Hi, I'm Sandy Kiess, owner of Classic Calligraphy. I began my study and practice of calligraphy in the late 1970's. What started as a hobby, however, rapidly evolved into a business that I began in 1985. My "tools of the trade" include steel-nib pens of various widths, bottles of inks, watercolors and gold leaf, as well as a few other "toys." Each letter is drawn by pen, using multiple strokes. The process of creating a piece of calligraphic art begins with the verse, quotation, or document to be lettered. I will often work with pencil and thumbnail sketches to determine the layout of a piece. After deciding the layout and lettering style, known as a "hand," 2 or 3 ply paper will be laid out with pencil depicting where text and illustration will go. Most of my work is lettered using Mitchell nibs, although sometimes I may substitute a Brause nib or pointed pen. Verses created for reproduction are usually illustrated before printing and then are hand finished after printing. The finishing technique on these prints is varied - from using watercolors or gold leaf, to buffed color stick or oils. This last method involves hand buffing four shades of color onto the prints. The colors are soft and subtle, adding an almost texture- like quality to the finished print. Many of my prints are self-authored and copyrighted. I hope you find my calligraphy pleasing and uplifting, perhaps touching a sentimental or humorous chord or an, "Oh yes, that's JUST how I feel!" emotion.