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  1. Jo Davis on November 10, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    Enjoy Angela… I am a collector of children’s books specially illustrated, from years gone by but miss the time when my boys were at that age when I could indulge them & me in a day such as this! Make the most of it!

  2. Jo a Davis on November 13, 2014 at 11:46 pm

    i must go to see this sounds fascinating… I was at the Library a couple of weeks ago during the Durham Book Festival for a session & it is an amazing place with amazing collections! Thanks for flagging this one! Hadn’t spotted it!

  3. Jo Davis on December 8, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    interesting figures Angela. I saw some recently that suggest that 4 out of 5 small businesses don’t make it to five years. So I hope it was a good day for as many as possible! Sadly didn’t impact on mine but like you I was doing my own shopping for Xmas!

  4. Chloe on July 16, 2015 at 8:39 am

    This is so lovely to read, and to hear about the day from your perspective. From the silly little wildflowers to actually making sure people left feeling equipped with knowledge is exactly how I wanted it to be. Thank you for sharing, you’ve made my day!! x

    • Angela Reed on July 16, 2015 at 8:44 pm

      You’re very welcome! The fact it was geared towards sole traders was fantastic – sometimes you feel like a fish out of water at more ‘corporate’ events and workshops. I really felt a weight had been lifted as I headed home and I’m hoping to put a few things into practice over the summer.

  5. Carrie on November 19, 2015 at 11:56 am

    Lovely blog, Angela! I’m so pleased you enjoyed yourself, and yes, I’m looking forward to seeing some lino prints and calligraphy combined 🙂

    • Angela Reed on November 23, 2015 at 9:23 pm

      Thanks Carrie – I’ll definitely have some calligraphy on my cards and I think I might have to ask Santa for some supplies and test out some calligraphy scripts on the lino in the new year!

  6. Jayne on January 7, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Thank you for the brilliant review, we hope you enjoy wearing your necklace.
    Jayne x

    • Angela Reed on January 7, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      I absolutely love it!

  7. Kay Armatage - Alkamy on January 7, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Thanks for the mention Angela, so honoured to be part of your north east gifts xx

  8. Cora on February 18, 2016 at 10:29 am

    Fantastic post, it really highlights the importance of the venue within the local community, reminding us all that it has never been *just* a museum.

  9. Jackie on February 19, 2016 at 6:56 am

    Such a shame. We had some good times here when my daughter was little.

  10. Jo Davis on February 24, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    What a great blog & so well written! Says so much about this place that is important not only to us locally & our north east culture & heritage but to the whole nation. Hope this is read by folk who may need to understand this!

  11. Jo Davis on February 26, 2016 at 9:17 am

    Looks great & I’m looking forward to seeing if Silk in Time can be part of this next time round!

  12. Gail Armstrong on April 30, 2016 at 4:52 am

    Thank you for posting this, I will definitely try to get to the next one. I would probably have gone for the Mabel Lucy Attwell prints too… I loved them when I was a girl.

  13. Manuscript on June 3, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Thanks Angela for this post, looking forward to reading your review about our Callicreative App! 🙂

  14. Fred on June 10, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Thank you Angela

  15. Jarrow Hall on September 15, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Thank you very much for your positive blog regarding the re-opening. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you on site when we open and working together in the future.

  16. Fred Baines on December 27, 2016 at 10:18 am

    Hi Angela, congratulations on a successful year. I too felt the same in 2003 when I retired from the Fire Service and set up my Consultancy. But with time and dedication came success as with you. Wishing you continued success in 2017 and onwards.

    Regards

    Fred

    • Angela Reed on December 30, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      That’s very kind of you Fred, thanks! And the same to you of course.

  17. gail armstrong on January 2, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    Love reading your posts Angela. You are very inspiring. x

  18. gail armstrong on January 2, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    What a great way to reflect on your successes over the year. I made a note to to this myself but then the lurgy arrived and I’m still just lolling around on the sofa with a big box of tissues and lemsip.
    Hope this year is even more successful for you..I’m sure it will!

  19. Becca on January 9, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    Love it, Angela! Glad you’re enjoying!!
    -Becca

    • Angela Reed on January 9, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      Loving it, thanks for pulling it all together!

