Vancouver Workshop - Fox and Flourish Modern Calligraphy

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

I had the pleasure of taking the Meditation and Calligraphy series of classes which was a collaboration between Social Yoga and Fox and Flourish.  It was the perfect combination.  I loved it so much that I wanted to share the experience with you!

This week I'll focus on Fox and Flourish Modern Calligraphy classes.  I was super lucky because my Introduction to Modern Calligraphy Class was broken up into three one hour mini lessons instead of the usual 2.5 hour workshop at one time.  I learn much better in smaller chunks and it gave me time to build the skills and confidence for the next mini lesson.  

Meditation and Calligraphy Class

The studio is in a beautiful elegant space in Gastown and the class size is small.  It was perfect to learn and practice modern calligraphy.  Christina teaches well and goes step by step.  She also gives extra hands correction of pen positioning and posture.  It is an excellent learning environment and I love her ease and knowledge of calligraphy.  

It was such a creative and positive experience that I am looking at what I could learn next.  She has an Introduction to Brush Lettering Class and offers an Advanced Calligraphy Class only twice a year.  

If you are looking for a new skill to learn and all the tools to go with it, I highly recommend Fox and Flourish workshops.  Your supplies are packaged up beautifully and you will leave the class with all the skills you need to practice and do your own calligraphy at home.  I feel this was much easier than learning from blogs or YouTube.  That's the type of learner I am and I'm happy that I had the opportunity to finally take the Introduction to Modern Calligraphy Class packaged up with Meditation. My biggest challenge now will be finding things to write about using my Modern Calligraphy skills.  

Find out more - #foxandflourishworkshops

Crafternoon: Border Buddy Cardmaking Class

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Now I love crafting as you know and learning about new crafts.  I was searching on the internet for a cardmaking class and stumbled upon a Stampin' Up demonstrator in Canada who had a studio nearby in New Westminister.  It is through my internet surfing that I discovered the Border Buddy Cardmaking class.  It peaked my interest because it was closeby, the cost was only $20 (and if you place an order of $40 or more, the class is free).  That was definitely a selling feature for me.

I wanted to take a card making class for a long time but there are not many around.  I don't have any friends who enjoy this craft.  So I decided to bribe my friend who lives in New Westminister to come to the class with me so we could both try something new.  

The studio was in the basement of a house and there was a long table with friendly guests when we arrived.  Taking classes are great because you don't have to do anything.  All of the materials are already prepared and she guides you step-by-step through the process.  Also the Big Shot paper cutter and framelits were there for us to use.  

I was really happy with how easy it is to do stamping and card making.  The group of women in the class were super friendly and supportive.  We were the beginners of the group but we were able to leave with four beautiful cards in a night.  There were five of us making cards all together so a nice small group.

Now I have my eyes set on more cards for the upcoming Winter Watercolour card making class in November.  Stay tuned as I'll share my new craft adventures with you and let you see what I've ordered when it arrives.  

Stamp Crazy With Alison Website
(Click on the top page 'Classes' to see what classes she will have each month).

Crafternoon: Damask Love Watermelon Mini Cards

Hello Crafty Vancity Girlfriends,

I'm starting to get into paper crafts which also include card making.  Since I'm a beginner, I wanted easy projects that I can complete within minutes so I can have the satisfaction and rewards of completing my projects.

When I discovered Damask Love blog, I fell in love with the simple materials needed for the paper crafts and easiness of their series called "Easy Like Sunday Morning" craft projects which are perfect for beginners like me.  I also didn't want to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on crafting supplies.  Damask Love keeps the projects simple and supplies minimal.  

The first Damask Love project that I decided to tackle were the watermelon mini cards.  They are so cute and adorable that I couldn't resist!  

Every week Michaels Craft store has a 40% off a regular item so I just had to go to one place to pick up the supplies that I needed which were a Martha Stewart Circle cutter, card stock, and gel pens.  (On Damask Love blog they used black glitter glue but that was expensive so I decided to stick with a black gel pen.)  

Step 1:  Cut red 5" circle and green rind same size as your red circle and 1/2 inch less to make the rind.

Step 2:  Glue the green rind on top of the red circle

Step 3:  Cut in half.  This will make 2 mini cards.

Step 4:  Fold each in half.  

Step 5:  Line the edge of the green rind with your white gel pen.

Step 6:  Draw watermelon seeds with your black gel pen or glitter glue.

Watermelon mini cards can be used for "thanks a melon!" thank you cards to teachers with a summer themed gift.  Or if you are hosting a summer party, use the cards as name cards, or as thank you cards for the "goody bag."  They are so cute that I'm sure everyone will love them.  Perfect timing for upcoming summertime fun and birthday parties or summer parties.