Atlanta Pen Show 2012

Do you love ink, pens, pencils & paper? Then you'll want to go to this year's Atlanta Pen Show (also called the Southeastern Pen Show) in April of 2012. It's a weekend trade show open to the public and I've gone for several years, though it's been a while. I am determined to make it back this year.

They've always had a great selection of both new and vintage writing instruments, inkwells, etc with a couple of pen repair tables to choose from. I had a beautiful inkwell set appraised one year. They also sell fountain pen ink and have a place for you to test out colors. There are also journals and fine writing papers and all things stationary. It's a really fun event.

Atlanta Pen Show 2012

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April 13th - April 15th, 2012

The 17th Annual Show Brought to You By 

                   

 

Join us for the 17th Annual Atlanta Pen Show at our new show location, The Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW in Atlanta, which is near the Galleria and Total Office Products. The Crowne Plaza features nicer rooms and some nice ballrooms for the show. Nearby restaurants include Maggiano's, PF Chang's, and the Cheese Cake Factory. The hotel is close to Cumberland Mall and the Galleria. It's also close to Parkway Point Multiplex Movie Theater. The hotel provides complementary shuttle runs until 11:00pm to these attractions (all are on a first come first serve basis).

Free Hotel Parking

The show is in early spring when Atlanta is in full bloom. A special room rate of $95.00 is available to registered attendees of the pen show. Reservations should be made no later than March 12th, 2012 for show rates. You can call the hotel directly at 770.955.1700 for reservations.

Invited are new and vintage pen dealers and collectors from the Southeastern United States and beyond. Attending will be experts in pen repair and appraisal. Parts and other pen collecting related hard to find items will be available. Don't miss out on this once a year event, come join us.
Daily Admission for General Public is $7.00 (children under 12 free) 
Weekend Pass admission is $25.00

Great Giveaways!

Door Prizes on Saturday and Sunday

Free Pen Magazines 

New Calligraphy & Bookbinding Classes begin in March 2012

Hi Friends!

We have new classes beginning the second week of March 2012.

There are two Bookbinding Two (The Opened Book) classes beginning on Tuesday, March 13th.

The Daytime class has not yet made (7 seats available) but the Tuesday night class needs just ONE more student to make. Come on and sign up! Details for both are below.

Since our Wednesday night Copperplate class filled up, we created a Thursday night Copperplate class with those on the waiting list who missed out.

Happy Spring to all!

~Anne

Bookmaking 2 Opened Bk 3/13 1 (ARTZ1146)

Bookmaking Two: The Opened Book with Anne Elser
6 sessions | Beginner to Intermediate | Price: $190 | Min.3/Max.7
ARTZ1146 | Tuesdays, Mar. 13-Apr. 17, 1:30-4pm

If you've taken one or several bookmaking classes and are ready to create content, this class is ideal. Nothing can be more intimidating than a book of blank white pages. We will begin by creating signatures with different types, colors, ages and textures of papers. By alternating these pages with blanks, you'll have a book that wants to be altered further: touched, written in, cut into, stitched, painted and filled with purposeful doodling, writing and drawing. Working at your own pace, your book can be themed or worked loosely. The approach; "treasure hunt" pasting, binding, working and re-working will be an intuitive one. We will make at one book and a box for it to live in.

For more information about this instructor and supply lists, please see Instructor Bios & Supply Lists in the menu to right, under Art School at BINDERS.

By enrolling in this course you certify that you have read and understand The Art School Policies and Registration procedures located in the menu to right, under Art School at BINDERS. 

Bookmaking 2 Opened Bk 3/13 6 (ARTZ1147)

Bookmaking Two: The Opened Book with Anne Elser
6 sessions | Beginner to Intermediate | Price: $190 | Min.3/Max.7
ARTZ1147 | Tuesdays, Mar. 13-Apr.17, 6-8:30pm

If you've taken one or several bookmaking classes and are ready to create content, this class is ideal. Nothing can be more intimidating than a book of blank white pages. We will begin by creating signatures with different types, colors, ages and textures of papers. By alternating these pages with blanks, you'll have a book that wants to be altered further: touched, written in, cut into, stitched, painted and filled with purposeful doodling, writing and drawing. Working at your own pace, your book can be themed or worked loosely. The approach; "treasure hunt" pasting, binding, working and re-working will be an intuitive one. We will make at one book and a box for it to live in.

For more information about this instructor and supply lists, please see Instructor Bios & Supply Lists in the menu to right, under Art School at BINDERS.

