Freebie: Printable Valentine Card

Printable Valentine Card via Happy Hands Project

So. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and let’s face it — not everyone is in the mood for cheesy love cards. I wanted to paint something using my black Higgins Eternal ink, but I was painting with my 5-year old (and she was happily blending reds and greens to make cherries) so I thought pink would be nice.

Here’s my interpretation of the unromantic Valentine card. A prickly cactus in a blend of pink and purple, giving free hugs to those who dare. I threw in a tiny heart just for kicks. Perfect for those you have utterly no romantic feelings for, but you love ’em anyway. Hope you love this free printable as much as I did!

 

FREE PRINTABLE MODERN CALLIGRAPHY ALPHABET

Modern Calligraphy Exemplar via Happy Hands Project

I was messing around with my guidelines and tracing paper, thinking of writing in another freehand style of modern calligraphy. Since I’ve become comfortable with my own style, it’s become difficult for me to try to come up with an entirely different way of writing the alphabet.

After a few tries, I came up with an entrance stroke that was pretty simple but all new to me. I wrote the uppercase letters in a similar style, but did not use my usual slant. Instead, I wrote this in a slightly upright manner, and that is how I came up with The Eloise Exemplar.

Modern Calligraphy Exemplar via Happy Hands Project

So why did I explore this other style? Well, I’m not planning on using this type of freehand in any of my calligraphy pieces, but it was a good exercise. I am very comfortable with my own calligraphy handwriting so coming up with a different way of writing letters (and eventually an entire alphabet!) was a challenge. But I’m telling ya, it was super fun.

So how about if I share this exemplar to my lovely readers? Yes? Modern calligraphy beginners, this will serve as a good alphabet guide that you can print out and copy. Having an alphabet guide in front of you while practicing will help you familiarise yourselves with the letter forms. This will also show you which stroke should be an upstroke (thin) and which should be a downstroke (thick). Once you are comfortable with writing each letter, then you can explore different styles and eventually come up with your own. How cool is that?

So get your dotted pad, ink, holder and Nikko G nib ready and print this exemplar on an A4 sized card stock. Happy writing! And remember — practice makes pretty!

 

Freebie: Printable To-Do List

Free Printable To-Do List via Happy Hands Project

I was inspired to design this printable to-do list because I feel that writing down our goals for the day (or week) is better than typing it on our smart phone calendars. You can post it on your wall, and it’s easier to see. It makes the list more ‘real’, and it personally helped me manage my time better.

Free Printable To-Do List via Happy Hands Project

The past few months were filled with wedding invitation designs and calligraphy addressing, plus a few commission works here and there. I had to list my deadlines, and make sure I stick to them.

So here’s something to help us stop the procrastination and actually do something! Coz you know what? I love the feeling of ticking one task and proceeding to the next one. The feeling of satisfaction is priceless. I hope you like the freebie for the day!

Download the to-do list printable here.

FONT FANCY: MASTER OF BREAK

Girl Power Print via Happy Hands Project

This font right here is a gem. It’s quite rare to find a well-made font that’s actually free (for personal use, that is. But still), so I really have to share this one. If you want to design a quote or greeting card that needs a hand-lettered feel, Master of Break might be the font you’re looking for.

Contrary to the usual hand-lettered fonts out there, this is not very feminine. But add some girly colours and you’ll get a feminine feel instantly. Use it against a textured black background and you can have a masculine-looking piece. StereoType is the font foundry offering this awesome font, along with other great ones, so it’s worth dropping by their website.

Oh, and you can print the Girl Power artwork above and be reminded to unleash some yourself everyday!

 

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!

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

Etsy Exclusive: Holiday Gift Tags

Christmas is getting closer!

We are all waaay too busy preparing for a trip next month, plus I got all these ideas for Happy Hands Project that I can’t wait to share. I got a couple of DIYs up my sleeve, too, which you will see in the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, here are 3 gift tag designs that I have on my Etsy shop. These are instant download files, so you wouldn’t have to wait to get your hands on them. These tags will definitely make your holiday gifts extra special. I’ve been playing with brush lettering lately and that’s how I came up with these chalkboard style tags.

By the way, the ‘Faith Hope Trust‘ brush lettering wall art is still on sale in the shop for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Holiday Gift Tags via Happy Hands Project

Free Chalkboard Style Calligraphy

Gosh, I have so many ideas for a wedding now that I really wish I had 3 years ago. For my own wedding. I wish I was already doing calligraphy, and sometimes I wish I have painted our invites instead. Or wrote every word by hand instead of churning out a design and eventually throwing it away to start on a new one.

It’s more difficult to plan your own wedding than somebody else’s. For real.

For my calligraphy, I’m trying another hand right now – something more fluid and playful, a bit more carefree. I always write with my own style which is a bit upright. I try to follow the lines more closely. On the other hand, ‘carefree’ writing makes me feel so free and easy that I actually enjoy it!

Free Wedding Printable via Happy Hands Project

If you or anyone you know is getting married in the next few months or so, here’s a free printable! It’s in A4 size and can be framed and placed on the table beside your guest book. Display it by your wish tree, if you have one (I think this is a fabulous idea). Then display it in your living room after the wedding. Black and white chalkboard art will blend nicely with any color, right?

Download your printable calligraphy here. Oh, and just in case, I also have a free downloadable calligraphy Photoshop brush here. Spread the love!

Happy Art: ‘Love Is Spoken Here’ Print

LoveIsSpokenHere-HappyHandsProject-1

Often times, I am amazed by the generosity of artists who share their works online. What’s more amazing is when these artists make such an effort to help someone in need.

I came across this print at P.S. I Adore You as a collective effort to give financial support to cancer patient Brielle. The site is not just your average ‘daily deals’ source – these Moms do showcase wonderful products for great prices everyday but it’s also their way to educate people about chidhood cancer. I purchased a digital file from Hillary Henslee of The Painted Arrow, and it’s now printed, framed and displayed in our living room.

LoveIsSpokenHere-HappyHandsProject-2

Don’t you just love how beautiful this painting is? I am swooning over the colors, and the message is such a joy to see. The fund-raising drive has long been over, but make sure you check out The Painted Arrow for DIY tutorials and free downloadable goodies. While waiting for her shop launch, you can reach Hillary through her blog’s contact page if you’d like to get your hands on the ‘Love Is Spoken Here’ print.

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