Allison

  • In the Studio

    Practicing the Art of Calligraphy

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    Calligraphy Tools by Hand-Painted Weddings

    Hand-Painted Weddings calligraphy

    I have been loving practicing with my new calligraphy tools. Currently I have been using the Brause Steno nib (shown), which is also called “Blue Pumpkin” because it has a blue hue to it. (How cute is that?) And I have tried practicing with the Brause Extra Fine 66 nib. This is a very small, surprisingly flexible nib, but I am not as crazy over the smaller nib holder, so I haven’t been using it as much. I’m sure once I’m back on my feet and can start shopping fine art stores in person (rather than just online), I will find a nib holder that is a bit more comfortable for me, so I can get more use out of the EF66 nib.

    I am practicing calligraphy by copying samples of some of my most admired calligraphers in order to grasp the idiosyncrasies of each letter and to practice different styles and techniques. Then once I’m “warmed up” I usually start my own lettering, which is where I came up with Hand-Painted Weddings in calligraphy (shown above). I am definitely flirting with the idea of changing my logo to use this new type treatment. I would definitely add a watercolor element to it, but what do you think? I fear changing my logo when I have only been using my current logo for less than a year, but feel that this hand-painted version may be more authentic to my brand.

    I’d love your thoughts in the Comments section if you feel so obliged!

    Paintings and Calligraphy by Hand-Painted Weddings.

  • Inspired by

    Inspired by Hand-Written Lettering

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    Inspiration - Hand-Written Lettering curated by Hand-Painted WeddingsI have been smitten by hand-written lettering for awhile now, whether chalkboard lettering, calligraphy, or painted. I’m especially inspired when I see beautiful calligraphy and hand-written lettering in unexpected places, such as this carved wooden cake topper, in signage, or as wrapping decoration.

    Lately I have been practicing my hand at calligraphy, which I can’t wait to share with you soon! When I was cooped up in bed with my broken leg I found myself watching calligraphy YouTube videos. I found them soothing and so elegant. I ordered some supplies online and got started practicing once I was able to comfortably sit at my desk.

    Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

  • Inspired by

    Where Does Inspiration Come From?

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    Inspiration "Mind and Body" Board by Hand-Painted Weddings

    Inspiration comes from all sorts of sources. For me it comes in dreams, spontaneous thoughts, observations while living my life, a pattern on a beautiful dress, a beautiful photograph that connects with something deep inside that I can’t explain, etc. Inspiration is akin to breathing for me; it is necessary. It is love. It makes my heart patter and excites my mind.

    This morning I woke in an inspiration frenzy and went to one of my go-to inspiration sources, Pinterest. What did we creatives ever do before Pinterest? I suppose we did physical inspiration bulletin boards, but as much as I have tried to create one of these, I usually shy away because I’m not crazy over clutter, which these boards can often border upon.

    This week I thought I’d go through some of my recent inspiration (as seen through my Pinterest pins). Today we’ll start with one of my favorite boards I named “Mind and Body.” This board features images that connect very intimately to me. They often focus on simplicities in life. Sometimes they feature yoga poses I aspire to; sometimes it is an expression I’d like to keep in mind as I live my life. But they all have this certain sense of calm to them.

    Sources (left to right, top to bottom): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8