By enrolling in this course you certify that you have read and understand The Art School Policies and Registration procedures located in the menu to right, under Art School at BINDERS.

Calligraphy 2 Copperplate 3/15 

Calligraphy Two: Copperplate with Anne Elser
6 sessions | Beginner to Intermediate | Price: $190 | Min.3/Max.7
ARTZ1148 | Thursdays, Mar. 15-Apr.19, 6-8:30pm

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. It's 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.

For more information about this instructor and supply lists, please see Instructor Bios & Supply Lists in the menu to right, under Art School at BINDERS.

By enrolling in this course you certify that you have read and understand The Art School Policies and Registration procedures located in the menu to right, under Art School at BINDERS. 

New Thursday Night Copperplate Class begins March15

Hello Friends,

Since our Wednesday night Copperplate class that begins March 14, 2012 is now full, we have created a Thursday night Copperplate class for those who did not make the deadline. The class meets on the following dates: March 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 12, 19th.

To sign up, contact Jacob Gunter at Jacob@BindersArt.com.

Below are class details.

Calligraphy Two: Copperplate with Anne Elser 6 sessions | Beginner to Intermediate | Price: $205 | Min.3/Max.7 | Wednesdays, Mar. 15-Apr.19, 6-8:30pm

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. It's 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. 

Greeting Cards & Envelopes Calligraphy Workshop April 2012

Greeting Cards And Envelopes Calligraphy Workshop

With Anne Elser

Saturday - Sunday, April 21st & 22nd

Sat. 10:30am-4pm, Sun. 11:30am-4:30pm

$190.00

Min 3 / Max 7 students

Click here at the Binders site to sign up for this workshop.

Create your own calligraphic design for whichever special greeting you wish to share most. Students will be given customized instruction on layout and technique using the materials they bring to class. We will be writing, flourishing, painting, stenciling, cutting windows, stamping and more!

Learn to create your own cards that are easy to reproduce at home by creating a template and adding layers of detail to the card in an enjoyable and systematic fashion. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing the meaning of your message in order to fully engage your audience.

Day two is spent finalizing the prototype of your chosen design and with it, a system  of producing it. We will also create a perfect envelope template for your card.

Suggested Supply List:

• Set of at least 20 blank cards and envelopes you wish to practice on. 

• Scrap Paper

• Arches Text Wove Paper

• Materials used to apply color such as watercolor, gouache, inks and stamps. 

• Brushes, pens and pencils, 

• Ruler, eraser and tape.

• A cover weight sheet of paper to create stencils with. 

• Scissors, Exacto blade and cutting mat

• Calligraphy tools and inks.

• Sense of adventure and an open heart.

Tommy Requiem Begins

Practicing Frakteur from Reggie's 2012 Atlanta class in my first project honoring Tommy's AT hike back in the 80's - the happiest time in his life. Using Sir Galahad's life and death as a metaphor for Tommy's...

Today I whipped out the good stuff (Arches Text Wove) and did some practicing. Feeling better about the caps and loving using paint and ink. I will be mixing text from Tommy's AT trail journal and Galahad's story throughout a book.

The light brown splattering is from masking with another shape and spritzing with a sprayer filled with diluted walnut ink.

I feel a whole new world opening up. Holy fuck this is fun!

Painted Frakteur

 

This is work from Reggie Ezell's 2012 Atlanta course.  Falling in big love with Blackletter and its variations. Frakteur is my fave so far and the caps are to die for. Studying those is next on my list. We're using Windsor and Newton watercolors, mixed with a brush and thinned in a shallow dish. Your nib is dipped in this and used as ink. I'm having a blast! I'm sure there are all kinds of errors all over the place, but what I'm trying to concentrate on is flow and swing, strength and meaning.

Worked on Anton's name this morning. Hunny Bunny is looking lovely in teal and umber. :) I keep thinking of blue eggs with lovely brown spots.

I have big plans for our first set of projects. Will combine them all in a small coptic book that uses the story of Sir Galahad as a metaphor for my brother's life and death. I cannot wait to get started. Tommy sat with me during the first day of Reggie's class. I couldn't shake him. So I scooted over and let him fill my thoughts. He's a great workshop partner. :) Stay tuned!

Fabric Brush Lettering

Doug came home the other day with this find from Last Chance Thrift Store in Decatur. They had a whole series of monogrammed canvas bags. I whipped out my red fabric paint and vrooom, added some brush magic. I really love painting on fabric.

AIGA Atlanta Coptic Bookbinding Workshop Feb 25, 2012

Hi Friends!

