Calligraphy blog – Page 13

October 30, 2015January 13, 2016

New calligraphy invitation suite photoshoot launch from Lowther Castle – autumn leaves optional!

I have already begun stocking up my Etsy shop for 2016 with some fabulous showcase invitation collections and examples of my calligraphy services. The latest addition to my collections for 2016 is an autumnal wedding invitation design with matching accessories: it’s entirely handwritten in a fabulous scarlet ink, and can be illustrated with autumn leaves to suit your wedding style. The invitation suite was unveiled at Lowther Castle in October, at a styled shoot with some of my favourite people!

These fabulous images are from one of my favourite photographers, the amazing Melissa Beattie, at Aspire Photography Training.

One misty October morning we arrived at Lowther Castle for a styled shoot including a wedding tablescape with calligraphy, invitation suite, hanging backdrop and more.

Everything was styled by Yasmin from Aspire, who is supremely talented at creating beautiful seasonal wedding themes – and she’d truly excelled herself at Lowther Castle.

The cake was a stunningly simple showcase design; the flowers were amazing and our models were all so ridiculously good-looking… being a part of this shoot was incredible. I will be sharing images on the English Wedding Blog soon – in the meantime though, I wanted to show you a sneak peek of the day through the lens of Melissa Beattie Photography – to be followed by more images of the new calligraphy wedding invitation suite which will be for sale in my Etsy shop very soon.

The fabulous team of creatives and suppliers involved in putting together this shoot:

Melissa Beattie Photography
Aspire Photography Training
Jenny Heyworth Photography
Aqua The Salon
Lucy Pearson MUA
The White Closet
Claire Pettibone
Calligraphy for Weddings
Made in Flowers

October 4, 2015October 4, 2015

So how did it go at The Handmade Fair? Our adventures with Kirstie at Hampton Court, September 2015

Welll… it was mental. And brilliant. And we got some amazing feedback! I think my feet have finally hit the ground… and now when friends ask how it all went at The Handmade Fair I can calmly say it was pretty amazing. For the second time I taught workshops of 100 people the very basics of modern calligraphy – and I loved it.

The workshops were brilliant. Friday was quietest with 70 or so people in our calligraphy workshop. On Saturday we were sold out: that’s 100 bums on seats, pens in hands. Sunday took us to a heady total of 250 or so students over the weekend. And while it’s impossible to teach calligraphy in the space of 45 minutes, it’s a whirlwind of fun to show how a pointed nib can bend, and swirl, and create beautiful shapes… and to watch students learn how to use the crazy implements of my everyday life for the very first time.

I owe huge thanks to Kirstie Allsopp for inviting us – we met ever so briefly twice, as she almost ran over us in a golf buggy while chasing my lovely friend Harriet for her gorgeous dress; and then in the green room before Saturday’s super theatre show. Even more than Kirstie, I want to thank all of the volunteers who were the superstars of the whole event, setting us up and tidying us up, keeping us calm and smiley and even getting to grips with calligraphy pens. You were AMAZING! To Harriet – for going above and beyond the call of duty, and helping every single day. To all of the wonderful people who came to the workshops – and especially those of you who came up to me at the end and said you’d practice at home. You’re the best.

And finally, more than anyone else in the world, to my wonderful other half, Steve. You know I couldn’t have done any of it without you. You’re my world and I love you to bits. Thank you.

Steve took pictures. He was there even when camera guy (who I remember from last year!) turned up for an interview. I hope we’ve captured some of your favourite moments from the workshops, as well as some of mine, and some lovely memories of all of you. I’m posting this blog as a memory for us: I’ll also be sharing the images on Facebook so do feel free to tag yourselves and share the images if you were there!

September 3, 2015

Manchester calligraphy workshops in pictures!

I was thrilled when Manchester wedding photographers Catharine and James from Catharine Noble Photography offered to come to my August workshop to take some pictures. It was an amazing day and I loved getting the photos as a reminder of the workshop.

Here for your amusement and entertainment are all of their images from the day. They’re superb – huge thanks to Catharine and James, and of course to all of my fantastic students for making the workshop the best one yet!

For more calligraphy workshops click for details here

Please visit Catharine Noble Photography if you’re getting married in the north west. Catharine is a superstar!

July 4, 2015July 4, 2015

Calligraphy project – make your own copper “dipped” place settings!

When I’m asked to teach at The Handmade Fair or running calligraphy workshops in Manchester I like to show everyone how versatile calligraphy is… it’s lovely to write gift tags and cards, but I wanted to step things up a little and share some real ‘wow’ projects for all of those out there who have joined me over the last couple of years to play with calligraphy pens (316 of you have taken pens home… so let’s use them!)

Make your own copper “dipped” modern calligraphy place settings

This is a quick and simple project perfect for a dinner party or intimate wedding. Sticking the copper leaf takes a little time but it’s so worth it when you see those shiny tags twinkling in candlelight!

