Wednesday, September 30, 2020

OCTOBER 2020 SCRIBNOTE

































A MESSAGE FROM THE GUILD PRESIDENT

 

Can’t believe it’s October! I hope everyone is well and healthy and staying safe. Seems this is going to be the new normal for a while.

Anyway –

What have you been doing? I have kept busy, too busy. Still haven’t settled into enjoying anything that I have learned in the classes! I keep telling myself that I will stop taking these classes and just play and then I see a class and well, I can’t seem to let it slide by.

I started out July with Maria Helena Hoksch, this was for 3 week ends, running from 2:00pm to 4:30pm each day (6 sessions) this was on design, decoration and illustration and was in the form of a webinar so there wasn’t any work involved for those of us watching, but a lot of note taking. This was on Zoom through “The European Pointed Pen Collective”, a wonderful organization that is very sharing and caring 

I also had four 1 hour classes with Nina Tran on Copperplate majuscules. I had 4 sessions with Gemma Black on Fractur through Ardington Academy on Zoom and I had to get up at 4:30 am for this 5:00am class. But it was worth it! Next was 3 sessions with Yukimi Annand doing “Drawn and Built-Up Capitals” (Zoom) through Pen Dragons. If anyone has taken a class through Pen Dragons they go all out to make the experience as wonderful as it can be. They mailed all participants bound copies of Yukimi’s examples! This workshop was on the letters of Hermann Killian and Yukimi has done a wonderful study of them!

In August I started with Carol DuBosh and Ben Shahn letters, this was a fun 2 hour class (on Zoom). Then I Zoomed with Joy Daniels “Getting Back to Basics” a wonderful relaxing and very informative week-end. This also was through the European Pointed Pen Collective and they have a wonderful interview with her on their website. At the end of August I Zoomed with Rachel Yallop for 2 sessions on “The Swelling Line”. A wonderful class on flourishing copperplate. I have both books that Rachel has put out “A Simple Copperplate Manual” and “Copperplate Variations”. Both are excellent. Julie Wildman ‘s Alphabet book was also in August , designing an alphabet and creating an accordion book (wonderful). So much fun, Julie is a wonderful and sharing teacher!

 In September I signed up for Marina Soria, “The Empty Space –Womb of Shape” which won’t finish up until October 5. This class was devoted to the negative space and using it creatively.  Also signed up for Yves Leterme “Thoughtful Gestures” through Harvest Crittenden’s Acorn Arts. This is for 6 sessions, you watch his videos and send in “homework” for him to critique.    Julie Wildman’s “Inside Curve” was next, exploring letter shapes. Carol DuBosch and “Hand Embossing” was a wonderful exercise, lots of tips and ideas for our art pieces. Finally a class with Pat Blair on “Flourished Copperplate Capitals”

 I have three classes scheduled for October, Heather Held’s “Enchanted Meadow” this is through the Michigan Association of Calligraphy. One day workshop 10:00am to 4:00pm. Then starting on October 11th  Heather Held , again “The Poetic Pen” this is on Italian hand. On October 8th and 9th I will spend time with Pat Blair for her “Ornamental Flourishing Harvest and Holiday.

 Is there a doctor in the house, I think I have a problem and really need to stop! A dear friend sent me a book called “OCD Obsessive Calligraphy Disorder” by Jean Wilson and Cheryl Adams. I believe this is what I am suffering from. I need to get myself under control! I think I need calligraphers anonymous!

 

 

MENTIONED IN THIS MESSAGE:

Heather Held - https://heathervictoriaheld.com/

Maria Helena Hoksch - https://calligraphybymariahelena.com/

European Pointed Pen Collective - https://www.pointedpencollective.com/

Harvest Crittenden – Acorn Arts - https://acornartsclasses.org/

Nina Tran - http://anintran.com/

Gemma Black- http://www.gemmablack.com/

Ardington Academy -  https://www.ardingtonacademy.com/#/

Yukimi Annand - https://yukimiannand.com/

Yukimi’s website is currently under construction , but you can see some of her work.

