My Creative Process: Behind the Calligraphy
Peek into the creative workspace where I turn raw ideas and simple tools into hand-lettered keepsakes.
Every big project starts with a bit of jitters and a blank page. This video captures the moment I begin a new calligraphy piece, laying down the first lines with a pointed pen.
There is something so calming about watching watercolors flow on paper. This is a simple, satisfying video of me creating a vibrant pink watercolor wash, which often becomes the background for my lettering.
I love how golden ink catches the sunlight. This is a simple reminder to have a good day, written in a flourishing script that seems to glow.
Before starting on a new journal, I always test my supplies on the last page. This video shows how different pens, inks, and paints react to the paper, ensuring the final piece turns out just right.
For Halloween, I decided to use a nib that had been gathering dust for years. This dagger-like nib has wonderful flexibility and was perfect for creating the word 'Spooky' in a dramatic red ink.
Here I'm using a beautiful glass pen for the first time in a while. It creates such a smooth, consistent line, perfect for this 'Monday Blues' faux calligraphy piece.
About this collection
You see the finished, golden-edged piece, but my desk is usually a mix of test sheets, dried flowers, and nibs that haven't seen the light of day in years. Every project starts with a bit of trial and error on my journal pages to find the perfect ink flow and paper texture. It is a slow, tactile process where I test how different mediums react before I put pen to paper for your final piece.
I believe that the magic is in the details, and the process is just as important as the result. Whether I am using a flexible nib that feels like a dagger or watching watercolors flow onto textured paper, each step is intentional.
The Anatomy of a Keepsake
When you request a custom piece, we don't just start writing. First, we brainstorm the vibe—is it a heartfelt birthday wish or formal wedding vows? I then test my supplies on the last pages of my journals. I try different inks, from walnut brown to shimmering gold, to see how they behave on your chosen paper. This ensures that when I do the final calligraphy, the flow is smooth and consistent.
Why the Process Matters
I am not about rushing. I use archival materials that stand the test of time, and I often spend hours planning the layout for long-form text like poems or letters. You might see me using a glass pen for a smooth line or experimenting with metallic ink highlights to make a name pop. These small experiments, like trying a new nib for a dramatic script, are how I keep my art evolving.
Let’s Create Together
Whether it is a long love letter on ivory paper or a hand-painted card, I handle each commission with the same care I give my personal art. I invite you to share your vision so I can translate your words into something you can hold. If you have a specific script in mind, like Hindi or Gurmukhi, we can work on that too. Every piece is a collaboration, and I am here to make sure your message feels just as real and warm as you intended.
S
I'm Sarika. My desk is usually a chaotic mix of dried flowers, vintage nibs, and half-finished journals. I don't believe in perfect, but I do believe in making art that feels deeply personal.
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