  20. Gina on January 9, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    Lovely piece x great drill challenge #theinkthatflows

  21. Michelle on January 9, 2017 at 2:34 pm

    It’s so interesting to see the work that goes into being good at your craft.

    • Angela Reed on January 9, 2017 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks Michelle. There’s always a lot of work going on behind the scenes!

  22. David Badcock on January 13, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    Hi Angela,

    nice site. In my view there are five parts to any Goal (Objective) setting, which is what I think you are doing above. The five stages are:

    Present State – where you are at now
    Desired State – where you want to be in the future
    Time – a time scale to achieve the Desired State
    Steps – all those things you need to do to get to the Desired state
    Outcome Measurement – what you will accept as evidence you have done the steps you need to do to get to the Desired State.

    I read your blog because you sent me an eMail where you mentioned your Goals for 2017 and Goal Setting (or more formerly Management by Objectives) is a particular specialist subject of mine so I thought I’d add my $0.02 worth!

    Love, light and kindness,

    Dave

  23. Doreen on January 16, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    Fantastic calligrapher lovely personality

    • Angela Reed on January 16, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      Thanks Dorothy *blushes*

  24. Babyfoote on January 19, 2017 at 8:16 am

    I had penpals through the hola club too! I’m still in touch with one all these years later, though now we have less colourful handwritten letters and more quick Facebook messages!

    • Angela Reed on January 19, 2017 at 9:12 am

      Same here Helena, although I’d really like to get back to writing! Just need to find some more hours in the day…

  25. Zoe Emilie on January 26, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Fab post Angela! Look forward to working with you in the future. x

    • Angela Reed on January 26, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      Thanks Zoe. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!

  26. Kath on February 13, 2017 at 11:19 am

    Where do you hold your workshops please?

    • Angela Reed on June 23, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Kath. I’m very sorry to have only just seen your comment. I didn’t get a notification. It’s only because I’ve been looking through my old posts that I’ve spotted it. If you have a look at the workshops section of my website, you’ll find my latest sessions listed there.

  27. Keith Batchelor on February 26, 2017 at 5:30 pm

    What a fab idea, really sorry I missed this as I would have taken part, next time if the event goes as well as it has?

  28. Michelle Nicol on March 1, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    I love this idea. It’s so special and unusual to get a handwritten letter these days. I may well sign up for it next year. I certainly had beautiful letters on my mind after meeting you, so the blog post came easily.

  29. Kimberley Ivory on March 10, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I just love this. Beautiful. Thank you!

    • Angela Reed on March 10, 2017 at 9:46 pm

      I could have written so much more Kimberley! I really enjoyed your talk. They’re lucky to have you!

  30. Louise kennedy on March 10, 2017 at 11:04 pm

    Wow thank you for writing such a lovely article about our day. We are so pleased that you took so much from the day. We are very happy that so many people attended.
    We are 4 women with a vision to help and support people to realise their potential

    • Angela Reed on March 11, 2017 at 8:52 am

      I can’t wait to see what you lovely ladies come up with next year !

  31. Sharon on March 11, 2017 at 12:01 am

    Xxxx #girlpower when women come together look what we can do

  32. Michelle on March 11, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Sounds like a really inspirational day. I was sorry I couldn’t make it. Great to hear a flavour of all the presentations.

  33. Gail Armstrong on March 20, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Thank you so much for your great feedback Angela, and apologies for getting you hooked lol. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing your calligraphy and inspiring us all to getting out our pen and ink.

  34. Ann on March 20, 2017 at 10:53 am

    It was lovely to meet you Angela, it always feels good adding another stationary enthusiast to our little group. I always come home from meet ups totally buzzing and motivated, I hope you benefit from that too. See you at the next one I hope

  35. Gail Armstrong on April 14, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    Woohoo, you’re on a roll! I did warn you didn’t I? Thrilled you’re enjoying your new journal.

  36. Shelley May on April 28, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    I used to have 2 Hola! Penpals ! Just found your post as my daughter is 12 and looking for a penpal from Germany x

    • Angela Reed on April 28, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      I wish it was still going! Couldn’t find any evidence of it online. I hope your daughter manages to find a penpal. Try the InCoWriMo website – they had an address swap on their blog and there may be something there. http://www.incowrimo.org

  37. Scott D. on May 15, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    I try to journal or write every day. Life sometimes gets busy, so having a few dedicated journals and stationery at the ready is always helpful.

