Taheerah Atchia

Hey everyone! Happy Thursday – and welcome to the first instalment in my new series: Trend Requiem!

From yesterday’s warm-up post:

Trend Requiem is an exciting new feature I’m bringing to my blog. Following my Moxie Fab World post of the same name back in December 2013, I felt compelled to turn that one-off into a regular feature for my own blog! Once or twice a month, I’ll be providing an in-depth and inspiring look at a particular trend in our industry.  With a combination of inspirational images, prose and product round-ups, I hope to leave you feeling excited, inspired and ready to try out these trends for yourself!

Our first instalment focuses on a trend that is hotter than a Summer’s day and is infusing itself more and more into our crafty world: Hand Lettering!

I am completely loving the resurgence in time-honoured techniques lately. There seems to be a focus shifting toward the true meaning of ‘craftsmanship’. Letterpress is one such example that has seen a recent surge in popularity, and with other traditional techniques such as paper-cutting, quilling and origami, it seems we really want to take control back from the clutches of the digital world and evoke the feel of tradition and hark back to a simpler time and use our hands. Hand Lettering fits in perfectly with this ethos, and with the beauty and skill involved in this perfectly penned art form it is easy to see why.

Last year we saw chalkboard take centre stage as a trend, and it was only natural that hand lettering would follow hot on its heels. The two are a perfect marriage:

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But hand lettering encompasses a much broader spectrum than expert wielding of a quill or compelling use of chalk – and its applications vary far and wide between the commercial and the creative worlds:
 
Advertising et Marketing:

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Products et Branding:

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By now you’re seeing that hand lettering is not merely confined to calligraphic flourishes but is an expression as unique and individual as the artists themselves:

Art:

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Even calligraphy itself has moved with the times and embraced a modern, freer style:

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So what of our world? Here are just a handful of beautiful examples created by some of the hottest designers in our circles:

Source: Jocelyn Olson – digital element	Source: Nina Yang – stamping	Source: Julie Ebersole – stamping

	Source: Taheerah Atchia – hand penned	Source: Laurie Willison – die cutting

So how can you create the look of hand lettering yourself? There are a variety of products out there for the beginner and experienced alike.

There are several stamp sets on the market which embrace the hand lettered look:

WPlus9’s Valentine Wishes is a go-to staple in my crafting arsenal. I hope they release an all-round sentiments follow-up!:

Avery Elle’s Oh Happy Day is free-flowing, versatile style at its best:

New kid on the block Winnie & Walter’s The Big, the Bold, and the Happy features beautiful big hand-lettering style sentiments with some companion sentiments in a sympathetic type:

Technique Tuesday’s Incredible lends a touch of realistic whimsy:

Mama Elephant’s Confetti featues just plain beautiful handwriting:

There are a growing number of dies that take the hassle out of the handwritten:

Avery Elle’s Simply Said: Love:

Simon Says Stamp’s Brilliant And Strong:

Paper Smooches’ Hello Words:

There are even stickers and paper collections getting in on the penmanship parade:

Heidi Swapp Vintage Chic Buzz Words epoxy stickers:

Studio Calico Printshop Rub-On Words:

Studio Calico Printshop Collection Papers:

 
Those with an electronic die-cutting machine or who scrapbook and/or use digital elements in their cardmaking will appreciate the versatility of fonts, and there are countless free fonts available for download which have a handwritten look:

 
Finally, if you’re wishing to try your own hand (pun unintentional) at calligraphy and hand lettering, a number of online classes are popping up all over the web:

Melissa Epslin’s I Still Love Calligraphy Course ($95) – the cost may appear prohibitive but a unique aspect includes personal feedback and critique from Melissa herself:

Kal Barteski’s Life Scripted Brush Script Class via Studio Calico ($40 with discount available for Studio Calico Kit subscribers) – enrolment through to 31st January, with class commencing 1st February:

Introduction to the Art of Modern Calligraphy Course via Skillshare ($20 with discount codes available) – taught by renowned calligrapher and lettering illustrator Molly Jacques, this course will give you a thorough grounding for developing your own unique style:

Calligraphy supplies are also linked in Melissa’s class and the Skillshare class, but in my honest opinion your best option is to source a local or online/mail order art supplies service which specialises in these products once you develop your skill beyond the basic.

Some tips for personal penmanship:

• Loosen your wrists and movements with gentle stretching and warm-up exercises
• For the beginner tracing over examples of type will help you get a feel for your tools and the movements involved in penning letters
• Experiment with different tools and techniques
• Practice, practice, practice!

I have created a special Pinterest Board for this topic where you will find a veritable treasure trove of inspiration, products, paper crafting examples and more! And I also have a separate Fonts et Typography Pinterest Board is you are looking for something specific to the font department!

Hand lettering is a truly exquisite art form and one that I expect to endure in popularity for quite some time. This is a skill that bridges generation and cultural gaps and encompasses everything from the whimsical to the elegant! I hope I’ve left you feeling inspired to try this trend yourself, and I would love your feedback on this post and any follow-up questions or suggestions you may have!

Make something beautiful today!

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