Inspired by Script

An Alternative to standard, traditional, place cards for a 60's themed Wedding

2012-01-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

Kate arrived clutching over 100 leaves, some VW's and some pretty dresses for her 60's themed wedding.

The VW's were for the little boys and the dresses for the girls...

The leaves however were a little bit too small for me to letter on, so I offered to make them bigger.

The leaves were for the adults and a hole was cut into the end so that they would slip over the stalk of the plastic apples..

Not only different, but cute too!

A Week When Your Feet Don't Touch The Ground

2012-01-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

It's been the busiest week at the studio, that I have had for a very long time....I wish ALL weeks were like this.

I've had 2 lots of place cards to make for two separate brides and added to that I've had a full Wedding order to do. More about the place cards later.

Karen loved the foiled cards and wanted something plain and simple, with the only remit being... 'Hot Fuchsia Pink' ....

I obliged, but after looking at them from a design point of view and the name of 'Richard' having 2 ascenders, the design itself looked a little bit.... errrr unbalanced....So, we decided to introduce a butterfly theme into the design.... MUCH BETTER don't you think?

For the month of January and all the way up to Valentine's Day, I'm offering FREE R.S.V.P. cards.

I also made some little cards to go inside the Invites as a polite way of asking for money rather than gifts.

the place cards, Menu's and wedding Post box will be left until a month before the wedding, once the final numbers and guests names a re confirmed.

I also have a busy month with birthdays. It's a long term friends birthday as well as my daughter-in-laws birthday at the end of the month.

I really love that little tumbling heart design that I made for the Valentine's Day cards, and used it once again for their cards.

I love it so much I'm going to design a full set of wedding Stationery round it too.

Sometimes things just work out perfectly and it's a real buzz when they do!

Love, Love Me Do... Hand Made Valentine's Day Card

2012-01-27T03:39:00.000-08:00

So..... the bug for these doodle thingies goes on.... this time it's hearts and love all the way.

With Valentine's Day fast approaching and no cards in the shop, I decided to get a shuffle on while I was quiet and design a new card... because you can bet your bottom dollar, that if you have nothing made, people will come in and ask for them.

I hand coloured each of the cards. This is easy when you only have a short run to paint and it makes them all look unique....

I've foiled 3 in red and 3 in silver... so 6 cards in all and each one different.

Pink, Orange and Red...

We were invited to a wedding of a long time friend of mine the following week and I decided that the design would make a great personalised Wedding Card.....

What do you think?

Wedding Concertna Card Commission

2012-01-21T00:45:00.000-08:00

For some reason I found this in my 'draft' box and never got round to blogging about it. So, this was a concertina book/card, made to commission, for a Bride and Groom to be....

The concertinas always invoke an element of surprise when opened, if the recipient has never seen one before.

The client wanted two poems on the one card. First from The Song of Solomon and the second Love's Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The center panel was left clear for the client to add their own message.

The covers and the inside are soft ivory and the hearts are a lovely sage green....the colour theme of the wedding. ivory ribbon and inside a delicate silver strand decoration brought the whole piece together. Beautiful!

I've added Love's Philosophy to my quotation page

Personalised Gift Tags

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello.... and a chance to share some photos of the gift tags I made to add onto my christmas gifts this year.

I was looking to make something a little bit different.

. Everyone loved them and took them off carefully and kept them :o)

a Winter Wedding

2012-01-13T08:00:00.001-08:00

I've stored up a few photos from just before Christmas that I've forgot to add to my blog. No great movers and shakers here....just little commissions, that filled in the time and were fun to do, so not great detailed descriptions either.... you will be pleased to hear lol.

These are a few simple place cards for a winter wedding. Silver gouache on white and with an added cut out snowflake. I glued the bottom on the snowflake over the crease so that they stood up when folded. Simple but cute :o)

When You Wish Upon A Star - Personalised greeting cards

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's 31 years since my son was born. Ironically 31 years to the day later I was writhing around in agony on a hospital bed once again.... this time for quite different reasons. I was getting my long time back problem sorted out lol.

I love making cards....and especially for family members that I know will appreciate them. I drew the design using a 0.8 fine liner pen, before scanning them and dropping them into a card template which I already have set up on my computer.

Once printed I then foiled them using holographic foil, which catches the light and casts wonderful rainbows around the room.

The card was then painted using water soluble brush pens and then shaded by adding water.

I just love the orange and warm sunshine yellows of these pens and WOW! What a difference a bit of colour makes

The finished card.....

Full frontal....

It's my mum's birthday tomorrow....so I used the same design

but coloured it in [inks......

I've made a few extra, using silver foil to put in the shop.

Personalised Ruby Wedding Anniversary Card

2012-01-10T10:18:00.001-08:00

I put my foiled to good use on this one. A ruby Wedding Anniversary Card.... Personalised with the names and celebration date of the happy couple :o)

And we're back!

2012-01-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

After the extended holiday period, it's back to the studio and all hands on deck.

I try to take a long and well earned rest over Christmas, as it's so hard to take time off during the Sumner as it usually co insides with Weddings and well attended Craft Fairs.

Hopefully, this year, I'll be even more focused and there's lots of plans and ideas in the pipeline.

It's always hard when you offer, not only a service, but items for sale and with Calligraphy and Lettering Art the products are many and varied which can lead into some confusion as to what exactly 'we do'.

The little hearts above are part of my Power Doodle Range and for part of the decoration to my motivational and inspirational art prints. Originally started as a little bit of fun and a way of clearing my mind from the more formal and mundane jobs we get to do, but they then developed into a little bit of an obsession. They are not only fun but colourful too and bring a little bit of sunshine to the walls of the Gallery.

So, today, I'm back in the studio and it's business as usual. I'm looking forward to meeting new clients and working on fresh ideas.

I woke to the morning sunrise, something I haven't seen for quite some time. The days are already starting to lengthen and Spring is just around the corner.

I'm planning on getting my act together this year and really sorting out my Inspired by Script website, it's long overdue and looking a little bit jaded. The problem with websites is that they take so much time and commitment and mine has been badly neglected.

I'm also going to add other creative things to this blog. Art pieces that I have done for myself, experimental pieces and items and articles from other creatives. Not everything you see here this year will be for sale. Hopefully, this will make the blog more interesting for you, the visitors to my blog.

In the meantime, if you're visiting Northallerton, North Yorkshire at all this year, do pop in and say hello. It will be lovely to meet you.

We're looking forward to sharing the year ahead with you...

With the brightest of blessings for 2012, Sue xxx

50th Birthday Book

2011-11-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

Orders for bookbinding come few and far between these days, so when they do I jump at the chance, especially where there's a fun element in them.

This one, in it's gorgeous peacock blue cover matched the foil perfectly. The lettering was foiled both on the outside plate and the inside page.

Japanese binding is most suited to loose leaves as there is no need to sew sections together and the raw edges at the spine binding can add to the decorative feature.

These books or albums can be made as guest books or photo albums depending on the paper inside. This one is A4 in size and has 110gsm paper in. The paper is thick enough for guests to write their stories in and not have any 'bleed through' no matter what pen is used.

I love making personalised books and wish I did more. Sadly, the price of mass produced books makes orders come few and far between....except when people want something EXTRA SPECIAL and are prepared to pay for the time and effort bookbinders put into each one.

You can see more of my books and albums by clicking here

Wedding Thank You Cards

2011-11-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week.....Here's the latest items made to commission at the studio. A set of 80 Wedding Thank You Cards, foiled in a beautiful satin green......

The foil colours come in 14 colour which you can see here.

Foiling as opposed to simple printing gives an overall more classy feel.

Amy and Ian wanted something that would match the flavour and theme of their Wedding Invitations and Seating Plan.

You can see more of my Wedding Stationery at http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com or on my flickr page at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30445846@N06/sets/72157627904951060/ where you will find lots of ideas if you or anyone you know is getting married in the coming months. Email me (Sue) at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk if you have any questions. We are here to help.

I'm still here.....and not AWOL.....

2011-11-07T01:07:00.001-08:00

It seems forever since I last posted here and to all intents and purposes it would be easy to believe I have given up on lettering altogether....but I've been busy writing articles for The Creative Spirit.

You can see the full set of my Motivational and Inspirational Lettering Art by clicking on the link HERE.