    • Angela Reed on May 16, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      I’ve just started a bullet journal and I’m trying to find a bit of time every day to write in it. I’ve also got a handbag full of notebooks!

  38. Zara F. on May 16, 2017 at 1:58 am

    I have an incurable love for stationery, my goodness! Sometimes, I feel that my notebook collection is ever-growing and seeing even more beautiful ones are oh-so-tempting! I particularly love inspirational stationery types, or ones with quotations. Ahhh <3 Someone stop me! (Don't.)

  39. Tracy Nixon on May 16, 2017 at 10:10 am

    I love to colour and sketch and am always buying new pens and pencils – infact I am quite an addict!

  40. Boxnip on May 16, 2017 at 10:29 am

    I’d not heard of this subscription before and I adore stationery, as in I have bit of an addiction to it and have done since I was a little girl! Thanks for the beautiful giveaway! 😀

    • Angela Reed on May 16, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      You’re very welcome Sarah. The boxes are great!

  41. Cat hooper on May 16, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    What a lovely set! my girls are obsessed with stationery but in the form of smelly pencils and neon highlighters from Smiggle!

    • Angela Reed on May 16, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      My two definitely share my love of stationery and have just discovered Smiggle!

  42. hali kinson on May 16, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    I love stationary! little boy due august and can’t wait to spoil him with stationary too. I love treating myself to new stationary

  43. Sam R on May 16, 2017 at 6:58 pm

    Oh wow this sounds fabulous! I love stationary, helps to make organising fun!

  44. Andrea Upton on May 16, 2017 at 9:07 pm

    I love stationery especially nice pens I often write lists and notes to organise myself

  45. Solange on May 16, 2017 at 11:42 pm

    I have a number of adult colouring books which I like to indulge in when I have a moment to myself. I find it so relaxing and therapeutic.

  46. Michelle Nicol on May 17, 2017 at 9:31 am

    I don’t need any encouragement to indulge my love of stationery, especially beautiful notebooks. I pick them out and ask for them as presents, and if I’m on holiday, they are often my take home gift to myself. And of course, I use them to write about all my travel adventures.

  47. Fiona King on May 17, 2017 at 3:45 pm

    I grew up loving stationery and always used it to write to my Auntie in my neatest handwriting and I have always collected erasers and pens

  48. Kerry Kilmister on May 17, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    I love my adult colouring books! They are so relaxing!

  49. Debbie W on May 17, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    I have notebooks everywhere and can’t resist buying new ones whenever I am anywhere that sells them! I only really use one at a time but there are sooo many gorgeous notebooks out there…

  50. Sara MacGregor on May 17, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    I love buying cards to send to other people and I’m always in need of a good notebook, diary or pen.

  51. stuart hargreaves on May 17, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    I still prefer to send letters than emails

  52. Anne Bostwick on May 17, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    I love writing proper letters – a dying art, I’m afraid.

  53. Sarah Cooper on May 17, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    I go to hobbycraft and indulge in stationery.

  54. john p on May 17, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    lovely giveaway

  55. amy bondoc on May 17, 2017 at 7:19 pm

    im always buying notebooks ive loads i dont always use them kjust like keeping them in the bookcase!

  56. Suzanne Jackson on May 17, 2017 at 7:20 pm

    I like treating myself to nice notebooks.

  57. Lorraine Tinsley on May 17, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    I love pens, I used to have a bright pink pen with lips on it which one of the blokes in work tried to pinch. It was very obvious that it was mine!

  58. Kerry L on May 17, 2017 at 9:19 pm

    I’ve always had a soft spot for pens. I was the girl at school with a comprehensive, co-ordinated stationery kit! The love hasn’t left! I still especially love spending time writing in my notebooks in lots of lovely coloured inks that stand out on the page.

  59. rebecca h on May 17, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    I am pen and notebook mad! as well as list mad!

  60. Claire Nutman on May 18, 2017 at 8:16 am

    Writing letters, though old fashioned, it still remains the most personal and intimate way to reach someone, and the effort does not go unnoticed x

  61. Eleanor Beavan on May 18, 2017 at 10:13 am

    I am always writing, be it lists, poems, letters or my diary. I adore stationery and use different pens with different tips. I love buying new pens and paper as there is just something so personal about it.

