Heart and Soul

What a winter it has been in Ontario. We have had record breaking arctic cold and several intense snowstorms. It is so cold, that it can be disheartening as you can feel it from head to toe so quickly. Moments of sunshine have been rare but so appreciated. Each glimmer of sunshine coming through the window causes me to pause and truly notice the warmth of the light. I am thankful to turn the calendar page and welcome February as I nurture thoughts of Spring. The Secret Garden book is on my reading table, ready for me to enjoy over the next couple of weeks. I think the book is perfect to read at this time of the year and it is filled with so many inspiring quotes that I jot down in my journal as I work on Italian Hand.   Both the book and practicing Italian Hand are comforting and familiar when the days are so chilling. I have been thinking deeply about the work I return to that brings me so much joy and sense of peace. 

I have just finished teaching The Artful Flourish at Ardington School Online. The Artful Flourish was the first course I ever created and in many ways, I see it as my most important course. Finding the flow of offhand flourishing affects all other aspects of my artistic journey. It is the anchor of all my work even if I am drawing, writing, painting, or designing and illuminated miniature. Flourishing gave me the confidence to grow as an artist and to think outside the box. 

Later this month, I will teach Spring Symphony for the Edmonton Calligraphic Society and continue to explore seasonal flourishes filled with florals and cheerful colours.  Registration info is posted at Eventbrite.

Flourishes are the heart and soul of my work and I love diving into them with new students and those who want to refresh their skills. Heart designs are always a favourite theme and seem so perfect for February.

I never get tired of working on these artistic hearts. They are such a joyful way to explore flourishes.

The heart will be explored in my Victorian Valentines, The Language of Flowers presentations for Ardington School. The lecture and demonstration for February 4th, sold out quickly, but we opened more seats for February 11th. If you are interested in the  historic lecture that Martin Beek will present followed by a very Victorian design to explore with ink, gold and watercolour, you can  register through Ardington. Preparing for this special class had me going through my treasure trove of Victorian scraps and ephemera. I love the abundant florals and the quirkiness of the sentiments in the designs. The Victorians loved intricate details which is why I find their designs so charming. 

With my deep love of 19th Century ornament and offhand flourishes as well as my fascination with historic Italian Hand and 18th Century English Roundhand, it occurred to me that I am very out of sync with my own times.  And to be totally honest, I am unapologetically out of sync with my own times. I love analog skills. I love putting ink on paper slowly with a pen that needs to be dipped in ink. I love  creating and displaying handmade lace no matter how long it takes to figure out the stitches or technique. I love researching and learning about calligraphic scripts and decorative ornament and finding ways to share it with others. I fail at keeping up with social media,  or staying on top of the technology that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. But I do try to encourage my dear students to take all the time they need to truly engage in the classes they sign up for. With the ever increasing availability of online courses, I am perpetually grateful and blessed by those who sign up for my courses and send me such kind notes of thanks. I will be offering a Masterclass in Italian Hand in March for The Gentle Penman. This is a slow savour class for those who want to nudge the nuances of Italian Hand while finding their own voice. It is a deep dive from one who is constantly making new discoveries with this beautiful and lighthearted script.

I have a lot to say and a lot to share with this special class.It is filled with insights I have gleaned over the years and discussed with my own mentors and teachers. Just like the flourishes, Italian Hand has captured my heart and soul. Registration info is at The Gentle Penman. This class will be kept very small so that I can interact fully with each student. If you are a little like me and feel a bit out of sync with these times, I urge you to nurture the things that have captured your heart and soul. Whether you are a musician, sculptor, painter, embroiderer, reader or calligraphic artist, pursue what brings you joy. Be yourself and do what you love! I will be there along side you, cheering you on and watching the joy it brings to others. 

New Every Morning

 

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,

We have added a second date for Victorian Valentines at Ardington School. The first class sold out quickly. If you are still interested in attending, you can join the second date in February. This is a collaborative class with Martin Beek giving the lecture about Victorian Valentines, while I will give the practical demonstration. If you love the Victorian Era, I think you will enjoy this presentation. I am always so happy to indulge in all things Victorian. 

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!