October Beauty

 What a beautiful beginning to October. The sun is bright and filling the garden with warmth as my roses continue to offer their splendour. These bright blooms have brought me so much joy over the summer months and I am grateful for each blossom they continue to produce. Nature if filled with wonder. Time goes so quickly and I never forget how important it is to slow down, pause, and appreciate the season as it passes. I know the warmth of this morning will not last forever and soon the days will bring frost and chill to my garden. I know I have to prepare for the Festive Season. 

As October begins, I have been flourishing at my desk as I continue to teach for the Ardington School of Crafts. We began our Autumn flourishing club with constrained flourishes of leaves, acorns and mushrooms. The explorations of the students are always a marvel to me. The flourish is such a unique expression for each person and such a peaceful way to build skills with the pointed pen. 

The bookings for the Autumn flourishing club are closed but I will be presenting a very special December class that will utilize character flourishing. It will help you celebrate a Beary Merry Christmas!

Character flourishing has been a wonderful accompaniment to my floral and abstract flourishing. If you want to explore an introductory class with this technique, October Owls will be presented through The Gentle Penman on October 13/14 depending on your time zone. I had a wonderful time creating this course and I now have a full line of Owl note cards as a result of these designs. 

Festive flourishes in white inks on dark paper will be preseented in November online. We will start with simple designs but expand into more complex character flourishes such as a deer or a little gnome, Expect a very playful time in the White Christmas class.

I am hoping the class itself will help you to enjoy the Festive season which can be difficult and stressful for so many of us. Taking time to pause and relax as you flourish is such a blessing. And these flourishes are honing so many pointed pen skills as we work on these seasonal delights. If you have read my blog for any length of time you know how firmly I believe in the importance of offhand flourishing as an essential skill builder. You will build so much confidence as you practice and watch these amazing designs grow on the page. 

Wherever you are in your part of the world, I hope the beginning of October is filled with joy and expectation for you. May you cherish time you can spend with your pen and ink. I hope you are finding peace in your work and beauty in your days. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship, your kind words and the beautiful work you share with me. I am so thankful to hear that my classes have been helpful and inspirational. You are the reason I continue to create classes and to teach. May you flourish dear friends.