August, already?

Before I speak about my current project, just wanted to confirm that I did use my skill set from the Peter Thornton workshop to create a one-of-a-kind card for my niece, Heather's wedding.  I made it into a piece of artwork to reflect hers and Jeff's new monogram as well as included symbolism for their new family.  Of course, I annotated all the nuances for them.  And, they were delighted.  The colors were copied from a purchased piece - but all the work was original.  I'll post that pix later.

Ok, so since I had three weeks to myself with few interruptions, I decided it was time.  I might as well have just brought in some large earth-moving equipment.  I have weeded out my studio, taking out anything not related to calligraphy or bookbinding.

I have put all the books and magazines back on the shelves where they belong.  I have corralled all the projects and class notes from the last two years into one place - my antique pop cooler.

I have weeded through piles of picture frames and donated the 'least likely to be used' ones.  I moved a bookcase and made room for my sewing table - where I am now able to do my weekly calligraphy practice.  It's at a better height for proper posture.

I found all of my countertop by moving a press onto the top of the relocated file cabinet and by putting away all the unused tools.  I sorted through the third of the closet and combined boxes of envelopes into a hanging organizer.  I also hung on the wall all the organizing shelves and then placed on them the things I either want to look at or need to find at arm's length.  I dusted everything and hung new curtains.  Ah - it is such a delight to walk in now and to see open space awaiting creative activity.

Granted, there is still a pile of stuff to go through and the inside of the cabinets have received at best a long glance.  My paper stash is still intact and quite messy, but still - wow!

Now I am giving half a thought to this year's Christmas card and am mid-process in a way ovedue birthday gift.  I continue to spend almost every Monday morning working on practice pieces in my notebook and I can see marked improvement in my letters over the summer.  I am still working on Carolingian and Copperplate hands from last year.  I continue to use brush lettering on most birthday envelopes.  Who knows, maybe I'll now have the time and space (!) to play with my markers I brought back from Paris.