A Flourishing Weekend

Pointed Pen Diaries LogoSooner Scribes in Oklamoma City hosted a flourshing field flourishworkshop with Linda Schneider. So I packed the Jeep and off I go to enjoy two fun-filled days with my pens and some new friends. Picked up several great tips and tricks which I'm anxious to use.

The art of flourishing has finally been demystified. Supplies needed are minimal, but your imagination must be fully engaged. Most any monoline writing tool can get you started … pen, pencil, micron, you get the idea. Be brave, try it with the pointed pen. The desired fluidity comes from the arm movement, not your wrist. Barely touch the pen to the paper, and let the magic happen. Choose the finest nib in your collection. I used the Gillot 303. The EF 66 was so used. Linda called the EF 66, "tiny, yet mighty."

Spontaneous Combustion

Where should I start.  I'm still in tail-spin from this workshop. 

The Melvin MouseKnowing how to meld the art of calligraphy with layering has been a long-time desire.  Not any more; Judy Melvin brought this mysterious technique within reach.  She was such a delight!  Gosh, so many new ideas, tips and tricks.  Truly, I feel as if she helped me become a better lettering artist.  I wanna call in sick tomorrow and just play with paints and pens.  For more pieces from this workshop, please view "Fine Art" located in the Portfolio section.

Just knowing this nifty little trick with the letter "M" made the entire workshop was well worth the money.  The only materials required were contact paper, exacto, micron and watercolors.  Then let the magic happen.  Actually, I goofed on this one.  The little mouse you see was a "happy accident".  How ironic to have a blob in the shape of a mouse on the letter "M".  Lucky me.

Abstract Watercolor

Creative Studio Night is proving to be an inspiration.  There's just something about being around other artists that gets the creative juices flowing.  Here we go!  Abstract Watercolor is self explanatory.  We made random marks on a (16x24) page using a variety of tools such as Chinese Marker, Micron, Graphite Pencil, Sumi and Walnut Ink. 

watercolor & sumi ink

With the self-made view finder, we cut out small pieces (1 x 1/2) of visual interest.  With this small, yet very abstract piece, we re-created a larger version on a 5x7.  We used sumi ink to emphasize the random marks, then painted watercolor around such.  Must remember to leave a small ditch around the sumi -- meaning just keep the watercolor away from sumi by about 1/8 of an inch. 

watercolor & sumi ink

I chose the wet on wet watercolor technique.  With dirty water, I wet the area I wanted to paint, then dropped in a variety of colors.  These are not colors I would ordinarily choose, but since it's creative night, I took some risks.  Turns out I quite liked the result, and so did the neighboring artist sitting next to me.  

Metal Effects

Embossed SunflowerThis month's Creative Studio Night was Metal Effects. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect or if I'd like it. Being a calligrapher, I'm comfortable with my pens, ink and paints. So, working with metal and a new set of tools … threw me.

Turns out I loved it! We walked away with 'dog tags'. No, not the military variety. We made these wearable art masterpieces. Everyone's turned out so completely different and fun! My brain is trying to figure out how to get lettering onto these little beauties. I can't wait to make more more more.

I am working on four more uniquely different dog tags.  For $25 each, I'd be willing to part with them.  Interested? 

Simplify Wedding Planning

Gotta love Google!  This information came my way and wanted to share.  If you haven't tried Google Docs - TRY IT!  This clip called Planning a Wedding is very enticing.  Gosh, I wish Google Docs - Template Gallery was available when I was planning my wedding.