Poetry Pieces Update

It seems that giving instructions and notes about using larger sheets of paper allows students to have a heart-flutter or two. A3 paper is really only double A4 and gives marginally more space to work on. In fact, I often feel that working on A3 gives the artist space to breathe.

Today we stretched paper, created colour swatches and writing samples ready for the writing in the next few days. We used tracing paper to work out ideal placement, so hopefully all is ready to complete some great work.

We have three 'finished' pieces to enjoy. Two on canvas and one on water colour paper. Next time I will add  the the completed poems on good paper, hopefully completed and beautifully executed.

 Brenda's piece

 A-MM: Life is Beautiful on canvas - using acrylic, gouache and Chinese ink

A-MM: Live life Radiantly on canvas. Water colour, gouache, Chinese ink, walnut ink

Quick Concertinas and Homework

Well, if you are a true bookmaker there is never anything like a 'quick' anything, but concertina books can be quickly made for a card or a gift. A more ambitious creation can be turned into a beautiful quote book with decorated letters which is what the Penfriends students have been working on for the past few months.

Of course, making a cover for the books can be tricky, unless (again not if you are a meticulous book-binder) you take it step by step and are not too worried about perfect touching corners. I feel that most times the good pages cover the imperfections and for our needs works well.

Here are a few pointers:

Choose paper that is not shiny and suitable for the quotations chosen taking into account the words and colours used. I find that scrapbooking paper is great. Cut two covers out of mount board or similar firm cardboard, about 1 centimeter larger than the actual book. Cut the cover paper about 2 cms larger than the board.

 Place the board with a 2 cms border of cover paper onto the decorative paper. Score against the edges of board with a bone folder or awl.

 Fold the corners at right angles to the board. Fold.

 Cut the corner a little away from the fold.

 Corner nearly perfect.

 To stick the book together we used double-sided tape. Place the cardboard over the stripped tape. Then use strips of double sided tape for the sides of the paper, folding the paper into the card. Use your bone folder to 'crisp up'.

Place concertina book on covers. Add ribbon between the back cover and book or add after the book is complete. The choice is yours.

And here is Jeannette with here nearly completed concertina book! Note ribbon under left hand. It is secured between the back page and book and will wind around the closed book to finish it off.

Homework for all:
Complete book covers for concertina books.
Bring heavy card for portfolios.

Tin Quotes
Prepare paper for small tin boxes. 7x11 cms size is ideal. Round the corners if you would like to.
Please remember you will need to make sure that nib sizes and quotes fit onto the page. Remember to leave a border around each written piece.
Be aware of ink/gouache colour.
If you draw lines on your paper take care to be light handed.

It is a good idea to do a few layouts [thumb nail sketches] so that you have an idea of how your writing progresses.

Suggested ideas for working the various quotes.
1] Take a quote and find a word to highlight. Use capital letters for this word.
2] Take a quote and use 'Boustrophedonic' style writing.
3] Brush lettering for one or two words.
4] Stacked Roman Capitals [pencils?].
5[ Italic Flourish.
6] Foundational.
7] Compressed.
8] Your own choice.
9] Don't forget a cover.

Please remember Wednesday 10 July: Calligraphy on Canvas
All day workshop: 9h30 - 16h00
R200 which includes tuition and refreshments.
Booking essential.

Until further notice Tuesday morning group will amalgamate with the Thursday morning group.
9h30 - 12h00.

Happy working and remember this quote from Salvador Dali: 'Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it', so we are all off the hook!

Browsing through Shops & Tuesdays & Thursdays - Homework

I suppose like most of you I enjoy browsing art shops, book shops, paper...Well I just love browsing and seeing what new materials, paper and inks have been introduced. 

In Johannesburg I have a wonderful contacts at Herbert Evans Art Stores in both Rosebank and Fourways. The staff are extremely helpful and keen to search for new calligraphy inks and nibs. So let's be positive and perhaps we will be surprised by the next shipment. Canson, gros grain ribbon and board can be found along the newly set out shelves. If all else fails please speak to Steven or Juanli in Rosebank or Dee at Fourways.

For special papers I find that Paper Cafe in Glenhove Road has some interesting papers and ribbon. Claudia of Scrapalicious in Waverley has lovely scrapbooking paper as does Karin of Kartworks. Please mail me should you wish to make contact. dmoore@iafrica.com

The class work and your dedication is really great, thank you for your enthusiasm.

Tuesday and Thursday homework: 

Concertina Books: Please complete as much as you can. Cut covers out of board, 1cm larger all round, than the book size. Please find some suitable paper to cover the board. Paper should be firm and compliment the interior of the book. Grosgrain ribbon to match. [About 2 metres].

Portfolio preparation: Please buy an A2 heavy card for your portfolio cover. Try to find a suitable colour in Canson. Grosgrain ribbon to match. [About 2 metres].

Board for Block pieces. Please buy black backing board/mount board as a background for your abstract block project and heavy duty double-sided tape. 

