Getting distracted

A couple of weeks ago I had every intention of diligently pursuing Dr. Joe Vitolo's videos on IAMPETH on Copperplate majuscules, but I appear to have got distracted by several other things and am yet to find the time to watch them.

First off I received my copy of Ken Fraser's Copperplate Handwriting and spent some time going back to basics and working my way through some pages of exercises. I won't go into too much detail here as I intend to write a proper review of it as soon as I get the chance. Then the builders moved in at home, bringing with them their own special kind of chaos; next I thought I'd try my hand at some offhand flourishing exercises (which is an excellent way of ruining a perfectly serviceable nib, but very satisfying all the same - pictures to follow); and finally I received my list of envelope exchange addresses for the next 6 months :-)

The envelope exchange is run by the CLAS Copperplate Special Interest Group and basically means you complete an envelope design for a different person each month. It's great because not only do you have a small project to focus on, but you get to receive a lovely envelope each month too. Obviously I'm not going to be posting pictures of people's names and addresses, but let's just say that the one I've sent this month is PURPLE with silver ink :-) (and even a small attempt at a flourish in the corner). I'm quite pleased with the way it's turned out, but have learnt that Winsor & Newton metallic inks need to be thinned with water before being used for pointed pen work.

Things I'm looking forward to include:

• receiving my fist envelope exchange envelope
• receiving my latest order from John Neal Bookseller, which includes a DVD on flourishing techniques and some nibs to play with
• attending some workshops with renowned local calligrapher Gaynor Goffe
• learning Carolingian at my class tomorrow evening

And because this post would be otherwise entirely devoid of pretty pictures, here's some Crab Apple blossom: