Live Calligraphy: Love Letter Writing at Bonifacio High Street

The weekend before Valentine’s Day, I was at the live calligraphy booth along Bonifacio High Street. Aptly called ‘You’re Just My Type‘, the task at hand was writing people’s love letters in calligraphy. People in the area penned their short messages for their loved ones, and the calligraphers will write the messages on pretty stationery.

Live calligraphy Bonifacio High Street

Armed with my brush pens, I got to work. Aside from live calligraphy, there were also typewriting stations where anyone can type their love letters analog style.

Live calligraphy Bonifacio High Street

Do people still write love letters to this day? I don’t think so, but those who asked me to translate theirs to calligraphy sure had a knack for it. I wrote letters for two girl besties, I wrote a short message written by a secret admirer. There were several ones who wrote for their significant others, each one channeling their inner Pablo Neruda.

Live calligraphy Bonifacio High Street

There was a girl who asked me to write her message for her mom, and a mom who had a love letter for her baby. It was a wonderful experience, being surrounded by all these good vibes. We were only there a couple of hours and didn’t have the time to write letters for everybody. I’m hoping there will be a similar live calligraphy event in the future—I’d love to write for you! It was a fun afternoon indeed doing live calligraphy at Bonifacio High Street.

Live calligraphy Bonifacio High Street

Calligraphy and Lettering Art Prints

Framed or not, calligraphy and lettering art prints definitely spruce up one’s space. What is once a bare wall can instantly be eye-catching with the addition of an art piece. Paintings and photography are usually the go-to pieces to spruce up plain walls, but calligraphy and lettering can very well be statement pieces as well.

Society6 Calligraphy Prints via Happy Hands Project

These prints make great gifts as well. I know Christmas is just right around the corner, but gifting can be all year round, right? Prints by the Happy Hands Project come framed and as plain prints, on canvas, wall decals, and all other formats.

Ready to browse? Check out the calligraphy and lettering art prints over at Society6 here.

Oh, and by the way, the Dr. Seuss prints have always been bestsellers, and can be found in homes around the world by now. Happy browsing! And gifting!

Society6 Calligraphy Prints via Happy Hands Project
Society6 Calligraphy Prints via Happy Hands Project

You can also download some free calligraphy guides here and holiday gift tags here, coz you know, I’m all for freebies!

Pentel Brush Lettering Fun Booklet

Pentel Brush Lettering Booklet via Happy Hands Project

Pentel Singapore and Happy Hands Project have collaborated to bring you a FREE (yes, free!) brush lettering booklet for every purchase of the Pentel brush sign pen set. I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to write and design a brush lettering instructional booklet for Pentel.

Pentel Brush Lettering Booklet via Happy Hands Project

When I started with brush calligraphy, I had a background on pointed pen calligraphy. It has the same concept as a brush, but handling it is different. I bought brush pens but had no idea how to use them. What I love about this Brush Lettering Fun booklet is that it is bundled with a set of Pentel brush sign pens, so you’ll have the pens and instructions on how to use them as well.

Pentel Brush Lettering Booklet via Happy Hands Project

So what’s in the booklet, you ask? It has instructions to get you started with brush lettering, along with a brand new alphabet exemplar and traceable words and illustrations.

The brush lettering booklet is currently available in Singapore, and will be available worldwide as well. It comes in limited quantities and can be found at different locations at a time, so it’s best to check Pentel Singapore’s Facebook page for updates.

Pentel Brush Lettering Booklet via Happy Hands Project

Oh, and we are currently giving away a 12-piece Pentel brush sign pen and a booklet to one lucky winner! Join our international giveway on Instagram, which closes on 24 October 2018 at 12 midnight (SGT).

All photos were used with permission from Pentel Singapore.

Brush Lettering Workshop

Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop via Happy Hands Project

We had all sorts of colour gradients during last month’s brush lettering workshop. This is a more relaxed class (compared to pointed pen calligraphy, in my opinion), and a more colourful one for sure.

The latest brush lettering class was all freehand, where the students learned to write thin and thick strokes with my favourite brush pens. After that, writing words with watercolours and a water brush came next. I love the part in class when I show them how to make the colours blend naturally using watercolours, creating the ombre effect… and they fell in love with it instantly!

Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Each one has her own unique style and colour preference, and you’ll see that on the photos of their artworks below. The next brush lettering class is still in the works. If you’d like to get the first dibs, you may subscribe to the email newsletter on the right sidebar (no spam, just calligraphy and lettering news!).

Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop via Happy Hands Project

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Brush Lettering Workshops With Pentel Singapore and Tokyu Hands

 

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

Tokyu Hands at Westgate Mall had its share of Pentel brush lettering workshops last August. Organised by my friends at Pentel Singapore, we had 2 afternoons of short classes for brush lettering beginners. Similar to the classes we’ve done at Tokyu Hands at Orchard Central, we used the ever-so-colourful Pentel Fude brush pens.

