Happy Hands Project

Calligraphy by Pauline Ibarra

4 DIY Calligraphy Crafts To Try

We’re counting down to the Easter weekend! While I’ll probably be out Easter egg hunting with my little humans, I’m looking forward to some down time this weekend. How about some DIY crafts that can either show off or ...
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Font Fancy: Paduka Script and a Free Printable

Calligraphy and brush lettering fonts are everywhere these days. No complaints here, but because of the sheer volume of fonts, it’s been really difficult to find a high quality free font. Yep, there are lots of high quality fonts out there ...
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Modern Calligraphy Workshop in Manila

Last January marked my first modern calligraphy workshop in Manila, Philippines. It was a lovely Saturday with absolutely no traffic jam. It was sunny, and bright light was streaming down the floor-to-ceiling windows of The Picasso‘s ...
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Freebie: Printable Valentine Card

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 ...
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Raw & Regal: Industrial Themed Wedding

The past two years have all been about vintage and rustic weddings, with white, blush and champagne. It’s a very pretty, pleasing theme and I always enjoyed designing invitations in such a warm colour palette. Last year, I was approached ...
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THE HAPPY HANDS CALLIGRAPHY OBLIQUE HOLDER

I finally have the date for the next intermediate calligraphy class, and it’s the most special one I’ll have in my almost 3 years of teaching. When I started with modern calligraphy, I’ve been using a straight holder. After getting Copperplate ...
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8 LETTERING ARTISTS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

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 ...
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MIXING YOUR OWN WHITE GOUACHE

I remember the time when I was on my diligent quest for the perfect white ink. I wanted something opaque, yet thin enough to flow through a variety of nibs. At some point I thought I’ve found it — I was happy with the PH Martins Pen White. It ...
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BORACAY WEDDING INVITATIONS: AIZA AND MELVIN

I love designing destination wedding invites, specially Boracay Island wedding invitations. It usually has a very carefree feel, and this invite for Aiza and Melvin is no different. This is a combination of watercolour washes, illustrations and ...
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