Hi! 

It's been a while since my last blog post..but I'm excited to come back with an exciting announcement! I will be joining as a Brand Ambassador (BA) for Tom's Studio If you haven't heard of them, they are a small business/brand run by Tom + his wife Gemma. They are quite a dynamic duo and produce some of the most beautiful pens that are made to last a lifetime. When Gemma reached out to see if I would be interested in joining as a BA, there was no question in my mind. I am so thrilled to partner with a brand that I can stand behind and look forward to sharing more collaborative projects with you this year.

For this post, I wanted to share my thoughts about their oblique penholders. I was able to write with them for a wedding project this week:

• The carrot pen is smaller than the standard pen, but weighs a bit more due to the thicker grip (Keep in mind that these pens are made of solid metal...so no wonder!). Some prefer a wider grip to alleviate hand...

I recently finished an envelope exchange with my Fearless Flourishing online students and decided to update my Envelope Addressing Templates!

I created my own templates a couple years ago when I was trying to figure out the right x-height to address envelopes. After some tweaking and experimenting, I settled into using the 5mm x-height for most of my envelopes. However, for smaller envelopes  (ex: RSVP ones), I do recommend going smaller with the 4mm x-height so that you don't run out of space.

These templates include clearly marked x-heights, 55 degree slant lines, centered line, and the baseline is spaced apart justttt right for you to add in some flourishes without the letters looking cramped. I use them for both Copperplate/Spencerian script as their slant lines are really similar (Spencerian is usually written in 52 degree slant).

HOW TO USE THEM
You can use these templates for both light and dark envelopes. I like to print them out on...

With a growing number of penholders in the market, I wanted to share some personal recommendations for either absolute beginners or those who are interested in adding another holder to your collection! 

GOOD BEGINNER HOLDERS ($ - Inexpensive/Budget Friendly)
When you are just starting out, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a new holder. I recommend the following either the Dual Workshop Holder ($6.49) or Moblique holder ($9-$13). They are both inexpensive, have metal flange, and ability to use for either oblique or straight holder. To use as a straight holder, you simply take out the flange and insert the nib into the inner circle. The Moblique holder comes in beautiful colors and has an inner nib compartment that may come in handy when you are on the go!

Here are other budget friendly holders that are offered under $20:

• Pointed Oblique Holder ($14.95) - These wooden holders are fitted for Nikko G for similar nibs

WOODEN HOLDERS ($-$$ - Reasonably Priced)
If...