Upping My Thank-You Note Game Using Calligraphy

Slowing Down, Featured

 

My mother taught me the fine art of writing thank-you notes at a very young age. To this day I try my very best to put pen to paper, closing my computers and shutting down my iPad. I write handwritten thank-you notes to journalists who profile my clients in newspapers, on television and in blogs. I’ve been told these cards stand out and convey how grateful I am. Of course with email so readily available I have to be intentional and deliberate about when I send a handwritten note versus when I choose to send an email.

I always have my pack of colorful pens and pencils and the perfect paper and envelopes. So it made a lot of sense to embark on this new path — calligraphy — “the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner.” You see calligraphy everywhere — on wedding and event invitations, graphic design and posters on Pinterest. I’m just starting out, so I’ll be back with my results in a later blog post. I found my calligraphy teacher on Etsy, hired her for a project and later took one of her group classes. Now I’m focused on one-on-one instruction. Charmaine of Charmaine Calligraphy is one of the best in the business. You see her work in top international magazines. She used to live in NYC, but has moved across the world. I keep my eyes open for new creatives to work with.

Of course I took some pictures while in the class she co-led with Kathryn of Fleur Calligraphy. I can’t help myself, I love telling stories with images, everything is so visual. After the images below, I include four of my favorite calligraphers’ Instagram profiles. Enjoy!

Calligraphy Class in New York City.

Calligraphy class in New York City.

 

Instructors give a rundown of the class, in gorgeous calligraphy, of course!

Instructors give a rundown of the class, in gorgeous calligraphy, of course!

 

Welcome pack.

Welcome pack.

 

So many great students who I've kept in touch with on social media...

I’ve kept in touch with the other students on social media …

 

YUM. Who wouldn't want to write like this?

YUM. Who wouldn’t want to write like this?

 

Private instruction.

Private instruction this week with Charmaine.

 

Private instruction.

I love Charmaine’s new pen on the left.

 

My favorite calligraphers on instagram:

@everlycalligraphy, Charmaine Al-Mulaifi

@smudgepaper, Sara Moulton — a unique beautiful style. She used to write a Quote of the Day before she moved to Asia!

@maybelleimasa, Maybelle Imasa

 

8 responses to “Upping My Thank-You Note Game Using Calligraphy”

  1. Meg Farrer says:

    I absolutely love this. I’ve always wanted to take this kind of glass. I have horrible penmanship and do EVERYTHING by computer. One of my goals a few years back was to remember to mail cards for birthdays, etc. I’m so bad about it. I think I need to start over again. Your photos are awesome above. I can’t wait to see how you do in this class!

    • Nancy Moon says:

      @megfarrer:disqus Thanks, Meg! It is a process for sure, I have my thank-you note sitting here, when I head out to a party I address the envelope beforehand so it’s good to go when the party is over. The calligraphy is such an art….

  2. L. Eckstein says:

    Focused slowness–love it! Can’t wait to see your progress …

  3. Oh Moon! This is gorgeous. I love your appetite to up the ante on life and living artfully. Really lovely. I love the set up- right up my alley! xooxS

    • Nancy Moon says:

      Thanks, @suzibanksbaum:disqus! Why don’t you live closer? We could practice the living artfully, so much to learn from you.

  4. @carabethbeauty says:

    HI Nancy! We met at Jackie’s IGC class where i briefly spoke about the “face of biz”; putting yourself in the best light to sell your services. I share the same sentiment, and truly believe it’s such a beautiful and artful caring extension of ourselves. I always write hand written notes and love getting lost in the cities top stationers! It’s my happy place! You’ve inspired me to take up calligraphy again as I did as a young artistic girl!
    Best, Cara

    • Nancy Moon says:

      I love hearing how this blog inspired you, thanks so much! Nice to know you go to the top stationers too, I’m a bit obsessed.