It's been great fun taking time off from conventional and traditional calligraphy and letting go and being a bit more free and easy with my letters. Quirky? Yes! Kitsch? Yes probably....and a whole lot of fun and everyone loves them! :o)

Over the winter, I need to get my website kicked into shape....both my http://inspiredbyscript.com site and my http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk site. Both need a lot of time sorting out the chaff from the wheat. a great project for the dark evenings.

So I will be back soon....in the meantime you can keep up to date by visiting http://the-creative-spirit.blogspot.com see you there xxx

Inspired by Script on FLICKR

2011-10-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post.....

Here's the link to my FLICKR PAGE

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30445846@N06/

Sadly, adding it to my side bar just didn't work.....

so make sure you bookmark it won't you?

Enjoy! :o)

Mini-Doodles....more Doodle Fun!

2011-10-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

After posting about these doodles I thought I would also share some mini doodles in the hope that it would spur others on to have a go.

The advantage of doodling is that it takes very little time and even less in equipment. They can be picked up and put down on a whim. Most of all, they are fun :o)

The paper squares are pre-cut using a square punch and kept in a box ready for decoration. Below we start with a few flowers, a sun, a butterfly and a heart.....

And if you don't feel confident in doodle pictures,

you can always start with patterns......

Here's a close up of some of the mini doodles......

I LOVE hearts.....who doesn't?

And a simple flower design.....

Gestural patterns are good....

dots, swirls and wavy lines....

And, painting over the lines

in a haphazard way

adds to their delight....

Try them....I find them very meditative.

Perhaps I'll use these on some cards

as I have a few birthdays coming up soon.

REMEMBER: Don't take yourself too seriously or be too critical when doing these. The operative word here is FUN and try and connect with the child within :o)

Revisiting a Childhood Passion for Doodling...

2011-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

I'm not known for my expertise in drawing and painting. I have drawn and painted in the past, but these days it take me all my time to paint between 2 lines. If I need artwork in any commission, I usually leave it to someone who actually calls themselves an artist. I have an ingrained saying in my head which repeats: 'If you can't (insert word here), don't prove it'. As in 'If you can't draw, don't prove it' (or something similar.

Now....I have a bug.....something I can't seem to shake off.....and it all started with a set of these.......

They are water based, brush pens....

innocent enough.....or so they would have you believe!

Add to these a permanent fine line pen and a water brush,

start to doodle a pattern, fill in with colour and add water

to give this effect.......

Of course, with my background in lettering, and nothing seeming to be complete without letters of some kind....I just had to add some Motivational quotations.

I found these to be really addictive. They sent me way back into my childhood of long winter days sat at the table drawing and doodling, with nothing more than paints, pencils and a sketch pad to keep me happy.

It seems that some things never change. I am still easily satisfied....just give me the colour and the water and remind me of those 'Special Quotes' that keep me going when times get tough.

I had no reason or ultimate goal for these when I first started them. I was simply flying free and having fun. I had no intentions of showing them to anyone.....but they have materialised into......drum roll please.....

Fridge Magnets!

Scanned and printed onto magnets, which will be for sale in the Gallery of Inspired by Script for £1.50 each.

At the moment I have more backgrounds and ideas than I have quotations. I love collecting quotes and especially motivational and inspirational ones.

How wonderful it is sometimes just to change direction, even if only for a little while. Thought of childhood are bringing back nostalgia and happy times with my family. The quotations remind me of the need to stay positive, no matter how bleak the world looks at times.

What is your favourite motivational quotation?

Vintage Order of Service and Menu

2011-09-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

The last things to be made for any wedding, apart from the seating plan (See them here) are the Order of Service and Menu.
These Vintage Style Order of Service and Menus were done to compliment the Vintage Wedding Invitations seen here

They are both A5 size, approximately 14.7cm x 21cm

Cream hammered card with white inserts.

Inspired by CREATIVITY

2011-09-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

I love working to commissions, but now and again it's nice when you get a little bit of 'me' time. I also love doodles and gestural marks.....so at the end of the last Wedding order I had time for a little play......

Creativity comes from having an open mind to new ideas,
Constantly questioning the established rules

Though rarely does it come on those days

When you set out to be creative - Raymond Blanc

I'm not sure what I will use these for just yet, or even if I will use them at all....but I certainly had fun playing for a while and I'm sure that with a little more play, something will develop.

All spruced up....

2011-09-19T01:23:00.000-07:00

It's really hard to believe it but I have been down the yard for 9 years and in this studio for6 1/2 years! Not only did the inside gallery need a spruce up, but the outside was also in need of a good lick of paint.
The purple door was just the colour I was looking for and with a new sign in the entrance to the yard, customers are finally getting to know where I am and what I do. I love the new look :o)

What a difference a new floor makes!

2011-09-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

For quite some time I've been complaining about the lighting in the Gallery at Inspired by Script. We have thought about a few ways of making this better.....but it was only when I was looking in from the outside I realised that it was the flooring that was absorbing the light!

Well, after being in the present building for 6 and a half years...

I decided the old lady needed sprucing up

and it was time for a change.......

WOW! What a difference! We really can't believe

how much more space

we seem to have.

The room not only looks cleaner and more inviting,
but wider too! MUCH wider!

Some times the smallest changes....

Can make the biggest differences....

Isn't that true in life too?

I did get a bit of a shock when I got into work today though....

forgetting about the new floor....

I thought I had been burgled :o)

Maintenance wise, it's gonna take more work....

I hate cleaning at the best of times....

but I think that it will be a small price to pay.

Happy Pixie!

Made To Order - Hot Pink and Silver Wedding Stationery

2011-07-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've already blogged about these gorgeous Wedding Invitations over at my Wedding Blog by I just had to share them on here....

I was asked to make the Wedding Invites using Hot Pink Ribbon and printed insert and silver Foil Decoration to the card. We thought that Hot Pink foil may be a little overpowering.

As a special gift, I invested in 20 bespoke Keepsake boxes which not only make it a pleasure handing them over, but personalised and with matching ribbon can be used as a keepsake box to be used afterwards to keep the Bride and Grooms cards and memories in. I also offer them for sale to Brides who have bought their stationery elsewhere.

I made a matching Silver Foiled tag and the Hot Pink Ribbon just make the box look fantastic. The Bride and Groom seem to like it too.

I was also asked to make little cards for this wedding order, asking the the nicest possible way for money instead of gifts....this is a difficult one for newly weds today, but with an increasing number of people setting up home before they get married, I think people are no longer offended by this and lets face it, it relieves guests from having to come up with something special.

Gone are the days of 25 sets of bathroom scales, 6 toasters and 3 kettles.

Made-To-Order, personalised, foiled, Wedding Invitations.

2011-07-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

One thing we are proud of at Inspired by Script, is the ability to come up with new and fresh ideas, based around what the client wants.
These cards started out as the 'Simply Stylish' design. but the customer wanted it 'Foiled' and with a Hot Pink, organza ribbon.

I had already done a similar design for Hannah and Robert but without the ribbon and in a different format. Because each Bride and Groom is unique it's nice to be able to work with them to create something that fits their personalities and no two designs work out exactly the same, so they have something that is not only unique but very personal and it's nice that they feel a very big part of that.

I have been using 2mm, satin ribbon, but I've found that keeping them tied tight has become too much of a problem and so I've switched to Organza ribbon and I think it looks fantastic!

The outside of the card is foiled with the Bride and Grooms name in Silver and the insert is printed in hot pink to match the ribbon. The cards measure 15cm square which gives them an overall more elegant look.

The price of these cards including envelopes are on special offer at the moment and are £3 each on orders taken before the end of September.

For further details, contact me (Sue) on inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Another, Beautiful, Seating Plan from Inspired byS...

2011-07-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Another, Beautiful, Seating Plan from Inspired byS...: "Another seating plan, this time in beautiful Ivory and soft green, and with a few red hearts, sprinkled about to match the Egg Cups . Th..."
To continue reading and see pictures click here

'LIKE US' on Facebook!

2011-07-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Along with many, many, other fantastic businesses and creators,

Inspired by Script has it's very own Facebook page.....

and now.....we even have our unique and simple URL!

http://facebook.com/InspiredByScript

To keep up to date with all the goings on at the studio....come along and 'Like' us.

