Gazing Through Glass

I’ve recently joked that the difference between experienced and less experienced calligraphers isn’t that seasoned artists make fewer mistakes; it is that they’ve learned how to pivot, redirect, and finish the project. 

Sometimes the “mistakes” we obsess over are visible only to us. And sometimes the things that make a piece imperfect are exactly the spark that makes it memorable.

Inside this full article, I am sharing the card-making process, my unexpected fix, the paper and pen testing results, and the text message from my sister that reminded me what handmade art is really about.

Perfectionism almost stopped my progress before I ever had the chance to grow. In my early calligraphy days, the need to control everything I wrote during my practice sessions almost prevented me from improving. Learning to let go didn’t mean ignoring that part of myself, but instead choosing to not let my imperfections lead me during critical practice. I needed to force myself to keep going after mistakes, smudges, and awkward letters, even when my instinct told me to start over. The result wasn’t flawless, but it was honest, freeing, and a reminder that real progress happens when you embrace the chaos. I learned to keep creating and allow that practice to bring joy to both myself and possibly you (You can feel comfort in watching me stomp of my "perfectness).  Perfection will be nothing but a stumbling block in your creative flow.

Drop shadows are an amazing tool to really get your lettering to pop. This blog (with 3 video tutorials) discusses some of the specific techniques you can use, problem areas to be aware of and avoid, and guides you through 3 tutorials. Let us know what you think and if you were inspired to take it a step further!

  This video will explore both the subjects of Mud and Neighboring Colors on the color wheel.  If you are still not quite sure about the color wh...

Making Mud 103 continues to address the problem of “muddy” watercolors happening on your paintings. In Mud 101, we saw how over mixing our waterc...

Making mud with 3 different watercolor colors.