In another life.....

Well, it seems like another life!

Many years ago I used to do Calligraphy and paint a lot. It was something I really enjoyed when I had the time to do it. Since having the boys and needing the space for their bedroom and sharing the only "spare" space I have, for my sewing, with hubs, all of my paints and calligraphy stuff have been packed away....hopefully to be seen again when we move - Yeah!

Anyway, whilst packing a few things up this morning I took this picture down to dust and clean the walls, and I thought you may like to see another side of me. (not just the sewing!)

I learnt the basics of Calligraphy in Grade 6 from Mrs. Wells. She was a real DRAGON and everyone didn't like her, but when she began to teach us "The Art of Calligraphy" I fell in love!

Since then, I continued to teach myself and develop my hand.

I love Celtic Calligraphy and have many books with patterns in them.

The verse that is written on this work is called "The Scribe" from "A little book of Celtic Verses" by WA Ross, which was written in medieval times by a monk.

I love the way the bits of gold leaf shine.

I designed the scrolling pattern of writing in the middle starting on the outside to end in the middle. It took quite a few goes to get it right on a template before doing it for "real".

This was my second attempt at this particular pattern. When I went to have the first one framed, the framers ruined it by putting a crease in it! Can you imagine how furious I was?
"The Scribe"
For weariness my hand writes ill,
My small sharp quill runs rough and slow;
Its slender beak with failing craft
Gives forth its draught of dark-blue flow.


And yet God's blessed wisdom gleams
And streams beneath my fair brown palm,
As the quick jets of holly ink
The letters link of prayer or psalm.


So still my dripping pen I take
And make my mark on parchment white,
Unceasing, at some rich man's call,
Till wearied all am I tonight.



What did you do in another life?
Kathryn. XX