Makeup & Lipstick Engraving - Houston Engraver

I must admit that engraving makeup was something that I gave absolutely zero thought to...until 2014.  I met a gentleman that was interested in giving the object of his affection a gift and she had a passion for makeup.  So, I engraved her name in calligraphy on a few items, such as makeup compacts, a lipstick case, and makeup brushes.  Fast-forward to 2017 and this was the year that I have begun to slowly branch out into engraving items such as jewelry, knives and now makeup again, like this lipstick engraving.  The branching out with engraving was due to a few things....I see some aspects of industries that I engrave in experiencing changes in the future.  Then also it's just fun to branch out and "diversify my engraving portfolio". 

The makeup, jewelry, and knives are all things that I really didn't engrave calligraphy in before.  But I must admit that I do enjoy it.  Granted there are a few lip gloss containers that I have encountered that don't engrave well in my opinion....even with a light touch.   But if you have mirrors on your makeup compacts, makeup brushes or lipsticks that you would like to have engraved at onsite events, keep a lookout for my event calendar for makeup events in the future. I would be delighted to engrave them for you so you have a personalized case or a lipstick with my hand engraving.  Cheers!

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Engraving in Wood - Houston Engraver

Engraving calligraphy in wood isn't something that I do often for a few reasons.  It can be unpredictable.   If the wood is painted etc, who knows what color is underneath and will be unearthed during engraving.  Also, depending on the wood, the drill may burn the wood yielding a black look.  This may or may not be desired.  However, when the universe is working with you, it can look pretty great.  

The cutting board above is from a private engraving event where various people affiliated with a business will bring WHATEVER they would like to have engraved.  It is quite literally a crapshoot on what will be presented.  Anything from wood, plastic, glass, ceramics and metals will appear and it is necessary that I adjust depending on what comes my way.   At the same event, I had the pleasure of engraving the glass dome of a dessert tray from Turkey.  It sounds nerve-wracking but it is also great experience as I learn from these events every time.   Such as... if you are presented with wood to engrave, don't use a marker for your calligraphy lines.  Markers are a "no-go" :). 

As always, engraving on the spot at an event is groovy and truly one of my favorite aspects of the job.  Cheers!  

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Calligraphy with Antiqued & Arabesque Mirrors - Houston Calligraphy

Placing calligraphy on mirrors is what I do.  I absolutely love it!  I honestly become bored quite easily with placing calligraphy on the "same old, same old".  These antiqued, arabesque mirrors were calligraphed for a Los Angeles wedding in white ink.  I believe that the result was beautiful and I hope that you do as well.

Peace & love while Slinging Ink®

Engraved Knives with BG Blades - Houston Engraver

I have always found it to be very interesting that happenstance meetings can create connections that you didn't see coming.  This past summer, I was engraving wine bottles at a store on a random Saturday.  A tall gentleman, Bastian (@BGBlades on Instagram), and his son approached my table and requested to have a bottle engraved.  During the engraving, he asked about my work and what other materials I worked in.  I told him that I had a weak spot for glass and metal.  Although I have engraved in wood and ceramics, my preference was with glass and metal.  He then mentioned that he made knives and would like to collaborate with me on a knife.  After that meeting, I went to Europe for a month and honestly forgot about the engraving conversation.  

Upon my return, Bastian emailed to schedule time to bring a stainless steel (my favorite metal to engrave) knife.  About a week later, I returned the engraved knife.  What I didn't realize was that at the same time, he had contacted a gentleman (@_the_blank_space_ on Instagram) to create a beautiful handle.  The final product is shown above.  I love it and I hope that you do as well!  Cheers!

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Antique Mirror Calligraphy Signs

I just love calligraphing mirrors for signs.  These mirrors are beveled and antiqued for an elegant look.  These were executed with white ink in an upright calligraphy style.  These will be used for in event in guess what city.... New York City.  These can be purchased in the shop.  Cheers! 

Calligraphy on Agate Stones....with a Note...

I have recently started sending out little notes like this for orders with calligraphy on agate stones, mirrors and tiles.  Granted, I place a fixative on these to prevent any potential issues after shipping, but I figure better safe than sorry!  Cheers!

