LEARN CALLIGRAPHY: WHAT TO BUY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

As a child I remember finding an old Speedball Textbook at my house and gushing over the various styles of lettering within its pages. I've always had a strong interest in type and letters, and now it seems as though calligraphy (once a lost art) is trending again.

Calligraphy is something I knew I could do, but I had no clue where to begin or what supplies I needed. So I signed up for a six-week beginner's calligraphy course which was taught by a very revered calligrapher with remarkable talent. I really enjoyed the course, but honestly, I could have attended just one or two days of class and figured out the rest on my own. I just needed some basic information and understanding on how to use the supplies properly.

If you're somewhat artistic and you'd rather not spend money on a course, it would be fairly easy to teach yourself as long as you are diligent about it (as with anything). The supplies you should buy to start out are very basic. As you dive into the art further, you may decide to expand or upgrade your collection. That way you will not have spent a fortune on something you realized you did not like at all. If you're one of those people who needs a teacher to start, there's nothing wrong with that either. By all means, find a teacher near you, and take a course!

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Here are my suggestions for the very basic calligraphy supplies if you're just beginning:

INK: Pelikan Tusche A Drawing Ink - Black (nice and intense black, easy to apply to nibs)
NIB HOLDER: E+M Two-Way Wood Nib Holder (just one that I like...you can always go cheaper)
PAPER: Bienfang Graphics 360 Marker Paper (beautiful bleed proof paper that's easy to see grids through)
MARKER: Itoya Doubleheader Calligraphy Marker - Black (for extra practice without having to re-ink)
NIBS: Speedball C-2 and B-2 (choose for left or right hand)

BOOKS: (I found many calligraphy books at my local library instead of buying them.)
20th Edition Speedball Textbook for Pen and Brush Lettering
The Calligrapher's Companion by Mary Noble & Janet Mehigan
Learn Calligraphy by Margaret Shepherd
Calligrapher's Bible by David Harris

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I would recommend learning some foundational scripts first (i.e. types of gothic or roman script).
With these tools, as well as some others that you probably have (i.e. pencil, ruler, eraser, scrap paper), you're ready to start learning. These supplies will get you far enough in practicing those until you understand the basic concepts of calligraphy.




Your hand may get very sore with your first attempts, but it's worth it to keep pushing through. Just give yourself rest between practice sessions. Researching some hand exercises may also help to strengthen those writing muscles! Nowadays we don't use pen and paper enough. Our hands are weak, but they can always get stronger by working with them more.

Hopefully this is helpful information for those who have no idea what to get or where to begin.
Now get to practicing! Happy writing!!

FROM EAST COAST TO WEST COAST

The last few weeks have been busy ones as we have been saying our goodbyes for the summer and packing up to drive across the country. We've enjoyed many parties and bonfires with friends as we are preparing to go separate ways for now.

Caleb has a summer internship in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we will be there for 10 weeks. Neither of us has ever been to California so it should be a good adventure. To make it more adventurous (and because we will need a car), we are driving there. From New York to California. Over 3,000 miles. Over 40 hours across the United States of America.
We've already started the journey even though we don't have to be there until June 1st. A long trip like this is probably better done in segments. We're planning to see many friends and family along the way.



Our first stop was Nashville, TN. Since I used to work in Nashville, I have former coworkers and church friends that we stayed with and met up with to say hello. I can't believe it has been 1.5 years since leaving...it's a great city.

Of course we couldn't stop in Nashville without venturing back to the very spot where we got engaged: the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. {Side note: why don't they shoot a Batman movie in this city? It would be perfect with the AT&T Building! You can see it in this picture, but not from a good angle...just Google it.}

Also, I had to see Hatch Show Print again because I'm a print nerd.

EXPLORING THE FARMERS MARKET

This weekend Caleb and I finally ventured out to the Farmers Market. I think it's a very pretty place to go with all of the fresh produce and products from all types of vendors. And this market is also right on the lake, so that's a major plus for aesthetics. It makes for a nice and relaxing stroll, especially when the weather is pleasant like it was this weekend.

