Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Philippians 4: 6 & 7

My calligraphic interpretation of Philippians 4: 6 & 7.  I used Moon Palace Sumi and a Nikko G nib. (Contact me if you're interested in purchasing a high resolution print of this piece. Watermarks are not on the prints.) 

Wishing you a great weekend, Friends!  For those of you packing up and heading to Albuquerque for IAMPETH....Safe travels....Have fun.....Listen, observe, learn, and then...Practice! 

I wish I could be there with you in Old Town, but I am already looking forward to next year!!

Go forth and flourish!

xo

Jane

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Wedding and Copyright Blog

©Jane Farr

I thought I'd share one of my photos from my niece's beautiful wedding this past weekend.  I did a post a few weeks ago about her invitations I designed, which you can see by clicking here.  I appreciate all the kind comments and emails I received.  Now that I feel more comfortable with Photoshop, maybe I will do more invitation design!

While at IAMPETH, I told a number of people about an intellectual property blog I enjoy following.  I promised to include the info in a future post, so here it is...but first a little background.  Nolo is a company that explains and provides resources about the U.S. legal system in a way that is easy to understand. Many years ago my then business partners and I used Nolo's resources to create an operating agreement for our small jewelry business.  We found Nolo's resources invaluable.  I recently used Nolo's "Getting Permission" book from my library to help me construct a Merchandise License Agreement and an Artwork Permission Agreement for my calligraphy.  I enjoy following Nolo's "Dear Rich" intellectual property blog, because I want to know the facts about copyright, trademark and patents.  I regularly see artists make comments on forums about copyright that are misleading and inaccurate. The Dear Rich blog is both funny and informative.  In each post they answer artists' legal questions about music, film/video, performance, and the visual arts.  I highly recommend adding this blog to your reading list.  At the very least, visit the blog and comb through some of the past questions/posts.  I'm sure there will be one question that you've wondered yourself, and then you'll be able to read the answer!  (For instance, click here for a question and answer regarding a photo on Facebook.) You will also be able to see a list of the books and guides Nolo offers such as: The Craft Artist's Legal Guide, Protect Your Rights as an Artist, etc.

To visit Nolo's "Dear Rich" Intellectual Proper Blog, click here.

To visit the main Nolo website, click here.

I'm still trying to get caught up in the studio. I promise to post something a little more calligraphic and flourishy next week!

xo

Jane

Word Verification with A Flourish

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 I crack up at some of the word verifications that Blogger generates. You know the word you're asked to type in the box when you want to leave a comment on some blogs? Well, I've been collecting these silly, little words in a journal in hopes of getting a complete A-Z list.  I was always taught it's better to practice writing words rather than just individual letters when studying calligraphy.  Instructors will have you choose a category (cities, flowers, trees, names, etc.) and then write a list of words A-Z.  So this is my A- Z list of goofy word verifications.  I'm just playing here - I had no particular script in mind.  I'm missing K, X and Z, so if you happen upon any word verifications beginning with those letters you'll know where to send them. :) I used a Gillott 1068A nib and Moon Palace Sumi on a watercolor background.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 This was a recent commission. I used a Spencerian No. 1 nib and Dr. Martin's Bleedproof White on periwinkle card stock.

Thank you so much for all the 25th anniversary congratulations and good wishes!

(((Big Hugs))) You all are the best!!

I hope you have a delicious, sweet filled weekend.

Where did October go?!

Flourish Friday Giveaway!

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

It was my intention to celebrate my 100th blog post with a giveaway, but my 100th post occurred while we were away in July.  Instead, I hope you'll join me in celebrating my 111th blog post!

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 I made this little book using some of the paper I made at my guild's 2008 "Tortured Metals" workshop with Victoria Pittman.  (A different piece of paper from that same workshop serves as part of my blog's header.)

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 The book consists of 4 two-sided pages.  I purchased the acrylic book from Mike Meador at Coffee Break Designs. (You can read more about that HERE.)

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 I filled the book with a few of my favorite quotes.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 My apologies for punching a hole directly through the "o" of "only" on the right hand page! ooops!!

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

My sincere thanks to everyone that has encouraged me and supported A Place to Flourish.  My initial goal for beginning this blog was to motivate myself to create finished pieces for my guild's exhibits.  (You can read my very first post HERE.)  Blogging has not only helped me accomplish that goal, but it has also introduced me to so many wonderful people.  With your encouragement, I have felt empowered to play, explore and learn...to share my experiences in the studio...warts and all.  Thank you for making A Place to Flourish my vehicle for creation.  I am thoroughly enjoying the journey!

