Long Village Studio

And one more . . .

I'm working on hand-crafted posters to  publicize my calligraphy  business at invitation retailers and other wedding related businesses. This design co-ordinates with my new business cards. I'm looking forward to serving brides in Western North Carolina.

Place cards at a wedding reception . . . well, an imaginary one for Lisa McMillan's class on how to be a wedding consultant being offered in Asheville. Serving brides in Western North Carolina is my focus for my calligraphy - invitations, envelopes, place cards, guest books, the works! I have been working up many samples and getting my name out to party shops and consultants. I am ready to put my services to work for the next bride.

I'm getting ready to teach again! I am pleased to have found a community college that is willing to offer an 8 week class on calligraphy. While getting out my old class files, I came across some designs I had done when I lived in Charlotte, NC and was a new mother of twins. These were submitted for t-shirt designs. Since Charlotte is known as the Queen city and we all know moms are Queens - I liked the idea of a crown.

A small piece to share . . . ENJOY!

Here is a website that can help you plan your wedding or party. It provides vendors listings and much more. Check it out.

I can now be found on WeddingWire In my effort to promote my sevices to the wedding industry, I am now a vendor on this Martha Stewart website. Here is a piece from my storefront: T he first statement of introduction for your wedding day will be your invitation selection and the addressing on the envelope. Make the most of it! Hand-executed calligraphy will give a personal statement about your special day. I have been practicing calligraphy for 20 years. I can create lettering styles that range from traditional to trendy. I can also provide personal touches through out the special event with a one-of-a-kind guest registry, place cards, seating charts, favors and other decorative accents.

Just doodling on some envelopes.

Just wanted to share a recent envelope done for an exchange. The birds were inspired by some rubber stamps by Inkadinkado - just wish I knew who the artist of these delightful little birds are.

I have been practicing my off-hand flourishing on a few envelopes today. I'm motivated to get my hand warmed up so I can get some wedding examples out to invitation vendors and wedding planners in Western North Carolina. I am taking a class on wedding planning to learn some new ways to connect with clients who wish to have hand calligraphy on their invitations and announcements. I am ready to get back to calligraphy jobs for hirer. Please pass the word that I am available for all types of hand lettering jobs!

The summer is coming to an end. I am looking forward to days at my art table while my middle schoolers head to a new endeavor. So, until I have more time . . . just a little piece of art from the past.

I had a great time at the IAMPETH conference in TN! Here is an example of off-hand flourishing used to create an image. It is so much fun to make and it creates such a great image! Watch for more artwork from my time in TN.

(The above envelope was touched up to remove the address for privacy) I am preparing to go to my first IAMPETH conference. What is IAMPETH? It stands for the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers & Teachers of Handwriting. The conference promises to be week of terrific classes by master penmen (and women). I look forward to improving my pointed pen talents and watching the best of the best! So, watch for some new postings when I return!

I enjoy creating envelopes - I think of them as mail treasures. I believe in this time of emails, junk mail and texting that people still want something handmade and hiding in their mailbox. Envelopes are quick ways to create and practice. They make someone on the other end smile, and maybe even a mail carrier! So here are a few of my entries from the Graceful Envelope Contest.

These pieces were done for an altered book titled "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things" I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad

Thanks to some encouragement and life changes, I begin a new path on my journey in the calligraphic arts. I was introduced to calligraphy some 20 years ago due to the need to address my own wedding envelopes. Little did I know what I was embarking upon. Fortunately, my husband and I were sent to NC for a one year internship. It was here that a whole world was introduced to me; one which I am forever, eagerly exploring. Each year has brought new styles, tools and techniques. This year has been no exception. So off I go, exploring . . .