Penfriend's Patter

Creative Journals and FUN!

2012-02-27T14:32:00.000+02:00

Maxine is a past student, great friend and divinely amusing person. She visits South Africa at least once a year and we try to get together at least once when she is here.

She has suggested that we work on a creative project. I THINK she meant when she is here - but we have 8 months to work on 'our own creativity' never mind the fact that Maxine has started a new framing business and we are both fairly busy people.

But who says we can't pretend that we care going to do something creative between now and October.

New posts probably every 2 weeks [or so]. If you would like to join is the 'creative frenzy' please let me know and we can add your ideas and suggestions.

Creating a Journal

Project for Maxine and Anne-Marie over 8 months

This was a very simple page for a book on numbers. Very little anything much else - but a start anyway

To show intent: My pens, pencils and some water-coloured paper at the ready.

Suggested work plan:

1 One signature to be completed every 2 weeks

2 ANY media maybe used: acrylic, craypas, pencil crayons, fineliners, collage

watercolours, ink and so on.

3 A-MM will scan/photograph and send examples which may be ‘cribbed, altered and improved’ in any way.

4 It is suggested that if the one folio begins in say watercolours and pencils the whole 4/6 pages remain the same. In other words, change materials when starting a new signature to keep a theme going.

5 Any hand or font may be used. Maybe together

6. Theme of journal to be decided upon individually – open, creative minds seem like a good thing to have.

7 A-MM will post the work pace onto the Penfriendspatter blog.

Hopefully some of the signatures can travel with Maxine in October and the book stitched together in a frenzy of creativity!

Manuscripts and Churches

2011-10-04T14:56:00.001+02:00

As a calligrapher I have always been enthralled by handwritten and illuminated books. When in Europe, I seek out the traditional tomes in the usual places of church, museum and gallery. When we visited Ethiopia, I was thrilled to view ancient books in churches, open for all to see and still in daily use. We might think these books should be protected, they are in use and seen by the priests and congregation as part of their daily worship.

As a woman and layperson, I was not able to handle the manuscripts, I was given permission to photograph many and able to view the fine calligraphy written using a reed pen. The pages are made from goat skin and have been cured in the same age-old way. The remarkable thing to note is that although the books are centuries old, they are still used for teaching and reading in church on almost a daily basis. With wide margins and exquisite hand drawn borders, the colours still glow on the pages.

Borders are interwoven and simply coloured in blacks and red with occasional blue or green filling. The illustrations are 'Orthodox' in style with traditional colours used for the people depicted. Blue for the Virgin Mary, red and blue for Jesus, ochres and red for angels.

At no time could I see lines for writing, either drawn or scored. But the pages are soft and worn with centuries of handling. Rather like a beautiful pair of favourite leather gloves. Cherished and enjoyed.

A holy book in a cave church in Lalibela

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Johannesburg

Penfriends Patter Project for September

2011-09-01T13:23:00.000+02:00

I always like to prepare projects for when I am away. It keeps everyone focussed on 'something to do' during the times we normally have classes.

The next project will be A3 size. Watercolour paper. Subject: A Map or Plan of a place familiar to you or even a fantasy area.

Preparation: Choose a theme. Research colour, design and lettering.
Explore colour on a similar sheet of paper to the one you will use for the good piece.
Prepare a 'good' rough on a sheet of A3 layout paper.

Next lesson: Bring finished rough. Colour test sheet. Gouache, paint brushes. Pencil crayons. Nibs.

Board larger than the A3 paper for stretching paper. Looking forward to seeing some great ideas.

Spring Day - Cake, flowers & friends

Doors open, in the Garden - A show of Spring!

Workshops

2011-08-01T18:30:00.000+02:00

Have returned from Cape Town where I attended workshops with calligrapher Yves Laterme from Bruges.

Yves, a past student of Brody Neuenschwander and great admirer of his work is now a teacher a great calligrapher in his own right. His flair for creative gestural letter forms is something to aim for and yet, with him as a teacher we hardly all want to be a pale copy of his work.

We worked on creative layouts using gesso, paint and ink. We created beautiful built up capital letterform and tried to make beautiful marks on the paper.

The Cape Town group was willing and did their utmost to create exciting pieces. We all had fun and will continue to use some of the techniques he shared with us.

Yves's finishing touches

A-MM - Circles of my Mind

A-MM - Wonderment

Studio Notes

2011-07-01T18:49:00.000+02:00

Homework is set to enhance the student's creativity or is it simply that the teacher sets homework in the hope that something will ultimately get finished?

The small books that we have been doing are limping along. Mine is complete, most others are not. It seems that if you are working with an end goal in sight - grandchildren's use for example, one has a tendency to finish. I also find that deadlines are good as well as holidays - I mean who wants to return to several unfinished projects?

