Dussé Cognac Bottle Engraver - Houston

I must admit that I never ventured into the world of cognac. For the most part, I’m a creature of habit. I have however engraved an obscene amount of cognac bottles here in Houston. Dussé is one that crossed my engraving table a fair amount. The shape of the 750ml bottle is unique which makes it a perfect candidate for hand engraving. These bottles which are smaller than 750ml were incredibly easy to engrave as the surface was virtually flat. there really wasn’t much to it. Feel free to take a peek at the video.

As far as the cognac itself:

Naturally aged for at least four and a half years, the bold and full-bodied blend of D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac is made from a selection of the finest eaux-de-vie, including some that were carefully matured in the cellars of the Château de Cognac. On the nose, it reveals a powerful bouquet, rich in woody notes layered with touches of cinnamon and floral notes. Distinctively and unexpectedly smooth, each taste reveals hints of spices and almonds with undertones of honey and dried fruits as the grand finale.

Cheers!

Buffalo Trace Whiskey Bottle Engraver - Houston

It’s interesting how certain items, scents & places will transport you to a particular time in your life. Certain fragrances remind me of 7th grade, certain songs remind me of someone from my past. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey reminds me of someone special to me. I haven’t had a drink in a few years, but when I did indulge, I loved champagne, burgundy wine, scotch and bourbon…neat…always neat. This person introduced me to scotch and bourbon. Upon my initial taste, I thought that scotch and bourbon was strong. But once I overcame that impression, I began to appreciate the nuances between various scotches and bourbons. Buffalo Trace has notes of honey & vanilla which appealed to me. They also say that there was a note of caramel as well, however I never quite caught that likely because I didn't eat much caramel.

The dear friend that introduced me to Buffalo Trace is a lover of spirits and has a passion for the nuances that they present. I am grateful for that period of discovery of which I was introduced.

Engraving these whiskey bottles was very easy. The glass for this bottle was great and relatively smooth to work with. There was little resistance while engraving it, which is always welcomed. I have had the pleasure to engrave here in Houston for many onsite corporate events, however this particular project was brought to me by an individual for a private event. As much as I love engraving onsite, engraving in my studio is great as it is my sanctuary, my controlled environment and everything moves at a relaxed pace.

Cheers

Break in Case of Emergency - Whiskey Bottle Etching / Engraving Houston

As businesses are experiencing various degrees of decreased revenue, there is one business that is experiencing unprecedented revenue…wine and spirits. That certainly isn’t a surprise as people are spending more time indoors with even more time to spend with those that we love.

At the same time, all of this togetherness for some has a limit. When that limit is reached, wine and spirits can be as welcome as a soothing old friend. That was the thought in mind when this whiskey bottle was engraved …”Break in case of Emergency” when your isolation mates love you a little too much and one more Zoom call might push you over the edge. And if you are to enjoy a refreshing drink, why not have wine or spirit (whiskey, tequila, whatever your heart desires) bottle engraving to make it fun. Cheers!

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Relax Wine Bottle Engraving - Houston Engravers

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone. Mentally, physically, financially… even for a calligraphy & engraving business. It is definitely one of those events that will be remembered by every person alive in 2020. If you view the business aspect from a stoic perspective, it is an event that cannot be avoided and is somewhat neutral. The rate limiting step then becomes how we decide to respond. From a business standpoint, there have been various shifts this year within my engraving and calligraphy business. The time of the drought, as I refer to March & April, was the time that I developed online courses on which I had previously procrastinated and began working on a retainer basis for a few clients. That turned out to be a success from various standpoints and I am grateful that I had the time and drive to make that shift. Once the wine bottle engraving business returned in May and I also decided to refocus on other artistic areas, I had an epiphany. I love my work and that brings me more joy than just about every other thing in life. Period. There is elation in that realization and statement.

The Relax wine bottle above was engraved for a client that had a similar realization in their lives amidst this pandemic. We can bemoan financial woes and acquiesce or we can pivot and redirect that energy to unrealized opportunities. And since we cannot control what is happening around us, let’s redirect, breathe and relax.

