Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Fun Technique

Happy Friday, Friends! Following is a reposting of my August 26, 2011 Flourish Friday.  If you want to see the comments from the original post, CLICK HERE.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 Rachel and Matthew started classes at Purdue University this past Monday. I think I've shared before that I try to write to them each week while they are at school.  I enjoy trying new techniques on their envelopes.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

At IAMPETH, Brenda Broadbent and Linda Hirsh shared a very cool technique using a black Glaze pen.  It so happens this past Saturday the Calligraphy Guild of Indiana celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a picnic. Each member that attended received a goody bag which included a black Glaze pen. (Insert Happy Dance.)

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 The Glaze pens have this little protective bulb on the end which must be removed before using the pen.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 Brenda and Linda demonstrated using the black Glaze pen on black paper.  They showed the technique using elaborate Zentangle designs, but I just did some basic block letters filled with simple designs.

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 Once the Glaze pen lettering has dried, you go back in with colored pencils.  I used Prismacolor pencils. The marks from the Glaze pen are raised, giving an embossed look.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

I still thought the lettering needed something. I went back in with a white Uniball Signo pen and added drop shadows to help the letters pop a bit more.  (I made copies of one of my old Zentangles to put on the kids' cards.) Glaze pen on dark paper = Fun stuff. :)

You've probably heard that Brenda Broadbent is selling Paper & Ink Arts to Al Allen of Durable Supply Co.  /  Marker Supply Co.  I know Brenda has been looking for the right buyer for her company for a looooong time. I wish both Brenda and the Allen family the very best for a smooth and orderly transition.

For those of you in the path of Irene, I pray you are erring on the side of caution.

Wishing everyone a happy and SAFE weekend.

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Linda Hirsh

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Just before Thanksgiving, I was reading through Julie Wildman's November newsletter for the Chicago Calligraphy Collective.  I was stunned to read that Linda Hirsh, a calligrapher in San Diego, had a brain tumor and was in hospice care.  She was on my mind all through Thanksgiving, and I made a note to send her a card.  Unfortunately, I didn't get it done in time. I was so sad to learn of her passing earlier this week.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

The first time I experienced Linda was at the Nashville IAMPETH. I took her "Copperplate Chic" class, and it was a blast! We just bounced from one fun thing to the next. I could just tell that Linda loved anything and everything to do with calligraphy. New techniques and creative ideas just seemed to ooze out of her. She had such flair!

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 One of the techniques she taught was writing with gouache and Schmincke powder.  Mix your gouache in a well (add a drop of gum arabic).

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

 The Schmincke powder is very fine, and Linda suggested covering the top with a piece of nylon (panty hose).  Sprinkle the powder on top of the gouache.  Then load your pen with a mixing brush. Do NOT mix the powder into the gouache, but just let it rest on top. Then... letter away! I used a Zebra G nib.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC

I sat in on Linda and Brenda Broadbent's "Something Adventurous" program at IAMPETH this past summer in Phoenix.  They were quite the comediennes. Again, Linda's enthusiasm just made me smile. She was such a great ambassador for the lettering arts.  I realize many of you knew Linda well, and I'm sure your lives are richer for having called her friend. 

Go forth and flourish!

xo