Celebrating 90 Years

I have some amazing family members, my uncle is most definitely on the top of my list.  I can't even being to imagine all the things my uncle has seen and done in his 90 years. I can tell you he has a great sense of humor and a big heart. His gift had to resemble him, simple, uncomplicated, and to the point.  I decided that this quote was perfect to mark this memorable birthday.

Keep Calm and Letter On,

Susan

Closing a Chapter

On Friday I said good-bye to my last retail employer.  I've decided that in order to pursue my calligraphic aspirations I will need to find a 9 to 5 job.  I developed a special friendship with a fellow coworker Rebecca, who was very interested in calligraphy.  On those very slow days and evenings I found myself teaching some basic techniques about copperplates script. Using a pencil and scrap paper I demonstrated the thick and thin lines of the letter shapes.  To encourage Rebecca to continue learning about copperplates script I gave her this folder full of paper with guidelines, samples of upper and lower case lettering.  I'm thankful for this wonderful opportunity to share my love of lettering. 

The color of the folder is purple, I use Dr. Martin Bleed Proof White Ink, Hunt 56 nib and Miracle Wedge paint brush to make the rose.  

Susan

Graduation Announcements Announcements

The years are flying by way to fast, and here I find myself getting ready for my last child to graduate from high schools.  As I'm sure many parents feel, it's definitely a bitter sweet event.

On the envelopes I used a mix of green gouache, I used a  hunt 56 nib in an oblique holder.  I included some wallet size pictures from Sarah's senior year.

This was a labor of love for my daughter, and myself.  Ready to book your event, just let me know.

Susan

Good to be Back

I'm back, and so excited about posting on my blog again.  So many things have change in my world since my last post, but the one constant is my creativity and calligraphy.  With that said, let's jump into a wedding I recently completed.

The bride wanted to incorporate two different lettering styles into the envelopes.

Here's the table numbers for the tables in the banquet room.








Here are the place cards, and their table numbers...

I made these as a gift to the bride and groom.

The bride and groom were married this past weekend! And they lived happily ever after! 

The End

Susan

Christmas Tree Tutuorial

CHRISTMAS TREE TUTORIAL

This will be my first tutorial for 2011, and this project is so easy I know you'll want to make your own Christmas Tree.  Supplies you will need:  Poster board, hot glue gun, Mod Podge, acrylic paints, lace, trims, beads, flowers.  I have accumulated a variety of trims over the years.  When shopping I find its best to create a small goodie bag of trim, don't forget to check out both the wedding section as well as the children's bead section, you will save money this way.  

Step 1:  Make your cone with your poster board. Tape, staple or hot glue it together.  Next you will paint your base any color you like using acrylic paints, I selected to paint my gold.

Step 2:  Add your base layer of fabric, trim, or lace.  I purchased this lace just recently at a garage sale and used it as my base layer.   Layer your lace on to the poster board with Mod Podge and allow to dry completely.  I let mine dry over night before going on to the next step.  

Step 3:  Begin with the wide trim at the top and wrap it down the tree, I then added the beaded trim . Next a small strand of pearls, and lastly the large beads.  These large beads were in the children's section, I just cut them off the strand and hot glued those babies on.  

Step 4:  To create my tree topper I selected flowers from the bridal section, hot glued them into the hole at the top of my cone.  

TA DA, the completed Christmas Tree

This tree stands about 19 inches tall but you can make yours any size you'd like using different colors,  trims, beads, pearls, etc.  

Please send me pictures of the ones you make and leave a comment.

xxx

Susan

Decorative Bali Lantern Workshop

Decorative Bali Lantern Workshop

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of teaching how to make a Decorative Bali Lantern which is fashioned after the Balinese lanterns made for celebrations.  The twist is in the materials used to make the lantern.  My student, Kristen graduated from college with an art degree, and is now teaching art to high school students.  After talking about products, materials and doing some demonstrations, it was time for Kristen to work.  In this workshop, I gave Kristen the option to make a large or small lantern.

demonstration with a smile

Kristen painting her background

Kristen lettering her panels

Kristen's putting her lantern together

Kristen's completed lantern

One happy student.  LOVE IT!!

Here are a couple that I recently completed.  The quote on the lantern is all mine!!!

It's also fun to make triangle shape lanterns.

This is the lantern that was published in Somerset Studio Magazine.

In closing, I would like to thank my dear teacher Lisa Engelbrecht for the inspirational video.

Your Creative Friend

Susan

BALI LANTERN WORKSHOP

I'm so excited to share with you my first workshop at the Union Community Center. I'm really hoping those of you who live in the Tri State area will join me for this fulfilled workshop.

BALI LANTERN WORKSHOP

Date:  July 30, 2011

Time:  9 To 4 (doors open at 9 for set up)

Where:  Union Community Center, Union KY

Cost:  $100 (material for lantern included)  ***Register by July 22, only $65.00***

Class:  This class will be a time of creativity where we will share inspiration while learning how to make a unique Bali Lantern ( a fabric decorative lantern).  We will explore painting simple backgrounds on fabric as well as some layering techniques.  Lettering on fabric with different tools will be demonstrated.  Each artist will then get to explore her own innate lettering style on fabric using quotes, personal writings or favorite words.  After each demonstration students will have time to work on their own Bali Lantern.  No experience necessary, just bring your imagination and creativity.

Notes: 

1)  In order to optimize on the learning experience class size will be limited. We will take a short lunch       break, so please pack your lunch and we will eat together.

2) You will receive chip board, cotton fabric, template and instructions.

3)  Supplies to bring:  Zig Markers/Calligraphy, fabric pens and inks, FW inks, Pearlescents, rubber stamps, Rub on words, Yes glue, fabric glue, Jewel It, beads, charms, scrap fabric, any writing tools, gel pens, awl, floss, big sewing needle for floss, brushes (flat and pointed), ruler, scissors, and any other tools you like to work with.  **If you don't have some of these supplies, don't worry about it.

If you have a question please email me at:   susanhouseman@insightbb.com
*PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 25TH ****NO REFUNDS****


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Please send check to Susan Houseman 1087 Bold Forbes Court, Union, KY 41091, include all your information.