When it comes to Farmers Markets (or really any type of shopping outside of grocery), I'm strictly a browser. It's just that I don't need a whole lot...especially if I'm in a store for the first time. I like to see what's available and make a mental note so I can come back if I ever need/want what's being offered. I prefer to make informed purchases, and I should probably mention that I'm pretty frugal. My hard-earned money more often is saved than spent. But I don't regret any of that one bit.

One thing that I enjoy about exploring, whether it's the Farmers Market or anywhere, is the new perspective I get. Exploration = Inspiration. Seeing new things or doing new things helps to bump my creativity up a notch. I think that's one reason why I have decided to keep a blog. I hope it encourages me to keep looking for the new in life, even everyday life. And I hope to translate that inspiration into more artwork, since that really is my trade.

I miss doing art. I'm a creator at heart. I like to say, "Hey, I made that!" I've known that about myself since I was very young, so I don't think it's ever going away. Hopefully I can share new projects I'm working on very soon...but there may also be a lot of exploring before that happens :)

DESTINATION: NIAGARA FALLS

Before April is over I should share the rest of my adventures from the month. The same week I traveled to NYC, I also drove over to Niagara Falls (my back was hurting from the driving, but it was worth it). Everything was still thawing out at the falls, and there were very large chunks of ice clinging to the rocks below them, despite the raging waters. I don't understand how all the power from the falling water wouldn't knock the ice and snow away, but that's part of the wonder I guess.

That was also my second time seeing the falls. The first time was in October of 2012 with my friend Hannah. {She was the only one crazy enough to drive the long way with me over a quick, three-day weekend.} We saw it from the Canadian side (as that was the fastest route for us...over the Ambassador Bridge via Michigan), but it turns out that the Canadian side is the best side to view the falls from.

No worries though, if you are on the American side (as I was this time), you can easily travel to Canada via the Rainbow Bridge. If you are just going to see the falls and not traveling to other establishments, I would recommend walking across the bridge instead of driving (just remember to bring your passport!). The line of cars to get from one country to another looked like such a long wait (probably over 30 minutes on the average day we went). Also, if you drive you pay a higher toll to cross the bridge. You pay a 50 cent toll when walking back to America, but hey, the view is pretty good for the price.

Of the times I've been to Niagara, I would say the autumn is DEFINITELY a great time to visit. The leaves on the trees are so beautiful at that time. (Also, the tourism isn't so crazy because it's an off season.) But the trees are such a wonderful contrast to the blue/green waters of the Niagara River during the fall. I love the color in the water here in New York. In Wisconsin, where I'm from, the water was always muddy looking. In New York it has that green patina. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the soil as I have noticed the soil being much more red in color here.

If you are in Canada, a great place to eat is The Syndicate Restaurant and Brewery...seriously the best burger I've ever had was made there.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO NYC

We've had a few visitors the past couple weeks which has left me a little exhausted. However, it's been good to get out and see the sights around the state. I've driven from one side of NY to the other, so I have a few suggestions of things to see.

I'll start with the big one: New York City!!! I didn't know until moving to New York state that much of it is country. Over half the population lives in or around NYC, so that leaves a whole lotta beautiful country for everyone else.

Honestly, I've now been to NYC just twice in my life. The first time I went with a friend back in 2012. It was very intimidating to me, a born-and-raised country gal. I thought it was dirty, expensive, and over-crowded. Ultimately, over-rated, and I didn't really want to return. (Although, it was good to see the place just once to know that.)

Well, I am glad I went again because the city is not so scary or gross to me anymore. I kind of want to go back and see a bunch more actually...I guess it's a place that grows on you. I think that living in Washington, D.C. has helped me adjust to "big" city life...especially driving in the city and understanding the metro system.

Before going to NYC, it's extremely helpful to download an app for the subway system if you're unsure of exactly where to go. I really liked one called Embark NYC. It's pretty easy to use. Best of all, it allows you to look at the metro map and the stops/train changes you need to make even if you don't have cellular signal (which happens often on underground transportation).

Anyway, if you've got a few days to spend in NYC and need some sights to see, I have a few suggestions. This is by far not a comprehensive list nor in any order.

This is probably NYC LEVEL: BEGINNER. (Also very good if you're on a budget like me.)