If you can't visit us in person, this is a great way to stay in touch and be the first to know our latest products.

We are happy to connect and promote other makers too....so make sure you add a comment on our wall! See you on the 'Other Side' lol.

A Personalised Birthday Card Using Cut Letters and Foiled Print

2011-07-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

It's some time now since I bought my Foil Machine and Plotter and I must admit that it's taking some time to get to grips with the plotter....but I'm a winner not a quitter and quitters never win.

The programme has a language of it's own and they don't come with a user manual. I think they expect anyone who uses one of these to be 'In The Know' so to speak....so it's been a steep learning curve, but fun along the way.

It's my Sister-In-Laws Birthday on Monday and I decided to try and excel myself and use both the Foiler and the Cutter in one design.... I just didn't think it would take me a day to create it lol.

First the foiling way printed in a gorgeous hot pink and then the cut lettering was done making sure that the letters were cut within the already printed design....a lot of mistakes and trials to get this far :o)

The letters will come in handy as next year I'll just glue the cut ones onto a piece of card....well it's a thought! The name came out in one piece as I made sure that each of the letters was connected to the ones either side.

I then trimmed away the bottom edge of the card and inserted a beautiful purple to set off the lettering. I just love the shadows made by cut letters don't you?

All in all, I'm over the moon with the results, but unless someone wants to pay me a days work or I get pretty much faster at these I will not be offering them for sale at the Inspired by Script studio or on the website.

They are however stunning and if you are on my birthday list, I may very well repeat these cards for my friends....time permitting of course :o)

A Personalised Framed Gift and Card to Welcome a New Arrival

2011-07-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves to welcome new arrivals. This framed personalised poster and card were done for my Daughter-In-Laws, sister-in-law's first baby....if that makes any sense.

Created in beautiful bright pinks as a lasting reminder of the special day. The framed piece is a print which is personalised with the babys name, date of birth, weight and time and the decoration of tumbling stars is also added on as extra. The whole thing mounted and framed and a personalised card makes a unique and very personal gift for the new arrival.

For further information on these or any other items on this blog, email me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk or call into the studio in Northallerton if you can. We love seeing people :o)

Personalised New Baby Card

2011-07-07T10:05:00.001-07:00

It's always lovely to welcome a new baby into the family and this card was made for a close family friend...

It was a chance to get the foiler out and produce something personalised and unique. Something to treasure and mark this special occasion.

Along with this I am making another gift, a BABY BIRTH POSTER of which I have done loads of now and I'm sure regular readers get sick of seeing on my blog.

All personalised, foiled cards can be made to order and make great cards for any special event.

I've taken delivery of another 100 egg cups, to be made into Wedding Favours, another creative idea that came about as a customer request.

To see then CLICK ON THIS LINK

I'll keep you posted when they are finished.

Beautiful....simply....beautiful!

2011-07-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tashi Mannox - Tibetan Calligrapher from Planetary Productions on Vimeo.

Personalised Labels for Crafters - FREE P&P!

2011-07-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

It always surprises me how much effort crafters put into their products, but then send them out to the purchaser without so much as an Invoice or Label stating who and where the maker can be found once they are pleased with their purchase.
So, I've decided to offer my services as a Calligrapher and create some Personalised Labels which can be bought in quantities of as little as 1 sheet. Each sheet contains 21 labels each measuring 63.5mm x 38mm

Each Label will be designed especially for you

and you can use them in any creative way you choose.

The wording is entirely up to you...

I will write and add any details specific to your needs

The samples below are just some of the design ideas to show you examples of what is possible. Not a good picture as it's a scan, but I can send you a sample if you request one.

I suggest:

One line of text:

E.g. Hand Made By, Created with love by,

Made especially by, or even Thank you for buying from)

Then your name or business name:

Then up to 3 lines of type:

Perhaps Address, Website and Phone number

The labels can be used as return address labels, jar labels or they look super when simply stuck to a folded piece of paper or card or on a luggage label.

I'm sure you can come up with many more creative ways to use your stickers....however you use them, you can be guaranteed I will make them especially for you and as they are done in Calligraphy, they will add to the 'Hand Made' feel.

I'm wanting to offer these as a service to other Crafters... so I'm not in it to make a fortune (as any crafter knows....chance would be a fine thing!) The cost of the Labels will be £1 a sheet including FREE P&P......that's £1 per 21 labels....less than 5p each. I will put them in my Etsy and Folksy Shop very soon, but in the meantime if you are interested, as always just email me: inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

In what inventive ways have you used stickers?

Wedding Seating Plan for Claire and John

2011-07-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

All my clients and customers are special, but this Bride must take the award of EXTRA special.
Claire came to see me about 4 weeks ago for her Hand Lettered Place Cards and then returned for her seating plan. Why the EXTRA Special Bride Award? Because she was to have a serious heart operation a week and a half before her wedding for 2 holes in the heart, undiagnosed since birth! The operation couldn't wait, but as the wedding had been organised and paid for she was determined to go ahead.....and that she did on Saturday!

The colour theme was Royal Blue....the colour of Johns favourite, Sheffield Football club

It's always nice to go that extra mile for our clients and I added Butterflies (a symbol of transformation and free spirited-ness) to both the seating plan and the table names.

I only glued them on their bodies so that the wings were flying free. This made them look as if they had just landed. Aren't they gorgeous?

I'm sure you will join me in wishing them all the very best and a long and happy life together.

Cloths of Heaven - W B Yeats in Calligraphy

2011-06-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Commission - Cloths of Heaven - W B Yeats

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half-light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

It's always nice to work on a commission, especially when it is for a special occasions. This poem, Cloths of Heaven by W B Yeats must be one of my favourites.

The lettering colour choice was to be Aubergine and Plum to fit in with a particular colour scheme. Plum purple, silver and burgundy red, pastel hearts tumble down the page to compliment the lettering wonderfully.

The whole piece was mounted in a single plum mount which really set the whole piece off.

Commissions come to me for many different occasions. This one was for a 20th Wedding Anniversary from a wife to her husband.

Materials:

Fabriano 5, Gouache, Pastels and Silver paint.

Open Heart Surgery!

2011-06-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

I want to dispel some myths here.....I'm sure when you tell people you are an artist they conj our up images of a well organised, tidy and productive workspace, where the creator is more likely to be seen eating humus on freshly baked bread, that she herself has baked that morning and drinking coffee and taking time out to walk through the meadows in long floaty skirts and listen to the songs of the birds and nature all day long, whose house is immaculate and there's not a speck of dust to be seen and the garden is to die for..........

Hmmmm well possibly in fantasy fairy land they might.

Now, here's the real shocker....now are you sitting down and bracing yourself for this?
The truth of the matter is.....
we would rather be making a mess than cleaning it,
housework is a dirty word.....well I suppose there is a limit and we do get round to it eventually,
many of us work with a scatter gun approach....it's where our ideas turn into reality.

Actually....looking at this picture you may just believe the first bit was true....

Errrr....this is actually my drawing board on the left and straight ahead are my many means of colouring paper and canvas. From gouache and watercolour, to pastels and paints....It's surprising I can find anything here!

And from this direction it doesn't look too bad either....except in the foreground is my work bench....which piles high with paper until an avalanche forces me to clear it!

Oh,,,,,and one of2 printer areas.....again piled with paper....

And this doesn't look bad either....providing you don't enlarge the picture.....

Hmmmm.... more pens, paint and ink......

And the middle island work area.....

Second drawing board which my son lovingly refers to as 'The Extra Shelf!'

Ahhhhh how tidy is this? It's my idea and quotation files.....

And here's my scissor and cutting area

Rubber stamps, ink pads, tapes and beads.....Oh yes.....and an iron.....don't even ask me why I have an iron at the studio, I hardly iron anything at home never mind work!

I will admit that the house and garden aren't quite as bad as the studio, the garden especially is looking good.....but that's because it's that time of the year and we creators would rather be out in the garden that cleaning the house :o)

The Gallery part is however organised, but that's only since being joined by Steve Smith and his Jewellery......it honestly didn't look that bad until you show someone else it. I'm sure you know the feeling? You know, the one that doesn't mind showing anyone round the house but for gawd sake, don't let them look under the bed!

