Hello everyone! I have something light and bright to share with you, and of course, it comes in the way of paper inspiration. We’re focusing on the work of Kristin Hussey, a calligrapher who runs Sable & Gray Paper Co. I think you’re going to love this uplifting inspiration as we take a peek at her lettering work. Let’s dive in! – Jen
Photo Credit: Tifani Lyn Photography
From Kristin: I got my degree in Architecture, and after I graduated from school, I worked for a firm that I had dreamed of working at. It was fascinating and such a great opportunity, but I didn’t realize the reality of being a modern-day architect until I was working there: it had become a very computer-driven career with all of the models and drawings being done in computer programs. I really missed working with my hands so I decided to try out a different career path that would be more hands-on. So I got a job at a florist, which was just the change I needed. While I was working there, the florist merged with a stationery company, and asked if I would take over the custom stationery designs since I had a background in design, and I completely fell in love.
Photo Credit: Luxlight Photography
About a year later I went off on my own and started Sable & Gray, which has been such a beautiful adventure. I try to make each invitation a real work of art, incorporating as many hand-crafted details as possible. It only felt natural to learn calligraphy as well so I wouldn’t need to rely only on predesigned fonts. I took a calligraphy course from Molly Jacques (who is a true modern calligraphy legend!) about 4 years ago and never looked back!
Photo Credit: Luxlight Photography
I’ve developed my calligraphy style over the past four years with a goal to create a look that is elevated, yet approachable (and also legible!). I’ve looked up to other calligraphers like Molly Jacques (who taught me pointed-pen calligraphy) and Jenny Sanders (who is just amazing), but have tried to develop a style that is uniquely my own.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Laduca Photography
Here’s a peek at Kristin in her element:
Photo Credit: Corey Weber Photography
I love to incorporate calligraphy into my custom wedding invitation designs and will tweak my style a bit to fit the mood and aesthetic of each invitation suite. I especially love doing watercolor brush calligraphy because it’s so beautiful seeing the gradient and watching the colors bleed together throughout each word. They really look like a little piece of art in and of themselves.
Photo Credit: The Weber Photographers
It’s tough to pick a favorite project! I really love this custom invitation suite that features a combination of watercolor brush calligraphy and letterpress printing on double-thick paper (and it has gorgeous dusty-blue edge painting, too!). The custom die-cut Michigan-shaped response card is an extra special cherry on top of this dreamy suite.
Photo Credit: Luxlight Photography
Thanks so much for sharing your work, Kristin! Looking for even more beautiful calligraphy? Check out our calligraphy archive right here!
Photo credits, except where noted: Kristin Hussey of Sable & Gray Paper Co.
Want to be featured in our calligraphy column? Reach out to us at submissions [at] ohsobeautifulpaper [dot] com with the subject line “Calligraphy Feature” for more details!
