Happy Thursday!  Another week that has flown by, for you too?  I wanted to introduce you to some of my favorite lettering artists but then I found (and received) some really great hand lettering resources and tips for you so I decided to save those artists for another post.  In regards to the brush lettering of last week Christine H. (a wealth of knowledge) had sent me this great bit of advice:

Here’s the tip:  for “brush” calligraphy…before ANYTHING…mix some sugar and warm water (like 1T sugar/2T of water), dissolve, cool and dip brush in until bristles are completely saturated (don’t just leave sitting in the container with bristles resting, curved and keep the hilt as dry as possible). Squeegee bristles between thumb and forefinger to get rid of the water, but do so while “shaping” a perfectly flat, square/rectangle (depends on brush shape) “nib”. Hang or put on pen rest and let dry completely. Repeat several times till the bristles “remember” the form when dipped in ink and excess ink is removed on inside edge of ink bottle. By training your brush in this manner, you will have greater manual control over the animal bristles. Oh, and use a brush with soft-ish natural fibers not synthetic. Store after cleaning, repeating the sugar water and shaping, allow to dry completely. Keep in a suspended holder type of box so the resting bristles don’t get smooshed one way or another. Make sense?

I found this wonderful post from Sean McCabe (an amazing lettering artist) it’s an introduction to hand lettering and it answers a lot of questions. If you are just interested in improving your handwriting Lettergirl offers a downloadable workshop to help here.

In my experience this week I accidentally found that a ‘soft’ nib could mimic a brush type stroke and I could get a nice wide stroke that could mimic a brush stroke.  It’s very hard to work with when you have only been working with pointed pens for a couple of weeks (like myself), but if you are open to experimenting, what the heck? I am working on creating a page on the blog that will be an easy reference for everyone for lettering artists, resources and classes, but if you can’t wait you can always visit my Hand Lettering Love Pin board for inspiration.

P.S. Here’s the chalkboard texture I used above for you to download and use in any way you would like, it’s nice and hi-res for you;)

It’s Thursday and I am going to try to stay on topic as promised and bring you more hand lettering resources + how-to’s.  The lovely top image above is by Quill & Fox,  a very nice specimen to discuss the currently wildly successful lettering trend of brush lettering (I don’t know if that is its ‘proper’ name). I am sure you have heard of a little company called Rifle Paper that utilizes this ‘painted’ script very well, as does Meg Gleason of Mogela. I think this sort of imperfect hand adds a wonderful charm to your project.  I searched the interwebs hi + low and had a very hard time finding what types of brushes, paints to use etc. I even tried some samples of my own with less than favorable results.  Then I came across a wonderful resource for you from the Open Library a book (available to view for free on line) called The Art of Show Card Lettering. The book is copyright 1922, so it is a bit older, but it still has great specimen charts like the one on the lower right, with stroke direction (very helpful). It also has tips on brushes and how to hold them to get the most desirable outcome. It’s not modern by any stretch, but it’s still a wonderful resource for those wanting to delve into script with a brush. Amanda of Wit & Whistle has been trying her hand at hand lettering with gouache (the same medium Rifle Paper uses) and she chronicles her results here. I am all for trying new lettering techniques and this is definitely one of the styles that I would like to be able to master. If you are looking for more inspiration I have a TON on my hand lettering board on Pinterest, where I have been pinning away like it’s my job (wouldn’t that be a cool job?).  Let me know if you have any tips on this style of lettering, I would love to know more!

I know we are coming to the end of summer, but I just love this peachy, melon-y, light coral-esque color. This is the new diamond monogram with three letters a wonderfully classic shape, a little preppy but graphic enough for those that like modern lines. I have a two letter version and some alternate variations of this shape coming. I used the technique I mentioned last week of running the ink pad along the envelope flap for a hint of color.  I think it would be pretty to create a suite of stationery in multiple tones of the same hue, so a lighter version and darker of this ink.  I believe if you have your stationery at the ready you will be more apt to write that spontaneous note or send your thank you as needed. Did you know that it is never too late to send a thank you?  It’s true! I am so happy with how these monograms are coming along, it adds a touch of elegance to your world. You don’t have to use these for just letter writing, you could print your monogram on cloth napkins (make sure to heat set), get a special one made to use for embossing cookies, personalize your coffee mug for the office, the options just go on and on. The winner of this monogram is Mrs. Maria Elizabeth B., congrats!

P.S. If you want to try to win your very own monogram, check out this post for details, good luck!

clockwise: calligraphy besotted brand, diamond monogram, coral nails, bag

I wanted to try something different when I showed off the new monogram designs here.  This is my version of a monogram to room inspiration board. I feel like this monogram is modern yet glamorous and the platinum ink fits with the design effortlessly. The person who chooses this monogram would like both traditionally glam items like the antique french mirror but also appreciate modern design. A monogram by nature is classic, but in this shape it gets an update to the 21st century. This monogram belongs to an individual who prefers sleek to frou frou, but has no qualms about something with a little sparkle. It’s unique and not everyone would have it and that’s exactly how she would like it.  The winner of this monogram is Michelle P., congrats Michelle!  

P.S. If you are wondering how you can win your own monogram you can visit here

I was working on a branding project and quipped to my friend that it was too bad that the Swiss cross was already in the world because it’s such a perfectly simple, clean yet quietly bold design, thus re-creating a Swiss cross wouldn’t work for the new branding we were working on.  Oh, well. Inspiration comes from the most unlikely places, this monogram is my ode to the Swiss cross.  This is a modern + industrial couples monogram for Denise D. and her hubby Bobby. It’s masculine enough when printed in a color like black, red, or gray to work for the hubs, but print this in pink, coral, yellow or aqua and you can easily make it more femme; It will look great in gold, silver or white too!  Endless palette possibilities! I have a classic monogram coming up tomorrow, but I am still choosing potential monogram candidates via this pin (just repin it and leave your initials in the comments) or signing up for the newsletter. You can choose either way to enter to win as I am choosing candidates from both sources. I also need to mention in case it’s not a ‘given’ that your stamp will come pre-loved as I need to use it for the photo shoot, but on the up side it will be cleaned + conditioned and your monogram will be displayed on the interwebs for many moons! Good luck!