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Saxophone Engraving - Houston Engravers

Every now and then I receive an engraving request that piques my interest because it is either unusual or a first. This one was a first. I have never been asked to engrave a musical instrument. Once I got over the “cool factor”, I had the opportunity to meet with the owner and see what we were working with. This was once a saxophone that I assume was used in marching bands as there were quite a few scratches from performances amidst dance moves etc. With that said, it was brass. As I have worked with brass quite a bit, I know how to finesse it during engraving so I thought let’s do it. Some metals are easier than others and brass just requires that you take your time with a lighter hand. No problem.

I love combining 2 loves of mine…music and calligraphy.

Scratches present prior to engraving

Mirror Etching - Houston Engravers

It’s funny how everything comes full circle. When I used to work in weddings years ago, I was one of the first calligraphers in Houston to write calligraphy on mirrors. It started out as seating charts for weddings, then little mirrors as reception place cards. Then my engraving business took over and I slowly transitioned out of weddings and by default, large mirrors as well. Every now and then when I worked for a cosmetic company such as Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel or Shiseido, I would engrave a makeup compact mirror onsite during an event, but that was it. Then right in the middle of the pandemic, a client in California saw my “Keep your head, heels and standards high” mirror online. That mirror was executed in white acrylic paint in 2017.. She wanted the quote in my lettering style but with a slight difference. She wanted it engraved instead of calligraphy with paint. My response: I’ve never done that at that size…let’s do it! Glass is glass. Here’s the result!

Interested in learning calligraphy? Calligraphy course for beginners and beyond…..

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Calligraphy in the key of B Flat Major - Calligraphy Course

As I have been writing extensively and providing videos about Spencerian script and penmanship for the online calligraphy course that I offer, it occurred to me that some may be unaware of the Platt Rogers Spencer and his script. From a high level, Spencerian Script is a script style that was used in the United States from approximately 1850 to 1925[1] and was considered the American de facto standard writing style for business correspondence prior to the widespread adoption of the typewriter.

Platt Rogers Spencer, whose name the style bears, used various existing scripts as inspiration to develop a unique oval-based penmanship style that could be written very quickly and legibly to aid in matters of business correspondence as well as elegant personal letter-writing.

Spencerian Script was developed in 1840, and began soon after to be taught in the school Spencer established specifically for that purpose. He quickly turned out graduates who left his school to start replicas of it abroad, and Spencerian Script thus began to reach the common schools. Spencer never saw the great success that his penmanship style enjoyed because he died in 1864, but his sons took it upon themselves the mission of bringing their late father's dream to fruition.[2] (Wikipedia)

Upon seeing Spencerian Script in a book years ago, I fell in love and never looked back.

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Calligraphy in the key of C Major - Houston Calligraphy Course

Have you had a desire to write calligraphy or even just improve your handwriting? Most of us don’t write very much any more with the dawn of typing & texting. Some say that it is a “lost art”. It’s not that lost though. There is a subculture of penman, calligraphers, hand engravers and hand lettering artists that are able to take advantage, in a sense, that there are times when computer type does not quite suit your needs. It certainly has its place, but it is not “one size fits all”. We make a living on that niche. Thankfully :)

With that in mind, I have developed online calligraphy courses that can be taken at whatever individual pace that works for each artist whether they prefer something for intermediate students or a calligraphy course for beginners. It is almost entirely via video such that an artist can playback, skip forward and zoom in to their hearts’ desire. Although I am based in Houston, this calligraphy course can be taken be anyone, anywhere & you have unlimited access to the calligraphy class of your choice.

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Online Spencerian Calligraphy Course

Wine Bottle Engraving & Etching - Houston Calligraphy

I have been engraving wine bottles for nearly a decade and have enjoyed every moment of it. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to create an online calligraphy course for beginners which covers the basis for everything that I do with engraving.

The wine bottle that I engrave in this video is by JNSQ. This bottle is honestly one of the most beautiful bottles that I have seen along with being an engraver’s dream. The shape of the bottle makes it easy to maneuver for engraving. The near flat & wide surface is incredibly close to the same feel that you would experience with engraving on flat glass. There is not much to it. Cheers!

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V: Online Calligraphy Course - Filmed in Houston

I was approached with the idea of offering calligraphy classes years ago and at that point in time, it just wasn’t an area of interest for me for a few reasons. First, i didn’t feel as if I was ready to teach. I did not want to be that calligrapher that began teaching sooner than I should. The second reason was the idea of creating the curriculum for a penmanship or calligraphy course was daunting. I knew that I just “needed to start it” and the rest would flow, but starting was not exactly desirable especially as most of my time was taken up with engraving events in Houston for various companies.