We have moved on - with half completed books as a challenge. Now we are working with double pencils - two HB pencils taped together - creating beautiful Roman caps which will be coloured, decorated and used as first letters for a Foundational piece of text. We write on washed backgrounds [gouache lightly painted onto water colour paper] with gouache in toning [analogous] colours.

Should be exciting.......until we return to the books which lie limply on the desks waiting to be completed!

African Alphabets

2011-05-29T20:43:00.000+02:00

I often wonder what the students do while I am away. I like to set a project and see the results. We have been exploring letter form with an African theme. One of the tales from Rudyard Kipling's Just So stories was the inspiration: How the Alphabet was Made. Reading the story was great fun as was creating the letters.

Ghita's A

Jeannette's Cheetah

Lyn's Taxi

Jill's Albatross

We have been working on an African Alphabet and making concertina books.Mostly geared for children the images and themes are African.

Lyn, Ghita, Jill and Jeannette

Versal Workshop - Pretoria

2011-04-11T15:21:00.000+02:00

It is always a privilege to be invited to present a workshop. I was invited to Margo's guild in Pretoria where we 'initiated' her delightful new studio. With lots of light and space, we all fitted in and enjoyed the wonderful facilities. We talked about Roman Skeleton Letters and how important they are as a basis for creating beautiful letters.

A-M demonstrating a Versal Letter.

Some of the work created by students

And then you have to stretch!

Another piece

Colour work

And then we have the pencil!

Thank you Margo and ladies for a wonderful afternoon.

Africa - Letters & Words

2011-03-29T16:35:00.000+02:00

The Penfriends Envelopes have left South Africa and are on their way to France, Begium and other parts of the world. Here are the 'girls' proudly holding up one of their creations.

Our new project is far more intense and involved.

Have you ever wondered how the alphabet developed? Well think no further [for fun and literature] than Rudyard Kipling. He wrote a delightful tale 'How the Alphabet was Made' from Just So Stories written in 1902. About a little girl and her dad, this story takes us from A-Z in descriptive and intriguing 'old fashioned' terms.

We have been working on Letter Shape and Form using the skeleton Roman hand, moving into Foundational, as we develop an 'African Alphabet' from which to choose letters and then to create a book.

Project details:

Paper: Use 'toothed' Water Colour paper at least 250gsm.

Tear: 28 sheets of paper 12x12 cms in size.

Research: the meaning of letters

Research: Quirky Questions

Prepare the paper leaving a small pencil hand drawn border around the page.

Watch this space for details and illustrations through the next few weeks.

Lin Kerr Workshops

2011-03-14T19:00:00.000+02:00

We have just completed 10 days of fantastic, creative calligraphy workshops with Lin Kerr from England. Lin is an 'old' South African and returned to delight us with inspiring workshops.

From colour to design, black and white with Ben Shahn and Herman Kilian as inspiration.

The Cape gave us perfect weather and in many instances we melted as we wrote. We all inspired each other as we painted, swirled and cut.

Here are a few images to tantalise and inspire.

Post cards from the Edge

One of my favourite Ballads by Leonard Cohen: Ben Shahn style

An 'E' in the style of Adolf Bernd

Three 'old hands': Heleen, A-M and Lin

It is always an insporation to have an 'outside' calligrapher visit us. Thank you Lin

Start of the Envelope Project

2011-02-25T14:45:00.000+02:00

We all enjoy projects [well most of us anyway] and the Mail Art across the World theme is a great opportunity to participate in a world wide group project.

Swirled background

Backgrounds using water colour & cling wrap

Some of the creators!

Using water colour paper, paint and salt and plastic wrap the 'students' created great backgrounds for envelopes.

Now we wait for the lettering on the envelopes to see what creative ideas are used. Any ideas? What about Versals, Skelton Romans or extended letters? The choice is endless.

Calligraphic Inspiration

2011-02-20T17:01:00.000+02:00

It is remarkable how often I am reminded of calligraphic line when I am 'out and about'. If you look at the image of the desert, the curving lines and soft shapes are reminders of exquisite lines of Italic and even Foundational.

The shapes make me want to grab a pen and some watercolour paper to curl, swash and sway letters across the page.

At the moment we are looking at creating envelopes for the Art Across the World project which closes in April. The class is working hard and I will be posting the creative envelopes in the next few weeks.

In the mean time here are a few 'natural images' to inspire you.

Perhaps use: A fine pen, muted colours and a touch of water colour

Perhaps use: A large brush, earthy water colours and Roman Capitals

Perhaps use: Muted greys and creams in water colour and letters using a square brush

Envelopes, Creativity & New Blogs

2011-02-06T19:19:00.000+02:00

I've just discovered 2 new blogspots which are creative and fun for calligraphers!

