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Nancy Fields Graphic Design

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What’s In Your Toolbox?

May 11, 2014 by Nancy Fields Leave a Comment

In addition to being a full time graphic designer who builds WordPress websites, I still get requests for calligraphy — something I learned to do nearly thirty years ago…and something I truly love to do.

Just like design, each calligraphy job is a bit different. Sometimes it’s different scripts, like the fancy copperplate script for special invitations. Other times the difference lies in the client’s paper choice, and request for a particular color ink.

I recently did two calligraphy jobs using the same italic script, but because they were on different types of paper each required completely different tools.

Drop Capital

drop cap letter T hand calligraphy in the 2014 class page of Welcome Deerfield Alumni

Windsor & Newton Jet Black and Deep Green Gouache paint well, Speedball nib, water and glair

To add a deep green drop capital on hand made paper I used Gouache mixed with glair. Green ink is too runny and can bleed into the paper. Gouache is opaque watercolor. When mixed with Glair, it prevents the color from rubbing off onto the opposite page. The page shown here is going into a hand bound leather book, so this was an important consideration. Glair is derived from egg whites which I prepare a few hours in advance of adding it to my Gouache mixture.

Certificate of Accomplishment

Prep School Football Team All New England Certificate with hand calligraphy

051314-tools-ink

Certificates and diplomas frequently come to me fully printed, but need the recipient’s name added. Unlike handmade paper, certificates are printed on a heavy, slick paper that looks like parchment. Black ink works best. To control the thickness and color I grind my own ink, and then add a few drops of high quality liquid ink.

I also like a stiff nib on this very hard paper, so Brause is my go-tool tool.

Do you do hand work? What’s in your toolbox?

Filed Under: Design

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