Over time, I became friends with a number of respected penmen that repeatedly told me that I should teach along with requests from potential students. With that in mind, i decided to focus on creating courses that were a reflection of my calligraphy style, but also made sense for the normal beginning calligrapher that may not have hours on end to travel to a class and carve out time on a specific date for a course. Offering an online calligraphy course for beginners seemed like the perfect option. What is interesting about creating these calligraphy classes is that once I started filming videos for them, I became obsessed with the process and I loved it so much that I immediately initiated plans for film the 2nd course for ornate calligraphy capital letters.

Recently, I released the more decorative, fancy capital letters calligraphy class in a similar manner. Not only is it completely online, but it is also mostly covered through video with freeze frames to allow for a detailed explanation of each letter. I hope that you enjoy the result as much as I enjoyed creating it.

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Learn Calligraphy & Penmanship / Handwriting - Calligraphy Course for Beginners & Intermediate Lettering Artists

It is with immense pleasure that I am launching the Spencerian Penmanship Calligraphy Course for Ornate Capital Letters. This course was designed for beginners and intermediate lettering artists alike. Granted, intermediate hand lettering artists that have achieved a comfort level with the beginner lettering course will accelerate with ease, however, I have kept the beginner hand lettering artist in mind. One aspect that will assist all artists with these online calligraphy courses is that essentially each letter has its own individual video. Within that online video, each letter in this calligraphy art form is broken down stroke by stroke with specific frames frozen for a deeper explanation. After that, each letter is demonstrated in a fluid fashion.

Videos have also been included for the lowercase calligraphy (just in case you missed it) along with videos explaining the guide sheets, my favorite inks, and other materials. All in all, there are 3 hours of video included in the ornate capital letter calligraphy courses, and in my opinion, the best aspect is that this is completely online. With that said, you have the advantage of viewing the calligraphy course videos at your learning leisure and at your pace. You can stop, rewind and fast-forward along with having unlimited and indefinite access to your calligraphy class.

There is also the option to FaceTime or Skype with me if you would prefer individual mentorship in hand lettering and calligraphy.

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Ornate Spencerian Penmanship & Calligraphy Course Online - Houston

How to make an ornate I.

Now that the beginner penmanship & calligraphy class has launched online, let’s give you what you came for. I know what you like. We have that in common. It’s exactly what made me fall in love with Spencerian penmanship and calligraphy years ago. The ornate, fancy and sometimes over the top capital letters. YES!!!

I am currently filming video for these beautiful ladies, Hence I expect to release this class soon. Until then, check out this video of the formation of an I…one of my favorites.

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Online Spencerian Penmanship & Beginner Calligraphy Handwriting Course

It’s Finally Here!

I’m delighted to present one of the first online Spencerian penmanship calligraphy & handwriting courses…courtesy of Slinging Ink®. This has been a labor of love and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Why now?

The art that we categorize as calligraphy, hand lettering, penmanship and handwriting is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence right now. Calligraphy and hand lettering have become ubiquitous. It’s everywhere you look. Calligraphy is on the window at your favorite neighborhood shop. Hand lettering is on the chalkboard menu at your cafe or bistro. Penmanship & handwriting course are returning to the public schools one state at a time. Homeschool students and parents have always embraced the importance of handwriting and penmanship.

What is not everywhere, however, is a plethora of online courses for Spencerian Penmanship and Handwriting. With my passion for this script and limited options in mind, I feel compelled to provide that option to those that are interested.

How can I use it?

The options for using Spencerian penmanship and calligraphy as a whole are endless. Have you ever wanted to create lettering for events, writing notes or letters or even writing on unorthodox canvases such as rocks, fabric, metal and glass? It all starts right here. Once you learn the hand lettering, the applications are easy.

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Tiffany & Co Fragrance Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

Our sense of smell is a blessing as it can transport us to another time, another place. It’s interesting how you can catch a certain smell and it reminds you of a scene 20 years ago. Scents are seductive as they can arouse a memory or erase a sentiment. it naturally follows that when the right scent is given to the right person, that becomes set in the recipient’s memory.

