Marjorie's Letters

09/22/2026

Sound up to hear my scratchy nib!

WHERE SHOULD WE SIP & SCRIPT? 📍🖋️🥂


I’m excited to share that I’m now a Sip & Script instructor! 🖋️🥂

I’ll be bringing beginner-friendly modern calligraphy classes to the area, where we’ll learn, create, sip, and have a whole lot of fun and laughs along the way.

I have a few ideas for places I’d love to host a class, but before I settle on a spot, I’d love to hear from my local friends…

A favorite winery? Brewery? Café? Restaurant? Or somewhere I haven’t thought of?

Tell me your favorite local spots in the comments! I’d love your feedback as I start planning my first class in the Hudson Valley, NY;)

Sip & Script

02/17/2026

Preparing for this week's class by creating these place cards using a Tombow brush pen. Seats are still open for The Introduction to Brush Calligraphy class I'll be teaching starting this Thursday at the Desmond Center in Newburgh, NY. 3 consecutive weeks, 2 hour sessions will give you a thorough understanding of brush calligraphy. You'll learn how to create beautiful calligraphy with a pen that you can bring anywhere. No dipping in ink, but you'll learn those same beautiful strokes without a nib and ink. All levels are welcome!!
To sign up go to this link:
https://townofnewburgh.recdesk.com/Community/
Program/Detail?programld=2474

01/10/2026

Harry Potter–themed birthday bookmarks for a birthday girl who has nearly the entire series memorized!
What a fun project this was—even if the paper had to be prepped three times.

I wanted to use a textured watercolor paper to give the bookmarks a more authentic, old-world feel. That meant painting the paper first and then treating it to prevent the ink from bleeding. After some trial and error, I discovered that a light spray of hairspray before inking did the trick!

Gothic cursive was new territory for me, so there was plenty of practice beforehand. I’m not personally a fan of the standard Harry Potter font, so I felt this style was a beautiful complement to the brand while still honoring its spirit.

You can catch a bit of the process at the end—along with my struggle with the painted paper. Lesson learned! Every project truly is a learning experience.

Thank you, dear Anna, for the opportunity 🤍

11/06/2025

Not sure Rembrandt, Ruben’s or Audubon would approve of lettering on top of their paintings, but I couldn’t help myself. I think the flourishing makes it OK. I have recycled and up cycled old tattered books to create these 4 inch ornaments. The gorgeous velvet ribbon is so fitting that I just want to give them all but first I’m offering them to you this Saturday from 9 to 1 at the Town of Newburgh recreation Holiday Craft Fair. I will also be personalizing ornaments while you wait.

10/29/2025

So excited to be a vendor at this event!!
I’ll be personalizing ornaments, posters and more!

It’s almost that time of year again! Our annual Holiday Craft Market is back! 😄 Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out!

Vendors wanted- if you are interested in becoming a vendor, go online to townofnewburgh.recdesk.com to register!

08/21/2025

Curious about calligraphy, but not ready to dive into dip pens and ink spills? I’ll be at the beautiful Desmond Estate in Newburgh, NY teaching this brush calligraphy crash course which is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to explore the art of beautiful writing, without the mess. Using brush pens, you’ll learn the essential strokes, basic letterforms, and simple techniques that form the foundation of modern calligraphy. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a solid understanding of the basics, a few practice sheets, and a better idea of whether you’d like to pursue calligraphy further. No experience needed, just bring your curiosity!Seats are limited. October 22, from 1-3 pm.Use this link to reserve your seat.https://townofnewburgh.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=2197

03/31/2025

Stepping out of my comfort zone and learning a new italic hand for the .
As a lefty we learn and adapt with what comes naturally… and with that is an attempt to try different nibs, rotating your paper, filing down a nib… But with the love of calligraphy I’ll figure it out, lol, I think…
The solution I found was the left- handed pilot parallel pen. Thank you fellow left handed for inspiring me, although I don’t rotate my paper. Works for her beautifully!

Prepped the lower half of these crane Cotton envelopes with a gum sandarac bag, for a smoother surface. There’s always a challenge to overcome!! Let’s hope these go through the USPS smoothly!