Pen Dragons - https://www.pendragonscalligraphy.org/

Carol DuBosch - https://www.caroldubosch.com/

Joy Daniels - http://joydanielscalligraphy.co.uk/

Rachel Yallop - http://www.rachelyallop.co.uk/

 Gallery

Some of the work of our fabulous members
Angie West

Angie West

Anna Schlemma

Anna Schlemma

Anna Schlemma

Ginny VanderHey
Ginny VanderHey


Judy Theurel

Linda Elder

Linda Elder

Maureen Trubac

Maureen Trubac





HIP HIP HOORAY

 

A great big cheer for our Commander-in-Chief, Renee Tuveson for navigating us through our “can’t be together at the church for meetings” time this year. Renee has painstakingly found a way for us to hold a meeting on an app called Zoom. Zoom is a program that is used to hold meetings, conferences and family get togethers during the  COVid Pandemic of 2020. 

The COVid virus of 2020 has taken away our ability to get together as family, friends, co-workers, etc. For some that means no birthday parties, weddings, dinners, because this would put us all at risk, especially us older folks. Going to the nursing homes to visit our geriatric relatives was impossible and only visiting them through windows was the only option available.

 Renee figured out how to host a meeting, for whoever wanted to participate, so that we could see and talk to other members of the Michiana Calligraphy Guild. Renee also did a power point demonstration of artwork if someone wanted to show their work that they had recently done and we could talk about the process that work involved.

 We all miss our friends and family, but thanks to Renee and her tech savvy, we were able to see familiar faces and hear voices that we have not been able to hear for the past almost 4 months now. She went above and beyond to get us together. Thank you so much Renee Tuveson for bringing us together when we have to stay apart. Hopefully we will be able to have our picnic at the church in August, even though we will still sit “six feet apart”. Maybe someone wants to letter those words!

 Ginny VanderHey

Note from Renee:The aborNove article was obviously written several months ago. I appreciate Ginny’s kind words but was a little embarrassed to add this to the blog and have since been convinces to publish it. Thank you Ginny for the article and you and the other members of this guild mean a lot to me. I enjoy our time together and am pleased that so many of you still come to our meetings. Technology cam be overwhelming, it is f me. But I felt I had to do it and I am so glad I did. Love you all!

 

 

OCD
(Or commonly known as Obsessive Calligraphy  Disorder)
 
Ginny VanderHey
 

I didn’t realize that I have a disease with a name attached to it; until Renee Tuveson pointed out that she has it too. We have been obsessed with this disease since March when we were all quarantined because of COVID 19. We had to cancel our Amity Parks workshop because of the virus that was spreading like wildfire all over the world. Now what were we going to do with our time? Sure, we had lots of paper and tools in our art rooms to keep us busy, but we needed inspiration to keep us trying new things and growing in our calligraphic life.

If I remember correctly, the first online Zoom class I noticed was one that the Dallas/Ft. Worth Calligraphy Guild was sponsoring with Tamer Ghoneim who did blackletter lettering in a circle. This was a free Zoom class and lots of people that we could actually see and talk to. Tamer is a very talented and and pretty new calligrapher who generously gave his time showing everyone who was interested in his lettering techniques. I loved his work and went straight to my art room and table to start writing in blackletter and enhancing it with designs in between the letters that he showed us how to do.

 Next up was Jacqueline Sullivan who did an online Zoom class about painting a landscape in Jacqueline’s unique style. I didn’t actually finish that painting but someday, hopefully, I will get back to it.

