Craftside

Tips on flourishing techniques from the book Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering by Lisa Engelbrecht

Here are some fun tips and techniques on adding flourishes to your hand lettering and art from the book Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering: A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists. If you would like lots more, like all of them in the book, you could score yourself your very own copy by leaving your answer to today's question:

What do you think of your penmanship? Love it? Hate it?

Leave your answer in today's comment section by midnight ET on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 and you are in the running!

If you are into hand lettering and want to explore all sorts of styles and designs, check out:

 Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering:

A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists

By

Lisa Engelbrecht

Calligraphy, the art of elegant, beautiful lettering, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.

This new-in-paperback book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.

 Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations break down each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke and a large collection of gallery images provides further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

Lisa Engelbrecht (Long Beach, CA) is a lettering artist and was an instructor of calligraphy at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where she instituted a Certificate in Calligraphy. She teaches workshops and classes around the country specializing in lettering on fabric and alternative surfaces, experimental lettering and the creative process.

 

A weekend full of crafting at Unique LA and links to fun crafts

OMG! Too much awesome creativity happened this weekend in the Craftside Craft Zone at Unique LA!

Lisa Engelbrecht author of Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering: A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists shared her hand lettering magic with so many visitors to the Craftside Craft Zone that she ran out of paper! A few people loved her work so much she was using the back side of scraps of paper so they wouldn't leave empty handed!

Since we are in Los Angeles, a very diverse city, when you host a Craft Zone you get visitors that range from Playboy Bunny and Dancing with the Stars beauty Kelly Monaco and her cute as a button daughter to hunky hip hop dudes! Jeannine Stein had so much fun she spent the entire day making fun 3-D explosion books with guests with no breaks! She had a tiny handful of the kits left after the show which she graciously gave to me to include in upcoming giveaways! So stay tuned Craftside readers and lovers of book making!

In between Lisa Engelbrecht and Jeannine Stein, there was Tamara Berg instructing our crafty visitors on how to make champagne cage chairs that are just beyond cute!

Thanks to all who came by and crafted with us! See you at the next show.

More about Lisa Engelbrecht's book:

Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering:

A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists

By

Lisa Engelbrecht

From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, there are so many fun places for calligraphy. This new-in-paperback book introduces a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.

 Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations break down each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke and a large collection of gallery images provides further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

Lisa Engelbrecht (Long Beach, CA) is a lettering artist and was an instructor of calligraphy at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where she instituted a Certificate in Calligraphy. She teaches workshops and classes around the country specializing in lettering on fabric and alternative surfaces, experimental lettering and the creative process.

And Jeannine Stein's

Adventures In Bookbinding:

Handcrafting Mixed-Media Books

and

Re-Bound
Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials

And to crafty links!

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Who doesn't recycle cards and gift bags these days? This was a real simple recycling project. Look at the card Jackie gave Eileen for her birthday; and then see how Jackie received it back on hers!

About Family Crafts
Watch these videos and learn how easy it is to decoupage!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen offers you a slide show demonstrating how to create your own vibrant deli paper backgrounds.

Beading Arts
Don't miss our next giveaway package from the fabulous Cherry Tree Beads!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi shows off three years of hand cut silhouettes!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Find out how you can show your patriotism while you have fun crocheting.

The Crochet Dude
Drew announces tour dates for his Summer Boot Camp Series!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Learn how to make a sock gift card.

 

Eye candy and crafts from the designers hosting Make and Takes at Unique LA

As the sign says, "PLAY"! We're going to be doing a lot of that this weekend at Unique LA. This is the beautiful art by Lisa Engelbrecht, author of Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering: A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists.

Pop on over to Lisa's blog for some fabulous eye candy, and if you want to kick your writing into high gear, grab yourself a copy of:

Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering:

A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists

By

Lisa Engelbrecht

Calligraphy, the art of elegant, beautiful lettering, has increased in popularity over the last several years, from brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works. This new-in-paperback book introduces a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.

 Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations break down each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke and a large collection of gallery images provides further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

Lisa Engelbrecht (Long Beach, CA) is a lettering artist and was an instructor of calligraphy at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where she instituted a Certificate in Calligraphy. She teaches workshops and classes around the country specializing in lettering on fabric and alternative surfaces, experimental lettering and the creative process.

-------------------------------------------------

Jeannine Stein will be hosting this fun 3-D explosion book that has room for photos, memorabilia and more. No bookbinding experience is necessary to make this easy no-sew book that can be put together in minutes.

 Jeannine Stein is the author of:

Adventures In Bookbinding:

Handcrafting Mixed-Media Books

and

Re-Bound
Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials

Another of our guest designers:

Tamara Berg will be hosting a Make and Take featuring these great little bistro chairs made from champagne cages. Can't be at Unique LA on Saturday? Pop on over to Tamara's blog and watch her fun video tutorial on how to make champagne cage chairs.

And:

The Chainmaille Lady will be making darling little creature chain link charms. Over at The Chainmaille Lady's blog, she's got a great tutorial on how to make Tri-Mobius Chainmaille Earrings.

There will lots more designers hosting and lots more free projects, along with our free gift wrapping zone!

I look forward to seeing you all at Unique LA, and have a great Mother's Day weekend!

Image drawn using the word it is as the texture inspired by the book The Best of Cover Design

Books that are collections of the best of things are amazing resources of inspiration. Such is the case with  The Best of Cover Design. This page features the book cover "Alphabeasties," which are animals drawn using the first letter of their name (such as the alligator is drawn using upper, lower, regular and bold letter A's).

So I thought I'd try this technique of drawing with letters. I chose a knot and the word "knot nice."

I started so old school by first making a knot to sketch the shape in pencil. I used my draft dodger made from a recycled sweater sleeve as my model. Talk about repurposing! And yes, that is a Hello Kitty pencil. Nothing says your pencils have to be plain yellow.

Then all I did was write the phrase "knot nice" within the sketched pencil lines as I imagine the texture of the rope might be. It was a fun technique - I highly recommend trying it on an ATC, altered journal page or as I did on a greeting card.

Like "best of" inspiration like I do? Then check out:

The Best of Cover Design:

Books, Magazines, Catalogs, and More

By

Altitude Associates

You can't judge a book by its cover, or so the saying goes. We beg to differ.

Each of us is exposed to several thousand messages a day. To be successful, covers not only have to stand out amongst all the clutter, but they also need to make an instant connection with viewers. Designing covers isn't an easy task. It's a minefield of requirements, constraints, and subjective opinions, oftentimes resulting in what we like to call the “design-by-committee pit of despair.” Make the logo bigger. The CEO's daughter doesn't like orange; change it. The sales team begins art directing. Welcome to the land of mediocrity. We've all been there, and it requires ninja-like skills to traverse and emerge in one piece. Despite the challenges, some covers clearly rise to the top. You can't help but pick up the magazine, open the brochure, or buy the book. They draw you in through their cleverness, simplicity, or boldness. These are the covers contained herein.

Of the more than 2,000 covers received, the authors had the dubious task of selecting about 350 to be featured in  The Best of Cover Design. The chosen covers were selected based on their initial visual impact and effectiveness in conveying the message within. It is an inspiration feast for the eyes.

 

Three samples of extreme letter styles from the book Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering by Lisa Engelbrecht

Write something fancy today! Or start working on some special Valentines. For a bit of inspiration check out these three extreme letter styles from the book Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering: A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists.

Like writing in all sorts of styles and want some great tutorials and inspiration? Then grab yourself a copy of:

Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering:

A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists

By

Lisa Engelbrecht

Calligraphy, the art of elegant, beautiful lettering, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.

This new-in-paperback book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.

 Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations break down each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke and a large collection of gallery images provides further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

Lisa Engelbrecht (Long Beach, CA) is a lettering artist and was an instructor of calligraphy at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, where she instituted a Certificate in Calligraphy. She teaches workshops and classes around the country specializing in lettering on fabric and alternative surfaces, experimental lettering and the creative process.