Spirit, Beer & Wine Glass Engraving - Houston Engraver

As I begin to wind down the events with Stella Artois this summer, I have begun to reflect on what areas of my calligraphy & engraving business interest me.  I believe that growing and honing my penmanship, engraving & calligraphy on unorthodox canvases is where my passion lies.  I have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to study under Michael Sull for extended periods of time.  With that said, I have visibly seen my work change and become more refined.  It's still a reflection of me with a little bit of flair.  But I love the changes that I am seeing.  It's wonderful to learn, grow and see nuances that previously eluded my eye.  I believe that the day that I stop learning language, penmanship and engraving nuances, life should end.  I love learning.  

This glass is an example of learning for me.  This beer chalice was engraved last weekend at an on-site event for Stella Artois & Anheuser Busch.   To you, this may look like just another chalice that Janet engraved at just another Houston event.  However to me, this glass expresses something slightly new.  The majuscule P is one that I picked up a few days before that event.  It's an ornate P based in Spencerian script (1st American derived lettering script developed in the mid 1800's).  Spencerian penmanship is my area of focus and interest.  It's not necessarily calligraphy but they are related. 

I have noticed that I am able to learn new derivatives of pointed pen calligraphy much faster than I did years ago.  I guess that is a beautiful by-product of my limited experience.  As simple as that is, it brings me a little bit of happiness.  I am still learning and love the journey.  Cheers!

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink® 

Anheuser-Busch unveils new Stella Artois Chalice - Houston Engraving

SSSOOOO... As I have started down the rabbit hole of engraving with Anheuser-Busch and Stella Artois, I have been intoxicated (love the play on words) with the commemorative chalices.  This one was released 18 April 2018 and it is the wedding chalice.  Isn't it gorgeous?  AND it has a cocktail recipe that goes with it (below). 

If you happen to obtain one, bring it to one of the events this spring/summer as I would LOVE to engrave it.  Just gorgeous!  Cheers!

NEW YORK – April 18, 2018 – Today, the storied House of Stella Artois debuted its Limited-Edition Stella Artois Regal Chalice in celebration of the world’s most anticipated nuptials. The Stella Artois Regal Chalice’s gilded design celebrates the transatlantic love story of an iconic pairing of European and American heritage – just like the brand itself – in anticipation of a wedding day that will long be remembered.

“We’re excited for the happy couple and want to mark this festive occasion with a proper toast!” said Anna Rogers, brand director, Stella Artois. “We at Stella Artois know a thing or two about hosting memorable moments big and small, so we raise a Regal Chalice in celebration.”

Crafted with an elegant gold design, the Limited-Edition Stella Artois Regal Chalice brings the fairytale story of the betrothed to life through nineteen gilded icons that hold special meaning to the happy couple.  Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can find them all!

From the social media post that sparked relationship rumors, to favorite pastimes of the couple and the storied engagement ring that made it official, the nineteen illustrations bring the epic journey of the couple to life, with the number representing their wedding date: May 19, 2018. In an ode to this momentous date, the Stella Artois Regal Chalice is available for $5.19 atwww.stellaartois.com/regalchalice, until royal fans claim them all.

A Regal Chalice Calls for a Regal Cocktail

Introducing Le Cidre Royale – a cocktail fit for even the grandest of wedding receptions, inspired by the cake to be enjoyed by all guests. Comprised of Stella Artois Cidre, Rosé Champagne, Gin and Elderflower Liqueur, it is a cocktail worthy of a regal toast as loyal fans everywhere cheers to the happy couple on May 19.

Le Cidre Royale cocktail recipe includes:

· .5 oz Gin

· .5 oz Elderflower Liqueur

· 1 oz Rosé Champagne

· 3 oz Stella Artois Cidre

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Stella Artois Chalice Engraving - Houston Engraving

As you know, engraving events are one of my favorite outlets for calligraphy.  I am pleased to say that I will be engraving calligraphy on chalices for Stella Artois and Anheuser-Busch roughly every weekend between now and September.  To say the least, this is going to be SO MUCH FUN!   Let's do this!

Engraving calligraphy in a glass canvas is truly my jam.  Over the last few months, I have developed a preference for #8 carbide burs for engraving wine & spirit bottles.  Years ago, I wouldn't touch a size 8 bur with a 10 foot pole.  It takes much more control than the smaller burs.  But oddly enough, the more you engrave, the simpler some things feel.   Who'd've thought?!  I can now take 1 #8 bur and engrave for an entire event (and sometimes another event) for wine & spirit bottles.  I have found it to be more cost effective and I prefer the look of the lettering as it yields a deeper, smoother cut.  I will admit that the glass in the picture was engraved with an 8 that i keep around the studio, so it's not fresh, but still did a great job.  OK, enough geeking out on engraving calligraphy.  

I hope to see you at one of the Stella Artois Chalice Engraving events this spring/summer.  Check out the "where & when" here on the events page. 

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®