 After Jacqueline Sullivan’s class, I was hooked and started looking for classes  online to keep me inspired. I have taken three classes with Calligraphaltalia that is hosted by Ali Riccardo in Italy. First was Jurgen Vercamst demonstrating his pencil lettering. He was nervous about his first class on day one, but on day two, he was more relaxed and more enjoyable. Both days were wonderful and we learned a lot about pencil and shading. Next was Gemma Black teaching Scriffito which is laying down gold leaf and scratching into it. The gold is softer than you think and Gemma showed us that all the things she does with this technique. The third class is currently with Marina Soria who lives in Buenos Aries. She is doing abstract calligraphy and I suggest you look her up to see her work which is stunning. Her classes are one hour for four Mondays which actually turn into almost 2 hours so we are getting a bonus every week. On the second week of this class, I also also had a Carol DuBosch class on embossing which turned out to be on the same day as the second Marina Soria class, and, they were back to back. Luckily Carol finished her class at about 2:58 pm which gave me time to get into the second Zoom class of the day. Whew!

 Also took two classes with my dear friend Julie Wildman on Fun and Funky letters and The Inside Curve. Both classes were a lot of fun and Julie is always generous with her information to help you achieve your lettering goals.

 I happened to see Rachel Yallop on Instagram advertising a class on her beautiful pointed pen lettering and knew that I would have to get into that class. I contacted her once about coming to South Bend a few years back to do a workshop and she replied with “you know I am in England, right?” Oops, no! I thought she was in Canada! So, I immediately signed up for her class. She also, was very generous in answering any questions that came her way and I absolutely loved being in her class for two days.

 Next I saw Amity Parks was going to do a two-day, two-hour workshop on the middle of October. I knew we are going to have her in South Bend in 2021, but I thought I would get a head start on her beautiful pencil lettering and shading. I took an Amity Parks class in Kalamazoo called Chunky Caps using Bister Ink maybe two years ago and really enjoyed her teaching style.

 A few days ago, I signed up for a Pat Blair class on Zoom. Par Blair was the White House calligrapher for many years and does beautiful pointed pen work. I actually was able to take a class with her in Kalamazoo several years ago. This class will be called Ornamental Flourishing Harvest & Holiday. I love the pointed pen, so this is right up my alley. It does say beginner on her ad for this class, so I wrote to her to make sure it wasn’t too elementary for me. She responded to my email very quickly and assured me that it wasn’t just for beginners so I knew I had to sign up for it.

 So, as far as I know, I have not signed up for any more classes after the middle of October. We will be leaving early in November for our home in Florida for a few months and unfortunately, I cannot take all my art supplies with me, darn it! But, there is always Paper and Ink and John Neal to order supplies. If you haven’t yet tried a class on Zoom, give it a try. It’s the next best thing to being in a classroom surrounded by fellow artist and maybe you will see Renee and I there too, and Linda Elder, and Julie Wildman, and Pat West and Laurie Heyden, Yukimi Annand, etc. and more than likely see calligraphers that you’ve wanted to take classes from that like taking online calligraphy classes also.

 Okay, a big show of hands here…who thinks I have Obsessive Calligraphy Disorder this year? Anyone, anyone…

 A big thank you to Renee Tuveson for keeping us in the loop about what is going on in our guild through Zoom. Even though we cannot be together in person, I am enjoying seeing my artsy friends on the screen and chatting with them even for just a few minutes.

 

 

CALENDAR

 

October10: Zoom Meeting and Book Exchange

November 7:Zoom Meeting TBD

December 5:Xmas Exchange TBD

 

THINGS OF INTEREST

 

John Neal Book

https://www.johnnealbooks.com/

 

Paper and Ink Arts

 https://www.paperinkarts.com/

 

OUR CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE

Here is the original proposal for the Christmas Exchange we will keep up updated through the Zoom meetings and emails.

MICHIANA CALLIGRAPHY GUILD BOOKPLATE EXCHANGE for December, 2020

 

Project: Design a bookplate with a blank space for someones name.

 

Purpose: If the recipient wishes, she can make photocopies of the design and adhere it to books in her library.

