New Creative Ideas

Sometimes it is too difficult to do creative work because we think we've run out of ideas. I love Pinterest simply because it has become my digital note-book. The place where I can set up boards with ideas, colors and designs which in turn set off more ideas for more creative ideas and so on.

I also find that when I am doing a commission I tend to plan the design and put off the final 'doing of it' until I create something spontaneous and feel that I can go onto the more serious task of 'work'.

This week in class I researched some other ways of creating interesting pieces which can be used for cards, notes or simply creative images.

Remember always use the best paper and tools you can to create these vignettes, you might create a masterpiece.

 Add a 'chunk' of gold to the middle of a page. Draw light guidelines around the borders. Mix a color. I used a Speedball C3 nib and wrote a quotation around the gold.

 Create an ampersand. Use black using black gouache and black ink as the mixer. Write a quotation in another color.

 Cur up letters using beautiful papers. Stick onto black paper. Add lettering if needed.

Use gouache and a thin ruling pen. Draw a few letters. Add a quotation.

Of course in all of this enjoy yourself using your well-practiced craft. Have fun.

Flags, Flags, Flags

Because of our exhibition coming up in November, I am on the look out to show various projects to illustrate how versatile calligraphy is.

From writing with pen-nibs, brushes and sticks, fine letters can be created in a great variety of ways.

This week we have been writing on fabric. Here are a few ideas and tips. 

Materials: Fabric: Canvas, Calico

Square paint brushes, acrylic paint, pencils, layout paper

Plan design on a sheet of paper of similar size to the fabric.

For THIS exercise use words to do with peace or creativity

Vrede, Patz, Frio, Salaam, Pace, Friede, Kgotso, Paz, Shalom, Shanti, Thayu, Pax

Create, Enjoy, Write, Breathe, sing, think, enjoy, laugh,

Tips:

Always have a scrap of the fabric you have chosen to test the paint

When using acrylic always keep the paint wet and make sure that the paint is liquid enough to glide onto the fabric, but not too wet to leave water marks.

Use the correct size brush for size of letters

Use a simple hand: Uncial, Skeleton Romans, Neuland

Try out fabric kokis, pencil crayons

Write directly onto the fabric after your design has been chosen. If you use acrylic add a ‘liquid medium’ to allow the paint to spread more smoothly.

Choose a calligraphy marker designed for fabric or a permanent marker with a calligraphy tip. A standard calligraphy tip is broad, with a fine edge.

Use a calligraphic brush and fabric paint. This method requires a sure hand and some practice.

You could use a foam paintbrush with a fine edge. Hold the paintbrush at an angle, as you would a calligraphy pen.

Dip the brush in paint and move with the same strokes you would employ in writing. Remember that foam brushes absorb a lot of paint: use a light touch to avoid squeezing excess paint onto your design.

 Use a symmetric design

 Tina's off centre, though balanced design

 Lyn's bold gratitude

 Uncial dream

Ghita's peace

Above all… experiment and have FUN!