Faith, Friends & Family Fun!

Hi Everyone,

This weekend my children and I got to celebrate two very special events with friends & chosen family: a baby shower for my friend Gladys’s grandson, and the Bar Mitzvah of family friend Sam Fender.

While the events were very different, they were similar in core ways. Both united friends & family in the timeless traditions of their respective faiths; both overflowed with love and pride. I wanted to share a sketch I did which illustrates how faith, friends, and family are the roots which allow us to grow in love.

Since I love to give hand-lettered gifts, I also thought I’d share what I made to commemorate these two special events. The piece I did for Sam in honor of his Bar Mitzvah incorporates two of his greatest loves– the violin and Jerusalem. All the elements were hand drawn and/or painted, and then scanned. I composed the finished design in PhotoShop. 

Since I never leave home without a pocketbook full of pens, it was easy to make a quick hand-lettered gift at the baby shower. Since I didn’t know the baby’s name, I hand-lettered the parents’ names while they were opening their gifts (lots and lots of diapers!).

I started by writing the names on black paper with a silver Gelly roll. I like to use silver for what I call the ‘skeletal structure’ of the letter, because it blends so nicely with all the other colors.

Next I started adding weight with Sakura’s amazing metallic Gelly roll pens. I wanted a rainbow effect, so I switched colors every couple letters. 

I finished just as they were opening the last gift… and took a quick photo to share before giving the parents-to-be their name-sign. The metallic on black is very dramatic– and shimmers when you hold it in the light.

If you know someone who likes to letter or draw, please share this with them. There is something extra special about commemorating a lifecycle event with a hand-made gift… and that’s the love with which it is made. 

Until next time…

Stay Zenspired,

Joanne