One is a Place to Flourish, the other 'A Letter a Week'. So very stimulating and exciting.

Another project I will challenge my students to participate in is the Mail Art Across the World. Create a beautiful envelope using colour and calligraphy and send it to one of the addresses given before the 1 April.

More visuals in a few weeks time when we have completed some creative envelopes.

Thursday Mornings

2011-01-22T07:40:00.000+02:00

The group is back and ready to go!

This year we will study the origins and structure of the Alphabet with focus on the skeletal forms which are, after all the basis for letters.

Starting with Rudyard Kipling's tale of How the Alphabet was Made we will progress through the story to ponder on the creation of the alphabet as we know it and perhaps move onto creating our own 'African' based letter collection.

At the end of the year, the garden will be adorned with creative 'installations' using letter forms, paper, sticks and wood, which will form part of an open day exhibition.

New Calligraphy Courses

2011-01-03T20:44:00.000+02:00

I so enjoy the first few weeks of a new year. It often rains in Johannesburg with spectacular lightening skies and rain storms which seem to clear the air and certainly clear the mind!

This is when I start re-planning notes, writing new courses and continue to work on my creative pieces.

New classes begin at the end of January 2011. If you are interested please contact Anne-Marie at dmoore@iafrica.com. Booking is essential as classes fill up quickly and there is limited studio space.

Monday afternoon: 16h00 - 18h00
Begins 24 January 2011
Beginners: Explore the History of Letterform from Hieroglyphics to Foundational
Create several finished pieces including cards and concertina books
Course: 4 Months, cost R500 for 4 lessons. Notes and equipment extra
Minimum of 4 students

Thursday morning: 09h30 - 12h00
Begins 20 January 2011
Ongoing Group: Thursday morning classes will focus on environmental calligraphy, creativity and projects.
With Foundational as the working hand, students will hone their knowledge of this, the most inspirational hand, using it as the basis for further study and development.
In a year long programme, students will explore the history of Foundational and its development. Calligraphers continue with creative letter form using photographic images, audiovisual presentations and poetry as reference. With nature as inspiration students will complete several books, wall hangings and paper banners.
The year's work will culminate in an exhibition in November 2011.
Cost of class: R500 for four weeks.

Saturday classes for a minimum of four people by arrangement only.

A reminder that booking is essential. Contact: Anne-Marie dmoore@iafrica.com

More Creativity

2010-11-23T15:27:00.000+02:00

The students have been working hard on the end of year project.

Various paints, nibs and water colour paints were used.

Use a larger nib and write the name of a flower. Add a drop of colour and design the page.

Draw or paint a flower and add some writing around the edge of the design.

Choose a capital letter. Draw some flowers through and around it. Write out a suitable quotation.

Be creative and enjoy yourself.

Great ABC pop-up Book

2010-11-09T15:19:00.000+02:00

I came across this today and thought you may be inspired!

ABC3D
www.youtube.com
http://www.abc3dbook.com/ Preorders available! ONE OF THE MOST DELIGHTFUL AND INNOVATIVE POP-UP BOOKS I HAVE EVER SEEN.—Robert Sabuda From the lenticular cover that changes with the angle of your hands, all the way to the Z, ABC3D is as much a work of art as it is a pop-up book.

November Notes

2010-11-07T10:34:00.001+02:00

We are back in the studio in the last few weeks of creativity for 2010. Here is the set project. Perhaps you would like to try a few creative pages.

Take two sheets of paper in spring/summer colours. Canson works well.
Divide each sheet into 4.
Choose 8 quotations: summer, floral, joyful
Do thumbnail sketches and think collage, numerous nib sizes, different hands: Uncial, Foundational, Italic.

Quotations:Nothing is so beautiful as spring, Hopkins. Spring is sooner recognised by plants than by man, Chinese Proverb. A life without love is like a year without summer. Swedish Proverb

Suggestions: Write in a circle. Write in a square. Write using pale colours. Write using strong colours.Write in a design- the shape of a flower or bug.
Write the name of a flower in more than one colour more than once in different tones of the same colour.

Take a deep breath and smile!

When 8 pages are completed make into a small booklet.
Bind with ring binders or punch holes and tie with ribbon.

Back Home

2010-10-21T12:39:00.003+02:00

After a remarkable time at the first Penfriends Calligraphy Retreat in Scarborough and presenting workshops in Knysna and Cape Town I am sitting quietly writing thank you notes and adding pictures to websites and FB.

The workshops on Colour and Creativity were full of fun in Cape Town. The group was small and enthusiastic and we covered aspects of colour wheel, colour matching as well as mxing and adding calligraphy. As you will see from the photographs we all had a good time and were extremely productive and creative.

Thank you Cape Town - see you again soon.