1.  THE STATUE OF LIBERTY VIA THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY

I know a lot of people see Lady Liberty any number of ways, but I thought that riding the {FREE} Staten Island Ferry was a great experience. The ferry operates throughout the entire day on a 15/30 minute schedule depending on when you ride. It offers a fantastic view of The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan. The ferry is very clean and you can even check out the views from on deck. This is definitely the way to go...especially because it will allow you to save your dollars (or allow you to spend them elsewhere in the city).

2. ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER - 9/11 MEMORIAL

It's kind of crazy to think that the 9/11 attacks happened over 14 years years ago and that a new World Trade Center is already up and running. I remember that day quite well...and I was only an eighth grader in the Midwest. Visiting the memorial is so beautiful and impactful. It really captures the memory of the buildings and the people who lost their lives that day. I didn't see the museum, but I'm sure it's just as impactful. The memorial itself is outside and free, but a museum ticket costs $24 for adults. I have pictures of the memorial, but honestly, seeing it in person is how you should do it. Being there, I can't image how chaotic that day was in 2001 or how the search and clean-up happened afterwards. It just confounds me how something like that could ever occur there (or anywhere really).

3. CHELSEA MARKET

The Chelsea Market is the cutest little stop and shop. Built in a former Nabisco factory (where the Oreo cookie was invented), it blends the industrial and urban with the quaint small-town market feel. You will fall in LOVE with this place. It's worth the trip and is a great place to grab a bite to eat and look at handcrafted items. Apparently above the Chelsea Market lies the HighLine, an urban oasis that repurposes an old railway into a parkway...that's something I'll have to see next time.

4. ROCKEFELLER CENTER

There are so many attractions to find in Rockefeller Center...from the shops and restaurants to the buildings and businesses surrounding the area. It's home to the Today Show, NBC, Radio City, The Tonight Show, the Associated Press, and Lego, among other well known entities. In the wintertime you'll find the iconic New York Christmas Tree and a beautiful skating rink. You can also check out an amazing view of NYC from Top of theRock.

5. CENTRAL PARK

I would say Central Park is one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC. It was certainly on the top of my list of places to see when first visiting the city. It's such a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city surrounding it. If not for the towering skyscrapers around it, you may actually forget you were in NYC and could easily get lost in its 843 acres. Explore the nature, the art and architecture, skating rink and ponds, or even the Central Park Zoo.

6. TIMES SQUARE

Funny enough, I don't even have a picture of Times Square. I am not a huge fan of the place, to be honest. I'm only including it in my list because I think it's one of New York's major attractions and good to see at least once (even if it's just for a minute...which is usually what it is for me). Times Square is NYC in a nutshell: lights, people, shows, events. I suppose that's why it's so popular. One thing I for sure want to do yet is see a Broadway production, and this is the place to do that.

7. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (THE MET)

The Met is the largest art museum in the United States. It's worth the trip for that. You could spend all day in the museum. I spent a few hours and focused on my favorites: drawings, prints, stained glass, American, and the European masters. I'm not sure how many people know this, but the price for the adult ticket is only a "recommended" price. You can pay what you want. Now, if I were to spend the whole day in The Met, I would probably pay the whole price, but for just a few hours I prorated it. I would still love to se the MoMA which houses Van Gogh's Starry Night. The Guggenheim has wonderful architecture, but unless you are absolutely in love with their current exhibition it's probably not worth it over The Met or MoMA.

8. GRAND CENTRAL STATION

Grand Central Station is filled with shops and dining and is a great little point where many tracks diverge. Literally. It's worth the stop to enjoy the beauty and grandiosity of the architecture. And if this is your transportation into or out of the city, even better.

Hopefully this short list gives you some good starting points to see on your first visit to NYC. There are so many more wonderful sights to see outside of this list. I definitely still want to see a Broadway production, go to the Tonight Show, the Brooklyn Bridge, see the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center, go to Coney Island, see Wall Street, go to the American Museum of Natural History, and ring the Stock Market Bell (haha...maybe someday). But hey, this all gives me reason to go back again...hopefully soon.

What places have you enjoyed while in NYC? I'd love to hear all the wonderful places, especially the ones that are off the beaten path.