Finishing some V-day stuff

I found my Pepto-Bismol pink ink (gouache and Dr. Martins) and got my envelo-boxes addressed this afternoon.   Michaels had some pretty cardstock in a washed design that was quite nice.  Here are the results.

I have one more card to decorate if I need to but I'll get these posted tomorrow.    it'll then be time to start St. Paddy's cards!!!

One more

Had an idea today for a butter fly with heart-shaped wings.  This is what I came up with.   Wonder if he's thinking those hearts up? 

Almost done with the Valentine cards

I added some embellishments to the cards and am pretty much done with this first batch.  Perhaps tomorrow afternoon I'll start some more.  Today I worked on a bunch of shapes and have paper sized for more.  This is fun.  I only wish the little sparkly bits would show up better on pics.  C'est la vie.

More quilling and cards

Since I have a few extra cards just waiting for some embellishment, I thought I'd add some rose buds and flowers in honor of Valentine's Day.  While I was waiting to get my eyeglasses fixed I thought of a bouquet, some floating hearts, and a larger flower with hearts for petals would be nice.   Here are the results. 

I will add some gold flourishes I think, or maybe some glitter, but overall, I like where this is going. 

QUILLING!

Had a blast yesterday learning to quill.   It's a lot more involved than what I thought it would be.  The best tool that will help me is the quilling coach.  A small, clear and flat tool with a hole to insert the slotted tool in.  This helps when wrapping the paper around, keeping it even.  Roxy did a great job of putting kits together for everyone to take home.  

Here's a little Valentine's Day card I'm making.  I'll probably send this to mom.  You know mom's, even if it's flawed they love it.  :)   The card itself is gold.  Don't know why the color is so faded, it's the same card as those in the second pic.  GRRR!

I've got a bunch more of these cards done, now to get the flowers finished!

Had to post this quickly

To anyone out there who gets frustrated and thinks they should give up, I saw this on Facebook and had to share it.  It is so true.  Keep going, practice, and be critical but above all, keep going.

A day to play

I've been a good girl.  No practice so that's bad but I've been cleaning the house getting ready for guests.  Today we head to Universal!!   I'll be on the lookout for interesting letterforms to emulate but mostly to blow off steam and have a good time.   So...no posts until Monday.   I'm reminded of something I did this past summer while we were at Disney.  It is customary to leave a tip if your housekeeping staff did a good job and kept your room neat and well-supplied.  In addition to the tip, I wrote a little note since I had my calligraphy stuff with me (naturally).   I hope Diana liked it.  Have a great weekend!

It's FRIDAY and A virtual tour

So glad Friday's here.   It's going to be such a fun weekend with a trip to Universal and quilling on Sunday.   I even found all the pieces to my quilling kit so I'll have extras. 
On another note, there will be a calligraphy exhibition in Russia starting in November.   You can take a virtual tour here of the one from two years ago.   As to be expected, the works are amazing. 
Make sure your speakers are on...the music is beautiful.

Engraving on glass

No...I don't have an example but this is just something else that's intrigued me.  I think if I can find the appropriate tools I may give it a try.   I understand many use a Dremel with a flexible tip and that looks fine.  I've also seen another tool that reminds me of a dental instrument that could be even better.   Whatever, it has to be very fast.  This video is excellent for a starting point and this really looks like fun doesn't it?

I'm a dolt

It's almost a neurosis of mine that I have to get a picture of envies I do before I send them and today I forgot.  GRRRR   Eh....that's what happens when you get in a hurry.   However, this was especially egregious because it was the first time I used my Bill Lilly holder.    As expected, it felt comfortable and I didn't do half bad.   Just wish I had a record of my first attempt. 
I will say this: just like using a new nib, different paper, trying an ink, everything requires some adjustment.  I'm sure as I use it more I'll get my little pliers out and noodle with the angle of the flange.   It will be fun to see how the slimmer curve where my fingers go affects my writing.  Good times ahead!
Oh...and the picture above?  That's what the beautiful Stone Mountain in Georgia looked like early one morning last fall.  I was up there for a workshop with Heather Held.