 Size and media: 3 wide by 4 high in portrait layout, because most books are taller than they are wide. The original design could be much larger and then be shrunk down in size via photocopying. Any kind of paper and any graphic medium may be used, such as pencil, pen, marker, brush, charcoal, watercolor, etc.

 

Deadline: Nov. 10th, to send Renee an image of your design; and to mail your original design (or a photocopy if it has to be reduced in size) together with a stamped self-addressed envelope to Laura Fuderer18485 Garwood Ct., South Bend IN 46637. She will draw names at random and send a bookplate to each participant before the December meeting. Wait to open your gift until the December meeting. 

 

Purpose: Obviously, bookplates are meant to identify the owner of a particular book, but they can also convey the pride the owner feels in their collection or the hope that a book will be returned by a borrower. They often have the words, Ex libris or the English, From the library of, followed by a blank space for the owners name. Or not.

 

Design: Whats depicted on a bookplate is wide open to the imagination. It can be an illustration that is realistic, symbolic, or abstract; or the plate can be just words, such as the classic threat:

who folds a leafe downe

   Ye divel toaste browne

Who makes marke or blotte

   Ye divel roaste hotte

Who stealeth thisse booke

   Ye divel shall cooke.

   Historically, designs tended to be armorial and depicted the owners coat of arms and crest on a shield surrounded by a mantle (i.e., the cloak that a knight wore to the crusades) and a banner inscribed with the family motto. Later bookplates were more pictorial and might portray a landscape, the family home, an individual reading a book, a library interior, a book or pile of books, animals, trees, a favorite hobby, and so on. Open books, library interiors, and a scene viewed through a library window have been favorite themes. While most bookplates have been pictorial objects or scenes captured in black and white, theres no reason they cant incorporate abstract, geometric, or floral patterns and be produced in color. Really, the skys the limit.

 

 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

To Be Determined

 

 

POLICY FOR MCG

Our workshops seem to have people sign up and then decide not to attend. We have been very generous in returning monies paid for the workshop if someone decides not to attend at the last minute, but we are going to have a change in this policy. There will be a nominal fee if you drop out of a workshop. If there would be an emergency, for instance the birth of a grandchild, illness, etc., then the board will take this under advisement to decide on a course of action regarding a refund. Also, if the workshop is filled, and there is someone to take your place, that would also qualify for a refund. So please, if you want to sign up foe the workshop, make sure that you put that date on your calendar as a commitment. We have a small calligraphy group and we struggle to fill workshops at times. We need all of you to attend as many as possible so that we can continue to have quality instructors.

 

ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK?

If so, look up your favorite calligraphers, because they are on Facebook also. I like to look at Barbara Blose, Reggie Ezell, Julian Waters, John Stevens, Rachel Yallop, Pendragons, Capital City Scribes, Yukimi Annand, etc.. There are lots of beautiful calligraphy on these pages that will get you inspired. Also look at Joanne Fink and Barbara Lever’s Facebook pages. Be sure to check Pinterest, so many places to be inspired!

 

P.O. BOX IN SOUTH BEND

Due to a lack of much mail at our Post Office box in South Bend we have suspended any mail sent to that address. If you have anything to send to the Michiana Calligraphy Guild, please send to Laurie Heyden, 18292 Courtland Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46637 or Renee Tuveson, 928 Finch Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46614.

 

AMERICAN FRAME

Just a reminder that if you order from American Frame, please mention MCG, and  the will give is a small stipend.

 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Annual dues of $15 are due at the July meeting. Our annual dues have not changed in many years and are put to good use for supplies for our Make It/Take It at meetings and our annual raffle in August, and in December our donation to local charities. Please remember to bring your dues to the July meeting or send to Laurie Heyden, our treasurer at 18292 Courtland Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46637.

