Lettering Without Thinking

Have you ever tried holding your brush or pen and just writing whichever way you want? With all the ‘rules’ we need to remember when writing with a pointed pen, not thinking about writing at all can be liberating. I always say that it’s better to ‘not think, just write’, and that you’ll get a good result nevertheless.

Lettering Without Thinking via Happy Hands Project-

But how about just scrawling large words onto paper and not caring what the outcome is? I’ve coined a term for it – ok, not really, but still – I call it Lettering Without Thinking. So it’s not that clever, but it makes you want to try it, right? Just whip out your brush, dip it in paint and write – no holds barred.

Lettering Without Thinking via Happy Hands Project-

Gather all your materials – copy paper, watercolour or acrylic paint, brush pens, Sharpies, paintbrushes, the sky’s the limit. Experiment with different brushes and pigments and see how your works turn out. It’s like Jackson Pollock writing letters. It’s messy, it’s invigorating, and who knows, you might actually come up with something frame-worthy.

Lettering Without Thinking via Happy Hands Project

It’s a breath of fresh air after doing Copperplate drills or trying to figure out a certain flex nib. And you know what? I somewhat feel that I will be doing this more often.

Happy Hands Project on Society6

Society6 Calligraphy via Happy Hands Project

I’ve had my Society6 shop for quite a while now, even before I opened my Etsy shop. However, I didn’t feel that my calligraphy at the time was good enough to share with the world, so I pulled my items out. Well, thanks to the online community, I feel more confident now and realised that perfection isn’t everything. So, I’ve had enough of the drama and finally resurrected my shop at Society6 again!

I have 2 calligraphy prints there, both applied to different material – pillow covers, laptop skins, stretched canvas – and prints in different sizes, of course. I’m planning to add more prints in the coming weeks once I get a breather from all the commission works I have right now. Can’t wait! In the meantime, here are 2 inspirational quotes from Dr Seuss and Mark Twain.

Help me spread the love!

Sold Out: Registration for New Workshops

Happy Hands Project Calligraphy Workshops

I’m sure you’re all eagerly waiting for this one. The Calligraphy Workshops are back! Yay!

Due to the feedback from the wonderful ladies from the first Happy Hour Workshop, I’ve added another hour to the beginners’ class. That means you’ll have more one-on-one instructions, more practice time, and more interaction with me and your fellow creatives. This is a small class with only 8 participants, which makes it extremely beneficial for everyone. Everything will be provided, including delish meals from Carpenter & Cook, so just arm yourself with patience and creativity and head to Studio @ Heaven In A Wildflower! This will be a project-based class, so you will also find out how you can take this hobby further. You’ll have a special handmade item to take home, that’s for sure!

Have I convinced you enough? Just fill in the form to secure your seat. You will receive a confirmation email with the payment deets. See you there!

Font Fancy: Saissant by Magpie Paper Works

I’ve always had a soft spot for fonts from Magpie Paper Works. Today I’m sharing one of my favourite handmade fonts, Saissant. I just love its organic feel, and how natural each letter looked. Its style is way too different than my own handwriting, which probably explains why I am simply in love with it!

I just discovered another thing that goes well with this handwritten font – vintage botanical illustrations! So here’s a printable with all the lovely things you can think of– organic letters, botanicals, and Audrey Hepburn. You can download and print this in 2 sizes (they’re free for personal use, of course, but you know that already!).

Download your A4 printable here

Download your letter size printable here

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls in Singapore

Maybelle in Singapore via HappyHandsProject

Just the other day I remember a discussion on the Flourish Forum about Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls’ calligraphy exemplar. Some were wondering if it would be worth attending her class or just purchasing her kit online. The kit alone is such a treat – I can stare at Maybelle’s handwriting all day! However, if you know that she’ll be in your city, I’d say go to her class instead. An in-person workshop is a much better option if you have a choice.

Let me tell you why.