All in all, I think we are wonderful, working in chaos can lead to wonderful discoveries. A pile of overlapping papers can draw your eyes and make you see something you never saw before. We forgive ourselves for not having a perfect house, a perfect workspace, or being the perfect housewife or host....at the end of the day, life is just too short....and I and many others would rather leave behind something that we have created rather than a tidy place......and all in all, it's where the 'Magic' happens!

OK....I'm off to have that coffee and humus on freshly baked bread, before I go to listen to the birdsong, and wander the fields in my long floaty skirt.........

Important news!

2011-06-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Script are proud to announce that as of this week, I am joined at the studio and gallery by....Ta da da da da daaaaah! (Drum roll please.....

from Steve Simths Jewellery. Kiln fired, dichroic glass jewellery that is just absolutely gorgeous!

The glass is fired at high temperature, using many layers and the results lead to an iridescent light catching finish. From the glass he makes pendants

Drop and Stud earrings.....

Bracelets

If you would like to see more of Steve Smiths Jewellery go to his website at http://stevesmithjewellery.co.uk and follow him on Facebook by clicking here

There is far more items for sale in the gallery than he has listed on his website....as per usual, creators are great at making stuff, but very lax when it comes to listing on their website or etsy shops :o)

Personalised, hand Made Wedding Guest Book - Tanya and David

2011-06-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

In mt post....They Chose Mystery I mentioned that the Bride and Groom asked me to also make a matching Guest Book.....well here it is....

The front plate has their names and date of wedding on it and the book is sewn and tied with a wonderful pale blue as well as the plate being glued onto some matching Japanese Tissue Paper to match the Invitations

And....very nice it is too, even if I say so myself! :o)

Promotional Postcards for small businesses

2011-06-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

I love making promotional things for small businesses, Here;s some postcards for Steve Smith;s Jewellery. Simple and straight to the point with no bells and whistles.

Hand Made wedding Stationery - They chose Mystery!

2011-06-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Tanya and David came to the studio with no clear idea of which design they wanted. I have 2 wedding portfolios at the studio and not all the designs are on my website (NOTE TO SELF: really MUST get round to this!)

It wasn't long however, before they chose the card 'Mystery' with the only request of 'Can we have it in pale blue?'. Absolutely no problem!

They also asked me to make some RSVP cards.....these save the recipient of having to go out and find an acceptance or refusal card and thus speeding up the response time.

I particularly love the humour and lack of formality on this card.

I've also been asked to make a guest book, serving as a lasting reminder of their special day. That is in the press and awaiting photographs which I will add shortly.

Click here to see my Wedding Website

Witchy Gift

2011-06-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

While playing with my vinyl cutter I just had to make this sign...suitable for any Witches Kitchen. It's currently on sale in my Folksy Shop here

Kitchen Witch Sign
£

This wall hanging is perfect for any Witches Kitchen. The plaque measures a generous A4, (21cm x 29.7cm) and is made from 9mm MDF.

The plaque is painted a soft cream and the lettering is turquoise, but I'm happy to do any colour combination you like.

There is a choice of fixings either by a rope drilled into the corners or hooks and eye fixings at the back, the choice is yours and I will do this to order., If you would like a sign of this size with other words on, please get in touch as I can do these for no extra charge. Any questions please email me direct at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Baby Girl Gift - Birth Poster

2011-05-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well.....I've lost count of the number of these Baby Posters I have done since I started selling them in the last 6 years or so . They are scanned and printed from an original, but then the names, dats, time and weight as well as the decoration is put on by hand.

You can see more under my tag link list....JUST CLICK HERE for more They are certainly a popular gift idea for a new arrival.

Cut Letters - Birthday Card for Pam

2011-05-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today....A handmade Birthday Card, made using the cutter. Beautiful purples and lined with lavender. I think the white contrast looks stunning against this colour.

I'm planning on offering these as personalised on of a kind pieces in the studio....but I will have to get a wee bit quicker to make them profitable... this one took me 3 hours!

Ideal Baby Gift - Baby Birth Journal

2011-05-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I loved doing this journal. I often get asked to do all sorts of unusual things and if it involves Lettering, Calligraphy and/or Bookbinding I will certainly consider it.

This book is far a baby boys photos and memories of when he was young. The first page is personalised with his birth details ..

And we added 3 quotations throughout the book. This one is a particularly popular one: Babies are born, with a need to be loved, and never grow out of it.

And the next reads: Babies are stardust, sprinkled from the hand of God.

And the last one is on the humorous side: They are lovely once they are asleep, it's just getting them there that's the problem! Oh haven't we all been there! lol

Happy Hearts for positive people

2011-05-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

I love hearts don't you? I decided to buy some wooden hearts to make little hangings to give away as Wedding Favours. At first I painted them all bright colours and then decided or rather backed out and repainted them Ivory.Each heart has a little positive quotation on the front, is edged with gold and then assorted coloured ribbon is tied for the hanging. They are so cute. The hearts measure 10cm high.....too small for Calligraphy, so they had to be printed.

They make great gifts, so the first idea of making them for Wedding Favours may be an optional extra :o)

Thay are on sale at the Gallery for £5 each. As always, if you are interested, please email me direct and I can send you a list of quotations available.

Girls Bedroom Sign- Perfect for a Princess

2011-05-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Every girl is a Princess....before she grows up to be a Goddess. This was a first trial piece which will be made to order. It's painted in a soft sugar pink and personalised with the little ones name.

The sign is a generous A4 size, so that's around 21cm x 29.7cm, on 8mm thick MDF. I am considering drilling the corners and hanging with sisal cord. The cost is £12.50 which includes P&P.

I will offer them for sale in my Folksy Shop very soon, but in the meantime if you want one to order, email me direct at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

New Gallery Sign

2011-05-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I just HAD to have a go at cutting Vinyl! Sometimes I am hard to find.... my address is 288a High Street....but I am actually on the High Street, at the far end to be honest and down a wide alleyway.I often need to run out and direct my customers in especially if they are new or unfamiliar to the area.

I already have a large sign up outside my studio, but needed one at the end of the wall closest to the passing, potential, customers.
I love the contrast of white on black. Still easy to read but far more eye catching and striking, don't you think?

Although the word Gallery is easily seen I still thought it needed a bit of explanation as I didn't want people thinking I just sold Art and usually the word Gallery conjures up highly expensive pieces for the wall that only the well off can afford. My Art and work does not break the bank!

SO, still obsessed with those overlapping letters I made a simple arrangement of Art, Crafts and Gifts to go on the end. The grouped letters will slow people down a bit so they can work out what it says and hopefully guide them down the alley way or at least find me when they need my services.

And here it is in place. Using an already existing sign I had no need for planning permission which helped greatly.

Cut Letters - It's all such great fun!

2011-05-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

I'm fascinated with the cut letters I can produce and have been playing around with overlapping letters. This is the pre-cut card before the quotation is taken out....

The idea behind this was that the quotation would come out all in one piece....and I almost succeeded. These are the letters placed onto a piece of contrasting paper. Of course, when glued down and positioned, the quote will look very different, neater and more easily readable.

I've also adjusted the sizes of the letters to make them more graphic...I can't wait to do more of them.

Cut Letters Birthday Card

2011-05-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of days after my sisters birthday, it happens to be my brother-in-laws. I've been playing around with my cutting machine and just had to experiment with turning calligraphy into a cut letter design....I thought I'd share the results.

I'm finding these cut letters really inspiring and have ideas buzzing around my head, which I will share as they are produced. The idea for these is that I will produce names to order, especially for special occasions.

Wedding Album Portfolio

2011-05-22T04:54:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's because I actually make Wedding Albums, Guest Books and Photo Albums to order, as well as other books, that I find it almost impossible to actually use a shop bought one for my work.
Once I bought the Foiling Machine I designed a whole new range of cards around this. I then needed to create some new portfolios to display them in. Many of my orders come from shops where my range is shown.

After printing and scoring the insides of the book and the covers covered (somehow that doesn't sound right) I then have to clamp them....

Once clamped the drilling takes place and the clamps make sure there is no shift while this happens.

The clamp stays in place until after the sewing is complete.

The first page contains all my contact details

Then each page is devoted to a different design, with a photograph of other colour possibilities and the facing page.

Towards the end of the book is a collection of the designs, all standing in a row which is good for comparison.

And of course, the all important 'How To Order' Page along with foil colour choices.