There is a one day Coptic Bookbinding workshop I'll be teaching at Binders Art Supply right here in Atlanta on Saturday,  Feb. 25, 2012. This workshop is open to all, though there is an AIGA member discount.

Location: Binder's
Date: Sat, Feb 25 
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Members: $150 / Student Members: $150 
Non-Members: $175 / Student Non-Members: $175

Sign up link is here!
Or go to: http://www.aiga-atl.org/event.jsp?navigation=2&content=607

Spend a full day making your very own Coptic Book with folded blank or lined pages, sewn together with needle and thread. Front and back covers are cut from raw chipboard; you then cover with imported handmade papers (Washi paper.) the Coptic Bound Book, developed by early Christians in Egypt,began with its origins way back in the 2nd century ad. this functional, decorative work of art makes a great gift for you or someone who would enjoy filling it! a very flexible and visible spine allows it to open completely flat and makes a fabulous sketchbook or journal. 

We'll take a break to eat lunch and by the end of class, you'll be very proud of your first Coptic bound book. Anne's workshops are meaningful, educational, enriching, and fun. 

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED, SO REGISTER EARLY FOR THIS UNIQUE WORKSHOP!!!

LOCATION: 
Binder's 
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18 
404.237.6331 

QUESTIONS: 
Write the workshop manager, Philip Berwick (philip@aiga-atl.org)
*No refunds. Tickets are non-transferable. 

Hands in Action

More great pictures of the Illuminated Letters event. Lori faithfully took all of us in action while we worked. The hands you see here are mine. My nail polish is OPI's "Mink Muffs." :D

Photos taken by Lori Rausche.

Anne Elser Calligraphy Mailing List

Subscribe Anne Elser Calligraphy mailing list

Let's stay in touch! If the following statements are true for you, you should probably subscribe your smart self to this list.

 • I have inkgasms frequently and can't stop thinking about beautiful letterforms.

 • I have been a student of Anne Elser and want to stay in touch.

 • My current domestic partner thinks I wake up in the morning for them. This is not true. I live for ink, color and letterforms, and I know Anne will keep my secret safe with her, because my CDP gives really good back rubs, cleans up cat throw up, and helps me balance my checkbook.

 • I took a class with Anne Elser and want to stay in touch.

 • Hello, my name is ________. I am an Inkaholic and have been for ___ years.

 • Anne has a crush on me and I fear for her happiness, should I stay out of touch.

 • Oh, Jesus, just sign me up already.

Left Handed Hourglass Adjustable Oblique Pen Holder!

2. 13. 2012

I'm adding a word from Jennifer Allen at Paper Ink Arts. I double checked with her about ordering and she added that the holders will be up on the web soon. Yay!

"Anne,

Yes, that procedure is fine! They can also just add to web orders in the comment section at the end of the web ordering process, and we will add it when we manually process the order. We hope to have the holders on the website soon; we now have plenty in stock!"

Best regards,

Jennifer Allen

Paper and Ink Arts

Many of my copperplate calligraphy students have lamented over the fact that there is a serious lack of beautiful wooden hand turned oblique pen holders available for those who favor the left hand. 

I have good news!

Last week a left-handed student arrived in my class with a beautiful wooden Hourglass Adjustable Oblique holder for the left hand. I about fell over. She purchased it from Paper & Ink Arts but had to send them an email requesting the left handed version, as they do not offer this pen on line. (The link above is the right handed pen.Make sure to call them or email to specifically ask for the left handed pen.)

This is fabulous news. While this penholder is not cheap ($40.95) I DO think it's an honorable and wise investment, as there is nothing quite like writing/drawing with a tool that's well-made and with natural materials. Valentine's Day is right around the corner and your fingers deserve a luxury once in a while. :)

If you order this pen, also order some walnut ink crystals, while you're at it. The two work beautifully together, especially when used on beautiful paper. Try a sheet of Arches hot press water color paper and watch your heart swoon. 

Thank you Paper & Ink Arts!

Item # hourgl

Description - This beautiful and functional holder features a waterproof, wood/resin handle for many years of use, a comfortable hourglass handle and the versatile adjustable flange which hold all nibs securely. Thanks to Joe Vitolo for suggesting that we combine the best qualities of our Oblique Holders and for his advice on how to set the angle of this terrific holder! Joe recommends it highly! Rosewood color. (Nib not included.)

From Nib to Brush with Barbara Calzolari

Friends! Barbara Calzolari is coming to Atlanta again this summer (August 2012) for an even more fabulous workshop in Pointed Pen Variation - this time with a twist. She's showing us how to use the brush as if it were performing as a nib. She's uploaded many short videos of this technique with a Pentel Brush Pen (and many other tools) and they're all fascinating to watch. 


