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A couple of you asked about what I do when I can't see a template through an envelope because it is a dark color or completely opaque, such as the wedding envelopes I just mailed off yesterday that were gray and lined. The process is much more time consuming and painstaking than simply inserting a lined template. It is nice to have a venue to explain a process like this!
I must first draw a light pencil line on each envelope, then address it, then wait for the ink to dry, then erase the line with a good quality eraser so that no trace is left. I use a drafting brush to sweep away the eraser crumbs.
The result is a perfectly straight address, but the steps necessary to get to that point on an opaque envelope are a bit tedious.
Here are all the envelopes– addressed, lines erased, and ready to be mailed!
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What kind of pen works best on dark paper? We’re using stardream sapphire envelopes, but are unsure what ink works best. Any ideas? Thanks!
if you don’t have a calligraphy dip pen, i would get an opaque permanent pen at an art store. they’re usually called “paint” pens. white looks great on sapphire.
Thanks for answering my question, Betsy! I don’t know how you have the patience, but the results are so lovely.
Laura, I really admire your work and am so excited to find this blog. Thanks for sharing so much about your process and techniques. I follow the same process for drawing lines but now Jill’s comment about this reflective device is pretty exciting! I just found it online: http://www.paperinkarts.com/en-us/p_1232.html and am going to give it a try. Thanks for the tip, Jill!
I am a calligrapher with 20 years of experience who has *always* avoided working with opaque envelopes. Have just ordered the reflective device and it will be here tomorrow, in the nick of time to complete a job i thought i’d have to turn down! Thanks so much!
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Betsy Dunlap, Tucson
Vendor: Calligrapher
Website: Betsy Dunlap Calligraphy
About Me: Ever since I was a little girl, my passion has been creating beauty; doing exactly that for a career is a perfect fit! When I’m not working, I enjoy hanging out with my husband, traveling, gardening, cooking up a storm, reading voraciously, watching old movies, listening to music/going to concerts, learning the bass guitar, quilting, and basically doing anything that involves creating something with my hands.
i am a calligrapher and i don’t use lines. i don’t charge extra either. the secret? and it makes calligraphy life so much easier! - you can buy a reflective device from paper and ink arts. it takes a little while to get used to it, but it’s soooo much easier than drawing lines!! you position a line guide on one portion of the set up and it reflects onto a dark piece of plastic that you then look through and projects lines across the envelope. it’s not expensive!