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The Steps of Addressing a Wedding....
I've had a couple people ask about the materials and process that I go through in the course of doing a wedding, so I just wanted to divulge a few details here! I mix most of my inks from a type of paint called gouache, that way I can create extremely custom shades, and gouache works really well with most types of stock or paper, without bleeding. I typically mix the potions in shot glasses that I pick up in antique stores. I use a split-tipped, pointed metal nib, that I dip into the ink every couple words or so- a really old fashioned way of writing that is so completely charming.
I store my tubes of ink in this cheery old cigar box, so that when I am feeling unmotivated to get started on a big project, it brightens up my initial preparation routine.
The next part of the process involves popping in a favorite movie or documentary or putting on some great music, and just going down the address list, doing envelope after envelope, lining them up to dry for about fifteen minutes before I stack them. In between each envelope, I usually stir the gouache, wipe off the nib, and then take out the lined template from the envelope, and place it into the next envelope to be addressed. It is definitely a painstaking and tedious process, but one that is so rewarding.
After the job is completely done, I alphebetize the envelopes, tie them up with ribbon, and pack them up and usually take them to the post office, as the majority of my clients are in other cities or countries.
I feel so blessed to have a job I love doing so much. I truly feel it is a beautiful process, and always feel sentimental about being a part of the wedding preparation that first notifies guests of an upcoming union. And to be able to do it in my pajamas and with a cup of tea on days where I just don't feel like getting dressed! So ideal, yes?
I've had a couple people ask about the materials and process that I go through in the course of doing a wedding, so I just wanted to divulge a few details here! I mix most of my inks from a type of paint called gouache, that way I can create extremely custom shades, and gouache works really well with most types of stock or paper, without bleeding. I typically mix the potions in shot glasses that I pick up in antique stores. I use a split-tipped, pointed metal nib, that I dip into the ink every couple words or so- a really old fashioned way of writing that is so completely charming.
I store my tubes of ink in this cheery old cigar box, so that when I am feeling unmotivated to get started on a big project, it brightens up my initial preparation routine.
The next part of the process involves popping in a favorite movie or documentary or putting on some great music, and just going down the address list, doing envelope after envelope, lining them up to dry for about fifteen minutes before I stack them. In between each envelope, I usually stir the gouache, wipe off the nib, and then take out the lined template from the envelope, and place it into the next envelope to be addressed. It is definitely a painstaking and tedious process, but one that is so rewarding.
After the job is completely done, I alphebetize the envelopes, tie them up with ribbon, and pack them up and usually take them to the post office, as the majority of my clients are in other cities or countries.
I feel so blessed to have a job I love doing so much. I truly feel it is a beautiful process, and always feel sentimental about being a part of the wedding preparation that first notifies guests of an upcoming union. And to be able to do it in my pajamas and with a cup of tea on days where I just don't feel like getting dressed! So ideal, yes?
5 comments:
Betsy,
You are a Queen and my idol! Your work is such an inspiration to me. I cannot even begin to describe how lovely and alive I think your unique penmanship is! It gives me joy to read your blog and follow your success. I am trying to learn all I can about the art of calligraphy. May I ask the type of pen do you use? The split-tipped, pointed metal nib pen... can you buy that at any craft store? I must admit I am curious to find out how you can get such fine lines and such dark thick ones with the same pen.
I am so very new to all of this. But I think its just the living end. If you could give me a little more info on which type of pen you use I would so appreciate it!
I love to think that you do your work to some great tunes, or a favorite movie... and all the while in your pjs! What more could a girl want.
You are divine!
All my best,
Bea
Sounds like a dream job! You are so lucky! Your work is beautiful and fills my heart with warmness to see your writing on paper. I love paper and stationery! To receive an envelope in the mail with writing like yours would be amazing!
betsy-- I SO admire you're work! I've been reading your blog for sometime now,...and have to say, it's beautiful, wonderful, amazing!
Your blog exudes a comfortable, homeyness (which I mean in the most POSITIVE way ever).
Your friend, Minna, referred me to you, who I know in San Diego,... I'm not even sure if she knows I eventually looked your blog up, but I'm so thankful she told me about you..your work is SO amazing and inspiring! My best wishes to you!
I have been thinking of trying to learn how to do this, where do you buy your nibs from?
Thanks,
Amanda
igoyougoblog.com
I love your attention to detail and consideration for your clients. Putting them in alphabetical order is just so lovely, and the ribbon tie on the completed stack evokes a joyous satisfaction from my heart. LOVE!
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