A Calligraphic Monogram

[caliken]

I was recently commissioned by fellow FPN member, Maria, to produce a monogram of her initials. I believe that she intends to have two wax seals and a pocket embosser produced from the design. I am pleased with the result and she has given her permission for it to be posted here.

 

For those interested in the technique :

I wrote many quick versions of the letter combinations at a relatively small size, until gradually this one emerged. I believe in this method, to maintain spontaneity in the initial designing. I then drew an enlarged version, slowly and carefully. I deliberately drew the hairlines a bit bolder than usual, to make sure that they could be easily reproduced at a small size.

 

If only all my work was as interesting to do as this...thank you, Maria!

 

caliken

 

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/Monogram3.jpg

[isaacrn]

Stunning work as usual.

[The penner]

Superb. Please explain to me the significance of making the hairlines bold? Is the monogram going to be reduced to a smaller size?

[caliken]

Superb. Please explain to me the significance of making the hairlines bold? Is the monogram going to be reduced to a smaller size?

I understand that Maria intends having two small seals produced from it. They will be 1 1/2 inches and 1 1/8 inches diameter. When artwork is to be reproduced at a considerable reduction in size, it's common practice to make really fine lines a little bolder than normal, so that they don't disappear.

 

caliken

Edited March 5, 2010 by caliken

[jbb]

Wonderful! Your work is always an inspiration.

[ArchiMark]

A++++

 

[crouse-tn]

Having a unique seal sounds like a neat idea. Thank you for sharing the post. Your work is admirable.

[Ann Finley]

Beautiful!

 

Ann

[professionaldilettante]

Beautiful~!

[Maria]

Dear FPN Members;

 

I don't know about the rest of you but, a letter that is written in fine flourishes, calligraphy and such, deserves to have the wax seal, which goes back a while in history before glue was used on envelopes. Not only does a seal give it a bit of class, it can be unique.

 

Rarely, do you find any wax seals. In the USA, "Michael's Arts & Crafts" carried envelope sealing wax and wax seals--usually in the bridal section. Now, they don't carry envelope wax and or seals. Plaza Art is the only one carrying "initial" seals for wax on envelopes. But, these only have one initial.

 

I got interested in Caligraphy for many reasons. The love of the beauty of words with flexible nibs, history and wanting to design a monogram wax and corporate sized seal to be 'unique/different' in my letters to others. I know my skills can't match Caliken's. So, instead of getting gray hairs or pulling what little hair I have left-- Caliken volunteered to take on the challenge of creating a monogram just for me.

 

I've sent a dozen 'test' envelopes with wax seals through the US Post Office and, all of them survived. It can't be that glue-gun wax stuff. It has to be wick or wickless stationary sealing wax.

 

I think Caliken's prices for the work, extremely reasonable and quality excellent. :clap1:

 

Because envelope sealing wax has to endure rough handling, as it passes through mail sorting machines, hands, weather and gosh knows what -- the finer lines are the weakest part of the flourish and or letter in a wax seal, as it presses into the wax and leaves the monogram/design in an 'embossed' or 'raised' state. This is why ultra fine lines will be easily knocked off, so there has to be a bit more wax to make it stable. So, bold is necessary to give more wax to the overall support of the original design.

 

To be clear for the diameter of approximately 21.21 millimeters to 24.26 millimeters (mm)-and for American's sense of size; the US Nickel and the US Quarter.

 

A 'corporate' seal is 50.8 millimeters in diameter. Two inches diameter in American measure.

 

A pocket embosser is something similar to what notary publics use on documents. They too are approximately the size of a Corporate seal. It can be used on stationary, embossing it to where you can feel the letters like Braile. No wax is require but, you can use notary seals -- that come in a variety of colors. You see these on documents, certificates, etc. Turn plain note cards/stationary stock and make it personal.

 

Caliken's work will be produced by Janet Cannizzaro, owner of this firm.

 

http://www.cannizzaroseal.com/

 

The ring around the monogram will not show. So, the monogram will be all that is seen when used in sealing wax or embossed on paper stationary. Had I wished for a boarder, to have one flourished would be a excellent idea for any future design. But, in this case - the "wow" is Caliken's version of "George Bickham" Copperplate/Embossing Script. :clap1:

 

Janet does customized work. She can make a seal up to 2 inches diameter. The 1 1/4 is for the envelope wax seal. The 1 1/2 is for the stationary and or larger envelopes and packages (seen on the 2nd photo on the link above, on a stationary card standing upright)

 

Janet is aware of The Fountain Pen Network. Even more now :ltcapd:

 

I should have these items in a few weeks. And, as soon as I can get used to a corporate wax stick (wickless) and stamp the seal (which will be another art in of itself as the wax cools quickly)--I will photograph and post so all can enjoy and--who knows....maybe you also may want Caliken to create a unique seal for you.

 

Might be a unique gift for a couple getting married, something unique for a family member or yourselves. Something for your school, business, church and or team.

 

Respectfully,

Maria

 

I was recently commissioned by fellow FPN member, Maria, to produce a monogram of her initials. I believe that she intends to have two wax seals and a pocket embosser produced from the design. I am pleased with the result and she has given her permission for it to be posted here.

 

For those interested in the technique :

I wrote many quick versions of the letter combinations at a relatively small size, until gradually this one emerged. I believe in this method, to maintain spontaneity in the initial designing. I then drew an enlarged version, slowly and carefully. I deliberately drew the hairlines a bit bolder than usual, to make sure that they could be easily reproduced at a small size.

 

If only all my work was as interesting to do as this...thank you, Maria!

 

caliken

 

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/Monogram3.jpg

Edited March 6, 2010 by Maria

[Bronze]

- Beautiful, I'm looking forward to the photos

[Maria]

Dear Caliken and FPN Members;

 

The seals and embossers are on their way to me!

 

Hopefully the wait won't be much longer.

 

I am looking forward to taking them all to the next Calligrapher's meet on the 20th and 27th of March, and show everybody Caliken's work.

 

Respectfully,

Maria

[Viseguy]

Lucky Maria, please post some pics if you can.

[AD356]

Lovely as always I really like how the W and M are "joined" making very pleasing flushing at the same time.

What did you use to create the finale product?

[caliken]

Lovely as always I really like how the W and M are "joined" making very pleasing flushing at the same time.

What did you use to create the finale product?

 

Thank you all for your kind comments.

 

I have a set of Rotring Rapidograph pens which I use for this type of precise drawing.

 

caliken

[caliken]

Dear Caliken and FPN Members;

 

The seals and embossers are on their way to me!

 

Hopefully the wait won't be much longer.

 

I am looking forward to taking them all to the next Calligrapher's meet on the 20th and 27th of March, and show everybody Caliken's work.

 

Respectfully,

Maria

 

Thanks, Maria

 

I look forward to seeing some pics, if possible.

 

caliken

[Hetty]

Stunningly beautiful.

 

Hetty

[Maria]

Dear Caliken and FPN Members:

 

Other than my lack of skill of rapid deployment of applying the seal on hot wax that cools rapidly -- here it is! :clap1:

 

Bronze metalic wax on royal blue envelope.

 

Unfortunately, the scan of the embosser doesn't show the monogram but, it does look like something that would be on the corners of fine cloth.

 

Thank you Caliken! :clap1:

 

Respectfully,

Maria

[Maria]

Ken Fraser's Monogram work for Maria:

[ArchiMark]

Very nice, Maria!