August Happenings
Happy summer, everyone! We had a fabulous Fourth of July celebration in Marblehead, and now the beaches and harbor are hives of summer activity.
We are so excited to announce that our new website is up and running. Our refreshed logo, as seen in the new masthead, is in full use, and we couldn't be happier!
Continue reading to learn about:
Our new website and the awesome designer we found!
New items in our Etsy shop
New workshop schedule
Exhibit at The Walters
Guided Independent Study
Happy summer, everyone!
Maryanne Grebenstein
Calligrapher & Lead Designer
Our New Website
Spilling the news about our new super-clean-and-easy-to-navigate website! In addition to refreshing our lovable monk logo, the new website has a gallery, a link to our "ready to gift" items in our Etsy shop, and upcoming workshops and events. As always, custom orders are welcome, and we ship everywhere! We also feel very lucky to have found our awesome website designer, Bryan, at Thunderbear Creative. We give him rave reviews!
Our New Etsy Shop
Have you checked our Etsy shop lately? We're adding new items all the time - from unique stationery offerings to custom calligraphy. You can commission your own family crest, similar to the one pictured, featuring hand lettering on calfskin vellum, with gouache, ink, gold leaf, and palladium leaf. A lovely gift that is sure to become a family heirloom.
We've also got a great selection of sealing wax and seal stamps - even some that coordinate with stationery designs.
New Workshop Schedule
Our workshops are back! After a bit of a hiatus, we've just published a new listing of workshops on our website. The first offering will be "Let's Make a Bestiary" that will take place virtually on two consecutive Tuesdays, September 22 and 29, from 5:00 to 6:00 ET. This is a really fun workshop that is perfect for all skill levels! We will learn an authentic and easy way to transfer the design and go to work with a fine brush and gouache paints. A full supply list will be sent upon registration.
New Exhibit at The Walters and Possible Group Visit
In honor of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland will host an exhibition of The Saint Francis Missal. This 12th-century manuscript is said to be a "relic of touch" of St. Francis. Several years ago, this manuscript was about to go on exhibit at The Walters and I had organized a group visit. But then ... COVID hit!
This time, the exhibit will run from late August through February. I am currently in conversation with The Walters and am hoping to be able to offer a group visit to this exhibit. Stay tuned for details! In the meantime, check out this link for information about the exhibit. Also, here is a link to a video posted by The Walters when the earlier exhibit was about to open.
Guided Independent Study
Try something new! Like, gilding perhaps (shown). Recently we've seen an uptick in interest in our one-on-one calligraphy classes. If you are among those looking to move away from group instruction, please consider our Guided Independent Study. It can be conducted virtually or in our studio & shop in Marblehead, MA, and the subject range is broad. Sessions can also be purchased as a gift.
Guided Independent Study can be structured for any level of learning - from beginners who have never picked up a pen, to experienced calligraphers looking for help with a particular project or wishing to learn a particular skill. People who have learned primarily from books and videos benefit greatly from Guided Independent Study as they receive specific feedback on how to properly use the tools to achieve consistency in their calligraphy.
Marblehead is a great destination with its picturesque harbor, historic architecture, and proximity to Boston. With lots of inns and Airbnb options, it's a great getaway location. Whether your interest is in virtual or in-person instruction, please check out our Guided Independent Study.
Suggestion Box
Do you have comments or suggestions you'd like to share with us? Perhaps a recommendation on a workshop you'd like to see offered? Have you encountered a difficulty in your calligraphy that you'd like us to address when we include our Calligraphy Tip of the Month write-up in the newsletter? Click our "suggestion box" to submit your suggestion or request. We look forward to hearing from you!
Discover Marblehead
Keep up with all the Marblehead events here.