Penfriends' Scarborough Retreat 2010

2010-10-17T17:06:00.004+02:00

I sit now now in Belleville [or really Eversdal] in the 'north' of Cape Town after a wonderful week at Scarborough where the first ever Penfriends Studio retreat was held.

Six students and I settled into the beautiful surroundings of our Scarborough retreat home - which is really Felicity's home - and which overlooks the ocean and beach of Scarborough - or Misty Cliffs as it is now called. Lyn and Karin had their 'home' in Muizenburg and commuted every day, Jill and Ghita shared accommodation, I had my own space.

Our daily routine was simple, up for breakfast, look for whales, breakfast, look for whales and then on with the daily programme - and look for whales.

Much laughter and enjoyment was shared. Exercises were set and completed - creative colour work, design and letterform as well as creative art on black ink with touches of colour. {I shall add the instructions on my return].

The whales eventually displayed themselves on our last day which was filled with sunlight and little wind. All of us were delighted with the sightings of these remarkable creatures.

Each of us left with six completed creative pieces and we all left planning our next retreat in the Lydenburg district in November 2011. Book your place NOW!

Time Flies - of travel, calligraphy and retreats

2010-10-12T22:08:00.008+02:00

I cannot believe that it is August since I last posted comments. Well since then we have been to the Masai Mara, crossed the Equator, posed at the tip of Africa and traveled from Johannesburg to Kruger and back, flown to Cape Town, driven to Knysna for a class reunion [and I presented a workshop there to an enthusiastic group of calligraphers] and now David has returned home and I sit overlooking the ocean after a successful day and a half of the Penfriends first annual calligraphy retreat at Misty Cliffs - Scarborough. If you feel dizzy reading this, just imagine how great it is to spend creative quiet time in the Cape.

I thought it would be a great opportunity for some creative time when a student of mine mentioned she had a home on the rocks overlooking the ocean in Cape Town and it could happily house at least six students.

As all good ideas they are left to mull around and then suddenly we find ourselves together in the Cape and having a remarkably creative time with a beautiful view and good friends.

But before that the I presented a morning workshop to an enthusiastic group of calligraphers in Knysna. I presented a workshop: 'Take an Apple and a Pear'. Here are a few notes about it:

Take and Apple and a Pear

It is always exciting visiting calligraphers around the country and I have been privileged visit Cape Town once in February and then again in October. My husband David had a veterinary reunion in Knysna and I was fortunate to meet up with a group of calligraphers on a Friday morning to present a workshop on creativity.
The workshop incorporated watercolours, painting and very ‘loose letterform’.
I find that many ‘new’ calligraphers are anxious about trying new techniques and loosening up their work – mostly due to lack of confidence.

The ‘Knysna Group’ was enthusiastic and brave enough to try out the exercises presented to them.

First exercise was to use a fruit as the basic design for a piece of calligraphy. Using the colours of the fruit the first step is to due a few colour ‘swatches’ down the side of the page. Then over the wet patches ‘writing’ was placed over the area. The next step was to allow the paint to dry and from there a graphic image of the chosen fruit was drawn. Paint was the applied and the fruit was completed. After the final touches a specific word was written using black or a darker colour.

The finished pieces were delightful and as always we all realised that creativity is simply a line away.

Off to Kenya

2010-08-22T17:48:00.003+02:00

We are off to Kenya in a few days. Once again the excitement of visiting old friends, making new contact and the sheer delight of travel fills the next few days,

Our calligraphy group will disband for a few weeks with much homework being set and I suppose little being completed!

Our Versal course has gone well with everyone completing a booklet filled with examples and some colour.

Looking forward to some great ideas. Meanwhile, what about creating a letterform using the image as inspiration?

Letter Collage

2010-07-22T14:06:00.003+02:00

While teaching it is always a challenge to 'keep up' with one's own work.

I really enjoy Versals with their variations and design proportions. I also enjoy earthy colours and placing letters into a space. Here is a Letter collage I have worked on after, before and during each class.

Study in Versals

2010-07-18T09:00:00.006+02:00

The Thursday group is in the process of studying Versals. With great exemplars from a few masters of the craft they have begun their books and have created some beautiful work.

First Homework!

2010-07-13T21:21:00.003+02:00

Thanks to Ina [and her permission] we have the first few letter collages to look at.

The sense of line and placement on the first piece really works. What do you think? The letters lie well and are beautifully constructed. The touch of gold just adds a special focus to the piece. The connection between the open A and D is pleasing to the eye. Well done. I can't wait to see more pieces.

Saturday Workshop - Versals

2010-06-26T17:56:00.003+02:00

It is always a challenge to find good materials and ideas for calligraphy and creative workshops.

What better way than to look at Versals. Based on Skeleton Roman capitals, they lend themselves to fine design and colour.

