MelissaEsplin.com

2018 Free Thank You Printable

November 21, 2018
This is one of my most favorite time of year. I have great memories of the most magical Thanksgivings. I hope this is magical for you as well. A big part of Thanksgiving is expressing thanks where it wouldn't otherwise be said. I hope you take a few moments to download, print and give a card full of gratitude to someone who you're thankful for.  Want to learn how to make your own? Check out my line-up of online classes over at Calligraphy.org. Use code GIVETHANKS for 15% off your purchase of over $50 now through 12/5.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

 

Products used: Neenah Bright White Paper | Canon Printer | A2 Kraft Envelope

Happy Thanksgiving! This post is coming to you so so late, but better late than never! Click the above link to download and print, cut in half and send! Use A2 kraft envelopes to send.  The process was quite simple. I painted the flowers on Legion Stonehenge Coldpress paper, scanned it in and wrote overtop in Procreate app. I kept the style simple with a monoline bouncy penmanship style. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

The above download is available free for personal use only. Any alteration or redistribution of this file without written consent is prohibited. Check out the prior years downloads below:  I hope you have a safe and happy holiday week full of the best food and the best company!

November 29, 2018 Modern Calligraphy Workshop in SLC, UT

November 14, 2018
I've got a Modern Copperplate Calligraphy workshop coming at you in just a couple of short weeks! This workshop is far more intensive than the Pinners program workshops. The class time is 3+ hours (because we usually go over) and limited to 10 students. 

November 29, 2018 | The Write Image | 6-9pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A lot of you have been asking me about my workshops and how they work. We'll be going through the upper and lowercase fundamentals of my modern script. My modern script has a slant to it, it's airy, informal, yet elegant. Not only will you learn my style, but you'll learn classical foundations along the way including, but not limited to: how to properly use, care for and hold the pen, the tools to use and the foundations of readability.  In the class I take time to demonstrate, then have you try your hand at it while I walk around. I give encouragement, feedback, physical adjustments as needed and answer any questions you may have. This class is great for beginners and "beginnermediate" calligraphers that may have had a self-taught start. No experience is necessary. Lefties are welcome too, I can teach both left- and right-handed, upside-down and backwards. ;) Above: an example of a student's practice at one of our workshops. Below: more student practice. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I hope to see you there! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. If you'd like to get on the email list for local workshops, comment below with your email or message me at melissaATmelissaesplinDOTcom (the contact link above is broken :\ ). 

Heirloom Journaling Tips with House that Lars Built

November 10, 2018
I'm over at House that Lars Built sharing some tips on how to fill out an heirloom journal! Click here to read the full article. Companies like Promptly and Loom are changing the way we're doing journaling by prompting pointed and focused stories in beautiful and finely-bound books. It's brilliant. These books are heirlooms meant to be passed down from one generation to the next, the way journaling should be. So no pressure, right? In the era of perfection in social media, it's easier to not do something than to make it "perfect". I'm going to let you in on a little secret:   Truth is, NO ONE CARES. No one cares if I don't post to this blog each week even though I'm desperate to do it. No one cares if I miss a day posting to Instagram. No one cares about your perfection because everyone is too wrapped up in trying to be perfect themselves. So stop letting your fear of imperfection get in the way of documenting your story.  When it comes to writing in an heirloom journal, you may be worried about correct spelling and grammar or beautifully funky penmanship. DON'T BE. Get the stories out, write them to the best of your ability. Understand that those who come after you to read what you wrote are either not going to notice your flaws or embrace them and love each one because it's proof of your living, breathing humanity. You should embrace it, too.  Bonus tip: When writing in a journal or filling out limited spaces, try to go for a finer point pen than a medium or bold point pen. A medium point pen will, perhaps, make your handwriting look nicer sometimes; but a medium pen is often too large a size point in order to fill out baby stats and what-not.  Check out all 6 tips over at House that Lars Built! Photography by Jane Merritt for House that Lars Built I'm going to share with you a bonus tip: