I have recently joked about how the difference between experienced and less experienced calligraphers is NOT about making less mistakes…. it is about the ability to pivot, redirect, and finish the project.
My niece made her first reconciliation this spring…. I have been planning to test out 2 different card stock options to make my own cards on! I thought it was the perfect use. In the past I have discovered that there are many black brush pens that “reactivate” on the paper I used to use to make my cards (Canson XL cold press 140lb paper) and bleeds into EVERYTHING! I decided to disregard that paper testing and just go for it!
I chose 2 different brush pens and 2 different cardstock options both 199gsm white paper. I was pleasantly surprised with the results that I still need to edit the video I take to refer back to looking at what worked or where it went wrong. However, I knew the “blessed” card would be for her and I was less than thrilled with the location of the writing on the card… I also was out of time and barely able to finish it before her mom stopped by on the way home from school/work to pick it up so she could wear the earrings for the ceremony the next day….
Was the “mistake” a problem? Only in my mind! I know that she would have loved it just because she loves my calligraphy, asks me to teach her, and sees how much time and love goes into the writing. (I also adjusted some of the other cards with “brave” because I wanted to adjust the spacing slightly) None of the cards are “perfect” and it is not realistic for me to have that as an expectation. These cards all have idiosyncrasies and quirks that make them all unique limited edition hand crafted pieces of art.
My fix…
Did I have to adjust anything on the cards? Absolutely not! She would love it just as much. Did I have the thought of “I need to start over”? Only slightly… I absolutely would have in the beginning of my calligraphy journey. The difference now is that I keep a calm head and think what can be done… Not to mention the time crunch but that is also where I get in my own head about deadlines and stressing out over them.
I found ideas for line art that I felt matched the occasion…. I got a text from my sister that they were both to the point of tears and could feel how much I love her from the physical card, the intention behind it, and the message it carried.