Her workshop is a long and mighty three days long, that begins with a lecture called Passion for Calligraphy on Thursday evening (which you can purchase separately if you can't attend the workshop.) She is an amazing calligrapher, whose work has been broadened profoundly by life experience. Grace, movement, and strength are the three things that stand out when I feel through her work and watch her in action. She creates a "living letter" with hands connected by the same.


To sign up for this class, read the information below and if you've got any questions, please contact either me (anne@anneelser.com) or Jacob Gunter (jacob@bindersart.com), the Education Director at Binders. 


The class is geared toward the advanced beginner or intermediate advanced. This means you'll need to have had a solid introduction to copperplate or anything pointed pen. There are classes all over Atlanta in the pointed pen (copperplate, spencerian, etc) and I'd have at least taken one of these classes before you take Barbara's Nib to Brush. 


Here are a couple classes taught by me that are still available for registration: 

Calligraphy 2: Copperplate (EVE)

(6 seats left as of 1.11.12) Wednesday, 6 sessions|Mar 14-Apr 18|6-8:30PM|Sale price for early enrollment: $190, Regular Price: $205|Min. 3/Max.7|Location: Binders Art Supply

Calligraphy 2: Copperplate (DAY)

7 seats left as of 1.11.12 Tuesdays, 6 sessions|May 1-Jun 5|1:30-4PM|Sale price for early enrollment: $190, Regular Price: $205|Min. 3/Max.7|Location: Binders Art Supply

And if you go to the FOTA (Atlanta Friends of the Alphabet) website, you'll find a many great links to classes offered all over the city at your disposal. We are a strong group of friends and calligraphers who all have something beautiful to offer.

If you'd like to take part in Barbara's daily inspiration, friend her on Facebook, tell her you've signed up for her class, and watch your newsfeed come to LIFE. By the time August rolls around, you'll be ready to take the deep plunge into her soulful world and you'll be changed forever! 

From Nib to Brush 8/2 (ARTZ1188)

From Nib to Brush with Barbara Calzolari 

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate| Price: $190 (includes demo)

Course fee is not refundable unless another student can take your space 

Registration Deadline: July 12 | Min. 10/ Max. 15ARTZ1188 |

Thurs. Evening Lecture: Passion for Calligraphy, 6 - 8pm | 

Workshop: Fri. - Sun. Aug. 3 - 5, Fri. & Sat. 10am - 6:30pm, Sun. 11am - 5pm 

Variation on Pointed Pen with Italian calligrapher Barbara Calzolari will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, not to be missed! Delve into the understanding of lines that become letters with pencil, letters with the oblique pen holder and nibs, focus on words...spacing between them, space between lines and how to give power to a simple text. Look at the object that can live a second life with our writing. Why not inside a coat, on a cigar box, on the pillow or your cat? Calligraphy can be wherever you envision it to be! Learn how to write with a round brush and ink to fit your desired surface. Celebrate your new found expressions at the end of class with merriment and presentation of your work! 

Illuminated Letters Beauty Shots

Illuminated Letters

Watching the slideshow was beautiful - especially seeing the look of awe in the faces of viewers. There's a performance on both sides and I felt every ounce of good will offered from the other side of the pen.

Thank you, Minh Doan for such beautiful work.

Work from FOTA's Calligraphic Performance Event: Illuminated Letter

I had four uninterrupted hours of fun during FOTA's first Illuminated Letter event and MAN, did I enjoy myself. Here's some of the work I did! Will post the complete photos of these pieces after I've scanned them in. Also writing an article about the event soon with the help of my fine FOTA friends. What an amazing group of people we have there. :) 

A beautiful Anais Nin quote about friendship and how it broadens us. I really went to town on her signature.

From Mark Strand's poem "The Garden."

Detail flourish from Mark Strand's "The Coming of Light."

 

From Mark Strand's "The Garden."

 

One of my all time and current favorite phrases, "Pimp my downstroke." Don't know if I've heard it somewhere, but I can't get it out of my head! Oh baby! There were a few fellow calligraphers there that night who got a good chuckle out of it. Tee hee.

From Mark Strand's poem " Giving Myself Up." Again, I think it's about surrender. The sleeve if my voice is his metaphor used to describe his throat. SO BEAUTIFUL.

From Mark Strand's "The Dress." I think it's a piece about surrendering to the creative process.

Illuminated Letters tomorrow night!