Materials:

Calligraphy dip pen and Nikko G nib
Black calligraphy ink
Tacky glue or PVA and a cheap brush
Hot pressed watercolour paper cut into tag shapes
Sheets of copper leaf – allow one sheet per 5 place settings

Your step-by-step guide:

Start by writing names onto your tags in a quirky style, leaving an inch or so at the bottom of the cards for your copper

When the ink is dry mix your tacky glue with a little water so it’s just a little easier to ‘paint’ onto the cards. Use the brush to cover the area you want the copper to stick to

Before the glue dries, lay a sheet of copper leaf over the glued area, and then place a paper sheet across the top. Press down very gently and leave to dry

After a few hours the glue will be dry enough for you to gently cut or brush away the excess copper leaf

Attach embroidery thread or torn silk to your tags and tie them around napkins, to wine glasses or simply spike a rosemary stem through the hole before placing on napkins

Calligraphy starter kits are available in my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/184860082/ and include dip pens and nibs, practice notebook and alphabet templates to get you started!

June 20, 2015October 14, 2015

New! Manchester calligraphy workshop on the 21st of August 2015!

FOR LATEST WORKSHOP DATES SEE Manchester Calligraphy Workshops

I’m thrilled to be able to announce another calligraphy workshop in Manchester on the 21st of August and I’d love you to come!

My first workshop in June was fantastic: everyone got to grips with their calligraphy pens quickly and there were some amazing scripts taking shape… we even played with flourishing and different lettering styles, which was so much fun to teach! The photos are from our first workshop – and they’re all written by the wonderful people who’d picked up my calligraphy pens for the very first time that day!

To book, email me: hello@Calligraphy-for-Weddings.com

The second workshop will be for absolute beginners once again. It’s going to be lots of fun and I’d LOVE for you to come and join me for a day playing with pens and learning gorgeous contemporary scripts. We’ll be in the Northern Quarter from 11am until 3pm and there are 15 spaces available – booking starts today!

You’ll learn:

How to hold, wiggle and write with a traditional dip pen
The basics of contemporary lettering
It’s a hands-on day so I’ll be demonstrating a little, but most of the time you’ll be writing and I’ll be giving pointers and helping you

I’ll provide:

Calligraphy pens, paper, inks
Practice sheets and examples

You’ll need:

Just your lovely self
Lunch won’t be provided, but there’s a fabulous cafe on site – full details will be provided on booking.

You’ll take home:

Your pen and nib set, paper and practice sheets
Guidelines for practicing at home
The beautifully lettered goodies you’ve written on the day!

The price is £59 payable on booking – I can accept payments by bank transfer or PayPal. To book email me: hello@Calligraphy-for-Weddings.com

The class will begin at 11am and finish at 3pm. The location is very easily accessible in Manchester’s Northern Quarter – details and directions will be provided on booking.

There is space for 15 students so please book early!

I’ll be teaching the class myself and will be there all day to help you learn your calligraphy skills 🙂

Book your place today! hello@Calligraphy-for-Weddings.com

Bookings hello@Calligraphy-for-Weddings.com

June 2, 2015June 2, 2015

Calligraphy press feature – Rock My Wedding blog with James Melia Photography

Photography by James Melia Photographers

April 30, 2015July 4, 2015

Join me for a beginners’ modern calligraphy class in Manchester on the 10th of June!

NEW WORKSHOP DATE: 21st AUGUST 2015. Click here for details!

I’m really excited to be hosting a calligraphy class in Manchester on the 10th of June – it’s going to be lots of fun and I’d LOVE for you to come and join me for a day playing with pens and learning gorgeous contemporary scripts. We’ll be in the Northern Quarter from 11am until 4pm and there are 15 spaces available – booking starts today!

You’ll learn:

I’ll provide:

Calligraphy pens, paper, inks
Practice sheets and examples

You’ll need:

Just your lovely self
Please bring your own lunch

You’ll take home:

Your pen and nib set, paper and practice sheets
Guidelines for practicing at home
The beautifully lettered goodies you’ve written on the day!

The price is £55 payable on booking – I can accept payments by bank transfer or PayPal. To book email me: hello@Calligraphy-for-Weddings.com

The class will begin at 11am and finish at 4pm. The location is very easily accessible in Manchester’s Northern Quarter – details and directions will be provided on booking.

There is space for 15 students so please book early!

I’ll be teaching the class myself and will be there all day to help you learn your calligraphy skills 🙂

Image credits:

Theresa Furey – www.theresafurey.com for the photography and use of the images

Wedding Creations www.weddingcreationsuk.co.uk for the styling and props
The Vintage Hire Company www.thevintagehire.com for the glassware and props
Table To Dine For www.tabletodinefor.com for the linens
Calligraphy for Weddings (Me!) www.calligraphy-for-weddings.com for the stationery
Vanilla Pod Bakery www.vanillapodbakery.com/ for the wedding cake

April 27, 2015April 27, 2015

A sneak peek… my calligraphy in a styled shoot to be published soon!

Before it’s published on the English Wedding Blog this Friday, here’s a sneak peek at some of the beautiful images of my calligraphy on location at Dalton Mills.

Huge thanks to the fabulous Katie Laura Flowers and wonderfully talented Photography by Kathryn for including my work alongside all of these lovely people…