Welcome to the Happy Hands Project where I share my calligraphy and lettering journey. I’m Pauline, the calligrapher and lettering artist behind HHP. I started writing calligraphy in Singapore in 2012, moved to Manila, Philippines in 2022, and have been here since. What a creative journey it has been, so far!
Making handmade art makes me happy—hence the name, Happy Hands Project.
My first love has been lettering—the art of drawing letters. I’ve been lettering with markers since I was a kid. I’ve always loved typography, painting and all kinds of handmade art. In 2010, I was re-introduced to pointed pen calligraphy (thank you, Pinterest!) while preparing for my wedding. I started teaching myself to use the pointed pen as there were no in-person workshops at the time. Two years later, I found myself writing with brush pens and watercolour.
I’m a lifelong learner, and through the years I was introduced to more traditional calligraphy styles. It has been an honour to meet and learn from master penmen who have so generously shared their knowledge in calligraphy.
I have studied with:
Master Penman Michael Sull
Master Penman Harvest Crittenden
Eleanor Winters
Paul Antonio
Michael Ward
On a personal note, I’m a wife and mommy to 2 feisty kids. I’m a big Harry Potter and Miss Peregrine fan, and a hoarder of pens, paint, books and notebooks. I’m not the best cook, but I love to bake. Most of all, I love to eat. I’m an Instagram kinda person, and you’ll find frequent updates on my calligraphy projects there. Travelling occasionally with my husband, and now with the kids is crazy awesome — I love Los Angeles in spring, Bali in summer, Munich in winter, and Tokyo in pretty much any time of the year.
I hope you enjoy reading the Happy Hands blog! Questions about calligraphy, lettering, or anything in general? Drop me a note here.