  62. Nicola Lynch on May 18, 2017 at 11:31 am

    My sister recently introduced me to planning and I have become quickly addicted! I have two Happy planners, one for daily, one for journalling mainly my little boys days, events, things he’s said and done. I love decorating them and have amassed a lovely collection now of stickers, washi and pens 🙂

  63. Katy Malkin on May 20, 2017 at 1:30 am

    I love sending thank you cards with pictures inside

  64. Patricia Avery on May 20, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    I have been a lifelong stationery addict. I think pens are my favourite since being bought a Parker for passing 11+ It served me well through O and A levels, teacher training college and an Open University degree before the nib split and was not able to be replaced by Parker. Lovely hubby spent all his Xmas bonus one year replacing it with a new Parker and buying the matching biro, pencil and roller ball the following 3 years 🙂

  65. Emma Smith on May 20, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    I have a pen fetish – I’m always on the look out for something new

  66. donna l jones on May 20, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    I love stationery especially paper

  67. Sarah Ann on May 20, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    I love writing to my penapls so I’m forever buying new paper, envelopes and pens in as many different styles as I can!

  68. Rich Tyler on May 20, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    Writing to my pen pals with gel pens

  69. HELEN REED on May 20, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    Love discovering new stationary subscriptions!!

  70. Wendy Tolhurst on May 20, 2017 at 11:33 pm

    I love writing lists – I never type them as I like to use notebooks and stationery for my lists. Similarly, even at work, I like to write “to do” lists – I take my own stationery into work and have great satisfaction writing a list and then ticking off completed tasks.

  71. Victoria Buchanan on May 21, 2017 at 8:46 am

    I love stationery! I indulge by buying a lot of it!! 🙂

  72. Emma Davison on May 21, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Lots of coloured pens. Use them for the phone pad, shopping list etc

  73. Hayley F on May 21, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    i love buying notebooks but i never want to write in them as they are to pretty x

  74. Sumitra on May 21, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    I love writing. I write in my diary every day. I also like writing down quotes, and other interesting lines in my journal.

  75. Tee Simpson on May 21, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    I tend to buy lots of stationary even if I dont need it. I cant resist

  76. ellie spider on May 21, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    I’m the list and planner queen – I make lists of the lists I have to do and plan things down to a tee – especially for our holidays we do Disneyworld for 3 weeks so we plan our park days and rest days carefully

  77. Alan Hooper on May 21, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    I love stationary. I keep getting told off for buying “more paper”, “another notepad” and other interesting pieces. There is something about the crisp clean colours and tactile nature of it! Our kids seem to have inherited a keen eye for it too.

  78. gail armstrong on June 30, 2017 at 5:19 am

    Well done! Have to admit I’d rather like a little part time job too. Just to get me out of the house and working alongside others rather than alone at home. I’d go back to one of my previous jobs. Retail… but definitely not in a stationery shop!
    Hope it all works out perfectly for you Angela.

    • Angela Reed on June 30, 2017 at 8:25 pm

      Thanks Gail. It’s nice to have the balance between an office environment and working from home! X

  79. Karen on June 30, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    A lively job to have, I’m sure you are going to me very happy for a long time

    • Angela Reed on June 30, 2017 at 8:23 pm

      Thanks Karen! X

  80. Lorraine Kirk on July 27, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    We are not lucky enough to live near the sea but when I visit, I love to collect shells of all types. My favourite place in the world is Sanibel Island.

  81. Laura Miles on July 28, 2017 at 10:25 am

    I work in the classic seaside resort of Bognor Regis but never get to spend as much time on the beach as I’d like! Similarly, I don’t papercut as much as I would like either – this would hopefully put both of those things right.

  82. Michelle on July 28, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    I’ve always loved living beside the seaside and have moved from one coast to the other. I love it in all weathers from plodging in the sea in summer to wrapping up to blast off the cobwebs in winter

  83. sallyann Johnston on July 28, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    We love rock pooling and eating fish & chips that taste good x

  84. Jan Buckley on July 28, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    Wow! I’m really quite envious of your lifestyle But in a nice way, I love the seaside, I would take my girls at every opportunity when they were younger. We would usually go to Camber Sands which is about an hour away from our home in Kent. Ice creams, sand castles and fish and chips! The best of days for sure x

  85. Jodie A Green on July 28, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    i love the sounds, so relaxing listening to the waves 🙂

  86. Leila Benhamida on July 28, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    I love the smell of the sea and feel the warm sand on my feet

  87. Belinda Matchett on July 29, 2017 at 9:41 pm

    I love spending time at the seaside with my grandchildren!

