Inital Calligraphy Blocks in Repousse

February 13, 2010

I had a great group of students for the Initial Block Embossed Calligraphy class with the Colorado Calligrapher’s Guild in Denver's Cherry Creek. We completed 5 different letter forms using a wide range of beginner and advanced repousse techniques. Here are a few examples from the students:

We utilized manuscript, grunge, traditional, Kells and celtic letter forms from public domains as well as students' own calligraphy letters. 

Applications for embossed letters and words include journal covers, book boxes, sticky note covers, photo albums and cards. Here are a few examples/samples from the instructor(me):

 And a parting glance at another student example:

That's all for now, Libby

Holiday Tea

I had a great time teaching metal embossing for cards and gift tags at the Colorado Calligrapher's Guild Holiday Tea on Saturday. Snowflakes were the favored theme (maybe that's why we got snow the following day and more predicted for tonight!). Folks tried a little bit of everything with delightful results. For many, this was their first time doing embossing. Thanks to all the folks who joined us and brought tasty treats! And a special thankyou to class helpers Jill and Tess. Students' work:

Candle Wrap Decorations

In between all the writing this past week, I have been playing with metal embossing. The results are a family of candle wraps. Scroll down and enjoy-

"Nothing happens unless first a dream" -Carl Sandburg

As I have been writing my 50,000 word count book, in 30 days for NaNoWriMo, I have read back through a number of journals. The idea of a book hit my head 6 years ago when I lost my career job and had time on my hands. I asked myself, what am I going to do with my photos?

I first wrote an idea for the book, marrying my photos to stories, nearly 4 years ago. I started jotting down notes after that. Then two years ago I found myself doing some very short travel journal entires, with this book thing in mind.

A couple years ago Joannah Merriman told me about NaNoWriMo. This year I signed in an did it.

AS of today, I have a rough draft of my book written. There is still alot of editing, detail descriptions, photos to be picked and then the small matter of finding a publisher. But hey. It's a 50,000, 70-page start to a book.

In my book, it's a goal accomplished.

So today I get to celebrate. I also want to encourage all you creative folks out there to pursue your dreams. Pick a spot, and in the words of Twyla Tharp: "BEGIN!"

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

NaNoWriMo

That translates into National November Writing Month. I think I am close enough to be sure I am going to hit the goal...so I'm officially posting that I am participating an a challenge to write a 50,000 word book in one month. I am at 40, 900 words and I think I'll make it. The book is about some of my travel adventures and ties to my photos. It's just a rough draft, but hey, it's a start!

In honor of Ann

My friend Jill Berry is hosting a birthday give-away in honor of Ann's birthday. Follow the link to be entered in her drawing! She has all sorts of wonderful art/studio goodies tucked in special boxes!!!