Hand Painted Monograms now in Subtle Color

I've recently taken the idea of a hand painted monogram a little further with the addition of color. These are turning out lovely and there is more experimentation I'd like to consider doing - mainly with the looser application of color.

These are pretty tight and delicate. I love them, but want to splatter the paint a little and treat the fabric as less precious. The direction will be in the example of the Bill & Tracey painted monogram you see below.

We buy practice paper for calligraphy experiments- why not treat fabric the same way? I can't buy a pad of fabric - so instead pick up linens at the thrift store to practice on. It's a great reuse and give me permission to play, with little expense. :)

New Copperplate Class Oct-Nov 2011

Hi Friends,

It's official! A new Copperplate Calligraphy class has been created and to sign up, you'll need to email Eli Pelizza directly at eli@bindersart.com.

The class is $190 and meets on Tuesday nights from 6-8:30PM.

You can get your supplies ahead of time or the first night of class with me touring you around the store. It's fun. :)

Here are the dates:

Oct. 11, Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15

Below is a supply list and course description.

Happy inking!

~Anne

Calligraphy Two: Copperplate with Anne Elser

Beginner to Intermediate | Fee: $190 | Min. 3/ Max. 7

This is an introductory look at Copperplate, an elegant and elastic hand frequently used for formal invitations, documents and bridal events. Completely enchanting, the dramatic thicks and thins of this delicate hand will make you swoon.

During the six week course, students will be given handouts and guide sheets, learning the upper and lower case characters. We will also address spacing and layout for addressing envelopes.

Calligraphy is less about pretty handwriting, but more about DRAWING each and every letter. Its about establishing a pacing and rhythmic motion as you write - giving you a consistency of shapes and letters, and spaces in between words and lines. It is highly relaxing and meditative. Like yoga for the hands.

Calligraphic Kudos From Shira Savada

Anne Elser got a calligraphic kudos from Martha Stewart Wedding's editor Shira Savada recently on the PaperCupSketchbook.com blog from a story named "Inside Shira's Sketchbook." Can't resist sharing with all of you. :)

~Anne

Fabric Hankies & Hand Towels

New product from Anne Elser Calligraphy. Color version coming soon!

Completed Wedding Monogram

All done!

My Naughty Ledger

Let me first say that this past Summer has been my busiest and most fulfilling yet as a professional calligrapher. The interest in the subject has recently exploded and I see no signs yet of it slowing. My Calligraphy classes are selling out at Binders and brides and their families are knocking excitedly at my door for work, work and more work. I am very happy. VERY happy.

Been taking more Calligraphy workshops because of this, and therefore, am learning as fast as I am creating. All new tricks to add to my toolbox and a wider range of products result for my customers.

My new mantra is "Invest in Your Value." And I am doing exactly that. Here is an example.

I have recently made a connection with one my of favorite erotica authors, Maren Smith and have found her to be just as gracious, fun, daring, witty and as wise as her work. I am making her a 8.5 x 11 journal with lined pages to use as a ledger for her ever-growing collection of published works. This book folds out to a very generous 17 x 11 spread, with lots of room in which to list, write, tabulate, etc. Her only request was to have the book covered in shades of blue and green and to include a quote on the inside about the inspiration of her craft. I kid you not, I wrote that quote out no less than FIVE times before I managed to NOT misspell a word. She and I had a good laugh over that.

This book is finished being stitched. I've only to paint the title "My Naughty Ledger" on the front cover and make a lovely simple case to protect it. I believe the case will have a window on the front, to reveal the title once inside. It's going to be splendid when finished and I can't wait to hear what she has to say about it once it's in her hands being used and loved for years to come.

I have another friend who has recently decided to seriously begin her career as a professional erotica author. I could not be more proud or excited for her. She's an amazing writer and has a lot of love and passion to give back to the world, as we all do.

I am so happy.

New Monogram

New Calligraphic sketch for a monogram. This mark is begging for symmetry - I plan on curving the elements to the left of the B inward, pointing to the center of everything. And she loves this!