These bottles of Tiffany & Co. Intense were gifts amongst friends to simply celebrate their friendship. I engraved these fragrance bottles with a garden variety round carbide bur and used my signature script which is a play on Spencerian penmanship. Cheers!

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Awarded Houston Best Calligrapher for 2020

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Slinging Ink Hand Lettering Receives 2020 Houston Award

Houston Award Program Honors the Achievement

HOUSTON January 6, 2020 -- Slinging Ink Hand Lettering has been selected for the 2020 Houston Award in the Calligraphers category by the Houston Award Program.

Each year, the Houston Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Houston area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2020 Houston Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Houston Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Houston Award Program

The Houston Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Houston area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Houston Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Houston Award Program

CONTACT:
Houston Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@towntop-selection.org
URL: http://www.towntop-selection.org

Christmas Wine Bottle - Houston Engraver

Can you believe that Christmas is almost here?! With that said, wine bottle engraving is in full swing in Houston. Hopefully, I will see you at an event soon. Cheers!

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Casa Dragones Tequila Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

I have never had the opportunity to enjoy Casa Dragones Tequila, however I have become quite familiar with the glass bottle. This glass bottle was a surprise as it engraved like silk. Truly…. Granted many times when bottles are brought to me, i have no idea of the cost of the bottle and I try to approach them in the same way as others. However upon touching this one with the drill, it was as if the bur just glided along. It was like using a knife on warm butter. Afterwards, i was curious as to the cost and of course that clarified the beauty & quality of the glass of the bottle.

Glass is glass, but there is glass where it is clear that a discerning eye played a role in the selection of it. This is one of those situations. Typically, I am asked to letter with ink on the paper of the Casa Dragones bottle. That is more often than not a exercise in how many letters can be squeezed into a small space. Realistically, the result is not what it would be if the glass were to be engraved instead. On this bottle, I would prefer to engrave it any day of the week. Cheers!

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Patron Tequila Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

This bottle was a little bit of a surprise during an onsite bottle engraving event. I was asked if I could even engrave it as this glass bottle has indentations in the glass which yield a bit of a hammered appearance. That, I have to say, is the beauty of hand engraving. Glass is glass. Granted some glass is better than others, but in this situation glass engraving is glass engraving. Curves, indentations (for the most part) are a non-issue. Bring it on!

Patron tequila brings back lovely memories of revelry with friends years ago. With that said, I was delighted to engrave this bottle. It was a “little guy”, but again glass is glass. Cheers!

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Dolce & Gabbana Fragrance and Perfume Engraving Event - Houston Engraver

Perfume Engraving for Dolce & Gabbana at Macy’s is always a pleasure. This engraving on a perfume bottle was requested by a beautiful lady named Agnes. Her personality was quite intoxicatingly joyful and pleasant. I had a feeling that her preference would be to have the perfume engraving lettering slightly larger on her fragrance bottle. To my delight, she expressed that she loved it.

It is interesting that in listening to people and watching body language, you can obtain a sense of a person’s personality. Granted, we are not always correct. Human beings are very complex and obtaining a complete picture of a person in seconds is extremely difficult and impossible for many of us. We may express parts of ourselves that could be greatly dependent on the day, mood, situation, irritation from that guy that hustled your parking space in the parking lot, etc. However, there are some things that are relatively universal even if we only register these aspects subconsciously. Agnes radiated the personality of easy-going pride with beautiful confidence.

If you are searching for perfume engraving near me or perfume engraving ideas, you have come to the right place! Here at Slinging Ink® Calligraphy & Engraving, you will find events where I can engrave items for you on the spot. Cheers!

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Cartier Fragrance Bottle Engraving - Houston Engraver

When I hear the name Cartier, the first image that comes to mind is Marilyn Monroe dancing on red stairs, covered in diamonds and a pink dress & gloves singing “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. I love that movie… So when I was contacted by Cartier to engrave for a fragrance event in the boutique in the River Oaks District, I thought “of course…when?”

This is one of the first bottles that I have engraved for the boutique. I have a feeling that this will be a fun event and its right in time for the holidays. It’s certain that many clients will be purchasing more diamonds than fragrances, but multiple senses should be finessed, don’t you think? Cheers!

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