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

It was my first time visiting Tokyu Hands at Westgate Mall, and the shop is quite huge. This time around, we had a lot of families coming for the 40-minute crash courses. There were quite a lot of kids this time, which made the classes all the more fun. Kids love to experiment and are very eager to learn and they don’t overthink the process—we can always learn from them, don’t you think?

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

What I love about the Pentel fude brush pens is that it’s very easy to use. Kids had a lot of fun exploring the vast array of colours. It was also quite easy for the young ones to follow the alphabet guides provided—mostly because they get to choose what colour of pen to use. The more colourful it is, the more fun they have!

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

Here are more photos from the event—feel free to share online if you’re in them! We’ll be back for a third instalment of brush lettering workshops with Pentel, this time at Tokyu Hands at Suntec City Mall. See you guys on 11-12 November! Click here for the schedule and sign-up details.

 

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

Brush Lettering Workshops with Pentel via Happy Hands Project

More photos from the event can be found on Pentel’s Facebook page. All photos courtesy of Pentel Singapore.

When In Manila: A Visit to Art Bar PH

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

A trip to Art Bar PH should definitely be on your list when you’re visiting Manila, Philippines. First, you can immerse yourself in art books and hoard art supplies. Second, there are so many things to see, eat and do around the area. Did I say eat? Yup, but that’s another story.

I was in my hometown of Manila recently, and I’m telling you, every time I step foot in its familiar soil, I always find something new. One of them is Art Bar PH at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City (more commonly known to locals as simply ‘BGC’). It was boarded up the last time I was there, but in its place now stood a smallish yet eye-catching arts and crafts supply store.

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

There are quite a lot of pens to choose from, and they’re actually carrying Palomino Blackwing pencils! Near the staircase and one of the shelves on the first level are a few calligraphy supplies. It’s a modest selection, but still adequate for those starting out. There are different brush pens stacked in one of the shelves as well.

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

For those looking for different pads, be it for watercolour or calligraphy, there is a wide selection of local products. As far as I know, you won’t find these in Singapore.

The highlight is on the second level! Oh, I loved the sunlight streaming onto the book shelves. There are huge glass display cabinets with Winsor and Newton products. They also have Arches watercolour paper in blocks.

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

I saw quite a lot of art books here, from hand-lettering to interior design. They also carry locally-printed titles and books by Filipino artists. Surrounded by the arched bookshelf is a cozy work table meant for workshops. I imagine it to be a great venue for a calligraphy or brush lettering class.

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

I can stay up on the second level for hours, browsing through the books. Aside from that, I checked out the paint brushes and got myself my first Princeton brush. There are a few other paintbrush brands as well.

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

Visiting Art Bar PH Manila via Happy Hands Project

So I went home with a bunch of pads and a Princeton paint brush. I’ll let you in on the pads I got next time. Overall, I’d say Art Bar PH is worth your while when you’re in Manila. You don’t really need to hoard tons of supplies—I got myself a pretty decent haul even if it’s not much. The best part is I left feeling exhilarated and inspired and looking forward to start doing something creative again.

See you again soon, Art Bar!

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Watercolour and Lettering Goods on Creative Market

Creative Market Shop via Happy Hands Project

Hey everyone! I’ve been busy last month setting up shop over at Creative Market, and it’s still an ongoing process. CM is a great source of design inspiration, and a very busy marketplace for creatives. There are tons of graphic design elements that one can use for a myriad of design projects. Oh, and did I say that thay have a bazillion calligraphy fonts (like this one right here) available as well?

I got acquainted with Creative Market when they featured the Happy Hands Project last year on their article 5 Calligraphers To Follow On Instagram—thanks, guys!

As a designer and artist, I was thinking of ways to make other designers’ lives easier—and that is by supplying digital artworks that they can use for their own designs. Finally, I found the time to open up a shop and paint and paint and paint, and turn those watercolours into digital backgrounds (not easy!).

Insider Tip: You get 6 free product downloads every week. That’s where I get most of my free fonts and patterns. You need to be a member to access the free goodies, and signing up is easy peasy. Just click the Sign Up button on the top right.

I know my shop is still quite sparse, and I’ve got a looooong way to go before I can fill it to the brim. But let me share with you 3 quality products that I have so far—hope you like ‘em!

The Hand-Lettering Blog Kit

Hand-Lettered Blog Kit via Happy Hands Project

Hand-Lettered Blog Kit via Happy Hands Project

Give your website a dose of personality with these custom illustrated brush lettering elements. Build your brand by using these hand-lettered goodies on your marketing collateral. Use these as buttons and headers on your blog, or as overlays on your photos.

Check out the kit here.

Bright Watercolour Backgrounds

Watercolour Backgrounds via Happy Hands Project

All hand-painted in rich watercolour which is perfect for your marketing, stationery, branding and personal projects. Use each background on its own, or put 2 or 3 together for a different effect — the possibilities are endless and it’s all up to you!

Get some watercolour goodness here.

Ombré Watercolour Backgrounds

Faded Watercolour Backgrounds via Happy Hands Project

Here’s a dreamy watercolour kit for weddings, branding, invitations, brochures, posters, calligraphy backgrounds, packaging, websites, posters and a whole lot more. My personal favourite.

