Done is Better than...

Lately, I've been busy, busy creating for Nele (my snail mail pal in Belgium), and i love it!

Here is a piece where the layout could be used for so many quotes.

 (orig. inspo:  https://www.instagram.com/p/CcQjUClr1w-/?epik=dj0yJnU9Y1FsbTdvT25xNmpxN1hDa01wbnVnZkE0OUZpTjFnY1cmcD0wJm49TUt1ck9Db1RtWXdDRTQ5c1pjZ2NvQSZ0PUFBQUFBR1FNMk9j )

I'm sure there's an easier/better way to do this, but for now, here is my process:

Used a C nib for "Done" and "Than", and also lettered the rest on another sheet of paper, then used a white tracing sheet to transfer.

The outlining was tricky, as at first I tried a white gel pen. That didn't work (the textured paper didn't help), so then I tried a Posca pen, and that was too much, so I ended up with white ink. (I used a perm. black marker for the other). Wish I had just lettered in white, like the T's. (Sakura callig marker)

For "Perfect", I outlined with Bleed proof white, then filled in.

*I just got an idea for the R -- make 3d!

This ironically turned out rather "perfect" since it's so flawed. It's not too bad, except for the 2nd line, and my C is too long & thin. Am wondering if using masking fluid would be a better technique.

 

New ink (meh).

Got this at a local fountain pen store. The main reason was the color (bright pink). However, as you can see, it feathers.  😕😔

It also has a rather "alcohol-y" smell.

The only good part is that I got a lot for the price.

Mixed it with my Ferris Wheel Press Orange color.

 

hello Spring! (alpha garden letters)

 I have so much fun with these, and this time, am loving how my watercolor flowers turned out.

homemade mini folded pen & green India ink

slant tip Parallel Pen

same.

*see Alpha Garden tag on my Snail Mail blog for more samples:

https://snailmailingmadness.blogspot.com/search/label/Alpha%20Garden

And just for fun, because of spring, I made this piece, which is a take off from an IG post
(orig. inspo, part of a bigger piece: https://www.instagram.com/p/CCqH29eDkWO/?epik=dj0yJnU9QUpERFRxVXhPM1ZleHB1UVJ3c0t4dHc2bFRzU1BrQ2cmcD0wJm49MWdzd1dkQlpVQ3RvNERzZFEzcjI5ZyZ0PUFBQUFBR1FNeUxn )

Did both vert. & horiz. (i like top one better)

mini folded pen and gouache (pink), white Posca marker for "difference".

Mixing colors (again!)

Playing with my new slant tip PP & Vanness ink.

funky alpha

Walnut ink too

Name of ink (dusk in bloom -- light blue)

One of their songs came on while lettering (and I didn't know what to letter).

 

another exemplar

Cannot remember which fp I used (I need to start making notes!)

Walnut ink w/drop in colors.

Home is...

Another piece for Nele, but this one was my 2nd attempt, which I like better! 

(my first one is further down)

Happy Accident here:  I love how the inks mixed.

This is the original. Wanted to do in primary colors b/c of Art. I may send her both.

 

"Healing" piece

 I've been in major creative mode lately (mainly making pieces for my Belgium snail mail pal, Nele), and this is one piece I was thrilled about (although I need to redo).

I messed up some of the top lettering, but overall, not bad!

Here's a video slideshow of my process. Scroll to see stills:

The inspiration (Betina Naab, found on flickr) -- no idea what it says.

the sketch

Lettering the bottom part (btw, it's "Pain" not "Pan", as it's a ligature).

I also blocked off the negative space i needed to cut out for stenciling.

Then I cut to make the stencil (yay, it stayed in-tact!)

Next, I used color pencil and layered the words.

Another view.

I then lettered in script, using an extra fine tip Posca pen. See words below. (I'm so mad though, as I messed up the F in the last word -- I effed up the F! 😆 And the word "healing" --  I plan to do that in just gold. Plus, my lettering got uneven. Sigh.

Am also thinking of creating bigger with paint on canvas! Wish me luck if I attempt that.

Script lettering:

"To heal is to feel."

"Feeling starts the healing."

"Trauma changes the brain, but so does healing."

"Self love."

"Understanding."

"Compassion."

"Forgiveness"