Asking “What styles can you calligraph?” is like asking a chef, “How many ways can you cook chicken?” If you understand your craft, you know that there are endless variations. And the more you learn, the more there is to learn. Understanding letter forms is the start to taking any font and adapting it for hand-lettered script. Today, Bella Figura calligrapher Sarah Hanna is sharing her favorite calligraphy trends — from the most popular styles and ink colors to the different ways people are using calligraphy to add an extra special touch to life’s most important events.
Trending now: without question, Victoria. I think that is because it is traditional with a personality. Generally, I match the script from the invitation – if that is my calligraphy, excellent. I can match almost any script, though. Black ink is and always will be the most classic, formal ink for addressing wedding invitations. I do, however, custom-mix a lot of gold, amethyst, and pewter.
Classic Victoria hand calligraphed envelope
Classic Victoria hand calligraphed envelope
Embellished Victoria hand calligraphed envelope – Sarah Hanna’s most lively style
Classic Callaway – the up-and-comer (Callaway is the new kid, but she is bound to be the next homecoming queen!)
Classic Callaway hand calligraphed envelope
The hand-written note is making a come-back! Just ask the
New York Times. Emotion comes alive in a way that electronic communication simply cannot. I am often commissioned to calligraph a toast or a quote or something special to be framed. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy (or written by you)…just intentional. In the words of that brilliant booze-hound
Don Draper, “Make it simple, but significant.”
Unique uses for hand calligraphy: I get a lot of interesting requests. I was recently asked to be part of a truly elaborate beach engagement! My client commissioned me to hand-paint their song on 4 canvas banners. She also had me calligraph promises on 30 different cards to be tied with ribbon to a tree over the candlelight picnic. Her girlfriend is a wedding photographer, and my client made up an alias email and hired her to photograph this special engagement…..but when she arrived to photograph the engagement, she realized it was for her! She said, yes, yes, yes!!
The promise cards for the engagement was a really meaningful one. Wedding toasts and vows mixed with custom painting is a favorite. Right now, I love doing the custom nursery rhymes. And of course, every Christmas, the Santa letters are fabulous! And I am REALLY excited about my new line of Artful Correspondence – hand-illustrated correspondence card sets.
Favorite calligraphy trends: Art that has staying power always gets my vote. A symbol or monogram that can be used after your wedding (which look fantastic on dance floors!), the bride’s married name custom-designed so she can put it on letterpressed stationery and more is an excellent gift. I love these trends, especially the ‘avere’ ‘tenere’ chairs….mais bien sur!
How did you get your start as a calligrapher? My mother Kaye Hanna is an incredible artist, master calligrapher, and my instructor. So, I am turning into my mother! Truthfully, if I end up with a fraction of her talent, I will be a lucky girl.
Blue Danube hand calligraphed envelope
London script – perfect for your thank you note to Her Majesty. Or your wedding at Ascot.
Honoured Guest hand calligraphed envelope
Embellished Honoured Guest – a fuller version of Honoured Guest
Patricia Mumau wows us on the regular with her carefree calligraphy and illustrations. On this customization of our Balsam Calligraphy design, Sarah and John chose a mellow color palette paired with homespun touches like a jute envelope and textile inspired liner. They added a pop of color (and a shout-out to summer) with Watermelon colored edge painting.
letterpress inks: sand + deep blue | paper: bella cotton 2-ply white | edge painting: watermelon | hand calligraphy: harrison style by patricia mumau | envelope: jute | envelope liner: modern herringbone pattern in deep blue | customization #13893
We loved seeing photos from this real Bella Figura wedding on Snippet & Ink earlier this year! Jessica and Jason chose our Miranda invitation design complete with Belle hand calligraphy accents and an elegant monogram by Maybelle for their Duke Chapel wedding. Prussian Blue ink was used throughout this ivory invitation set, which included an invitation, reply postcard, a cute events card with hand calligraphy accents and adorable motifs, and lined inner envelopes featuring our Modern Floral pattern in deep blue to tie everything together. Check out Snippet & Ink to see more photos from this gorgeous wedding!
Photographer: Kate Headley / Event Planner: Erin McLean Events / Church: Duke Chapel / Venue, Catering, Cake: The Barn at Fearrington in Chapel Hill, North Carolina / Stationery: Maybelle for Bella Figura / Officiant: Rev. Bruce Puckett / Gown: Jenny Lee / Sash: Lula Kate / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Earrings, Hair Accessories: Paris / Tuxedo: Isaia / Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo / Cufflinks: Tiffany & Co. / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Floral Designer: Mary Stevens of Fearrington House / Organist: Dr. David Arcus / Music: LaNelle David Bluegrass Band, Attraction Band / Videographer: Rising Moon Films / Photobooth: Shutterbooth / Makeup: Makeup For Your Day / Transportation: Loni’s Antique Cars, Caravan Bus, Horizon Coachlines
Christina and Jason picked the Bristol Calligraphy design by Debi Zeinert – a great choice when you’re looking for a personal and unique style but don’t want an overly flourished calligraphy hand. The combination of our aubergine and pewter letterpress inks make these modern letterpress calligraphy wedding invitations stand out.
letterpress inks: aubergine + pewter | hand calligraphy: bristol style | paper: bella cotton 1-ply white | envelope: bella cotton white | envelope liner: classic color pattern in aubergine | customization #16788 | Good Press Paper Co
We can’t think of a more graceful way to say thank you than with a social note featuring hand calligraphy from one of our exceedingly talented calligraphy artists. For wedding correspondence and beyond, these personalized thank you cards can be a lovely gift to the bride and groom.