It's far easier to deal with the client direct as no-one knows my business as well as I do and with direct contact many options and possibilities can be explored. Unfortunately, when the portfolios are in other peoples and agents hands, it's not such a personal service and one which I think is important, but by sending out the portfolios I can reach a wider client base.....so it's 6 and 2 threes.

If you, or anyone you know is getting married.....go and take a look at my Wedding Website at http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk It's a work in progress and there are items added all the time.

My Wedding Blog can be found at http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com

To Create Is To Touch The Spirit

2011-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

A5 sized Motivational and Inspirational Greeting Card.

Only fellow artists will understand the meditative quality of creating something from scratch.

These cards would look stunning when mounted and framed.
Taken from original and printed in high quality on textured, Canaletto Card.
Each card comes with an envelope and is sent in a board backed envelope.

The quotation reads: To Create Is To Touch The Spirit This would make a great card for an artist or creative person

This card and others is for sale in my FOLKSYSHOP

What is a Mantragram?

2011-05-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

You've probably never heard of a Mantragram before. It certainly is not in Wikipedia..... and that's probably because I invented the word! Quite some years ago now I was told about Weathergrams, which are:
poems of about ten words or less. They are written on narrow strips of kraft paper cut from used grocery store bags. They are hung on bushes or trees in gardens or along mountain trails. There are generally seasonal and are left out for three months or longer. The name means 'weather writing' -- notations by sun, wind, rain, and possibly ice. Written with the proper inks, the writing lasts. Let them weather and wither like old leaves. In composing one, let the meaning grow out of things, with some action involved if possible -- in a hear and now. The meaning is not all on the surface. The unexpected is essential. It is not a condensation, but a moment of vision.
Taken from this link here: http://www.mlhp.net/alum/weathergram.html

Then some time later our great calligraphy friend Fran Sloan died suddenly and we (calligraphers all over the world) decided to make weathergrams in her memory and the term: Frangrams were invented. We did Fran proud and we hung them in our gardens all over the world as her funeral was taking place.
I took the idea a stage further and thought that they would look wonderful with Inspirational and Motivational Quotes on them and perhaps even use them to celebrate the birth of a baby or even a marriage. They were made for longer lasing and more substantial materials and were very definitely made for inside the house.

So they are a cross between Mantras and Prayer Flags. Mantra being a sound of energy. Generally I make these to order but I do have a few stock Mantragrams for sale at the studio. Why not have a go at making a Weathergram yourself?

Cut Letters

2011-05-11T01:51:00.001-07:00

From the time before I was even interested in Calligraphy, I have been interested in cut and etched letters, in fact the whole idea of learning lettering was to carve in stone and etch on glass. Somehow, the time taken to learn good letterform was grossly miscalculated and the resulting loss of my centre vision in 1997 then made it an impossibility.
Before loosing my sight however, I did a few pieces where I cut letters from card and mounted these on top of card again, resulting in a sort of relief effect. Again, loosing my sight would make the chances of me turning any future ideas into reality.....until my new toy arrived 2 days ago!

Using a computer programme, which incidentally is becoming a sharp learning curve and more than a little challenging, I can now sent my graphics to a cutter and cut out tiny letters or large ones.....no centre vision needed :o)

I've lots of ideas and they are coming thick and fast! At the moment I am at the playing stage and I know that I cannot rush the learning process, just as with calligraphy. There is no easy way to jump ahead.

These are just trial pieces and there will be more 'proper' work to come, of which I will share on the blog and may even add them to my shop.

I think they look superb and I am well pleased with the results so far.

I hope you like them too. :o)

Hand Made Birthday Card

2011-05-11T01:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try something a little different than usual....

This is a 3 fold birthday card that I have just finished. The lettering is Foiled in the most gorgeous Hot Pink.

Closed the hearts attached to wires pop their heads above

And open they all stand in a row.

Materials Used: Canaletto, Foil, and wire

Hand Made Get Well Soon Card

2011-05-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a concertina card made as a Get Well Soon Card.....
The calligraphy is in a pinks and gold
to match the inside

The outsides are covered in a soft, dusky pink Hahnemuhle

and gold lettering compliments the gold butterflies wonderfully

Materials Used: Gouache, Hahnemuhle, Canaletto,

3mm ribbon and card covers.

Concertina Cards are superb for special occasions

and are £7.50 each.

If you would like one made,

contact me at: inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Hand Made Greeting Card - May All Your Dreams Come True

2011-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Designed as one of a series: Large greeting card, A5 size. 21cm x 14.9cm. Taken from original and printed in high quality on textured, Caneletto Card. Each card comes with an envelope and is sent in a board backed envelope. The quotation reads: May all your dreams come true. This card would be perfect as a Wedding Card, Good Luck card or any occasion where general good fortune is wished for. Available now in my Folksy Shop To see other items, feel free to visit my new Folksy Shop at http://www.folksy.com/shops/inspiredbyscript

It's been a Wedding theme all the way....

2011-04-05T04:31:00.000-07:00

The studio has been busy. I've had a huge clear out of so much treasure (that's the creatives name for junk and excess) and given a lot away to good homes where I know it will be put to good use. It's amazing how much you can store and accumulated over 20 years. The main reason for clearing out is my intention to share the studio with Steve Smith Jewellery an amazingly talented Kiln Fired Glass Artist and Jewellery maker. You can see his blog here: http://www.stevesmithsjewellery.blogspot.com/ Meanwhile, I've been working on a few jobs...getting my new foiled Wedding Collection off the ground ready for adding to my North Yorkshire Weddings website I was also asked to do some Thank You Cards..... not for a Wedding, but a funeral this time.

And I have also completed a wedding order....for Amy and Ian with the theme of Ivy. After very little consultation she has to be one of the easiest brides I've ever worked for.

And finally, I was asked to do some ceramic egg cups which are both wedding favours and place cards. The eggs will be topped off with a Kinder Egg....I think the idea is wonderful and certainly one that I will use in the future.

I think they are stunning....what do you think? It's always nice to do something a little out of the ordinary and these are certainly a novel idea. Oh.... and they are dishwasher proof too... bonus :o)

Brides to be, don't forget to keep up to date at my Wedding Blog

Valentines Gift - The Invitation - Oriah Mountain Dreamer

2011-02-21T01:52:00.000-08:00

The first time I read this poem, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck.... and they still do. The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer is probably the most moving pieces of writing U have ever read....

I am planning on doing this as a large piece. I want everyone to read it! The words speak volumes. ......

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living,
I want to know what you ache for,
I want to know, if you dare to dream,
of meeting your hearts longing.....

It doesn't interest me how old you are....

I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love.

For your dream....

for the adventure of being alive....

I want to know

if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow,

If you have been opened by life's betrayals,

or have become shrivelled and closed

from fear of further pain.....

The book The Invitation is available on Amazon. If you haven't got a copy, I suggest you rush out and get one. It's a beautiful book to read.

I have read this poem to many people. Not everyone 'gets it', or understands it. In a nutshell, we all suffer trials and tragedy in our lives. How we deal with them and how we let them affect us long term is the operative thing.

Don't tell me the positive....tell me all your bad stuff and show me how you have triumphed over adversity and how you refuse to let the past, affect the future!

The single section book is 12 pages long. The lettering is a mixture of hand lettering and typeface, and printed in foil. a watercolour wash is painted over the gold and embellishments of little hearts is a common theme throughout the book.

It was a Valentines gift for someone who read and fully understood and appreciates the message.

The Wedding Fayre Fast Cometh,,,

2011-02-11T01:33:00.000-08:00

I have a teaching day tomorrow with North East Scribes....then it's all hands on deck for the Wedding Fayre at Hambleton Forum, 2 weeks later on the 27th February.....

I've just had time to play with a few new designs for my Wedding Website using the foiling machine....... Below is a personalised fronted card, with a colour choice of card and ribbons and also foil colour if needed....

All cards are 15cm square

and come with a matching envelope.

cost of these will be around £3.

Brides are pushing away from the formal, traditional style in favour of something a little more contemporary. I aim to cater for both...

3 other designs are on their way to being created.