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Leather Luggage Tag Calligraphy - Houston Calligrapher

Once again, my clients have proven to be one of the best sources for inspiration.  I was contacted by a corporate event planner to place calligraphy on leather luggage tags.  Between you and I, this was my first time executing a project for a client on leather.  Of course, I had played around with it before so I knew that I could easily do it, but this was the 1st time that I actually did it for a client.  Let's just keep that between "us girls":)   

Anyhow, I really like how the calligraphy turned out.  Since my calligraphy client didn't express a preference for one calligraphy hand over another, I used Ornamental Penmanship...HAHAHA of course I did. I encouraged the use of white ink on these.  Not only to maintain a light, airy feel on the tags, but it was a practical decision as well.  I knew that the limited inks that I could use on leather were well...limited and the white would yield the best result.   Cheers to calligraphy and penmanship on a new canvas.  Cheers!

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Hand Engraving for Jewelry & Rings - Houston Engraver

Calligraphy has become a passion of mine that just won't let go.  That is a wonderful realization in my view.  I fell into lettering and calligraphy years ago and I found a particular style that enraptured me: Ornamental Penmanship.  Over the years, I have pushed myself but have also been fortunate to have various clients push me to try other canvases for my calligraphy, engraving, and Ornamental Penmanship in Houston.  That has taken me to agate stones, wood, ceramics, marble, glass mirrors, skin (tattoos) etc.  ....And I am immensely grateful.  

After engraving in Houston for years in glass, I will say that I engrave glass without much thought.  It has become as natural to me as paper.  Granted, some glass is better than others, and trust me...your hand engraver knows the difference in glass quality as soon as they touch bur to a glass bottle or other type of glass :).   

When it comes to metals, things can get a bit trickier.  Not all metals are created equally.  I have a fondness for stainless steel.  It's like that steady boyfriend that is always there.  You know what you are likely to get.  He doesn't stand you up...he shows up on time, every time.  Gold, rose gold and silver have treated me pretty well too.  Not many surprises.  Plated metals are not my favorite.  They engrave just fine it's just that you can't always predict what color is under the plating.  I once engraved a piggy bank that was silver-plated and I found that a brass-like color was underneath. I wasn't expecting that :).

I have played around with rings, bracelets, knives and golf clubs.  Oddly, I really like engraving golf clubs along the shaft.  So much easier than it looks and most of them engrave nicely....except the graphite clubs.  No thank you to graphite clubs.   Rings, I just love.  

The picture above is of a stainless steel ring and a silver ring.  They engraved like silk.  Not much to it. As you know, I get bored pretty easily and have decided to add something new to my repertoire.   JEWELRY   I think that everyone has gifts that are not easily seen from the outside but are still useful.  For me, one of my gifts is having a feel for when certain aspects of my career are likely to transition or end soon and with that the need to expand or change what I am doing professionally.  I see changes coming in the hand engraving industry and I think that it is time to add something new.  Wish me luck!  Thank you for all of the love that you have sent my way as I venture through this journey. And the next time you are searching the web for where to get a watch engraved near me, don’t forget to give us a call!  

Peace and Love while Slinging Ink®

JHB

Natural Agate Place Cards in White Ink - Modern Calligraphy

It's interesting how patterns evolve with the orders that I execute for clients.  The other week it was the week of quite a few projects with calligraphy on magnolia leaves.  This week, it's natural agate stones with white ink in modern calligraphy.  I love it!  It requires less thought on my part with minimal changes between projects!  HA!  Cheers!

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Magnolia Leaves & Maté Tea - Houston Calligraphy

Hi, my name is Janet and I'm an addict.  Yes, I'm addicted to tea.  My preferences are hibiscus, maté and jasmine green tea.  I know, I know...how can you prefer tea over coffee.  Tea is beautiful.  Period.  It's also my most valuable team member here at Slinging Ink®.  It is "ever present".  

The job below was of the 3rd magnolia leaf calligraphy order from that week.  I know...it's like they just took off.  I really like calligraphing these.  These are insanely easy and fast and the natural look of them make them perfect for a variety of events. 

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

LIVE & LOVE THROUGH IT ALL

LIVE & LOVE THROUGH IT ALL

I stumbled upon my passion for calligraphy and penmanship years ago when my life was turned upside down...or to the extent that I could imagine at the time.  For over a decade, I worked in medical device clinical trials and medical device surgical sales.  The devices that I worked with were based on the same mechanism as pacemakers.  The ironic side of that is that my career back then truly set the "pace" for who I was....my identity.  Or at least the identity that I was allowed to express in that career.   Like many, I identified myself through my work. 