Ever wonder how long it takes a calligrapher to hand address a set of envelopes? Curious which ink color is used most often when it comes to calligraphy addressing? We sat down with Bella Figura calligrapher Kelle McCarter to learn about the ins and out of her business, how she got her start, and her favorite way to dress up an envelope.
How did you get into calligraphy? I fell in love with calligraphy and lettering art when I discovered the fabulous work of French artist Francois Gervais. When I moved to Denver seven years ago, I joined the Colorado Calligraphers’ Guild, with the goal of incorporating calligraphy into my graphic design business. I was fortunate to study with renowned artist and calligrapher Laurie Doctor, who was president of the CCG at the time.
Where do you do your addressing? I am blessed with a beautiful space in which to do my work. I have a window view of the Rocky Mountains from my Denver studio. And, having two Golden Retrievers always by my side makes it the most pleasant of work environments.
How long does it take to address an envelope or a set of envelopes? It takes about one hour to complete eight to ten envelopes because I rule pencil lines and erase them after I hand letter each envelope. I call the process “painting lettering” because each envelope is a miniature piece of art that can not be rushed.
What’s your favorite way to dress up an envelope? I adore envelope liners. They are a simple, yet beautiful, way to incorporate another layer of design, color and texture into the presentation of an invitation. Wax seals can be beautiful and modern with a bright colored wax and a simple calligraphy monogram or initial. Also, vintage or themed postage stamps can add character and interest to any envelope.
For my own wedding, I placed Marvel Comics postage stamps on the envelopes to match the commissioned comic strip wedding announcements that my husband and I sent to friends and family after our wedding.
How many ink colors do you offer? Because I work with gouaches (opaque watercolors), I can offer a beautiful array of color options- from opera pink to leaf green, two of my favorites.
What are your most popular ink colors for envelope addressing? Black is the most popular, as it should be. It is classic and elegant always, regardless of the invitation color. A rich antique gray and sepia brown are popular, too. For save the date envelopes that are less formal than the invitation envelopes, white ink on a colored envelope is striking.
What’s your most popular style? “Maura” is the most popular calligraphy that I do. I think it is because it is a blend of modern and classic lettering.
Many thanks to Kelle for giving us a behind the scenes look at her studio! Visit her website to learn more and to work with Kelle for your wedding calligraphy! Be sure to shop Kelle’s collection, too – her designs are currently on sale for 10% off!
Studio & envelope images courtesy of Zorn Photography
Sarah Hanna’s gorgeous hand calligraphy mimics the billowy swirls of the Illuminer design, printed in Purple Shine foil and Lavender letterpress ink for Leanne and Craig’s late summer wedding. Love this design? Order soon – this and all of Lindsy Talarico’s designs are on sale through the end of February.
letterpress ink: lavender | foil stamping: purple shine | font: declaration | paper: bella cotton 1-ply ivory | rounded corners | hand calligraphy: victoria style by sarah hanna | envelope: bella cotton ivory | envelope liner: formal flourish pattern in regalia + lavender inks | customization #18243 | Nota Bene
Bella Figura 2014 has arrived! Take a look at our 60 new designs and new hand calligraphy styles, brand new for the 2014 wedding season. As always, we’ve got invitations for all types of events: vintage weddings, modern weddings, formal weddings, you name it! And all of our wedding invitations are completely customizable – change the inks, the fonts, and more to make a design your own. These new designs are available for purchase and will be on our website soon, but in the meantime take a look and contact us if you’d like to order samples!
We were beyond thrilled that the lovely Debi Zeinert selected Bella Figura to foil stamp her custom holiday cards. A festive red shine foil paired with her beautiful hand calligraphy will bring joy to all who receive this delightful card.
foil stamping: red shine | custom submitted design | paper: bella cotton white 1-ply | customization #: 16412
We can’t think of a better (or more stylish) way to express heartfelt gratitude than with hand calligraphed thank you cards. Here are some examples of our more contemporary, less formal styles – perfect for those looking for a modern translation of an old world tradition.
Mitty style hand calligraphy in Cobalt letterpress ink:
Revolution style hand calligraphy in Papaya letterpress ink:
Harrison style hand calligraphy in Black letterpress ink:
Maura style hand calligraphy in Pale Gray letterpress ink:
We’re suckers for hand calligraphy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Cue McKenzie and Branch’s customization of our Balsam Calligraphy wedding invitation design. Patricia Mumau’s Harrison hand calligraphy is simple, understated and just plain cool in crisp Black letterpress ink.
letterpress ink: black | paper: bella cotton ivory 2-ply | edge painting: antique gold | hand calligraphy: harrison style | customization #: 16975 | Simply Put
Our Gracieux wedding invitation design is graceful (hence the name) and elegant – but its also gritty, organic and just a touch untamed. For their recent wedding at Terrain, Julia and Ron paired the Mitty hand calligraphy, handdrawn flourishes and our Modern Herringbone envelope liner with an earthy color palate for a hip yet sophisticated stationery suite.
Gracieux is the November design of the month – save 10% on the entire suite when you order now through November 30, or save 20% if you order 6 printed pieces or more!
Letterpress inks: hazel + pewter | paper: bella cotton 1-ply + 2-ply ivory | edge painting: hazel | hand calligraphy: mitty style | envelope: bella cotton ivory | envelope liner: modern herringbone pattern in hazel | customization #: 19999 | Papery of Philadelphia