Crayons, paper, and the alphabet--that's how it started, this fascination with hand lettering, an increasingly rare yet beautiful art form. My earliest memories of doing hand lettering for more than the usual classwork or homework go back to grade school where, with with all the "tools of the trade"--crayons, paper, and twenty-six companions, my young artistic soul found expression.
Many years later, one evening in the late 1970's, a calligraphy class was taught at a womens' church function. I became hooked as letters of the alphabet became works of art through graceful, fluid, thin and thick strokes. It was spell-binding! Markers, dip pens, lettering brushes, ink, and acrylic paints found their places in my arsenal of tools.
From young adulthood to now, I've had an awareness of the power of words, especially those that lift and bless us. That awareness has become the driving force behind the projects I do, including the cards you see here. These cards partner my love for hand lettering and the most important words we have to lift and bless us--the Scriptures.
There is something very personal, very loving, and yes, even holy about a hand-written note. It is salve to the soul to open the mailbox and find a hand-written note from someone who is thinking about us. Happily, there are those who still appreciate sending and receiving hand-written notes as is evidenced here: http://articles.cnn.com/2010-05-27/living/letters.irpt_1_letters-e-mails-snail-mail?_s=PM:LIVING
In this journey of hand lettering and handwriting, the following quote speaks volumes:
"Handwriting . . . that action of mind and body that has recorded our history, revealed our genius, and expressed the depths of our hearts. It binds us to the thoughts and deeds of our forebears, and preserves for future generations an evidence of our gentility. Machines will never replace the emotional and tactile experience of this humble skill. And if we make it so, it will continue to be as vital to civilization as our next breath." ~~Michael R. Sull
A special thank you to two dear, talented friends whose phenomenal photographic gifts you see here in my website: Bethany Garvey and Amy Hill. You can see more of their amazing work at the following: www.bcapturedphotography.com and www.amyhill.typepad.com.
Finally, thank you for coming here, and please enjoy the offering of these cards as you consider those in your world who would be touched by a note from you.
Warmly,
Paula Carlson
