more calligraphy and gouache

I would have to admit that technology has been taking sort of a passenger's seat lately, in favor of my vintage flexible nibs (the set I previously blogged about).  I've been studying Copperplate script and flourishing, as an addition to the modern style that I used to do.  Though it seems that I'm mixing in some hints of Spencerian... more practice needed!

Below are writing samples using an Esterbrook 556 nib and a variation between blue and dark pink gouache.  I didn't have my poetic brain screwed on, so I just borrowed lyrics from James Morrison, Keane and some Alicia Keys (in a light coffee color mix).  

I cannot express how much I love writing.  And I do hope that people never forget the rawness of a hand-written note.  It has so much emotion within the lines, and I think it's what makes them extra pretty.

Spread the Love.

for a music themed wedding

While surfing for graphic inspiration on Abduzeedo I came across a feature on vintage music tags for their typography inspiration collection.  It brought me back to when I studied piano, and reminded me of how immensely romantic the sound of a classical instrument is. 

*lightbulb moment*  It would be perfect for a wedding!

I would suppose a lot of couples have music in common.  Or some form of hobby influenced by it.  And it made me wonder why I haven't seen a lot of weddings that would have music as a theme.  A lot having to do with photography, travel, pets.  Or maybe I haven't been looking so much.

Anyway, onto the music tags.  They are intended to be gift tags.  But looking at how organic and rustic sheet music is, it can cascade beautifully to whatever paperie there is on your wedding.  They are made out of vintage sheets cut to shape then glued onto both sides of reused paper.

To customize for your wedding I'd suggest to print your monogram or perhaps a thank you note and glue that on the other side instead.  Or make a separate tag and tie them together.  It's such a lovely conversation piece, and would work very well if you were planning on having a classic or vintage feel for your wedding.

I'm so in love with the idea that I googled more pretty things related to sheet music.  Hope you are as well inspired by the loveliness.

from Vintage Twee.

from Living with Lindsay.

from The Bride's Cafe.

tutorial from Once Wed.

from Elegantly Bound.

from The Lane.

love that grows

Angelo and Eyzel

October 23, 2010

Theme: Nature, Elegant

Colors: greens and yellows

a dark, winter fairytale

I would've liked to have a gothic wedding.  Or not really complete gothic.  More of classic with a tinge of freaky.  I would bet that my mother would absolutely flip if I actually went thru with that half of my wedding planning notebook.

Here's a taste of pretty darkness from the December 2010 issue of W Magazine. 

Photographer: Paolo Roversi

Stylist: Alex White