Saturday, July 12, 2014

Studio Update: More Word Art

Howdy, everyone!

Custom orders have kept me in the studio and away from my computer for quite a while! Though that is indeed my favorite way to spend my time, it means that y'all have been rather left out of all the excitement. Even now, in fact, I should be knitting away on yet another lovely project, but I'm finally bursting to show y'all what I've been doing.

A couple months ago, I shared the word art I created as a gift for a teenage gal in need of some encouragement.






A quick nose around Etsy showed me that no one else is really doing word art like this, so I added it as a custom item in my shop.

In May, I got my first order! I put together this piece as a gift for a mom from her 4 kids:





It included some of their favorite qualities about their mama and was "signed" by them. At 9x12 inches, it's also large enough for her to frame and hang it where she'll see it every day.

Then, a few weeks later, I received another order. This time for a family heirloom piece to be featured in the couple's new library. This piece took more planning and skill, and I loved the challenge!





This painting was huge: 16x20 inches. In fact, I ordered special watercolor board for it so that it would be easier to manage, ship, and for them to frame.

The family name was Scottish, so I incorporated some of the better known Highland flowers: thistle, heather, and bluebells. The "calligraphy" is all outlined by hand then painted in and lends it self to the classic, heirloom feel of the work.





I hope to do more work like this in the future--I really enjoyed working with my customers to select color palettes and draft sketches. It challenges me to listen well, ask careful questions, and think outside of work I've done before. It's a unique adventure!

Want to learn more? Check out this listing in my shop!

Adventure well; Live fully.
HAK