Hello everyone! September feels even more like a happy beginning and a new rhythm now that I’m a mama to school-age kiddos. So I thought I’d start here with this pretty print by a favorite calligrapher who’s new to the scene — and full of fresh inspiration. Here’s a peek into the work of Los Angeles-based calligrapher Nikki Ornopia. – Jen

Nikki is a self-taught calligrapher and she’s also ambidextrous! So all the work she’s shared here was done with her right hand, yet she’s a true lefty. How amazing is that! Nikki said, “I found in the beginning how difficult it was to letter with my left hand. I wanted to control the brush. I then thought, hey I’ve written with my right hand before let’s try that! The rest was history. Using my right hand for lettering allowed me the freedom of being more relaxed when I letter, and I noticed the letters were coming out SO much better.”

I love how Nikki incorporates watercolor into her calligraphy! Those watercolor garlands above are so sweet and these place cards have such a dreamy vibe to them. Nikki shares that her lettering style mixes simple and modern bouncy cursive and handwritten letters.

Look at how adorable these baby milestone cards are that Nikki created! So fun and unique.

Here’s a peek at Nikki’s favorite project that she’s worked on so far — a first day of school sign! This canvas piece was done for a kiddo who had just begun kindergarten. Nikki shares, “It took about 3 hours to finish with waiting for the watercolor to dry in between, but it was just an overall amazing project.” What a sweet keepsake!

Nikki works on traditional wedding calligraphy projects, too. (Of course!) I’m always a fan of the white lettering on brown paper look.

What are her favorite calligraphy tools? Nikki shares: “My main tools that I use are fine tip brushes. I also love using fine tip brushes for painting leaves. I love the precision details I can create with those types of brushes.”

Many thanks to Nikki for sharing her work with us! I hope your September is off to a happy start!

Photo Credits: Nikki Ornopia