Then the market crash of 2008.....  I was laid off as were so many others.   Financially, we were fine as oddly the timing of the layoff was perfect for many reasons.  The most devastating side of the layoff was you wake up and what do you do with your day.  I KNEW that I didn't want to return to medical devices.  Between only being "as good as the last quarter", incessant travel and the corporate "fit in a box" mindset, that field had lost its luster.   So what do you do with not just your life, but your day.  I'm not an idle person.  I need to feel like I am constantly moving and working to achieve something better than what I had already done.

Well, we also became pregnant and that shifted things for a bit, but I still longed for something creatively mine.  Enter, calligraphy.  Six days before I delivered Lola, I took my first pointed pen calligraphy class here in Houston.  I took that calligraphy class because I used a firm to address envelopes for my daughter's wine soiree (no, I'm not a "baby shower" person).  The "computer calligraphy" that I received was a disgrace to the art form of penmanship in my view.  Out of that small (huge) irritation, I decided to learn calligraphy.  As with anything, I became ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED.  I become so passionate about certain topics until they take over my life.  

I happened to be in a stationery shop here in Houston with Lola "BabyBjorned" to my chest and began discussing calligraphy with an employee there.   At this time, calligraphy was a beginning hobby.  Nothing more.  The employee asked for my information as she just wanted another calligraphy alternative for wedding and corporate clients.  Sure, why not?  Fast-forward & calligraphy has not only become my passion, but my peace and my career.   I've been fortunate to work for companies that you see everyday.  Neiman Marcus, Chanel, Vogue Magazine, Macallan Scotch, Gucci, Chloe, Martell Cognac, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Prada, Nike & the Olympic team....  I've also become known for writing on "anything, but paper" like mirrors, stones, wood, tiles etc :)

Personally, a number of things have changed since back then as well.  Some were earth-shattering, but necessities for my peace.   I have grown, not just as a lettering artist, but as a person.  Welcome to life!  However, a few things remain constant.  Lola is my heart & my love ...even when she works that last nerve.  Calligraphy is still my life.  I LOVE & ADORE living in letters.  Believe it or not, calligraphy has been the foundation of my sanity & peace....THROUGH IT ALL.

Peace & Love while SLINGING INK®

JHB

Photo Credit: ThreeSmudges Photography

I ADORE you and I Thank You....

So I know that we are in the year 2017 and many people believe that writing (yes, actually writing) a thank you note is no longer necessary.  I COMPLETELY understand finding the time to write a note especially for a long list of people (wedding, shower thank you notes etc).  I'm with you....  However, in my opinion, a hand-written thank you note is one of the most sincerest forms of showing appreciation.  NOW....not to say that I haven't missed a few in my life.  I'm frankly so embarrassed about one in particular that now so much time has passed that I feel weird sending one at this point.   I totally should though....I digress.  

I have received everything from e-thank you cards to a text message thank you for a wedding gift (not kidding).  I'm a vintage soul so sending a real thank you is just my style.  I don't think that anyone actually expects calligraphy or anything fancy, but just to know that you cared enough to sit down, write a note and say thank you means the world....especially to someone that took the time to spend their hard-earned money to celebrate your life and/or love :)

Hence, I TRY my best to calligraph a thank you note for EVERY ORDER that I ship out.  I am proud to say that I've been pretty good about it this year YAY!  Most are basic, informal and frankly RIDDLED with lettering mistakes.  Yes, hello...I'm human :)  However, I hope that no one is judging me.  I just like to say thank you to my clients because you have allowed me to live my dream and I am eternally grateful.  Adore you! ~Janet

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Women & Whiskies - Modern Calligraphy in Laser Cut Wood

Since I returned to Houston, this has been the first laser-cut calligraphy project that I have executed for a group in Los Angeles.  I'm not exactly sure what the event was celebrating, but any event that requires a unique laser-cut sign saying "Women and Whiskies" is alright with me!  Love this!

As always, I just simply took modern calligraphy in pen and paper and transferred this over the laser-cut modern calligraphy in wood material.  These were then stained with a light golden pecan.  Cheers!  

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Calligraphy on Paper - Yes, it happens from time to time :)

It is a rarity that I place calligraphy these days on paper for a client.  However, every now and then it happens.  This might be the 3rd or 4th time this year for me.  It's funny because when I am asked my initial thought is "sure, no problem" because its easy, breezy... But when I write on beautiful paper such as this Crane ecru with another "tried and true" like Moon Palace Sumi ink, I am reminded of why I love calligraphy.  Something so simple, but well executed is beautiful. Everything just comes together perfectly.  Calligraphing these was like silk.  There is an old adage in calligraphy.  "The calligraphy is only as beautiful as the materials used".  Dammit if that isn't true EVERYTIME!  