The Pretoria calligraphers drove through to Johannesburg and enjoyed several hours of creative calligraphy as they poured over examples from old texts and more modern interpretations of the Versal letters.

Thank you once again for bringing 'the team' over for a workshop.
Homework and preparation:
1] Complete letters for words chosen [Logic etc]
2] Start and complete Letter Collage: Use pen, pencil. Black. White. Brown. Shading. Grey. 15 cms x 15cms
Get this photocopied onto white cardstock
3] Decorate an initial with black and a colour of choice with a 'dash' of gold.
4] Place all finished pieces into a book. Bind
5] If you would like a very fine calligraphy nib, bring a mapping pen nib and holder to the next workshop.
6] Bring a quotation in preparation for Christmas/Holiday fabric banner.

I look forward to exciting creativity at the next workshop in August.

Well done all!

Exhibition - Isonke Calligraphy Plate

2010-06-12T15:29:00.002+02:00

Exhibitions are always a challenge. When we decided to participate in the Isonke Calligraphy Plate exhibition we decided that we would all paint at least two plates which became three then four! The Penfriends Thursday morning students all painted four, much to their astonishment.

Plate designs were calligraphic in feel although some people wrote words and phrases.

After the opening half the plates were sold and by the end of the exhibition only 10 plates were left.

We are able to send a 'tidy amount' to the Isonke feeding scheme. Flour is bought and given to people to make bread for children in need.

Watch out for our Christmas outreach - we may even surprise ourselves.

Workshops

2010-05-16T17:10:00.004+02:00

It is always exciting to view other people's works and attend workshops with visiting calligraphers.

This past week I attended a day and a half workshop with my friend and colleague Heleen de Haas from Cape Town. Not only did we have fun, but we explored letterform yet again.

We stretched letters, used various writing instruments from wooden coffee stirrers to calligraphy markers.

Fun and creative! Here are a few of my pieces.

New Creations

2010-04-26T07:17:00.003+02:00

As a teacher I am always on the look out for new ideas and plans for creative projects for my students.

I have spent several weeks with a friend of mine who has shared her skills and expertise using multi-media. We've pasted, coloured. Used found objects, lace and papers. Canvas was the base and imagination essential.

Using various techniques there was no limit. And then there are surprises. An old photograph here, a leaf there. Don't forget the old nibs and pencils that lie about. All to enhance and add interest.

Of course that simply flows over to the calligraphy aspect which will take on a more colourful outlook.

The best thing of all, of course, is that I have a pile of new projects for my students.

Pretoria Calligraphers Explore Uncial

2010-04-24T20:40:00.004+02:00

A rainy day and a warm and friendly afternoon.

A group of 12 calligraphers gathered in Penfriends Studio this afternoon to explore various aspects of Uncial. We started with Greek uncial and moved to a modern day font.

Try out some exercises. Find pictures of old manuscripts. Look at the lettershape. Observe letters that you are familiar with. How do they differ from the Uncial you already know?

Write a line of Greek uncial letterforms.

Write a block of letters. Use black, grey or white paper. Use different kinds of ink.

Explore, experiment and create a great monogram using your initials and the uncial letterform.

Crazy Calligraphy!

2010-04-13T08:14:00.002+02:00

Not only have we been making Peace posters but we have been painting plates for a project which hopefully will highlight calligraphy and its versatility.

Here is one comment from Michael Warner, organiser of the Peace posters in the USA:
We arrived back this afternoon from a nice long Spring time walk with the grand daughters. Opened the mailbox and what peered out from the inside at us? My grand daughters were thrilled to no end to see something "... ALL THE WAY FROM AFRICA!" Well, to tell the truth, the 7 year old was thrilled because she can now find Africa on a world map. The 3 year old was thrilled because ... her sister was. So we cut the tube open and all sat around and looked at the beautiful banners from the other side of the world. "Grandpa ... the confetti is falling off." Hmmm, I have some regluing to do. Beautiful work. Flowing. Artistic. The works from France are dark and brooding. The Canadians are bright and flashy. The Australians have very controlled hands. What you sent us was so very smooth and soft. Almost ... delicate. By hands and by colors and layout. Really lovely work. The Guild sends its thanks and appreciation. I will send you photos when we hang - which has been pushed to early summer. Hopefully June, before we have our National Conference - Odyssey.

At the moment we have another project on the go: A few calligraphers have been doing an Uncial update with Heleen de Haas in Cape Town and feel that we don't simply want to STOP. So we each working on a final 'project' to give away to friends at the end of the year. So as I said - calligraphy is crazy here at the moment.

Cape Town Calligraphy

2010-03-07T09:27:00.003+02:00

Have just returned from a wonderful week of teaching and sharing in Cape Town.