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls in Singapore via Happy Hands Project

Being in Singapore, I was so fortunate to have Bloesem Creative Space invite Maybelle for a series of classes. To say workshops by renowned calligraphers are rare here would be a total understatement. I’ve never gone to a calligraphy workshop before so this one will practically be my first ever. Being a fan of her works and style for ages, I was super excited to say the least!

It was a glorious Sunday morning. After having breakfast with my husband at the Tiong Bahru Bakery, he walked me across to Bloesem for the 3-hour class. You know what made the morning even more glorious? I had a front row seat! Exactly in front of Maybelle! It was very inspiring to hear how she started out and be able to observe how she actually writes. It’s very beneficial especially for beginners because simple things like incorrect writing angles will be easily addressed. Anyone’s free to ask questions, too. And the kit. Oh, the kit. I know I already have a lot of ink holders, pens and a million other odds and ends, but I love all the handmade tools and letterpress exemplar that Maybelle brought for the workshop.

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls in Singapore via Happy Hands Project

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls in Singapore via Happy Hands Project

Aditionally, I believe it’s Bloesem’s interiors that really set the mood for such an enjoyable class. Who wouldn’t love practicing calligraphy in such a lovely space with rays of sunlight peeking through? We were all pampered with refreshments as well – all cooked lovingly in Bloesem’s kitchen. After mingling with Maybelle and the ladies, champagne was served. Yes, you read that right. We were that spoilt.

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls in Singapore via Happy Hands Project

 

Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls in Singapore via Happy Hands Project

I guess all this pretty much sums up why I think an in-person workshop would be well worth your time. Be sure to check Maybelle’s workshop page as that’s where I found out she was coming here and almost fell of my seat. Bloesem’s classes always have something interesting being offered as well. I would go to every single class if I could!

For my very own Happy Hour Workshops here in Singapore, I’ll be announcing a date (or dates!) soon. Leave your email here to be in the loop.

Calligraphy For A Rustic Wedding Styled Shoot

Calligraphy For A Rustic Wedding Styled Shoot via Happy Hands Project

Have you guys been to the Wedding Scoop blog lately? I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to share my full calligraphy wedding stationery at the recent styled shoot by Bloc Memoire, with a magnificent ‘grazing table’ styled by Heaven in a Wildflower. It combined the talents of wonderful wedding vendors here in Singapore, and the result was rustic, dreamy, whimsical.

For the stationery, I used metallic card stock in gold and cream, and wrote with a flex pen and grey gouache. You will see the rest of the photos and complete list of participating vendors here. I love how all the details came together. This is why I love weddings.

Calligraphy For A Rustic Wedding Styled Shoot via Happy Hands Project

 

Calligraphy For A Rustic Wedding Styled Shoot via Happy Hands Project

 

Calligraphy For A Rustic Wedding Styled Shoot via Happy Hands Project

A Peek Into The Happy Hour Workshop

Happy Hour Workshop via Happy Hands Project

The inaugural Beginners’ Workshop by yours truly is over and I had such a great time! To all you ladies who came, thank you, thank you for learning calligraphy with me. It was a hot and humid day in Singapore (which probably explained the shortage of taxis) so we were all thankful for the refreshments prepared by our wonderful host, Eunice, of Heaven In A Wildflower. Our class took place in her lovely home studio in Joo Chiat.

Happy Hour Workshop via Happy Hands Project

What we had last Saturday was a beginners’ class – no experience necessary. This class was all about the basics. We learned about the concept of pointed pen calligraphy, how I started with this art (uh, I showed them my first attempts, which makes me wonder why I even kept it!), how to get started with your writing, practice drills and of course… the basic letter forms.

Happy Hour Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Happy Hour Workshop via Happy Hands Project

The whole afternoon turned out to be a lighthearted practice and story-telling session about all things calligraphy. Questions were thrown here and there, some were so serious with their writing and could hardly breathe, some wouldn’t even rise from their seats when cakes from Carpenter & Cook were brought in. Time just whizzed by and we had to pack up after a little chat. I thought, it’s over? So I guess I did have a lot of fun teaching, and I hope I can do it again. The afternoon ended with some vintage eye candy when we all headed downstairs. Look here if you want to see the wealth of vintage furniture and props for styling. It’s located on the studio’s ground floor. Ah-mazing.