  88. Solange on July 29, 2017 at 10:55 pm

    I love listening to the sound of the waves.

  89. Christine Dodd on July 30, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    I love to breathe in the sea air

  90. Kim Styles on July 31, 2017 at 1:32 pm

    the salty sea smell and the gritty healthy feeling to my skin when the wind is blowing

  91. Sarah on August 1, 2017 at 9:30 am

    I love walking in the surf and the wind!

  92. Naila on August 1, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    Love looking at the waves and making sandcastles, as well as eating Rock candy 🙂

  93. gail armstrong on August 2, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Love reading your blogs Angela, they are so interesting and inspiring. In fact, I’m awaiting the arrival of my first Inkpact ‘job’ pack after reading about it on one of your posts… off to justacard.org right now! Have a lovely day
    Gail x

  94. Paula on August 9, 2017 at 7:02 am

    Hi Angela. I started on your Autumn 2015 class but unfortunately did not complete. Would I be able to join your September intake on a Thursday morning at “The Hub”. If so how do I subscribe. Many thanks Paula

    • Angela Reed on August 9, 2017 at 9:22 am

      Hi Paula. Of course you can! We’d love to see you and we’ve got some exciting things planned. I’ll drop you an email with the dates.

  95. Gail Armstrong on August 10, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Blushing profusely here.. a beautiful review. Thank you Angela. X

  96. Brenda on September 23, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    A brush lettering workbook is a nice giveaway, thanks

  97. Le on September 23, 2017 at 6:37 pm

    I remember Hola! I signed up in my teens and found great people all over the world to write to.

  98. Colette on September 23, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    I’ve loved seeing all the different people doing brush lettering on instagram and I want to learn!

  99. Carol Hutchinson on September 24, 2017 at 6:35 am

    I love the style of brush lettering and am keen to give it a go !

  100. Meg on September 24, 2017 at 7:23 am

    Would love to master this technique for my wedding invites xo !

  101. Stuart Forster on September 25, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Calligraphy is a gorgeous art. Unfortunately my handwriting is a scrawl. I’m in awe of people who practice calligraphy well.

  102. Stuart Forster on September 25, 2017 at 11:49 am

    Calligraphy is a gorgeous art. Unfortunately my handwriting is a scrawl. I’m in awe of people who practice calligraphy well.

  103. Wendy Ashurst on September 25, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    Bought a pen and would love to learn how to use it!

  104. Elly on September 27, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    I joined hola too in the 90s as i think i got introduced to it via school. It was so exciting choosing which country to write to someone from and really exciting getting a letter. I chose Brazil as it seemed so exotic! I wrote to Biancia from Brazil a couple of times and remember she was besotted with Jacques villeneuve the formula one driver, who i hadn’t heard of!
    I don’t remember anything about the one in India except the paper and envelope was so different to ours!
    I was curious as to whether hola still existed (as a child i called it hola not ola!) and its a shame it doesn’t, as i think it would benefit children today.
    I write to my 8 year old niece and another 2 people and even though its hard to find the time its so exciting when a letter drops on the mat!

  105. Charlotte Collier on October 28, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    I think royal mail should restart Hola penpals.

  106. Doreen on December 29, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    Sounds really interesting I am certainly going to do this in 2018 as due to difficult circumstances I was unable to do it this year x

  107. Natalie on January 25, 2018 at 3:21 pm

    What a fantastic idea! I would totally be up for this. However I run a shop so I can’t leave. Especially as 12_3 is the busiest time.Lunch is taken at the counter but can I suggest a netwalk to the Grainger Market. Which is where my shop is. Very interesting place and participants can grab lunch, netwalk and support other local businesses at the same time

    • Angela Reed on January 25, 2018 at 5:58 pm

      I love this idea Natalie! I’m a big fan of the Grainger Market – we always have a wander round when we’re in Newcastle. I’ll pass your comments on to Debbie, although I’m sure she’ll see them here too!