 

OFFICIERS

 

Renee Tuveson, President and Blog,  rtuveson@hotmail.com

Marty Mitchell, Vice President,  martyjmm@gmail.com

Laurie Heyden, Treasurer, silverbird323@jahoo.com

Judy Theurel, Secretary, judy@theurel.com

Sharon Esmont, Study Group sesmont@aol.com

 

Thursday, July 2, 2020


July 2020 Scribnote



A MESSAGE FROM THE GUILD PRESIDENT
 

First off – It is July and the dues are due! $15.00 you can mail this to Laurie Heyden at 18292 Courtland Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46637 or bring to the picnic on August 1st. Note the picnic has been changed due to church availability.

Well, here we are still mired down in this Corona Virus. I have struggled and am still struggling with the need to create something. I seem to be caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Caught in a quarantine fog of no ideas so I sign up for a class and then 2 classes and then 3 and then no time to concentrate on a specific project. So I have managed to keep myself busy, but with no real playtime. I really need to get organized! Make myself a schedule and stick to it.

I have an ongoing subscription to Skillshare and Tracey Lizotte Academy, plus I’ve bought individual classes from Teachable and Udemy.

In April I took Harvest Crittenden’s “The Graceful Curve”. Making feathers and banners and birds was pure joy!
Birthday card for my grandson

Practice piece for the Graceful Curve

Graduation card for my Grandson


This past month I have taken “Fun and Funky Letters” and “Akim” with Julie Wildman. This was my second time with Akim and I am glad I took it, I was in one of her first classes of Akim (first time in person) and she has added so much more to the class.

I took “Downstroke and Upstroke – The Pencil Rhythm” with Jurgen Vercaemst and that was amazing.

I took a copperplate “Bootcamp” with Nina Tran there were 4 one hour classes over a two week period. Plus I follow Nina on Instagram and she has a half hour demo every Wednesday at 9:30am (our time 6:30am hers)

Starting this Saturday I will be taking a class with Maria Helena Hoksch, through the European Pointed Pen Collective on design basics. She is an amazing calligrapher and does beautiful pieces. On July 13th I will be doing Fractur with Gemma Black, and I that class starts at 5:00am our time!

All of this brings me to a question. Do they have an AA for calligraphers? I will limit myself from now on, believe me there are classes out there that I didn’t sign up for that I wanted to. Zoom has opened me up to a whole new world and I have enjoyed it very much. I have been able to go to study groups for the Chicago Calligraphy Collective and Pen Dragons in Kalamazoo that I never would have been able to attend otherwise. I hope that once this virus goes away (I hope) that classes will continue to be offered in this format.

The past few months have been very trying, with my dog adding to my stress. She is an 11 year old English Bulldog (life span is generally 8-10 years). She has been very healthy up until this last year. In January she developed corneal ulcers in one eye and then the other. Vet visits every couple of weeks for a while for her to debride the eyes after which Stella had to wear a cone. Stella became depressed and for a while we thought we would have to put her down. Then the doctor put her on steroids and what a difference! Almost her old self! For the time being she is doing well and may give us a little more time with her. She has always been a puppy, very playful and lively so the last few months have been very hard. Maybe that is why I threw myself in the calligraphy classes , to escape the pain of possibly losing her.

 
RECAP OF OUR MEETINGS


April Meeting was canceled due to Covid 19

May 2, 2020 Meeting on Zoom –
Quote – “You may not be able to alter reality, but you can alter your attitude toward it.” – Margaret Atwood.
12 members in attendance.  We discussed the upcoming picnic in August (Note: Date change), also that the Amity Parks workshop was rescheduled for next year, hopefully the virus will be gone or there will be a vaccine by then! Show and tell via powerpoint. I did a feather demo from my class with Harvest Crittenden.


June 6, 2020 Meeting on Zoom –
Quote – “An artist is a collector, not a hoarder, mind you, there is a difference. Hoarders collect indiscriminately, the artist collects selectively. They only collect things that they love.” Austin Kleon
12 members in attendance. We discussed workshops with Julie Wildman via zoom, both Renee and Ginny have signed up. Linda Elder took a class with Barbara Close on pointed pen uncial. Show and Tell via power point.

