GH 2.8 - Watercolor

Watercolor

This week I started the final project for my calligraphy. My main project goal was to write a quote that I like in calligraphy. Last week I picked out the quote and practiced the font. As I practiced the words, I decided how I wanted to write each of them. I also decided I would need to create a background for my quote. I found a video online (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DcoPPzaLThg) that showed me how to create a simple watercolor background for fancy lettering.

I liked a lot of the ideas from the video, but still changed it a little bit to fit how I wanted the watercolor to turn out. I started by sketching out my quote in pencil and framing the area in pencil, as well. I created the watercolor with three layers of colors and then splattered dots of white paint on it. I let the watercolor dry overnight, and then wrote the quote with my calligraphy pen over the sketch.

My final product didn't turn out exactly how I had hoped, but I am still very proud of it. Despite its imperfections, I've noticed how far I've come in my calligraphy abilities. I may not be the best at it, but I can recognize the progress that I've made. My learning goal for this project was to find satisfaction in my work and to avoid criticizing myself too much. I honestly feel that I have succeeded in this goal and I am excited about my new skill.

This may be the last week of this project, but I still plan to continue to do calligraphy. At the beginning, I only planned to learn how to use a dip-pen. However, as I continued this project, I discovered that I enjoyed using calligraphy markers a whole lot more. I decided that practicing something that was fun for me would improve the quality of my project. I learned that sometimes, following your plan doesn't always work out. I still learned how to write in calligraphy, and I loved the results. I was surprised during the final project that I didn't become frustrated very much. I found that working on it was relaxing and fun. I think this skill will be something I can do to help myself relax when I’m stressed in the future.

Thanks for following along during my calligraphy experience! Happy lettering!

My final project!

GH 2.7 - Prep Time

Prep Time

For this week's genius hour, I began my preparations for my final quote project. I went on Pinterest and found a lot of quotes that I liked. I narrowed it down to one: "The best view comes after the hardest climb".

In my action plan, my plan was to use my calligraphy dip-pens to create my final project. However, after a long road of trying to figure out the best way to use a dip-pen, I found much greater joy in using my calligraphy markers. So, I decided I would write my quote in marker so that I won't have to suffer through my dip-pen issues.

I practiced writing most of the words in the quote and explored different styles to write the quote. I've decided to simply use the calligraphy papers that I bought for the final project. I'm currently deciding whether or not I want to paint a background for the quote so that it can be more interesting. However, my worry is that I will make mistakes on the lettering and waste my painting.

While practicing the lettering for my quote, I was getting quite frustrated with myself. I couldn't seem to make the words look the way I wanted them to. Then, I realized I have to be easier on myself since that's my learning goal. So, I grumpily decided to be happy with how everything was turning out, despite the imperfections. I actually decently like the improved versions of the words after I had practiced them for a while. Hopefully when I create the final product, I won't mess everything up. Wish me luck for my final week of genius hour!

(a few of the words are Joel's)