Writing a story

Hi lovelies <3 

Before I start - I would just like say that I've been trying to post this since Monday morning. For some reason, my computer flipped on me on Monday. I've never had it act like this and I've had this computer since 2011. SO I AM SO HYPE about this post.

I know yall are thinking - this chick isn't a blogger - she ain't real. LOL. BUT I am back.Working 40 + hours, AND applying to graduate school has been very time consuming and my life is really shifting. It's craazy and I'm in this beautiful stage of life - God is so great yall<3 

I just wanted to stop by quickly and share with yall a new found hobby of mines - calligraphy. I've always admired the canvas art at Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, Ross, Target. I've obsessed over women who showcase their calligraphy on Instagram and Pinterest and I as always like "man...they are so talented". I never really considered it something that I too could do and really love.

Around the time that I was studying for the GRE- a teacher "book fair" was set up in the teacher lounge and I saw this calligraphy set entitled "Calligraphy the Easy Way" for like super cheap and for the first time I thought - I could DO THIS. But for some reason - I didn't purchase it (I think they were taking orders on the day I was taking the GRE). But a week later I actually found the SAME kit in Ross for like 10 dollars and I grabbed it. The kit came with a fountain pin (you can put ink in a pin that is like a quill dip pen) and a dip pen, some ink (came in tubes - very hard to use), practice sheets, and paper.

Calligraphy Starter Handbook

Fountain Pen that came with Calligraphy Starter kit

All in all - I liked it BUT it only had ink for that specific pen and it had no directions for how to use the dip pen and ink. So I basically broke the dip pen (will show pictures of what that looks like in a few).So I only used the fountain pen and I wasn't getting the look of art I desired with fountain pen. The fountain made the writing look too rigid and it was hard to write in cursive with it. I can say that this pen is still working and it lasts a LONG time. It's good for the first-timer user, but I would really suggest buying a dip pen to dive right in.  I basically sat this fountain pen aside and  I started doodling and practicing calligraphy- like drawings with my Pilot ultra fine tip pen. I also didn't have the time to really practice during the holidays.

Once I had the mindset to focus on practicing - I started searching around for quill pens and I purchased a Speedball Dip Pen and Nibs and some Higgins Fountain Pen India Ink (recommended because it is the darkest and doesn't bleed). I purchased some more paper and I purchased the Canson Mix-Media book which comes with Acrylic, Watercolor, and Pen/Pencil paper. I bought this at Walmart for like $8 and it's HUGE lol. I am truly getting the hang of calligraphy since I have purchased the new pen and I LOVE what I am creating. 

Here pictured is my Sketch/Paint book, my Higgins ink, and my Dip Pen

Here are the dip pen and nib (you stick nib into top of pen)

As I learn more I will make sure I update you all, but I wanted to tell you all how I stumbled upon calligraphy and how I pushed myself to do something totally out of my comfort zone. I am not an expert, honestly a lot of the stuff I am doing is free style and I mostly love the Modern Calligraphy style and I am getting A LOT of help from the Pinterest "modern calligraphy" search results and the lovely Liz Castro

I am writing a story and I love it <3

- Tonyette