F is for Flourishing

Hello everyone, hope you are all well and keeping warm.  Thank you for all your comments on my Ex Libris tag, they are much appreciated. Wilma asked ‘How many pen strokes are in this elaborate E?’ well, I tried to count them and gave up after 76!

This week I used a similar technique to write and draw with Flourishes. Flourishes are ornamental curves in writing, strokes and swirls used to decorate or enhance letters.

First I used Flourished Italic hand to write ‘Flourishing’ with a large Flourish on the bottom.  I feel like The Queen when I do this! I used a dip pen (pictured) for this.  I love using a dip pen and F is one of my favourite letters to write, it is such a flourish just on its own!

Next I used a smaller nib to draw a bird in flight, using just Flourished pen strokes.   

Next, just to prove that you don’t need any special equipment, etc. to practice your calligraphy, I wrote ‘Flourishing’ again, this time using a Felt Tip Pen, a Fountain Pen , and a thick Marker Pen; I think though, it’s worth using the proper pens!

Finally, here’s an Extra E tag for Experiment!

I didn’t plan this tag, I was just Exploring the possibilities of something new, Experimenting with ink and bleach. . . .and got some interesting results!  First I applied a wash of ink onto card; next I took a few drops of household bleach diluted 50/50 with water and wrote on the ink using my dip pens.  The result is that the black ink turns to orange within seconds! Exciting! 

Off now to have a peek at your Fabulous F tags.

Bye for now

Jane xx