This project was for a new company having an event here in Houston called DearDuck that specializes in the art of gift-giving.  If you don't know what to give a person as a gift, they take away all of the stress & frustration and do all of the heavy-lifting.  Big hello and thanks to Three Smudges Photography for introducing us!  Can't wait to check them out!  

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®

Marble Table Numbers - Gold Ink

These marble table numbers with calligraphy have been extremely popular lately.  Obviously, the color scheme would go well with any event.  I usually calligraph these in gold, champagne or rose gold ink.  The calligraphy on these was created using gold ink.  I also placed the calligraphy in a heavier fashion than I generally do.  Interestingly most of the time when I create these, it is for clients outside of Houston however every now and then a client here in Houston will request them.  Cheers!

Lasercut Wood Calligraphy - Houston Calligrapher

Over the last few years, I have created quite a few of these lasercut wood names.  The ones shown below were calligraphed, cut and then painted in an antique gold for an event in Los Angeles.  I absolutely adore these as they provide another canvas for calligraphy.  I have provided these to quite a few clients here in Houston but also to clients across the country.  If you know me at all, you know that I like to place calligraphy on things that are not the garden variety.  These are perfect for that.  Peace, love and ink!

ADORE!!! Shades of Gray Custom Ink - Houston Calligraphy

As you know, my favorite colors for clothing are various shades of gray and black.  I guess I'm a little dark :).  So it was quite a treat to meet with a client yesterday that requested a custom made gray ink for her project.  ADORE!  Most people will say "how can gray & black be your favorite colors?"  For me (especially with my clothes), it is utilitarian.  Black and gray go with EVERYTHING and they are simple and chic without any effort.  No mistaking that.   And in my opinion, they both yield a subtle sexiness that doesn't have to scream or beg for attention.  I love gray as it is very chic and subtle, but breathtaking at the same time.  So there it is.  I LOVE GRAY!

In calligraphy, you actually rarely see gray ink.  Of course it is used, but you just don't see it often.  Calligraphers tend to sleep on gray.  Not because they don't want to use it, but likely because we use what our clients request.  Enter: golds, rose golds, silver and the award for the most popular ink color will forever go to black.  Yes it's classic and is one of my 2 favorite colors for clothing, but when it comes to calligraphy, I try to avoid black.  SIDE NOTE: fashion designers do that often too.  They will design their work with color, but their personal wardrobes: BLACK. I digress....

I provided 4 shades of gray as I knew that she wanted something closer to charcoal, but at the same time who doesn't like options....especially when it comes to calligraphy.  Alas, this is what I sent.  

Peace & Love while Slinging Ink®!

Marble Tile Table Numbers - Custom Ink

Oh how I love creating calligraphy pieces for events.  I have a client out of New York that needed to have marble tiles for table numbers and of course I was happy to oblige.  I have created quite a few of these in rose gold, gold and champagne ink.  However, this client wanted a custom color.  In person, this red is a deep burgundy.  I will admit that I am NO photographer so the lighting in my photograph doesn't do it justice.  Alas, they are gorgeous in person with modern calligraphy.  Shipping out from Houston later today!  Love, Peace and Ink!

White Marble Tile Place Cards - Houston Calligraphy

Yes, another order of table numbers with calligraphy on Marble tile is going out the door.  These white marble tiles as place cards and escort cards are such a treat for me to create with calligraphy as they are memorable, durable and let's not forget ever so chic.  Love, love, love these!  Cheers!

RESERVED - Calligraphy on White Marble Tile Signs

Isn't it always just a bit elite when you see a "reserved sign"?  I think so.  I had a client request these reserved signs in white marble and rose gold calligraphy.  So, since I have yet to find a rose gold that I like, I mixed my own.  I like this rose gold ink because on paper it looks gold when you look directly at it, but rose at angles.  THE COOL FACTOR IS HIGH!  These marble tiles are interestingly thick enough to stand on their own therefore no stand is needed.  SCORE!  Oddly, here is Houston I haven't created many of these for clients here.  Most of my work is shipped out to other parts of the country...mainly New York and Los Angeles.  Oh well, come on Houston..let's do this! :)  Peace, Love and Slinging Ink®!