Last Thursday, brought a whole bunch of lettering artist together for another wonderful tip filled class with Don King. These are the bookmarks I received from our talented group. I apologize if the scan didn't come out perfect but still learning to use this new scanner of mine.

Peace on Ampersand Stampbord

I have been playing with Ampersand Stampbords, trying to figure out how I can use them with lettering. I think I finally came up with something I like, and it is not hard.

You can find this product at Jerry's Artarma here in Raleigh or online. This is a 3.5 x 2.5 size piece (ATC size). They come in all sorts of sizes. (Some of us made little charms with the 1"x1" size.)

First, I took a cosmetic pad and drizzled alcohol on it. Then sprinkled on Jacquard Pinata alcohol ink (also at Jerry's) onto the pad as well. Next you sort of dab the pad onto the Stampbord and let the ink do its thing. You can change up the coloring as you go and keep dabbing until you are satisfied with your effect.

I let that dry overnight.

Next comes the lettering. What to use? Well, I experimented on several pieces. For this one I used a 5mm Zig marker for the lettering and then embellished it a little with a gold gel pen.

Now all I need to do is buy some matte spray to protect what I've done!

I hope you try this out. It was fun and I am giving my little pieces of art to friends.

(Other inks I tried: Daler Rowney Pearlescent liquid acrylic ink/worked well & was more opaque, Parallel Pen/ink did not work well.)

For All of You who are Mothers in Some Way or Another!

Meet Pat

I want you all to meet Pat. She came to me just three weeks ago wanting to learn calligrphy. She had never, ever touched a calligraphic utensil, read a book on calligraphy, or even really knew what she was getting into. But she was gung-ho to learn. The way she would go home and practice between sessions put all of my weak endeavors to practice while taking a class to shame.

All of her practicing was worth it. Thursday will be her last session with me, and I want y'all to know that by that time I fully expect her to be a full-fledged calligraphic artist.

Y'all are going to love her!

Cary Spring Daze

I wanted to give a shout out to all of you who helped with the Cary Spring Daze. I think it was a big success. I had never attended this annual event and was amazed at the immensity of Bond Park and of the crowd this event garnered. Lots of people like to see their name hand lettered in beautiful writing. Every time I handed a bookmark over to someone, they would say, "It's so beautiful." And that's why we practice so long and so hard. Just to hear those words.

I have a few names of folks who are interested in actually learning our artform. I can hardly wait for them to be a part of our community. We have a lot to learn from them all.

Keep practicing and keep posting!