Angie West Books using her marbled papers

Angie West books using her marbled papers

Anna Schlemma's silent bells

Anna Schlemma's cranes

Painting by Anna Schklemma

Anna's silent bells


Renee's birthday cards





Renee's mail from Linda Master-Parker a Georgia Calligrapher



Ginny's card

Ginny's Card

Ginny VanderHey Mark making

Ginny Vander Hey circular gothic

Card by Judy Theuerl

Card by Judy Theuerl

Judys birthday cards

Judy Theuerl's bister ink practice



Linda Elder - pointed pen uncial



CALENDAR
July 11,2020 –Zoom meeting  Yearly dues of $15.00 are due.  Send any pictures to Renee at rtuveson@hotmail.com that you want to share for Show and Tell! This format is easier as it allows everyone to get a good look.

August 1, 2020 – Annual Picnic has been moved back to August 1 due to the availability of the church. This will not be a potluck. Bring your own lunch and drink. Bring a folding chair to sit on. We will do a book exchange. Bring your wrapped book (wrap in any type of paper, even newspaper) and place inside a ziplock bag. I will bring Clorox wipes to wipe down the bags.

September 5, 2020 – Meeting either zoom or in person TBD

October 2, 2020 - Meeting either zoom or in person TBD

November 7, 2020 – Meeting either zoom or in person TBD

December 5, 2020 – Annual Christmas Party Meeting either zoom or in person TBD

THINGS OF INTEREST

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Amity Parks – May 20,21, and 22, 2021 NOTE: this is a Thursday, Friday and Saturday Amity Parks – “A Sharp Pencil and a Keen Eye”

POLICY FOR MCG
Our workshops seem to have people sign up and then decide not to attend. We have been very generous in returning monies paid for the workshop if someone decides not to attend at the last minute, but we are going to have a change in this policy. There will be a nominal fee if you drop out of a workshop. If there would be an emergency, for instance the birth of a grandchild, illness, etc., then the board will take this under advisement to decide on a course of action regarding a refund. Also, if the workshop is filled, and there is someone to take your place, that would also qualify for a refund. So please, if you want to sign up foe the workshop, make sure that you put that date on your calendar as a commitment. We have a small calligraphy group and we struggle to fill workshops at times. We need all of you to attend as many as possible so that we can continue to have quality instructors.

ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK?
If so, look up your favorite calligraphers, because they are on Facebook also. I like to look at Barbara Blose, Reggie Ezell, Julian Waters, John Stevens, Rachel Yallop, Pendragons, Capital City Scribes, Yukimi Annand, etc.. There are lots of beautiful calligraphy on these pages that will get you inspired. Also look at Joanne Fink and Barbara Lever’s Facebook pages. Be sure to check Pinterest, so many places to be inspired!

P.O. BOX IN SOUTH BEND
Due to a lack of much mail at our Post Office box in South Bend we have suspended any mail sent to that address. If you have anything to send to the Michiana Calligraphy Guild, please send to Laurie Heyden, 18292 Courtland Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46637 or Renee Tuveson, 928 Finch Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46614.

AMERICAN FRAME
Just a reminder that if you order from American Frame, please mention MCG, and  the will give is a small stipend.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Annual dues of $15 are due at the July meeting. Our annual dues have not changed in many years and are put to good use for supplies for our Make It/Take It at meetings and our annual raffle in August, and in December our donation to local charities. Please remember to bring your dues to the July meeting or send to Laurie Heyden, our treasurer at 18292 Courtland Dr., South Bend, Indiana 46637.