Check out the ombre backgrounds here.

I have a few more products that I’m working on, and will update you all here when a new item’s up. Spread the love!

8 LETTERING ARTISTS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

Instagram has been an important part of my journey in calligraphy and lettering. I’d say I’m quite a visual person — I get inspired by the things I see. The lettering and calligraphy community on Insta is like one big happy family, and when one is stuck in a rut, there’s always someone out there who’s ready to help. I’ve personally met some really inspiring people over there (if you’re reading this, hi!) and it was awesome.

For those of you looking for inspiration on social media, look no further. Here, I’ve compiled 8 up-and-coming lettering artists from different parts of the globe to inspire the handlettering lover in you!

Indonesia
@anggiivee

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

Spain
@gartz_

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

Russia
@oh_letters

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

Australia
@letterhstudio

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

USA
@jaekimdesigns

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

USA
@artbyhal

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

elarus
@dimaphew

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

United Kingdom
@yourgrayce

Lettering Artist to Follow on Instagram via Happy Hands Project

6 Brush Pens For Lettering Beginners

Brush Pens For Beginners via Happy Hands Project

Are you just starting to hand-letter using a brush pen? Or are you interested in creating brush lettering pieces but don’t know where to start? Well, I’ve been there. About 3 years ago I wanted to hand-letter using a brush but was totally lost. I tried using a small brush and some paint but found it extremely tough.

After some research, I stumbled upon the first ever brush pen in my collection — the Tombow Dual Brush. Oh, I didn’t traipse into brush lettering wonderland right then, but it was a good start. For beginners in brush lettering, let me share with you 6 brush pens that you can start with. My advise is try 1 or 2 of these and practice, practice, practice. You’ll get better I promise!

Kuretake via Happy Hands Project

Kuretake Fudebiyori Pocket Color Brush Pens

I love this pen. If I will be asked to bring just one tool for lettering, this is what I will most likely bring. This nifty brush pen has the perfect bristles for lettering and will give you a good variation of thick and thin strokes. I say it’s perfect because there are brush pens that are either too soft or too stiff, but the Kuretake pen has just the right flexibility.

Tombow via Happy Hands Project

Tombow Dual Brush Pen

Aah, the pen that started it all. For me, at least. The Tombow dual brush has a great tip and is slightly softer than the Kuretake. As the name suggests, each pen has a brush tip on one end and a fine tip on the opposite end. Some letterers use this pen for blending with other colours and they work great. The ink colours are a little less saturated and will not be so vibrant especially when used on coated paper, but I don’t mind this one bit because these are really great for practice and these pens have served me well during my learning journey in brush lettering.

Pentel Touch via Happy Hands Project

Pentel Fude Touch Sign Pen

The Pentel Touch has a small brush tip, and is pretty stiff. It’s great for writing small letters and is easy to use. It won’t give you drastic line variations like the first 2 pens mentioned above because if its small brush tip but if you want to practice writing small letters and strokes, this works great. It’s a small pen that can fit in your pocket, and has bright colours to choose from.

Copic Ciao via Happy Hands Project

Copic Ciao Marker

Honestly? The Copic Ciao marker is on this list mainly because of its availability here in Singapore — Art Friend has a bazillion colours of the Copic Ciao that it’s so difficult to walk away with just one. It has a thick body which gives the writer a good grip. The brush tip is on one end and a broad edge tip is on the other end. It has great colours as well, and is refillable! That’s awesome, don’t you think?

Lyra Aqua Duo via Happy Hands Project

Lyra Aqua Brush Duo

This pen is very much similar to the Tombow with a slightly smaller brush tip. This will give you good line variation, and it also has 2 tips — one with a brush and another with a fine tip. Here’s the first time I tried it, and I fell in love with it instantly! It’s very comfortable to write with and I highly recommend this for beginners.

Pentel Aquash via Happy Hands Project

Pentel Aquash Waterbrush

Now this one’s different from the rest, and slightly more challenging to use than the rest of the pens on this list. The water brush from Pentel is super convenient to use, has lettering-friendly bristles, and is lightweight. This practically replaces your jar of water when doing watercolour lettering or painting because the water will be in the pen itself, and you just give the pen a little squeeze to make the water come out. Talk about convenience! The Aquash also has a variety of brush sizes, and my favourite is the fine tip. It gives me a lot of flexibility and lets me blend colours nicely so obviously, that one’s my absolute favourite.

Where to Buy in Singapore?

Tombow Dual Brush: Overjoyed | Pentel Touch: Tokyu Hands | Copic Ciao: Art Friend | Lyra Aqua Brush: Overjoyed | Pentel Aquash: Art Friend

Unfortunately I haven’t seen the Kuretake Fudebiyori pen in any of the shops here in Singapore, but Overjoyed has several kinds worth checking out as well.

So there you have it, 6 brush pens that beginners in lettering can try. I know I’ve left out some pens that are really popular to letterers, but I guess some of those pens don’t really work for me. Do you have a favourite brush pen? Lemme know in the comments!