thing.  Many people at the recent  IAMPETH convention ( International Association of Master Penmen and Teachers of Handwriting) that I attended a few weeks ago were commenting to her that they would never be able to do what she does.  Now, she is a master, but she still breaks it down stroke by stroke.  She implored everyone who took her pictorial flourishing class to do the same.

That really inspired me. Always looking to improve my hand skills, I decided to dedicate 1 hour, 3 times a week to practicing.  Since I started, I’ve actually done it every day and sometimes for more than an hour!  I found it so relaxing in contrast to my commissioned work, to just allow myself the freedom to play and learn.

So I thought I would share my practice sheets.  Perhaps they’ll inspire you to practice something you hope to get better at.  Whether it’s calligraphy, a foreign language, computer skills…whatever!  Practice really is the key.  I would also like to learn to speak very basic Italian for a trip next fall.  I bought the DVD.  Now I need to set up a weekly time to watch it.  What skill would you like to improve?  I’d love to know.

Original plant and feather drawings and a copy of Jake Weidmann's bird flourish

You’ll notice in the pic above that I have “copied” the bird flourish that Jake Weidmann, newly inducted Master Penman, created in the class I took from him.  When you are practicing there is nothing wrong with putting a sheet of paper over a drawing or lettering that someone else did to get a feel for how they made the strokes.  It’s not okay to do that and then say it was your own.  But to help “put the memory in the muscle” it’s fine to do this for practice.  One day I will come up with my own bird flourish!

Milk Vase with florals

This Milk Vase with Florals is a sample of a technique taught by Linda Schneider, another extremely talented calligrapher and artist. Linda is best known for her work on Papyrus greeting cards.

Floral Design

This floral design was inspired by some of the flowers I see on my daily walk.

Feather and plant designs

The above pic is a mix of basic strokes used in creating feathers and plants.

Thank You

Just a quickly lettered “Thank You”.

Birthday Card for Reena

Sometimes something I’ve come up with in a practice session finds it’s way on a hand written/illustrated card.  This one will go out in the mail tomorrow.

I hope I’ve inspired you to play and learn at the same time!

Welcome Banner artwork printed on "Paper Bag" card stock from Paper Source

Until August 20th all new subscribers will receive a JPEG of my original artwork of a Welcome Banner ( for personal use only).  This is the first of many giveaways for my subscribers!  If you’ve used it to create anything, send me a pic so I can post it!

Belluccia font

I’m thrilled to say my calligraphy font, Belluccia of the”Correspondence Ink” type foundry is still #2 on the Hot New Fonts list and #3 on the Best Sellers list on myfonts.com.   In addition it will soon also be sold on Fontbros.com. I’ll let you know when.

By the way, my next “Intro to Calligraphy” class will be held October 8 from 1-4 pm at Paper Source in North Park Center.  There is limited seating and the class fills up fast.  So get a spot now.  Call Paper Source at 214-696-4400.

To connect with me here are the following links:  Letterheadgirl on Twitter, Lettering Art Studio facebook page, My pics on Flickr, Lettering Art Studio website