Don't forget to drop by tomorrow afternoon from 3:30-7:30 for Atlanta's first Calligraphic Performance Event! I will be demonstrating among a fine group of talented, soulful calligraphers.

January Calligraphy Performance Event, “Illuminated Letters”, puts artistic handwriting in the spotlight

The Atlanta Calligraphy Guild, Friends of the Alphabet, will be staging a calligraphic performance on Thursday, January 26th, from 3:30 to 7:30pm, downtown at Trinity United Methodist Church, 265 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

The event, called “Illuminated Letters,” will feature 20 calligraphers demonstrating 20 different calligraphic styles, or “hands,” as visitors are able to walk through and view the artists in action. Presented in a spot-lit and silent setting, the performance hopes to focus on the act of writing itself, drawing attention to the power, vitality, and variety of the letterforms.

With the onset of the digital age, handwriting is now often more art form than everyday activity. Highly stylized handwriting, known as Calligraphy, has expressions found in places as diverse as on wedding invitations, in typographic design, in consumer product labeling, and in tattoo artistry.

The featured calligraphers will demonstrate many styles including Italic, ornate Copperplate and Spencerian scripts, Celtic “Uncial”, Hebraic, and Gothic hands. They will also use various media used in modern and traditional manuscripts such as animal vellum, quill pens, illumination, and gilding. Modeled on similar events occurring in Germany and Japan, this art evening is organized purely to draw attention to the aesthetic and athletic beauties of artistic lettering. Information will be available on all demonstrated styles, as well as guides to area calligraphers and calligraphy instruction.

The event is secular and free to the public. Friends of the Alphabet encourages anyone interested in the beauty of handwritten letterforms to come and enjoy this unusual experience.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE ALPHABET

The Atlanta Calligraphy Guild, Friends of the Alphabet, is a group of people who share an interest in the history and techniques of the written letter. The group meets on the second Monday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, from 7:00 to 9:00 with a program presented at each meeting. The guild also hosts workshops taught by national and internationally renowned instructors.

For more information on this event and the guild in general, see the website – friendsofthealphabet.org – or call 678-463-7500.

OR:

Emily Canter

678-463-7500

info@friendsofthealphabet.org

New Italic Calligraphy class Beginning Feb. 2, 2012

Hi friends,

The Italic evening class scheduled to begin this Wednesday night (January 25th, 2012) has been filled. There's a waiting list that has gotten large enough for us to consider creating a new class that will begin next Thursday, February 2nd, 2012. We just need to fill a couple more seats for it to make. Spread the word!


To sign up, contact Jacob Gunter at Jacob@bindersart.com.

Here are the official dates the class would meet and following that is a course description.

February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 1 & 8.

The Italic calligraphic hand is one of the most widely used and versatile alphabets around. It is highly legible and can easily be dressed up or down. Italic is the perfect hand to learn for the beginning calligrapher yet versatile enough to experiment with for the advanced. 

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. 

White on Sparkle!

Doing escort cards today. This calligraphic hand (upright copperplate) is penned in Dr. Martin's White India Ink upon a metallic stock called Burnt Sugar from Envelopments. 

Have heard that metallic stock can be difficult to work with - but this stock has just enough tooth and spring to give the ink something to grab onto. Did not have to spray these with workable fix, as I thought.

Chalk Bubble

These coffee mugs from World Market come in either white or red. One side is a black unglazed speech bubble onto which you can write or draw anything with the two pieces of white chalk that come inside the cup. GREAT idea - especially for an artist/calligrapher. Bravo!

Anne Elser: Binding the Belgian Book

Friends! Currently finishing up an 8.5 x 11 Secret Belgian Bound Book. Lined pages, about 8-10 signatures, covered with washi paper from the Paper Source and pages from a large print vintage copy of Treasure Island. The cover button is my own made a couple years ago when I couldn't get enough of sculpey.

There are descriptions of each stage of the process in the file names of the photos you see. But I will write a complete instruction manual for this book to accompany the photos soon. Right now, the pictures will have to do.

I think I will keep this journal for myself. Very excited!

Signature 1 completed: started from the bottom at the tail,
left a 3 inch tail we'll use later to tie off with at the end of sig 2

Head of Sig 1, looping around top station before attaching sig 2.

Scooting Sig 1 down the Spine

Head of Sig 2.

Belting stations to inner lacing within spine

Tying off sig 2 to sig 1's tail

Animated Calligraphy

Nice, huh? Did this for Brunner. Fun, fun, fun!
Audio clip from the Pride & Prejudice Soundtrack. Beautiful stuff!