As each day of the calendar year passes by, I am in a perpetual state of wonder as to where the time goes. How does it fly by so fast? Times and Seasons come and go and once again we greet a New Year. I am embracing 2026 with a grateful heart and a sense of curiosity and expectation. I want hearts to be filled with light, joy and peace. As I sit at my desk to type this post, another winter storm has passed by. Snow is falling constantly and the temperatures have been very cold. Looking out the window at the wonderland of snow makes me very pensive. I am constantly waiting for Spring but always looking for signs of beauty in the blanketed garden. I have had a few days off and have taken some time to reflect on all the work done in 2025. Not just my own work, but the incredible work done by dedicated students. I have been overwhelmed with seeing the work that students have produced and I know that each piece they have produced has taken their time and so much effort. It has been such a blessing to see the skills continue to build and watch students clearly define their own visions for their work. It is a dream come true for me. I feel as if I get to coax and nurture these skills and then sit back while the magic unfolds in front of me. I never take this position for granted. It is an absolute honour to continue to be part of this journey for my dear students. As we work together again in 2026, I have so much more I want to share with you all. Sweetie Birds is open for Registration if you would like to join this whimsical class. I want to chase away winter blues with our explorations. I have had so much fun painting these sweet little designs. This class is short and very sweet and designed to bring smiles to your faces,
And if you are up to thinking ahead to March, I will be offering a Master Class for the Poetic Pen through the Gentle Penman. This is an advanced study class for Italian Hand and spaces are very limited so I can accommodate the feedback for homework. Over this past year, I have been revising my practice of Italian Hand along with the course notes as I have come into new insights with the hand itself. Italian Hand is in my opinion, the most lighthearted and practical pointed pen script.
The hand stays relaxed while writing and naturally leads us to a very light touch with the pen. Gentle contrast is added to the script with shading that is very distinct from other hands.There are very special course notes included with this Master Class that are new to the Poetic Pen. I can't wait to share this version of the course with students who are willing to take a deep dive into the hand. This course is designed for those who are able to dedicate the time for study and practice. We will digest the work slowly through four teaching lessons and four feedback sessions that are meant to help each individual student find their signature style with this gorgeous hand. I have been writing up a storm to prepare for this class.
I know that long term studies in Master Classes have a higher price tag on them. They are an investment of time, talent and treasure but I am hoping the experience will be incredibly rewarding for each student as they can truly appreciate the wonder of this style. Italian Hand over the years has brought me so much joy and a world of pointed pen discoveries. My hope with the script has never been to reproduce or mimic archaic forms of the hand. I want to nurture the nuances of this wonderful script and let it find its place on the pages we produce. There will be a lot of work in this class, but so much joy in the journey.
I am not the best at making Resolutions for a New Year. What works for me is waking up fresh every morning and know that a new day is in front of me. I have tasks to work on and choice to make each day. Some days will be overly burdened with hard work, stresses and difficulties. Other days will be more inspiring and lighthearted. Each day rolls around fresh and sparkling just like the snow outside my window. My hope for you dear friends is that you find joy in the work of your hands and the tasks you have each day. Seeing your work blossom bis so important to me and I hope to continue to accompany you in 2026. Happy New Year to you all. You are loved!
The hand stays relaxed while writing and naturally leads us to a very light touch with the pen. Gentle contrast is added to the script with shading that is very distinct from other hands.There are very special course notes included with this Master Class that are new to the Poetic Pen. I can't wait to share this version of the course with students who are willing to take a deep dive into the hand. This course is designed for those who are able to dedicate the time for study and practice. We will digest the work slowly through four teaching lessons and four feedback sessions that are meant to help each individual student find their signature style with this gorgeous hand. I have been writing up a storm to prepare for this class.
I know that long term studies in Master Classes have a higher price tag on them. They are an investment of time, talent and treasure but I am hoping the experience will be incredibly rewarding for each student as they can truly appreciate the wonder of this style. Italian Hand over the years has brought me so much joy and a world of pointed pen discoveries. My hope with the script has never been to reproduce or mimic archaic forms of the hand. I want to nurture the nuances of this wonderful script and let it find its place on the pages we produce. There will be a lot of work in this class, but so much joy in the journey.