Vintage props fromStudio @ Heaven in a Wildflower

{Photo above from www.heavenwildfleur.com}

I hope you’ll be there on my next class! The mailing list is here. And if you were there that afternoon, I’d love to hear your opinions about the class. The feedback form has been sent by email. I am so looking forward to the next one, hope you are, too!

Happy Hour Workshop via Happy Hands Project

‘Make A Wish’ Stamp Set Winner

First off, thank you to everyone who joined the giveaway. You were all amazing! Your kind and welcoming words were very heartwarming and I enjoyed reading through all your wishes. I just realised how cold it probably is on the other side of the planet – a lot of you were wishing for Spring! Just a week ago we were wishing for rain here in Singapore. It has become so dry, grass is turning brown, and forests were burning. We got our wish eventually and I’m sure all of us heaved a sigh of relief when the first drops of rain fell.

Now for the giveaway, I have chosen a winner! Making the decision was really tough because there were really quite a lot of touching and profound wishes. If only I could play Santa! So, drumroll please… congratulations Jenny Renee! Here’s the wish that will win your hearts:

 

“If I could have one wish today it would be to be given a complete day off from both of my jobs so that I can spend time with my kids. Being the sole provider can be tough and involves sacrifices, like not spending as much time with them as I would like.”

 

Jenny Renee, please send your full name and mailing address to pauline (at) happyhandsproject.com for your ‘Make A Wish‘ stamp set from Mama ElephantCurious as to what the ‘Make A Wish‘ stamp set looks like on handmade cards? I scoured 2 wonderful blogs and here are my favourites:

Happy Birthday Card via Happy Hands Project
Go On Celebrate Card via Happy Hands Project

Make A Wish Card via Happy Hands Project

 

I can’t thank you enough for all your responses. Another hand-lettered stamp set will be released soon so drop by soon for another update! You can also like The Happy Hands Project page on Facebook so you’ll be kept in the loop.

Practicing Calligraphy? Have These Tips In Mind

Calligraphy Practice Things to Remember via Happy Hands Project

I have three things to share today. Three simple little things that can make a difference while you practice calligraphy. Nope, not hard and fast rules, just some tips that can help you be more satisfied with the outcome of your writing.

Number 1: Free Your Mind

I’ve done this a lot of times – thinking about something else while writing. Hmm, what cookies should I make tomorrow? Should I read this book tonight? If you have all these things on your mind, you will definitely misspell a word. You may even skip one or two. It happened to me so many times! Don’t think about dinner. Don’t even think about the alignment of your words or if your swirls are perfect. Focus on the words you are writing and nothing else.

Number 2: Love Thy Own Handwriting

Each one of us have our own writing styles even with just using a regular ballpoint. Some write with messy strokes, some with floating baselines, some super neat and straight. No matter what your style is, embrace your own handwriting style and you’ll see how easier it will be. Yes, you can compare your calligraphy with others’ works – you’ll learn that way – but love your own style and don’t be too hard on yourself! Having your own style and loving it will make your writing more consistent because you play by your own rules and not somebody else’s.

Number 3: Practice Makes Pretty

Ah. Those drills. Those practice sheets that we fill with lines, curves and swishes. They’re monotonous, repetitive. I know we all just want to get down and write words, letters, paragraphs, even. I’m skipping the overused phrase here and get down to the third and most important tip I can think of – Practice Makes Pretty. Why? Lots of practice makes a whole lot of difference. Last December I wasn’t to get hold of my pens and did not write for a couple of weeks. I came back to Singapore from our family holiday and my writing was downright wobbly. Oh, and it took me more than 2 years of practicing till I got the style that I wanted, and it doesn’t end there. Practice is essential and learning is continuous. Remember that to be happy with your own calligraphy style, aim for pretty (which is subjective) and not perfect.

We’ll talk more about these 3 things on my workshop here in Singapore – the first one is just a few days away! If you’d like to know when the next one will be, sign up for the mailing list!