Wedding Website

2011-02-09T01:57:00.001-08:00

It's been all hands on deck at the studio, and then on an evening working till the early hours, re-hashing my North Yorkshire Weddings Website, ready for the Wedding Fair on 26th February at Hambleton Forum in Northallerton. For more details of this event CLICK HERE

I'm teaching at North East Scribes in Darlington on Saturday. An all day affair with advanced calligraphers, it's going to be a great day.

And then it back to designing more Wedding Stationery....this time with my new foiling machine in mind. Definitely the best investment I've ever made and I've already got my first order! YAY!

Pop over and have a look at the new site....let me know what you think. Hopefully it's more user friendly and easier to navigate.

http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk

There's still a little way to go, but as everyone who has a website will tell you, a website is NEVER finished :o)

Moving forward.....

2011-02-02T01:27:00.000-08:00

This has been a long time coming and something I have wanted to do for years. In order to take the business forward and get away from the staid, old fashioned way of thinking that calligraphy is just for certificates and a dying art, I have finally invested in a foiling machine.

I am mainly focusing on Wedding Stationery and I can see my wedding website http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk and my wedding blog http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com getting quite a battering lol.
I have chosen a large variety of foil colours, mainly because the trend for 2011 is hot, tropical and vibrant and brides are finally turning away from traditional and in my opinion sometimes dated ideas and coming up with something new, fresh and contemporary.

Here are the 14 colours available....

Yesterday morning I spent with a paper rep, determined to get the quality of the paper right and not compromise on quality and cost. Your invitation sets the tone of the whole weddings and a beautiful card raises hopes and expectations of those attending.

The afternoon was spent experimenting with the various card.....some worked better than others. I have now narrowed it down to 2. I am sticking to 2 card colours white and off-white or ivory and the colour will be added with either foil or ribbon or both.

Here's a wedding invitation in gorgeous Peacock foil....stunning...

And if purple is your colour this violet is lush....

I am also planning on making personalised cards with
the foiling machine.......

All in all, I'm really excited about the future of Inspired by Script and looking forward to focusing on bespoke orders and commissions and working with clients on a more one to one basis and taking the stuffy 'Ye Olde Worldy' feel out of a traditional craft and into the contemporary 21st century world we live in.

4 Fold Concertina Type Cards

2011-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

I played around with the Concertina concept of folding paper and card to make a stand up card. Taking an A4 sheet of paper and super imposing text on top of calligraphy came up with these. They fold into a 210mm x 70mm structure. The ribbons are glued and run between the cover and the inside of the card. Just a novel take on the traditional concertina.

Work Submitted For Selection at Ferens Art Gallery

2011-01-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I've finally done it....entered my work for selection

at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull.

Well, they say there's a first for everything and while I have exhibited all over the country, this is the first time I have submitted work for selection and in a 'Art' Exhibition. In the past the exhibitions have been under the banner of Calligraphy or Lettering Art.

Saturday morning saw us getting up bright and early....well not so sure about the 'bright', this Pixie hates mornings :o) and heading off to Hull.
Submitting work is easy and painless, once you get over the colly wobbles of actually having your Lettering Art under the label of 'Is it art?'. The work is left for scrutinising and hopefully selection by the judges.
Only around 10% of the work is chosen and it's down to the judges and their preference on the day which pieces are chosen....so it's left there on a wing and a prayer and with a large sprinkling of Pixie dust in the hopes that either or both of mine and Steves work is selected. We've entered 2 pieces each, so, watch this space :o)

You can read more about the gallery at the following link

by simply clicking here if you are out and about in Hull, there are lots of Art Galleries and museums and this one is very much worth a visit.

It was a dull day, with lots of traffic so I took the liberty of taking the picture from here.....

Picture courtesy of Flicker

Concertina Card - Get Well Soon

2011-01-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

A concertina card....with a simple Get Well Soon wish....

This concertina card is for a girl in hospital...in hospital, seriously ill with pneumonia since before Christmas...

She has had one lung drained and was due to have a drain put in her other lung last Monday......

The struggle has been long and hard....for both her and her partner

'Wishing you butterfly mornings,

and wildflower afternoons'

Here's hoping that you recovery now comes swiftly.

We are all lighting candles for you Ceebee

Valentines Day Gift Ideas

2011-01-20T13:25:00.001-08:00

There is probably no better time to commission work than for Valentines day. This quotations: Love is....the magical meeting of two souls is one of my most popular.....

The client who bought this also commissioned me to make another one too, and here it is......

Other favourites include the Apache Wedding Blessing, Kahlil Gibran on love and on Marriage....yes Valentines Day is on it's way.....and love is in the air! Just what we need after the January Blues....a little spark to ignite the passions of the unfolding year.

Of course you don't have to wait for a special occasion to commission work and we have lots of 'Off The Shelf' pieces at the studio.....so feel free to pop along and have a look. You will be most welcome

Hand Made Wedding Invitations

2011-01-20T13:12:00.001-08:00

Because of the extremely bad weather we had towards the back end of the year, when the snow lay heavily on the ground and my pipes and toilet at the studio froze, it became almost impossible to work. My days were short and I did as much work as I could at home.

I was contacted by a Bride and Groom that saw me at the Wedding Fair held during the latter part of last year and we decided that it would be my first job back....
The invitations were a simple design and the Bride and groom were sure in what they wanted. After seeing the website dedicated to my Wedding Stationery they decided on Cream Hammered Card, Cream Inserts, black lettering and a Rust coloured ribbon....

The Evening Invited were half the size of the Wedding Invitations. I have more work to do for them closer to the time....the priority here is to get the invitations out.

To see more of my Wedding Stationery go to http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk I try to cater for all levels of budget, so hopefully there is something there for everyone....and usually they work out cheaper than shop bought stationery and they also have the added advantage of being made especially for you and can be tweaked a little so you get exactly what you want.

You may also like to see my other posts on Wedding Commissions by clicking this link:

Commissions - A Great Start To the New Year

2011-01-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a great start to the new year. Usually at this time of the year it's pretty quiet while people recover from the festive season. I normally use this time of the year to work on projects to be released later on in the year....but this year has been quite different.

It started with a commission for a Baby Girls Birth Poster. These are prints which are personalised with the baby's name, fate of birth, weight and time of birth. Each one individual and unique. Along with the details the poster has a hand painted diamond pattern running through it.

For further details of how to order one of these, go to my contact link or see this post, The above post will also give you a full version of the text contained within this gift. I take payments by cheque, postal order or Paypal.

Quotation Site

2011-01-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

There's no doubt about it...I love quotations and as such I am a keen collector and have books full of the. I often get asked where do I get them from and the answer is....from many many sources. However the internet has certainly made things a lot easier.

If you are looking for a special quotation

to suit a particular event or occasion,

go to The Quote Garden. It's full of inspiration.

You can go direct to the site by CLICKING HERE

Warning!

Go and grab yourself a coffee first....

you may be there some time :o)

Poetry Commission

2011-01-01T02:36:00.000-08:00

Because of the sheer length of this poem and the constraints of the finished size brief, it was impossible to write the whole thing out in calligraphy not to mention the budget, I had to use calligraphy and typeface combined.

I gave the client the choice of two finishes.....both contemporary. The first was a painted border with gold strands running through it.....

The second had pastel squares tumbling through the words from the top to the bottom. It was no great surprise that this is the one the client chose as it was my favourite too......

The poem by Rudyard Kipling - The Thousandth Man, can be read here:

On the About.com page

The Queens Royal Lancers Memorial Book

2010-12-31T02:22:00.000-08:00

As a Calligrapher and Lettering Artist, commissions come in all shapes and sizes....
Of all the jobs I find most difficult, it's the addition of entries in memorial books. I just cannot seem to emotionally detach myself from the young men (and sometimes women, but never the less young, waste of life.

This memorial book has entries originally entered by Anthony Wood, a Calligrapher and superb Heraldic Artist, I have admired for most of my training days.

The entries start with Gilded Surnames, Christian names in Scarlet Lake and the rest of the entry in Black. The book is bound in leather covered wood and the pages are Vellum...

The cover is Gold Foil Blocked and all the pages are gilded in finest Gold Leaf.

Sadly Anthony suffered a stroke 2 years ago and is now unable to add more entries. Reminding us that life is precious and health cannot be taken for granted.

Calligraphy Yule and Christmas Cards

2010-12-10T02:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas and Yule are particular times when Calligraphers can really go to town and it's an opportunity to give away a part of themselves to bring joy to the people who receive them.

