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Calligraphy by Pauline Ibarra

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Painting Leaves and Wreaths: A New Workshop

September 15, 2017

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

A couple of months ago, I introduced a new workshop—painting leaves and wreaths using watercolour. I’ve been teaching calligraphy and brush lettering classes for a few years now, and I use foliage to frame my lettering pieces. I was super excited to be able to share how I paint my green tea, fern, eucalyptus and olive leaves to make lettering prettier!

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

It was a beautiful bright morning at Fika Swedish Cafe. You’re gonna love the Nordic feel of this place—it’s cozy and well-lit—which makes it perfect for classes like this. They also serve us delicious Swedish canapés so nobody goes hungry.

What’s so special about this class is the instructional booklet that the participants get to take home (on top of all the tools and materials for painting). It contained instructions on how I paint different kinds of leaves and how to form them into a wreath.

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Oh, there were a lot of familiar faces as well. A lot of those who come to the modern calligraphy classes come back for the intermediate classes I introduce, so it felt like seeing old friends once again. Looking at everyone’s works, the olive leaves were most popular. And the Swedish meatballs from the canapé boards were a hit, too. I was soooo proud of how these ladies began the class with no painting experience at all, and finished with a beautiful wreath to take home!

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Here are some more photos from the Leaves & Wreaths Workshop’s ‘maiden voyage’. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to join the next one!

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

Watercolour Leaves Wreaths-Workshop via Happy Hands Project

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Hello! I’m Pauline and welcome to the Happy Hands Project! I’m a lettering artist and calligrapher located in Manila, Philippines.
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