By leaving a comment on this post, you will be registered to win this little book.  My international readers are welcome to participate.  The deadline for leaving comments for the giveaway is 12:00pm Eastern Time on Thursday, October 7th.  (**Update: Registration is now closed**) I will select the winner via www.random.org and post the winner in next Friday's post.

Happy Flourish Friday!

XOXO

Jane

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Isaiah 40: 28-31

I did this piece yesterday for a friend that has been put through the ringer.

She mentioned that she had just read Isaiah 40: 28-31 and how it was speaking to her exhausted soul.

Isaiah 40 is a favorite passage for many.

I wanted to design an eagle that "soared," but it takes me so long to sketch things out.  I always fuss too much over the details that probably don't matter.  I felt it was more important to get the piece lettered and delivered even though the eagle is more Early American than Soaring Deliverer.

The paper is a pretty, green Canson Mi- Teintes - although you certainly can't tell by the photos.

I used walnut ink and a Hiro 700 nib for the eagle & scripture and a vintage Principality for the flourishes at the bottom.

I want to thank Australian calligrapher and artist Ronnie Ayliffe of Calligraffia for the lovely post she did on A Place to Flourish and my blogging experience.  You can read Ronnie's post by clicking here.

I have really appreciated all your lovely comments and emails.

Thank you! Thank you! :)

I hope you all have a flourishy Friday and a wonderful weekend.

We are heading into my favorite time of the year on this side of the world!

Calligraphy Flourish Friday and Paste Paper Book

This is a page from my paste paper book I started at the Greater Cincinnati Calligraphy Guild's workshop with Marianne Burke.  Marianne's work is gorgeous. (Sorry, couldn't find a blog or website for Marianne.) She brought many of her books for inspiration and guidance. Marianne, and all the ladies from GCCG, were so warm and welcoming as were the folks from Tiger Lily Press, where the workshop was held.  There was also a group from the Cincinnati  Book Arts there.  I love how calligraphy crosses over into other art forms. There's so much to learn!

My daughter, Rachel, is  taking a peek at my book.  Thanks to Jo Diamantes for sending me this photo. Rachel and I brought paper we had made at a workshop a few years ago.  Of course we ended up falling in love with some of the paper GCCG had for sale and had to buy a few sheets.  Rachel made 3 books at the workshop. I didn't even get one finished. I think I spent too much time drooling over Marianne's work!

Another page.  Marianne taught us how to include windows, embossing, debossing and other interesting elements in our books.  She said, "Never throw anything away."  Ahhhh, a kindred, art pack rat!!

Happy Flourish Friday! Even though it's March 5th, I'd still like to say...

March Fourth and Flourish!

Flourish Friday - Grace & Blackletter

Happy Flourish Friday!  

This piece was done with my ever faithful Dr. Martin's Bleedproof White and 

an Esterbrook 356 pointed, flexible nib. 

I started this journal in February of last year.  My goal was to letter a different alphabet exemplar on each page.  ....ahem...this is page 2! gulp!! I guess I will have to live to be 250 years old, if I'm going to finish it. Either that or work in it more than once per year.  If you'd like to see page 1, click here.

Last week, I was the lucky winner of Elvie Studio's 400th Blog Post Giveaway.  Lori Vliegen is the warm and witty soul behind Elvie Studio.  Her blog is one of the first ones I started following in 2008. She has a very engaging writing style, and she is extremely creative.  I always enjoy popping over to her happy, inspiring blog.  After a long and tiring day on Monday, I came home to find this wonderful package waiting for me!  The little journal with repurposed, Hobby Lobby gift card covers was wrapped up in this wonderful sheet of calligraphy themed paper.  Little cords with tags, stickers and cards were all cleverly tucked in the packaging. Swooooooon!!  Thank you Lori!!! If you're not already following Lori's blog, get on over there by clicking here.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Go Forth and Flourish!
((Hugs))
Jane

Flourish Friday - Engrosser's Script

I have been practicing Engrosser's Script from Bill Lilly's book. (Update: If you would like to purchase Bill's book, please visit Paper & Ink Arts.  Bill no longer has any of his books. Brenda Broadbent of P&I has the last 50 remaining books for sale.  You can visit P&I Arts, search and shop online by clicking here.) Here I am trying my hand at flourished majuscules (capital letters). Obviously, I have much room for improvement!   Also, I see a giant river of space between the H & I down through the L & M. Blah! Back to the drawing board....maybe this time with a more flexible nib. These forms seem rather anemic.