Many years ago I used to make and send between 3-400 cards and send them all over the world. Sadly increasing postage and limits on size mean that I now only send a limited number.....if at all.

Very often I design and print them, but don't seem to get them in the post on time as this usually coincidence with my busiest period.

Every year I promise myself that next year I will get them done in November.....but somehow writing Christmas and Yule Cards feels out of sync in November.

So, I thought I would share with you some of the cards I have made over the last few years.

And if you look at my other blog Letter Lovers I'm sure you will see many other calligraphers in the side bar link section, showing you theirs. It's the Calligraphers time to shine.

And as the wheel of the year turns slowly and we welcome back the returning light., may I wish you all a Blessed Yule and may the universe bestow upon you health, happiness, peace and much love in the year to come.

Hand Lettered Labels and Tags

2010-12-10T02:19:00.001-08:00

As I've said a gazzillion times before...I 'LOVE' making personalised...

I was asked to design and make some swing tickets and sticky labels for a knitter. There was no brief apart from the wording.....and she was overwhelmed by them. There's something really special about seeing your name in Calligraphy!

If you are interested in having your own labels and/or swing tickets made....contact me via my contact link at the top of the page. And remember to click on the photos to enlarge :o)

Lettering on Ceramic

2010-12-10T02:17:00.001-08:00

I've been asked by a Bride -To-Be to do a novel 'Favour' gift idea. She wants to put a kinder egg on each table and at first we thought of burning the names on wooden egg cups. This proved to be a novel idea but I was not happy with the results.

Then we came up with ceramic paints and as I had not lettered with these before, thought I would do a trial run on larger objects....hence the Mugs.....
Lettering on ceramic is difficult for me as I, being Left Handed, press hard with a nib and like some sort of 'Tooth' to the paper. It takes some practice, but once in the swing, it gets easier.
We've chosen a Non-Formal Lettering style for the Egg Cups as this adds to their quirkiness.

After wriiting on them the ceramic is fired making them heat resistant and dishwasher proof.

13 down, only another 137 to go!

Personalised Baby Gifts - Birth Poster

2010-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

These Baby Birth Personalised Prints are unique

and make a great idea for the New Arrival.

In my post about Personalised Baby Gifts I didn't mention the wording that is on the respective posters, and they really are quite beautiful, so here they are:

Baby Girl Print

Let no-one hurry her.

Give her the rare incomparable gift of time.

Give her rainbows, days to dream, Dragonfly days, where the kingfisher suddenly opens a window on wonder.

Let her meander, lark happy, through childhood, by fern curled streams.

Give her Cuckoo days and the owls cry by night.

Give her a nest full of sky-blue promises.

Let her keep her dreams so she may always turn her face to the light.

Teach her to be gentle with animals and come to terms with time.

Scoop up the sounding ocean for her in a shell.

Let her riches be remembered.

Happy days.

Live merrily, love well.

Baby Boy Print

Let him grow gently.

Give him diamond bright days.

Dream days, where time stands still.

Days of laughter, Happy days.

Magical glittering days.

Show him the radiance in a dewdrop, trembling on a petal, the sun warmed daisy in sacred places.

Give him sunlight and rainbows and starlight and moonbeams.

Touch him with the gentle breezes, and the sparkling sea tossed spray.

Let him be unhurried.

Share with him the speckled trout, the laden Honey Bee, the fleeting Vixen and darting Wren.

Show him your small daily miracles.

And the calm sweetness of a sun dappled glade.

The poems were originally written for Grand-children and titled Prayer For a Granddaughter, Prayer for a Grandson respectively, but I think you will agree they would be great sent from anyone and contain a wealth of wishes within their sentiments.

The Prints are personalised to order and are available either

a) On their own £12.50

b) Mounted £15.00

c) Mounted and framed £45

All prices are exclusive of P&P.

Email me for details inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Or telephone 01609 776 866 or 07816 537 275

Stylistix Calligraphic Logo Design

2010-11-19T03:55:00.000-08:00

Probably;y one of the most satisfying and rewarding, but also challenging commissions we have to do as Lettering Artists is Logo Design. The Logo has to work on a variety of media and the Designer has to think in advance. Think that is of what the Logo will be used for in the future as well as the present. It has to work at both large and small scale.

This particular Logo was designed some years ago for a hairdresser. The first job was for Appointment Cards......

Recently I have been asked to design their Gift Vouchers.....in time for Christmas....

These were 3 fold leaflets which also folded out to be the card. And a couple of posters for inside the shop.

The Logo was used for not only the front fascia board, but the opaque window decal too. As you can see it works perfectly. The Logo was stretched slightly to avoid large gaps at the end but still in keeping with the original idea.

Definitely a job I was most happy with.

I think you'll agree that Calligraphy and Hand Lettering, gives a certain edge to the Logo Design as opposed to Typeface and Fonts. A lot more appealing and eye catching.

If you would like to have a Logo Designed, please email me at inspiredbyscript@yaho.co.uk

or contact me via my contacts page on my website http://www.inspiredbyscript.com or by simply CLICKING HERE

Personalised Baby Gifts

2010-11-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

Of the many personalised gift ideas, Baby Birth Certificates are by far the most popular. These are available in Pink for the Girls and Blue for the boys. Names, Date and weight of the baby are added by hand and the decoration is also hand finished, making a truly inspirational and unique gift. They are available from as little as £12.50 unmounted, but can also be supplied mounted and framed for £45. As always contact me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk for further details or telephone 01609 776 866 (Between 10am and 4pm) or 07816 537 275 out of hours.

A visit to the studio will reveal many other ideas to help celebrate the New Arrival. We have guest Books, Baby's First Visitor Books, Mantragrams (c) Pocket Books, Cards and Albums.
The only limit is your imagination. We love working with our clients to offer a personal service and produce gifts that will be remembered for years to come.

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE

Personalised Concertina Book - Gift Ideas

2010-11-18T13:34:00.000-08:00

Of the many commissions I get to make at the studio, concertina books and cards are probably my favourite. These can take into account the recipients favourite colours and themed to suit the individual. At £7.50 each they are suitable as a gift as well as a card.

This particular card was written in Brown and Gold....

As the birthday was in Autumn it seemed fitting to add some leaves.....and a Gold Ribbon compliments the writing on the inside beautifully.

To order a card for that special person, email me at: inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Logo Design For Small Businesses

2010-11-01T15:30:00.001-07:00

Starting any new business can be daunting. Very often your Logo can be the last thing on your mind. It's always a pleasure to work on and develop a Logo to suit a persons personality or reflect the nature of the business and this is a huge part of your business 'Branding'.

Ideas are usually sketched out on paper with a pencil or calligraphy pen and eventually something just clicks.

The following was a rough sketch made on a scrap piece of paper while I was doodling and eating my lunch.....a 'Happy Accident' that I decided to run with. I especially liked the way the S of Steve ran off the paper.

Then there are many attempts at 'Fine Tuning' the Lettering.....This is the most time consuming part of the job......

Eventually there will be one that is just perfect......and that's the one we go with....

Although I have 'my' favourites, I am always aware that this is not my business card....it belongs to the client and their preference is paramount. I therefore like to offer 3 choices. Enough to have a choice but not too many as it becomes confusing and overwhelming.

The client eventually settled on the one in the top right hand corner and I must admit they look superb, even though I say so myself.

If you would like more information on having your Logo designed, please contact me by emailing me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk Stand out from the crowd!

Whats the difference between a Calligrapher and a Lettering Artist?

2010-10-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

I call myself both a Calligrapher and a Lettering Artist....whats the difference? you may ask.
Most of us start out as Classically Trained Calligraphers, slavishly copying, analysing and repeating styles of the past. Professional Calligraphers specialise in Certificates, Wedding Stationery and other more 'Formal' work and commissions. This is more Craft Based.

Lettering Artists however have taken their skills to another level and have adapted their lettering giving it a more contemporary feel and sometimes (but not always) lettering on more challenging surfaces. Lettering Artists use lettering in a different way and can be described more as a Art Form.

Lettering is like music...In music everyone starts by learning the notes, then they put the notes together and lean a tune. From there you can follow the route of a classical Musician or become a Rock Star.

