REVEAL Q4 2016 | Page 25

ideas that I design and create but never launch because I’m afraid they aren’t good enough. I always encourage my students that you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great ( a quote by Zig Ziglar). I am still learning that every day myself. I just keep reminding myself that the little imperfections are what makes hand lettering and calligraphy so unique and special, and if someone can feel the joy behind what you are making, it will always be beautiful. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life? I am blessed to have several amazing women! I think I would have to say Kelly Shatat, the owner of Moon and Lola, has been an amazing mentor and friend to me. I only live thirty minutes away from Kelly, but the first time we met was in an elevator in Atlanta (at America’s Mart!) and I almost fainted when I introduced myself to her and she knew who I was. Soon after, she invited me to teach my hand lettering classes at all six of her Moon and Lola locations a couple of years ago and she surprised me by attending the first one herself. To say I was fan-girling over her would be an understatement. I looked up to her and her business so much, but as awesome as she is as CEO, she’s an even more incredible person. She encouraged me right away by telling me that she started her business on her couch making jewelry while she still had a full-time job. She then moved into her garage, then a warehouse and now she’s on Oprah’s Favorite Things, Good Morning America, and has six stores filled with beautiful jewelry that she designed herself. She makes me feel important every time I talk to her and she is one of the most kind and down-to-earth individuals I have ever had the joy of meeting. Kelly encourages me and cheers me on a regular basis and I could not be more grateful to her for all of her support. What is the next event that ASC members can attend? I will be back in Atlanta next spring for sure, but in the meantime, I have created an online calligraphy class with Studio Calico. People can learn the art of pointed pen calligraphy with no experience required. CHECK IT OUT HERE! PUMP-KALLIGRAPHY Write calligraphy on your pumpkin! I suggest using a dynamic duo of a chiseltip sharpie and a king-size sharpie since the pumpkin will do quite the number on a regular sized marker. I write the word or phrase (something like Happy Fall Y’all, Boo, Eek, or even your last name). Write it out in cursive making sure to “fluff it out” and leave plenty of room between your letters. Then, go back and thicken out your down strokes with the king size marker. Ta Da! You have a calligraphy pumpkin who’s ready to party. TIP: If you can find a faux pumpkin from a craft store like hobby lobby or Michaels, you can actually write on them with a paint marker! Then you get to enjoy your creation year after year! REVEAL | Fall 2016 25