Ornate Roundhand on Crane Lettra - Houston Calligrapher

I absolutely love receiving quality paper from my clients.  A few weeks ago, I received a project from two of my favorite corporate clients (Neiman Marcus & Chanel) and the paper that they provided was Crane Lettra.  Crane Lettra is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS paper, but it gives most calligraphers trouble.  Crane Lettra demands respect, hence respect must be paid.  WHY?  It is 100% cotton, very thick and luxurious and when you apply something wet like ink along with a pointed nib to it, a few things can happen.

1. It feels like trying to glide a stick pin across the surface of a pin cushion...don't forget to make it beautiful too :).  

2. Upon ink placement, the paper becomes fibrous and lifts off of the page and then drags across the surface and changes the shape of your lettering in the process.  Oh yeah, don't forget to make it beautiful :)

3. You CAN NOT rush through that job or it will show.  No doubt!

I have "secret weapons" to drastically minimize these issues and they have become my "go-to's" for paper that is textured, less than ideal, questionable or so luxurious that I don't want to chance it.  Workhorses, basically.  Once you have the right materials & understand what is happening, it's not a big deal.  You just have to take it slow.  I love being a professional calligrapher in Houston and I hope that Houston loves me back.  Cheers!