If you are commissioning a Calligrapher or Lettering Artist to do some work for you, as to see examples of their work and see a portfolio. Make sure that the style of the scribe suits your purpose. After all you wouldn't employ a Rock Musician to play at your OAP Christmas Party now would you?

I take on commissions of both types both formal traditional and Informal Contemporary. Given the choice I much prefer the latter as it's far more personal and expressive and uses my skills to their limits. Contemporary Calligraphy is fresh and alive and in the 21st Century. It takes something regular and mundane into another dimension. Lettering Artists use the tone of the words, flavour and rhythm to come up with a decorative piece of work that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Work I undertake is very varied and I work closely with the client to ensure that their needs and ideas are covered....a sort of collaboration if you like. This can be great fun. Commissions take many forms, from the simple writing on paper or pottery to large canvases to grace your wall, we can match paint colours and paint schemes which makes the piece even more unique.
Visitors to the Studio are always surprised at the variety of ideas we can offer and we just love sharing our work and talking about a hobby gone mad!

My passion is for Lettering and in particular Personalised Gifts for all occasions. I have hundreds of quotation books and the Internet gives access to many more. If you are stuck for gift ideas we are delighted when people call in and have a look round the gallery, threes bound to be something to catch your eye of start your creative juices flowing.

Above all else, whether you are looking for a Calligrapher or Lettering Artist, make sure you pick the right one for the job in hand. Ask to see examples of their work and get a rough price before hand. I prefer to work with the client face to face if at all possible, although this is not necessary, but it does help to choose someone local so that you can pop in and see work as it progresses.
Along with Commissions we have many items ready made and off the peg, so feel free to pop in and see us....we love meeting new people :o)

Studio opening times are usually 10am - 4pm, although we are sometimes away from the studio if we are doing an Exhibition so a quick phone call to arrange a visit is always advisable.
Our studio address is: 288a High Street, Northallerton, North Yorkshire (Ring for directions - You will need them)
Tel: 01609 776 866 or 07816 537 275

Hand Made and Personalised Birthday Guest Book

2010-08-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I love getting commissions like this.......
This Japanese Side Bound Guest Book
was made in the recipients
favourite colour of Pinks.
Beads and crystals hang from the spine....

You can have as many or as few pages in the book,
depending on the number of guests.

As always if you are interested in having one of these made,
contact me via my Profile Page.
Prices start from as little as $15 plus P&P

Wedding Place Cards in Calligraphy

2010-08-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Calligraphy and Hand Lettering done well, really comes into it's own for Weddings and non more so than when used for the place cards which will add grace and elegance to any table.

Because we use paint and not ink, the colours are opaque and can be matched to suit your theme and it's not as expensive as you might think. There is also no need to be local as you can post the place cards to us and everything can be done via email and returned via Royal Mail. We also offer this service with our own Invitations and Wedding Stationery or the ones you have already bought.

If you would like further details, please contact me via my 'Profile Page.

Personalised Hand Made Guest Books and Albums

2010-08-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

As well as a complete Calligraphy and Lettering Art Service many calligraphers offer a Personalised and Creative Bookbinding Service.

Books can be made as Guest Books for Weddings, New Baby, Baby's Christenings, Anniversaries

The books I make are Japanese Bound and stitched at the sides....

The inside pages as well as the cover can be personalised and made to any shape and size and contain as many or as few pages as needed.

Beads and charms can be hung from the binding......

And colours chosen to match any theme.......

We can also make Wedding Albums for photos of either the Wedding Day or Honeymoon. I have also been commissioned to make Hen Night Albums.

Personalised pages complete the look......

If you are interested in having a Japanese, Side Bound, Album or Guest Book, made to your specification, email me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Hand Made Wedding Stationery and a North Yorkshire Wedding Fair

2010-07-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

It's all goo, go, go and all hands on deck at the studio. I've booked my 1st Wedding Fair in September and have to get my head around how best to display what I do as well as work out all the promotional materials I will need.
I'm also working on more Wedding designs and although any design is 'Bespoke' and can be adjusted to suit, sometimes too many choices can overwhelm the client.
However, this is the most important day of any girls life and getting it just right is a priority for both them and me. I am so excited at doing this Fair its hard at the moment to keep on track ;o)

Wedding Seating Plan

2010-06-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

When it comes to Weddings, Calligraphers come into their own. They are often called upon to design Wedding Invitations and Stationery, write place cards and create Seating Plans. This one was especially wonderful to do, mainly because the client is one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of doing work for.

The names are a simple, non fussy italic....and the date is formal Caps....

Raised Butterflies added dimension and a bit of fun to the Table Plan....

And below is the overall effect.

Simple, Elegant and Stylish.

If you would like to know More about having a seating plan made for your Special Day or want to discuss your Wedding Stationery, email me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

or visit my other website designed especially for Weddings at: http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk

If you would prefer to contact me by phone tel: 01609 776 866

usually between 10am - 4pm weekdays.

A Royal Visitors Book

2010-06-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

If I was to be perfectly honest, formal layouts and Traditional Lettering are not my favourite commissions. I work best when I am given a poem or quotation, a little bit of information about the recipient and a free reign on design, layout and creative expression. Sadly, we all have to take in work which we aren't particularly fond of.

Living near an Army Barracks means that the Squadrons there often have visitors that are extra important. Above is the previous visit from Her Royal Highness, The Queen and below, Princess Alexandra.....who happens to be the Patron of Action For Blind People who have helped and supported me both when I lost my sight initially and during the setting up and running of my business.

Baby Birth Announcements

2010-06-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's nice when one idea leads to another....
I was fortunate enough to work with a Wedding Planner on an idea where the Invitation would also become the envelope. With the cost of postage these days, lots of things have to be taken into account. The birth of my Grand-daughter and the issue that most of both families (as with most people these days) living away, I thought it would be a nice idea to turn the Wedding Invitation idea into a Baby Birth Announcement.

As Baby Daisy was born premature and the hospital being limiting on visiting and no. of visitor the cards were well received by everyone.

To have a card personalised with your baby's details, send a good quality .jpg, along with the name, date, time and weight to inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk The cards are £1.50 each, for a minimum of 10 and a £1 a card after that, and this includes P&P

Personalised Baby Birth Celebration Gift

2010-06-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

For what seems like forever now, all I have been requested to do are these Certificates for boys! It came as a blessed relief to finally have one for a girl....

Alicia Marshall.....

Born 18th April 2010

Weight 8lb 6oz

These prints are personalised with the baby's name,

date of birth and weight and finished with hand painted decorated squares.

Size: A3 - 29.7cm x 42cm

All available by mail order, price is £10 including P&P

and comes delivered in a board backed envelope or £15.00

if you would like a mount adding which makes the print

fit into a standard sized, easily available frame.

I accept Paypal or Cheques

Email me at: inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

For further details If you have a new born child to celebrate

this makes a unique and personal gift.

New Look Gallery and Shop

2010-06-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Gallery and shop has had a new coat of paint and now has a complete fresh look. Neutral has never been my strong point and finding a colour that would enhance the stock and items for sale proved a difficult task....however, I'm sure you'll see it was well worth it...

It sets off the bright canvases beautifully.....
And the paler more subtle prints and originals too....

I have separate areas for Weddings and Babies and consultation table for Brides to discuss their ideas

The shelves have been painted too, don't the hand made journals looks great on grey?

And all the concertina cards look far better on neutral than the old mahogany colour....very dark and oppressive.......

All in all, there are changes afoot. A good, long, hard look at my workspace and the services and items I offer has been a good clearing exercises.....More photos and articles to follow soon.

you can follow me on Face Book by CLICKING HERE

A HandMade Mothers Day Card

2010-03-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

A Mothers Day Card. A 3-fold card with a formal italic cover, complimented with a more contemporary inside. Pink gouache for the lettering. The overall size is 445mm x 105mm, so it fits into a standard C6 envelope. Simple, pretty and just right for mothers day.

2010-03-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Calligraphy and Lettering Artist Website and Blog

2010-02-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

You have reached the Blog of Inspired by Script, the calligraphy and lettering art of Sue Simpson (Nat. Dip. Calligraphy and Lettering Art).

I have however, combined both my Wesite and My Blog at this new URL: http://www.inspiredbyscript.com Where you will see examples of my work and services, along with personalised items for sale.

I look forward to seeing you there.