Saturday, January 05, 2013

Calligraphy In 2012 (And Moving Forward)

This 2012, I started getting into calligraphy through Fozzy Castro-Dayrit's influence. I admired her work and checked her blog regularly, followed her instagram and even her twitter account! That could count as stalking in some countries, but in my defense, it really led me to get into the craft and do something with it. Now I am not about to offer any envelope writing jobs just yet, but this stuff is really addicting! I've always been into lettering, but calligraphy allows one to add some finesse to the art of writing.

Blue ink with green marker



My journey started when I chanced upon Scribe Writing Essentials at Powerbooks Greenbelt 3. I wanted to buy Daycraft paper and saw Brause pens and J Herbin inks on display. The nice sales lady showed me some samples and taught me how to use the pen. After a few minutes, I went on my way with getting ink cartridges for the Brause italic calligraphy pen in 2.3 mm. Eventually, I got the chance to experiment with J Herbin semi flexi nibs which I got from Scribe at the Eastwood branch. Nakakakilig! Flourished script is the style that made me fall inlove with calligraphy in the first place! I tried out so many paper and figured out that Rhodia fares well with both ink and poster paint, while Moleskine is pretty much better off with journaling and sketching. Daycraft is 50/50 because it goes well with Italic nibs, but not that much with flexy because of the pointed tip (I tend to scratch the paper). I am trying out that dotted notebook from Muji at the moment, and it seems to be doing well so far.

Most of my nibs are now rusty, and Scribe is no longer available at Powerbooks Greenbelt 3 so I have to make do with them for now. I'm eager to stock on more calligraphy supplies and I really wish materials are readily available in the Philippines, but they aren't as popular as I hoped they would be (yeah, considering that there are calligraphy and crafting workshops left and right these days). But the good news is, my uncle agreed to buy stuff for me from the U.S. and I will be getting my hands on Speedball Hunt 99 and Imperial 101s and more J Herbin nibs next month! Eeeeeep just thinking about it makes me giddy! Can't wait for Feb already!


Anyway, here's a collection of calligraphy stuff that I did this year.


I made holiday cards this year and gave them out to my family and relatives.

 It’s easy. #calligraphy #doodles 
Of course, when I have nothing to say, I just write lyrics!

Encouragement. #lyrics
More lyrics, this time by Morrisey

An experiment with gouache and different colors.

 Progress will follow, but first, enjoy the process. #doodles #calligraphy 
Doodles + calligraphy = L.O.V.E! (Yes, kailangan nagrarhyme)

And these are words of inspiration that I go back to everytime I feel that I am up to no good. Isn't it encouraging? 



I hope to share encouraging words to others through calligraphy, even if sometimes the words are not my own. I want to spread some positivity and inspiration to others even if it's done with  imperfect handwriting. This craft is immensely enjoyable and gratifying, and I hope I get to do this for a very long time. :)

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