  108. Sharon Sinclair-Williams on January 25, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    I’m hoping to collaborate with Debbie on something like this for our #ThisNorthernGirlCan group. Think it would be a great way to bond and network.
    I’m loving the work Debbie is doing .. sounds as if you had a great time, Angela.

    • Angela Reed on January 25, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      It made me block out some space in the diary for some fresh air and exercise without feeling guilty as it was kind of work related! It’s a great idea.

  109. Jackie Latham on January 25, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    What a great idea! What would make it even better would be if there was a dog friendly walk?

  110. Claire Hunter on January 27, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Great to see you Angela! Was lovely to get some fresh air and the food was lush at Kiln!

  111. Tracey on January 28, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    Great idea. Moving is a great way to free up conversation.

  112. Marion on February 21, 2018 at 10:46 am

    It looks like it was really interesting! I love your notes and will probably put them on my wall, right in front of my eyes to see everyday!! Is there an equivalent of that type of things in Newcastle?

    • Angela Reed on February 21, 2018 at 4:31 pm

      That’s very kind of you Marion. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! I think Newcastle Start-Up Week is happening in May if that’s closer to you. I haven’t been before, but it looks good!

  113. Marion on March 7, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    That looks so cool, I need to get back to calligraphy I used to love that!

  114. David Bridges on April 22, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    I thought the article very informative and inspired me to explore the subject in greater depth.

  115. Andrea Upton on April 22, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    I love this modern lettering, because it is really beautiful, in the days of emails for everything it is really nice to enjoy some lovely handwritten words.

  116. Jacki Gilmore on April 23, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Modern lettering just looks so stylish.

  117. Lyn on May 1, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity to win this stylish book…

  118. Jennifer Helen on May 9, 2018 at 9:42 am

    What a beautiful proposal idea! How lovely to be involved.

  119. E on May 11, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    I write by hand with a lightweight zebra pen. I’ve not tried calligraphy since I was a teenager and it does interest me as a hobby although it looks hard to do. Having the right pen must help!

  120. Calvin on May 13, 2018 at 8:44 pm

    I like using the japanese super soft grip mechanical pens

  121. Jan Cox on May 14, 2018 at 8:17 am

    I love a proper ink pen – have a lovely Waterman pen x

  122. Amanda Hart on May 14, 2018 at 8:34 am

    I used to love writing with a fountain pen as a teenager, I really love stationary and pens and always feel your writing becomes even more beautiful with a lovely quality pen to write with.

  123. Catherine Spencer on May 14, 2018 at 8:49 am

    I use an Uniball Signo pen for writing. I used to use a fountain pen and spend hours practising but since having children I didn’t have the time. I would love to start again, calligraphy is such a beautiful art.

  124. Catherine Spencer on May 14, 2018 at 9:14 am

    I use a Uniball Signo pen for writing. I used to practice writing with a fountain pen when I was younger but then I had children and unfortunately didnt have time to learn. I would love to practice again as calligraphy is a beautiful art.

  125. Dina Topping on May 16, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    For regular writing, I like using a Pilot VPrecise V5 rolling ball extra fine!

  126. Wise Ways on May 20, 2018 at 7:39 am

    Regular writing it has to be a bic pen though I keep loosing them!

  127. Hayley F on May 21, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    I like to use a fountain pen for writing x

  128. Cindy on June 8, 2018 at 6:26 am

    I won this book and I must say it is brilliantly written! The personal tone of voice that Nicole has written makes it as though she is really there guiding you through the whole process. The instructions and makes are really easy to follow. It is really easy to pick up and read and I just love the binding! It’s the little touches that makes the lettering experience so much better.

    Also included was the miniature By Hand lettering kit, and the colours are gorgeous! Handy little tool for when you want to pick up and go when creativity strikes!

  129. DoreenArrowsmith on June 15, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    I love my lamy and pilot pens so easy x

  130. Jayne Kelsall on August 9, 2018 at 10:10 am

    Looks like a lovely set, I have always wanted to have a go at calligraphy, would love to try this .x

  131. Ruth on September 27, 2018 at 7:00 am

    I need to purchase this book

  132. helen on October 31, 2018 at 10:40 am

    hi i remember this i wrote to people in Australia but no one ever replied to me

  133. Elizabeth on November 7, 2018 at 2:21 pm

    A very moving arts project that will touch so many people. Well done Angela x

  134. Megan on November 7, 2018 at 8:15 pm

    This is such a lovely thing to be a part of! It looks fab 🙂

  135. Claire Lambie on April 9, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    Thoroughly enjoyed our time at St. Hilda’s Pit Head today. Amazingly interesting and informative. Many thanks to the volunteers who gave of their time and knowledge to show us around.