OFFICIERS
Renee Tuveson, President and Blog, 574-291-3621 rtuveson@hotmail.com
Marty Mitchell, Vice President, martyjmm@gmail.com
Laurie Heyden, Treasurer, silverbird323@jahoo.com
Judy Theurel, Secretary, judy@theurel.com
Sharon Esmont, Study Group sesmont@aol.com


Monday, March 30, 2020



APRIL 2020 SCRIBNOTE

COMMENTS FROM OUR CHAIRPERSON
Can you say “Cabin Fever”……. Not very far into this and already have cabin fever!
 Meetings, classes and things I have signed up for have all been cancelled! So I am going the “ON-LINE” route to try and keep my sanity. Thank you God for Skillshare, Udemy, and Teachable, don’t  know what I would have done without them! My only outings have been to the grocery, regular doctor and dental appointments. My dog Stella had surgery on her eyelid. She had the stitches removed last Friday, we didn’t even go into the vet. We called them from the car and they came out and got her and brought her back after removing the stitches.
We have cancelled our monthly meeting for April and hope we can get together in May. Stay tuned. We have cancelled our workshop with Amity Parks, but hope to reschedule soon.
So….What have I been doing? VINTAGE PAGE DESIGN - https://vintagepagedesigns.com/ they have a Handmade Book Club that I have recently joined, though this is now closed Ali Manning will open it up again at the end of April. This is a wonderful and very helpful site that some of our guild members have joined. The archives are wonderful, they have a facebook group that has regular meet ups and just can’t say enough good things about it.
I had signed up for a watercolor class with “Forever Learning” but the virus put an end to that. They have hopes to start up again in April but I thing it may be May. So I have signed up with Tracy Lizotte and her Academy. https://tracylizottestudios.teachable.com/p/the-art-academy There is a monthly charge but she has lots of videos and instruction and she also has twice monthly on line Q and A’s about painting and marketing and past meetings are also available to view.
Skillshare  www.skillshare.come/home I have been taking a class with Jen Sweeney, she has several classes using the wedge brush and I have been having a ball! Started my Christmas cards for next year!



Teachable https://support.teachable.com/hc/en-us/sections/204295107-Login-and-Password Have been taking a class in copperplate with Youngehae Chung of Logos Calligraphy and Design. I also took a class in flourishing with her. She is a fantastic left-handed calligrapher.
So I have managed to keep myself busy, with only momentary breaks in my sanity. I have been trying to keep in touch with family and all seem to be managing the stresses of this virus fairly well. I hope all of you have been healthy through this difficult time.

JANUARY 2020 No Meeting

FEBRUARY 1, 2020
Quote: "Normalty is a paved road. It's comfortable to walk. But no flowers grow" -  Vincent Van Gogh.
Marty M. was in charge of the meeting as I was in Chicago in a workshop with Suzanne Cunningham. Sharon E. did a great job with her demo of a punch cradle. For Valentines, Marty made little boxes and put heart shaped chocolates in them for everyone. Anna was the lucky recipient of a pan of Fine Tec. Show and Tell always the highlight. 


Pat's beautiful clouds







March 7, 2020
Quote: "What is not started today is never finished tomorrow." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Two potential new members visited our meeting Ashley and Jamie, they found us through a google search. Yay Google! Many things discussed including IAMPETH, Amity Parks Workshop, the special collection at the Hesberg library, Angie is teaching again at Penn HS. I gave a demo in making poinsettias and leaves with the wedge brush and assisted anyone with questions. Show and Tell was inspiring with Anna's books and Ginny brought a couple of quilts she has been working on.
Ginny's quilt

Anna's book

Anna's book


Anna's book



Upcoming workshops:
March 27, 28 and 29, 2020 Amity Parks – Cancelled due to Virus