Classes from the Non-verbal Impact of Letterform, In the Art of seeing the Invisible and Thinking out of the Box were the challenge.

All students were encouraged to participate fully and with as much enthusiasm as possible.

Not only were we able to share teaching but had a wonderful day in the city itself. Cape Town was hot and the mountain was clear.

The evenings cooled down - although teaching in the heat - and keeping everyone awake was a challenge, we all shared and enjoyed a great time.

Saturday workshop

2010-02-22T17:28:00.003+02:00

Presented a workshop in Pretoria on Saturday. A creative afternoon of photographs and calligraphy was enjoyed by all twenty one participants.

I chose some of David's photographs and with some discussion about layout and design, we completed beautiful images.

We used gouache, tracing paper and fine nibs.

A great way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon.

New Classes 2010

2010-02-01T09:57:00.002+02:00

Thursday is the start of the Penfriends Studio Classes 2010.

Tables turned, seats moved, equipment polished - all ready for the new year. Oh and I forgot - new notes and music too!

Creativity is very much part of 2010. Colour. Calligraphy. Creativity. The three C's of the classes.

Apart from the 3 C's, we have a great friendship as a group. So here we go to a great new year.

Back Home and Writing

2010-01-23T16:21:00.002+02:00

What a place Argentina is! Exciting and fun. Beautiful and surprising. Antarctica is of course another tale altogether. Remarkable is all I can say at the moment.

I have updated my notes for 2010 and hope that we will have a creative and colourful year. The studio has been cleaned and re-set out and I hope the change will make everyone aware that change is good!

I will be attending workshops in Cape Town and Johannesburg and will also be presenting a workshop in Pretoria in February. I find all this very stimulating as presenting new ideas and expanding creative thought is always a challenge.

Look here for new creative ideas. I'll be adding them from time to time - perhaps even monthly.

A Review

2009-11-07T09:00:00.002+02:00

2009, in spite of being a great travel year, provided everyone time for times of practice as well as plenty of time to complete various projects.

From the beginning of the year we explored various hands starting with Foundational with Sheila Waters as our mentor - via book not in person sadly! Her exquisite understanding of the form is inspirational.

We then moved onto Italic which was the main focus for the class in the second half of the year. Together with those calligraphic hands we continued the quest for creativity and the group certainly managed to forge ahead making small hand made books, decorated letters and simple letter weight designs.

We look forward to the break and reconvening in February 2010.

off on Another Adventure!

2009-09-28T18:42:00.002+02:00

It's interesting when students don't arrive for a class, or arrive at the wrong time, or simply don't listen and arrive when they shouldn't. It is never their fault and always yours - but of course they become angry, irritated and quite frankly I can no longer take responsibility for someone else's error!

Fortunately this doesn't happen too often and when it does, I simply counter it with humour and of course a tongue in cheek.

I look forward to another adventure - where people are different, situations are interesting and there is a whole new aspect to calligraphy!

Back home for a few weeks.

2009-09-19T15:47:00.002+02:00

Trying to keep classes running and stimulating on a stop-start basis is really challenging. However the group was left with the brief to complete a 'creative book' using various calligraphic fonts, Canson papers and collage.

This is always exciting as no-one book is ever the same and creative journalling offers wide scope of materials, pens and colours.

I like to look at the colours presented in nature - the plains of the Mara suggest lime to khaki green, the ocean in Zanzibar is turquoise and azure dotted with the white sand and cream shells.

Nature shows its own canvas entirely.

New Work

2009-08-10T10:51:00.002+02:00

Well Carl has left and has left us with a wealth of practice sheets and food for thought.

I hived off to the Herbert Evans sale and stocked up on reams of paper, pencils and paint.

Surely now with this new supply letters will roll off the pen Carl left me. Don't 'they' say that the master's hand guides the strokes of the pen? Let's hope so.

My classes are full and brimming with dedicated students who diligently practice in class.

Carl Rohrs

2009-07-28T16:48:00.002+02:00

Well, after all that time we are back again, in the calligraphy mode.

I fetched Carl this afternoon and we spent time making sure that all calligraphers will be cosy as well as able to write. The studio is 2 garages wide and long - which is great for 8 students, but 'tight' for 16. Anyway all are well-fitted and we look forward to a great 3 days of calligraphy.

More about that on Thursday.

Calligraphy Again

2009-03-30T18:03:00.002+02:00

Well we are back to the Gauteng madness. Fortunately we have plans for creative outlet.

The Calligraphers in the Thursday classes will work on the letterform, working towards completing a book.

I am participating in a correspondence course with Heleen de Haas and although I've been away I've thoroughly enjoyed the interaction and challenge of being led through a new view of calligraphy.

Saturday morning classes will commence after the Easter weekend.

