Start of the Envelope Project

We all enjoy projects [well most of us anyway] and the Mail Art across the World theme is a great opportunity to participate in a world wide group project.

 Swirled background

 Backgrounds using water colour & cling wrap

Some of the creators!

Using water colour paper, paint and salt and plastic wrap the 'students' created great backgrounds for envelopes.

Now we wait for the lettering on the envelopes to see what creative ideas are used. Any ideas? What about Versals, Skelton Romans or extended letters? The choice is endless. 

Calligraphic Inspiration

It is remarkable how often I am reminded of calligraphic line when I am 'out and about'. If you look at the image of the desert, the curving lines and soft shapes are reminders of exquisite lines of Italic and even Foundational.

The shapes make me want to grab a pen and some watercolour paper to curl, swash and sway letters across the page.

At the moment we are looking at creating envelopes for the Art Across the World project which closes in April. The class is working hard and I will be posting the creative envelopes in the next few weeks.

In the mean time here are a few 'natural images' to inspire you.

 Perhaps use: A fine pen, muted colours and a touch of water colour

 Perhaps use: A large brush, earthy water colours and Roman Capitals

Perhaps use: Muted greys and creams in water colour and letters using a square brush

Envelopes, Creativity & New Blogs

I've just discovered 2 new blogspots which are creative and fun for calligraphers!

One is a Place to Flourish, the other 'A Letter a Week'. So very stimulating and exciting.

Another project I will challenge my students to participate in is the Mail Art Across the World. Create a beautiful envelope using colour and calligraphy and send it to one of the addresses given before the 1 April.

More visuals in a few weeks time when we have completed some creative envelopes.