My calligraphy studio has been filled with the most beautiful poems this autumn. I have one on my desk today, and two more to be written in the coming weeks. Calligraphy poems are one of the loveliest things I’m asked to write, and I always enjoy seeing heartfelt words, and turning them into pieces of calligraphy art.
I’ve been asked what gold leaf and illustration is all about, so I’m writing this blog post to explain how I use both of those to enhance calligraphy commissions.
Gold leaf on calligraphy poems
I can decorate your calligraphy poem with 23 carat gold leaf. This is a wonderful way to add luxury, specialness and shine to a commission.
The gold is applied over a layer of ‘size’ – which means specialist glue in the form of ink. The inky glue is either written or painted onto the page. It’s then left to dry for 5 hours or so before I apply layers of delicate, thin gold over the top. The gold is then polished to a soft shine.
The most common position for a gold leaf letter – also known as ‘illumination’ – is the initial letter of a poem. For example, if I was to write Hey Diddle Diddle, the first H in the first verse would be ‘illuminated’ in gold leaf. (See the example in my little gallery at the end of this article.)
Calligraphy poems with illustration
I specialise in leaves and flowers, and repeating border patterns. A simple border can bring colour and life to a poem in calligraphy. It can add a timeless look to writing, and personalise the piece for the recipient.
Adding botanical illustration is a lovely way to include someone’s favourite flowers in a calligraphy commission. It can also nod to the time of year: for an autumn wedding anniversary gift I might suggest red, orange and golden colours for leaves.
Birth month flowers are also popular as illustrations for calligraphy poems. One of my favourite calligraphy commissions included snowdrops on black paper – they’re a wonderfully delicate flower to paint.
Pricing for illustrated and illuminated calligraphy poems
See this page of my website for calligraphy poem pricing.
Poems are priced by the number of words – which corresponds to the time it takes to write each piece.
Gold leaf, and illustrations are a little extra:
+ single letter in 23 carat gold leaf £15
+ border illustration £40 (more if it’s very detailed and will take longer than 2 hours to illustrate)