Penfriends Studio

2009-03-12T18:45:00.002+02:00

The Thursday morning group is busy with the Foundation hand which is so elegant and regal. From pencil skeletons to penwritten caps, everyone is working to find that dance of the pen.

Thursday afternoon girls are flourishing with Italic. The charm of this hand is once you have it imprinted there are so many variations.

With Carl Rohrs joining us in South Africa in July everyone is honing their calligraphic skills. The Johannesburg courses are fully booked and we are waiting with pen poised.

New Year, New course, Same group!

2009-01-12T13:35:00.001+02:00

The next course begins on Thursday 15 January. I have developed a new course which should be stimulating and interesting, especially for all who have been coming over the past few years.

The course entails calligraphy exercises and beautiful exemplars based on Sheila Waters' new book.

We also plan a workshop in the Free State in April.

Here's to a great Calligraphic year.

2008 end of year

2008-11-30T11:08:00.003+02:00

The exam is written, the books completed and another year has passed.

The last class on 11 December promises to be fun and filled with laughter, good food and fragrant coffee.

2009 classes begin again on Thursday 15 January.

The morning classes: from 9h30 to 12h00 and will cost R450.00 for four sessions.

Afternoon classes will commence on the same day at 14h30 to 16h30 and will cost R420.00 for four sessions.

Please remember that an option for calligraphy by correspondence is possible.

Please contact me should you wish further information.

End of 2008

2008-11-15T13:13:00.002+02:00

Can't believe that we are nearly at the end of the year.

We've had a busy and productive time in classes. The students each created 2 small books filled with creativity and writing which will be good exemplars for referral.

The exam was great fun - for me at least - and most students passed well, although all will returning in 2009.

Classes begin again on Thursday 17 January both morning and afternoon.

Season's greetings to all - and thank you for your support!

Of Creativity & Exams

2008-10-10T06:47:00.003+02:00

The Thursday morning group has completed a number of creative projects through the year even though I have been away and so have they off and on. Their little books filled with quotes, numerals, creativity are really great and will aid them when looking for creative ideas next year.

There is always an exam at the end of the year - this year it has changed dates several times. The official date is 6 November. It's really a fun exam and if everyone listens through the year it really easy. I'm not sure whether it is the thought of the exam that sets people going or the word that conjures up swotting for impossible teachers at school.

Either way I so enjoy setting the exam and they enjoy marking them! Here's to the 6 November.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

2008-09-23T17:24:00.004+02:00

Had a great time this morning having a photo-shoot done! A make-over, hair fix and photo shoot. After thinking that perhaps I had finally lost it [age and all that] I so enjoyed the 'shoot' with Lisa who turned me into a glamour gran! David liked the new look too. So watch this space. [What for I don't know.]

I am looking forward to teaching again this week. Had many mornings off so am rearing to go. New projects and a few surprises on the way.

Planning a trip to Mozambique at the end of October, courtesy a dog food company, so am looking for my swimming costumes [not a happy thought]. But before that we have our Spiritual Moment weekend in the Free State which should be a special few days.

Time to start planning food for the Creative Escapes 2009 Brochure Launch on 26 October at C3 9 Caroline Crescent Cresta.

Websites

2008-08-28T20:42:00.002+02:00

I really enjoy browsing new websites.

After a most stimulating visit with a friend of mine I started browsing her website: www. helpuhelpu.co.za and haven't stopped since.

Filled with great ideas, fun quizzes and help-u info it's really worthwhile. Why not visit it and find out for yourself.

Of Classes and Holidays

2008-08-28T20:30:00.002+02:00

Our group projects have been a great success this semester. Each person has chosen a quotation ranging from cooking to grandparenting with various coloured papers to share with the class.

A small book of about 12cms square will be the result with each person doing an original page and then photocopying that for each person in the class. A great little book - Calli-Capers - with various design and calligraphy examples for all.

Once again we are all on our various ways. We leave for Kenya this Saturday and others are going to the Cape and the bush.

Of course we all enjoy regrouping to share holiday stories and experiences.

Here's to holidays!!

Grand - Children and Good Food

2008-08-20T16:31:00.003+02:00

Rachel and Ashleigh spent a few days with us this past weekend. Always a great time, but of course, they keep me on my toes.

Visits to the Zoo Lake [to feed the pesky geese] are a highlight. This we do regularly with little packs of apple, cheese and bread to tear up for the gabbles.

Afterwards we order cappucino for Nan-Marie and two baby chinos for the little girls. This time they went to do the activities at Moyo's play area which is fun for all. Nana watches, the girls do the activity.

Sunday lunch the girls prepared dessert - Glasses layered with yoghurt, muesli crumble and freshly sliced strawberries. Of course you can use cream, crumbled meringue and strawberries if you prefer. The ideal quick dessert - especially if there are two eager little girls helping.

