A few calligraphy firsts

July 28th, 2010

This is the first time I’ve written in white ink on kraft paper. I tried about 4 different brands of white ink, each less opaque than the last. The one I settled on is extremely opaque, almost too thick that it gooped in some spots. But I bent it to my will.

The envelopes will house save-the-date invites that stationer Sarah Parrott will be creating. The couple is having their wedding this fall on a tiny island off North Carolina (I want to be there!!).

Calligraphy

Calligraphy

Calligraphy

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This is the first time I’ve calligraphed Icelandic characters. I met with the groom, who is from Iceland, to go over how to write some of the glyphs, such as Eth’s and Thorn’s. I learned that all Icelanders surnames are literally “Son of Jon” or “Daughter of Jon” – son or daughter of the father’s given name – and that is how lineage is traced. It is very Lord of the Rings! More than a quarter of the guests will be coming from Iceland. It’s only like a 5 hour flight from Boston…hmmm…

Their wedding is this fall in the bride’s hometown of Philadelphia. To go with the fall theme and the colors they chose for the invites, I used an ink color in “burnt sienna.”

Calligraphy

Calligraphy

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7 Responses to “A few calligraphy firsts”

  1. Cirilia Says:

    Why is everything having to do with Iceland SO BEAUTIFUL?!

    Wonderful work, Li!

  2. twoguineapigs Says:

    You calligraphy is getting better and better – very professionally done!
    Great work, Li!

  3. Kate Z Says:

    Lovely work! The Icelandic names turned out beautifully, and the white ink is stunning. What type do you use to get such crisp opacity?

  4. amie Says:

    this is awesome calligraphy – beautiful!

  5. Abby Christensen Says:

    Oooh burnt sienna. How very Bob Ross of you. Now I’m picturing you speaking in a soft voice describing how to to write out all the happy little letters.

  6. Sarah Says:

    haha, love Abby’s comment. I LOVE how the kraft + white ink came out. So beautiful. Your calligraphy keeps getting better and better! Happy the white ink worked too! :)

  7. Emily Says:

    These are so so so pretty!! I wish I needed calligraphy because I would totally hire you for a job!