Christmas Commision

While at my husbands' Christmas party, I was sharing a few pictures of my calligraphic work, hoping to sell some of my fabric Christmas ornaments.  So, it was indeed a pleasant surprise to receive a commission instead.

My client had just one request, no girly / fancy script.  This request allowed for my artistic interpretations.  My challenge was finding the magic to bring these words to life.   After several attempts at different lettering styles and rough drafts I was still just looking at words.  It was during a conversation with my husband, where I was explaining that the right combinations of lettering styles and artwork would bring the quote to life.  My dear husband made a few suggestions and one of them touched my heart and I knew the direction for this piece.

When my client saw the piece she was brought to tears and had to send me this picture as soon as she had a framed.    What a wonderful Christmas present for me as well!

I love being an artist, student, teacher and connoisseur of Calligraphy - the art of beautiful lettering.

Your Creative Friend

Susan

Christmas Ornament

How time flies when your world has been turned upside down.  Since my last post we have  sold our old home, moved to a different state, purchased a new home all for my husband's new job.  Despite what life has thrown my way, my creative spirit still finds a way to shine. Here is one of the many projects going on in my studio. In the past I have made star shaped ornaments, but this year the heart shape was my inspiration.  I really enjoy making this little ornament and thought I would share the techniques on how to make them.  

Here is my supply list: 1) muslin 2) FW Ink red (pick your favorite reds) 3) white acrylic paint 4) textile medium (this helps spread the acrylic paint) 5) Pearlizing Medium  6) Fabric Paint gold color 7) Glamour Dust ultra fine glitter paint 8) Golden Iridescent Gold (Fine) a 1/2 inch flat brush, a vintage pointed nib, and uni-ball Signo white pen.  

Cut your muslin into sheets of 11 x 17, or whatever size you like.

 Then paint the fabric and let it dry.

Using your  brush, nib and pen to create texture with different lettering styles.  While this is drying,  letter the word JOY on a small piece of painted muslin, once dry add a piece of burlap and sew together

Using your heart stencil cut out your shapes, sew everything together and stuff.   

Enjoy making your one of a kind ornament this season.  You can purchase my heart ornament at my Etsy store.  

Your Creative Friend,

Susan