                                               2020 CALENDAR

All meetings are held at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Cleveland Road, unless otherwise specified.
APRIL 4 – Meeting Cancelled to Covid 19
MAY 2 – Bring your favorite tool!
MAY 30 -  Paste Paper Playdate – 9am to 5 pm- Christ the King Lutheran Church
JUNE 6 – Ginny Vander Hey will demo Gwen Weaver lettering.
JULY 11 – Angie West will make a brass folded pen per instructions from Carol Dubosch.
AUGUST 1 – Picnic
SEPTEMBER 12 – Laurie Heyden – covered boxes
OCTOBER 3 – Ginny Vander Hey will demo Sherri Kiesel letters.
NOVEMBER 7 – Anna Schlemma will demo Rosie Kelley lettering.
DECEMBER 5 – Christmas Luncheon


THINGS OF INTEREST
 Ginny found instructions for using the Phantom Liner and I have reprinted them here, I will bring copies to the next meeting if anyone has difficulty reading these. Also there are a couple of youtube video links at the bottom of the article.






JAKE WEIDMANN

by Renee Tuveson

I received an email from a friend saying that she and her husband had gone to Hillsdale College (Hillsdale Michigan) to see an exhibit by Jake Weidman. She said they were "Just blown away" by his work. She knew I loved pointed pen, she sent a few photos and said if I had the time I should go.
I have always been impressed with the work of Jake Weidmann, I follow him on Instagram. What a wonderful exhibit! To see his work up close and personal was indeed mind blowing. Most of his pieces are quite large and incredibly precise. He is a very talented young man, and to achieve all that he has at such a young age is incredible.
Below is a link to a TEDtalk that he did and some pictures I took at the exhibit. I urge you to follow him on Instagram, where you can see "work in progress.





SUZANNE CUNNINGHAM

by Renee Tuveson


Policy for MCG
Our workshops seem to have people sign up and then decide not to attend. We have been very generous in returning monies paid for the workshop if someone decides not to attend at the last minute, but we are going to have a change in this policy.  There will be a nominal fee if you drop out of the workshop.  If there would be an emergency, for instance, a birth of a child or grandchild, illness, etc., then the board will take this under advisement to decide on a course of action regarding a refund.  Also, if the workshop is filled and there is someone to take your place, that would also quality for a refund. So please, if you want to sign up for the workshop, make sure that you put that date on your calendar as a commitment.  We have a small calligraphy group and we struggle to fill workshops at times.  We need all of you to attend as many as possible so that we can continue to have quality instructors. 
Are you on Facebook? If so, look up your favorite calligraphers because they are on Facebook also.  I like to look at Barbara Close, Reggie Ezell, Julian Waters, John Stevens, Rachel Yallop, Pendragons, Capital City Scribes, Yukimi Annand, etc.  There is a lot of beautiful calligraphy on these pages that will get your inspired.  Also look at Joanne Fink and Barbara Lever’s Facebook Page.  And then, there is always Pinterest.  Oh my, so many places to be inspired!

PO Box in South Bend – Due to a lack of much mail at our Post Office box in South Bend, we have suspended any mail sent to that address.  If you have anything to send to the MCG, please send to Laurie Heyden, 18292 Courtland Drive, South Bend, IN 46637 or Ginny VanderHey, 51854 Stoney Creek Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514. When monies are due for a workshop or dues, they will now go to one of these addresses. 


 
 

American Frame – Just a reminder that if you order from American Frame, please mention MCG, and they will give us a small stipend.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Annual dues of $15 are due at the July meeting. Our annual dues have not changed in many years and are put to good use for supplies for our make it/take it meetings, annual raffle in August, and, at the end of the year, we give to local charities. Please remember to bring your dues to the July meeting or send it to Maureen Trubac, our treasurer.
OFFICERS
Renee Tuveson , rtuveson@hotmail.com
Marty Mitchell, martyjmm@gmail.com 
Laurie Heyden, Treasurer, Silverbird323@yahoo.comm
Judy Theurel, judy@theuerl.com
Sharon Esmont, sesmont@aol.com
Renee Tuveson – Blog Coordinator




If ever you would like to add to the newsletter/blog, please contact one of the officers, and we will get that information to Renee Tuveson. Something you have done or have seen would be welcomed into our information.