  136. Carole Avery on May 8, 2019 at 6:21 am

    Hi there . Do you sell calligraphy pens ? I’m a novice but like to dabble ! Also , any chance of further workshop at Redcar or saltburn ? I am from Northallerton and desperate to get on your course but Whitley bay a long way !
    Love your work !

  137. Samantha hamilton on May 31, 2019 at 6:03 am

    I loved hola i had a pen pal from america called jessica and brent, it was a magical dream wish it was still going. I think kids would benefit from it.

  138. Mary Moss on July 16, 2019 at 5:55 pm

    That’s cool and it makes sense!

  139. Suzie Williams on September 3, 2019 at 12:16 pm

    These sound fab!

  140. Joanna Greenough on October 27, 2019 at 3:43 pm

    Hello I would like a penpals from the lakes please

  141. Sarah on November 10, 2019 at 3:37 pm

    What a beautiful idea! Such a wonderful story behind it. All the best to the happy couple.

  142. Alexandra on December 28, 2019 at 12:05 am

    So wonderful hearing a review about the children’s products! I enjoyed illustrating the packaging. Such a joy to see the pictures of them using the products.

  143. Angela Nicholson on February 4, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    I love a glass dip pen as it’s so versatile for calligraphy, art and general card making.

  144. Amanda tanner on February 10, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    I really enjoy using a normal BIC pen

  145. Gill on February 13, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    I’ve wanted to try one of these for a while. I did have one many many years ago for using with nail art (can you believe it!) But I didnt get in with it. More and more now I’m writing modern calligraphy in mono line to become more accustomed to the style. I’d love to try one of these to see the difference in quality – there are some very cheap ones available on the market!!

  146. Cassandra D on February 23, 2020 at 7:24 am

    A Pilot Precise V5 Rollerball Pen.

  147. Terry Johnson on March 5, 2020 at 9:16 am

    Hi Just picked up on this. Love “Latin” though not a scholar by any means. Also loved the tv programmes by Mary Beard who also loves memorials and who they were dedicated to.

  148. Marjorie Watkins on May 4, 2020 at 9:58 am

    Are the pilot parallel pens suitable for lefthanders?

    • Angela Reed on October 15, 2020 at 2:04 pm

      Hi Marjorie,

      Broad-edged pens for left-handers usually have an oblique-cut nib, which the Pilot Parallel Pen doesn’t have, so I think you might find it a bit tricky to use, particularly if you’re an over-writer.

      Angela

  149. Antonela D'Andrea on August 9, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    hi!!! how are you? I hope that you help me with some information. I need to find nibs: Perry & Co. N° 341 is getting really diificult, I’m from sweden, Stockholm. Any recomendation is very wellcome.
    thanks!
    Antonela

    • Angela Reed on October 15, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Hi Antonela,

      I don’t have any in my (small) collection of vintage pen nibs but you could try contacting @vintagepennibs on Instagram and see if he can help!

      Angela

  150. Zelda Ella on September 27, 2020 at 11:31 am

    I’ve tried several instructional books on hand lettering. Pretty Simple lettering is the best by far. It is the only book that gives practice for the base strokes and also discusses posture and how to hold the pen and at what angle to the paper. It is also a lovely book to work with; nice artwork/illustrations.

  151. Zelda Ella on September 30, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    I also buy Calligrapher’s project book. Thought this book as published so long ago would be impossible to buy. Bought a hardcover edition in excellent condition. all that a beginner in calligraphy needs to start them off

  152. Allison Roberts on November 8, 2020 at 12:43 pm

    Hello! reading this post was so reminiscent of my own experience! i too signed up through Hola and had a few pen pals.. I have recently pulled my shoebox out to show my daughters and it has gotten me wishing i could somehow find or reconnect with them.. especially one with whom we had a very long penpal relationship and were actually pretty great friends. Anyone have any ideas of how to reconnect with these friends.. other than Facebook as i have tried that but so many post come up and none seemed to be the right one. 🙁