Put a little flourish in your Friday. Have a great weekend!

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Valentine's Day

Before I announce the winner of my 1st Anniversary Giveaway, I want to thank each of you for your comments and good wishes!  It really means a great deal to me, and I appreciate the time you take to pop in and check out A Place to Flourish.  Here is today's flourish. I hope you like it. 

I used Dr. Martin's Bleedproof White and a Gillott 1068A nib.

I wish all my blogger friends a happy heart this Valentine's Day!

This is for my sweet daughter Rachel.  She is coming home from Purdue today, so we can drive to the Cincinnati Calligraphy Guild's paste paper project workshop tomorrow.  We are both really looking forward to the workshop and meeting some new people.  I just hope we don't get any more snow between now and then!

Tom loves to get the snowblower out, but as soon as he  makes a path, the wind kicks up and it drifts over.  (I know this is nothing compared to what the folks east of us have endured!)

And the winner of my 1st Anniversary Giveaway is....

Jo Miller!!

Congratulations Jo!  Please view my profile page for the link to my email. If you will please email me your mailing address, I will send your giveaway package straightaway!  Hugs and thanks to all the participants.

Have a great weekend and a Happy Valentine's Day!

Flourish Friday - Giveaway!

A Place to Flourish celebrated its 1st Anniversary yesterday! Big hugs and sincere thanks to everyone who has shared this blogging experience with me.   I've so enjoyed making new friends who share a love for calligraphy, and I've been encouraged by all your comments.  To celebrate and share my appreciation, I am having my first giveaway. Yay!  Above is a little piece I did yesterday to include in the giveaway. I hope the winner will put it somewhere special to remind them that no matter where they are it can be A Place to Flourish.

These are the other bits of happiness in the giveaway. I tried to collect things that have been featured in various Flourish Friday posts this past year.  Moving clockwise, in addition to the "Flourish" piece will be a 2009 embossed Farr family Christmas card, flourished square border, page of photocopied Christmas mandalas, Psalm 16:11,  nib container, watchmaker's tin, wisdom stone, page of flourished ladies, flourished birthday cake, flourished Christmas tree, a copy of the Zentangle handouts I created for my local calligraphy guild, a mandala, a flourished butterfly card and envelope, and a "Jane Farr Calligraphy" folder to hold everything together.  

Here's how to enter:

Simply post a comment on this post below and include at least your first name.  If there was a particular post you enjoyed this past year, I'd love to know about it.  The deadline to enter is Thursday, February 11th at 3pm Eastern Time.  I will then randomly draw a winner using random.org.  One comment per person please. Anyone can enter!  International entries welcome!

......on to other important things....I do love Drew Brees. He's a Purdue guy afterall and took us to the Rose Bowl.  I am happy for him and the city of New Orleans, but Superbowl Sunday I'll be rooting for my Colts and my city....Go Colts!!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway by posting a comment.

Good luck and go forth and Flourish!!

Jane

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Haiti

My heart is breaking for the people of Haiti, especially the little girl my daughter  has been supporting for many years through Compassion International. Her name is Madiana, and my daughter treasures her.  Compassion is trying to determine Madiana's situation, and we are waiting and praying for her and her family.  There are many organizations that do good work.  I encourage you to give freely. Here are three organizations that I can vouch for:

 

International Disaster Emergency Service

FAME (Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism)

Compassion International

Flourish Friday October 16 and Pointed Pen Lessons

This flourish is based on one from page 8 of Dover Publication's "E.A. Lupfer Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy." I saved the original with an empty banner. This is a copy that I then lettered my info onto the banner, so the blacks are not as rich as the original.

I want to thank everyone for your continued support! As far as pointed pen lessons, PLEASE! Go to IAMPETH's website. Dr. Joe Vitolo has done an incredible amount of work to post videos, pdfs and wonderful directions on learning a number of pointed pen scripts. These lessons are FREE! However, membership is only $30-$35 and includes access to IAMPETH's wonderful newsletter "The Penman's Journal." This is an inexpensive investment toward learning or improving your pointed pen calligraphy. Click as fast as you can over to the lessons at IAMPETH: here.

Do something to Flourish your Friday!