Tin Book Project: Use Canson paper which matches the colours of the tin. I find that 7cmx11cm size pieces work well. Round the corners for a more professional finish. Ten pieces are required. Please prepare more pages should you wish to. Collect quotes for the paper. 

Lettering: Please continue to practice the lettering you are learning.

Enjoy the week.

Anne-Marie

Penfriends Calligraphy - 30 years to celebrate

When I first started teaching I was (as we all are when we begin our new professions) enthusiastic and excited. I enjoyed every moment I spent with the little ones I taught. I was soon given the more challenging children and soon discovered that music and creativity was a great way to develop any confidence and enthusiasm which was well hidden.

This stood me in good stead for my own mothering and after my children had out-grown their dependence of me and thought their teacher's knew all and friend of mine and I decided we needed a hobby to move us from nappy changing whizz-kids to people with a little more than a degree in baby-burping. Kirsty and I scoured the Adult Education rosters and enrolled for courses on Chaucer and the Medieval culture, Bach and the Beetles and discovered that we did have brains after all and could converse at tedious dinner parties on more than the latest medication for German measles. Both of us decided that we now required 'creativity' in our lives and skipped cake icing for calligraphy which through the years has been the correct choice.

I discovered a passion for letters. Love the curve of a 'C' and the search for the perfect round 'O'. After a short course (dare I share this?) I was implored by a few friends to 'please teach us too' and so a class was organised and my first group consisted of five friends who sat around the dining room table. I taught with more enthusiasm than expertise, but my next teaching path was set. From these humble beginnings my teaching moved from dining room to studio which now has seen many students who share my love for letterform and who enjoy the challenges set in creative projects and the continued search for the perfect 'O'.

A single bracelet does not jingle - A-MM

Fortunately for all concerned my calligraphic expertise has been assisted by my concerted efforts to learn from the masters who include such luminaries as Dick Beasly, Denys Taipele, Stan Knight, Sheila Waters and her son Julian. Tim Botts, Denis Brown and many courses through the Roehampton College with Margaret Daubney can be included. I have also been fortunate to visit Maryland and Winchester, London and Cape Town to learn from calligraphers of great talent and expertise. Many of these people have stayed with me and I have some exquisite pieces created by them which grace my studio walls.

More recently Yves Laterme, Carl Rohrs and Massimo Pallermo have visited South Africa and left their particular mark on the calligraphers who so adeptly follow their progress. Ewan Clayton was a special visitor who spent hours talking calligraphy as did Beasly, who was so kind to our children.

Of course we have many talented South African calligraphers and Lin Kerr who now lives in England must be named as one, together with Heleen de Haas, Pam Jones and Paddy Balsdon are a few among many, many new and gifted calligraphers.

Thinking out of the Box

In 2013 I celebrate 30 years of teaching one of my passions: calligraphy. The many students who have sat around my studio tables, nibs poised, have enriched my life in so many ways. Thank you for trusting that we can always be creative and thank you for always allowing me to continue to search for that inimitable 'O'. The studio byline: 'Friendship through penmanship' could not ring more true.

One of my favorite quotations is: 'A single bracelet does not jingle'. This is true. Without the support of family, friends and students I would have little to celebrate this year.

So far 2013 has been packed with projects, highlights and of course, calligraphy. Next posting will be projects so far. You will be delighted and amazed.

The Intrepid Thursday morning group 

Versal Workshop - Pretoria

It is always a privilege to be invited to present a workshop. I was invited to Margo's guild in Pretoria where we 'initiated' her delightful new studio. With lots of light and space, we all fitted in and enjoyed the wonderful facilities. We talked about Roman Skeleton Letters and how important they are as a basis for creating beautiful letters.

 A-M demonstrating a Versal Letter.

 Some of the work created by students

And then you have to stretch!

Another piece

Colour work

And then we have the pencil!

Thank you Margo and ladies for a wonderful afternoon.

Penfriends' Scarborough Retreat 2010

I sit now now in Belleville [or really Eversdal] in the 'north' of Cape Town after a wonderful week at Scarborough where the first ever Penfriends Studio retreat was held.

Six students and I settled into the beautiful surroundings of our Scarborough retreat home - which is really Felicity's home - and which overlooks the ocean and beach of Scarborough - or Misty Cliffs as it is now called. Lyn and Karin had their 'home' in Muizenburg and commuted every day, Jill and Ghita shared accommodation, I had my own space.

Our daily routine was simple, up for breakfast, look for whales, breakfast, look for whales and then on with the daily programme - and look for whales.

Much laughter and enjoyment was shared. Exercises were set and completed - creative colour work, design and letterform as well as creative art on black ink with touches of colour. {I shall add the instructions on my return].

The whales eventually displayed themselves on our last day which was filled with sunlight and little wind. All of us were delighted with the sightings of these remarkable creatures.

Each of us left with six completed creative pieces and we all left planning our next retreat in the Lydenburg district in November 2011. Book your place NOW!