New projects

2008-08-11T13:15:00.002+02:00

The Thursday group of calligraphers is about to start a new project: each person will choose a quotation and instruct the group on how to prepare the page. Everyone will end up with a small square book filled with great ideas, creativity and some good quotations.

Wednesday evening classes begin again this Wednesday. 17h00 - 19h00. Once again we will be dealing with Italic and creative projects.

Saturday classes will begin again in September.

Calligraphy

2008-07-31T08:54:00.002+02:00

As always Thursday mornings are calligraphy. A group of eight [sounds like a banking cartel] gets together and we explore letter form and creativity.

We also chat and share our weekly experiences. Almost like children at school. Of course we share coffee and cake too.

The nicest thing is the conviviality. One of the 'girls' moved to Switzerland and will visit this morning. A lively and amusing person, Max has us laughing from the moment she arrives.

David and I leave for the Free State tomorrow. I've decided not to cook but rather choose a few delicious meals from Le Patisserie in Illovo. Their pies are good, the salmon fish cakes divine and the meringues sublime. So what with some good food and a pile of books and David with his camera, we should have a good weekend,

Quiet Weekend

2008-07-28T09:22:00.002+02:00

We had a quiet weekend - or should I say I did. David was on duty.

I managed to complete my India travel memory book. These little books allow memories to fill the room as pages are written and photos are pasted in and decorated.

Also updated the Masai Mara book ready for our next 'migration' to Kenya at the end of August.

Made simple home food: a Bean Hotpot with delicious flavours and camembert in phyllo pastry followed by red wine pears and thick cream. Mmmm.

And now it's Monday again.

Comfort Biscuits

2008-07-24T08:55:00.003+02:00

ELizabeth and Garren's business was 'South-Africaned' on Tuesday. What's that mean? Well a group of armed men arrived on the premises, tied up the staff and stole all the computers effectively putting the business on hold for a few days, not to mention the trauma experienced by the staff. Nobody was injured which was a blessing.

So what to do? Arrive with food of course and lots of sympathy and hugs.

Here is the old stand by: Crunchies which are easy to make and we almost all have the ingredients in the cupboard.

250g butter, 10 ml golden syrup, 500ml oats, 250ml sugar [zylatol can be used instead] 5ml bicarb, 250ml coconut, 250ml flour [rye can be substituted], pinch salt

Combine butter and syrup. Heat until melted. Mix dry ingredients together. Pour butter mixture over this and mix well. ** Add the bananas here if wanted. Press onto baking sheet about 23 cm square. Bake at 190C for 15-20 minutes. Cut into squares while still hot.

** See above: My little granddaughter Rachel says you can add mashed bananas to the mixture [but they should be very ripe] to make delicious Banana Crunchies. [They are good because I tasted them].

As always best served with a great deal of love and some good tea or coffee [Kenyan of course].

Poems and Poets

2008-07-21T17:56:00.003+02:00

It's always good to have friends to stay.

My poet friend and mentor is visiting for a few days. Great for me, simply sitting and listening to stories [who doesn't love stories?] and of course the book discussions drift from Fox to Wilbur to children's tales.

Then of course it's the sharing of friendship time. Always precious. I've been inspired again. And will be joining the Poetry retreat in Hogsback in November. Something more to look forward to.

In the meantime am looking into travel to Antarctica, Ethiopia and Morocco. Will keep you updated.

Concerts and more

2008-07-19T12:32:00.002+02:00

One of the many good things about being a grandmother is school concerts. You don't have to worry about the rehearsals, getting costumes made or collecting the children afterwards. All you have to do is get to the hall in time.

Little Ashleigh was a sunbeam. Shiny in a lurex top. [Where else would you look with delight at lurex?] She spotted her fans early in the proceedings and was ready to climb off the stage to sit comfortably with her family.

Rachel, a veteran of three concerts, knew we were there, but chose to ignore us, except for one or two glimmers. Dresses in bright yellow - she sang her 'Bandy Chicken Song' with enthusiasm.

The whole concert took less time than it did for me to drive there and back.

But then, what are grandparents for??

Fab Food

2008-07-15T18:07:00.000+02:00

Delicious, Easy Mousse - for 2

Turn oven to 180C

Take Woollies ready-made custard [250 ml]. 1 grenadilla [or 1 small tin]. 4 egg whites stiffly beaten.

Pour custard into a mixing bowl. Add pulp of 1 grenadilla. Mix. Fold in beaten egg whites.

Pour into prepared round ramekins. Butter inside and coat with caster sugar.

Rub your thumb around mixture once in dishes so that mixture does not stick to sides.

Bake until golden or well risen.

Serve with a sprinkling of icing sugar before serving.

Delicious

You can use mango as a change