Once Upon a Circle with Suzie Beringer

Circles. . . no beginning - no end. Looking around us we can see circular designs everywhere. As lettering artists they also provide a way for us to step away from the 'straight base line' and create something different - something fresh!

In this workshop we will look at circles differently and how to incorporate circles into our lettering designs and lettering into our circle designs. We will stretch, pull and push the boundaries of what we think is possible in order to create something that is unique!

'Free Writing' will be addressed and encouraged - Suzie will walk you through her process and explain why she often uses this form of writing. There will be many samples of ideas for you to enjoy and be inspired by.

Circles, like the soul, are never-ending and turn round and round without a stop.      - Ralph Waldo-Emerson    

Suzie Beringer is a lettering artist who makes her home in the Pacific Northwest. With a degree in commercial art with a life-time passion for calligraphy and mark making, she is constantly exploring new possibilities and pushing herself creatively.   Her work has been published in Letter Arts Review as well as other publications.  As a teacher she loves to share her passion for mark making and design with others.  As an artist Suzie loves the challenge and discovery that lettering on different surfaces brings.  It has been said, that if something around her doesn't move quickly enough it may end up with letters on it! You can see more of her work on Instagram:  @penstrokedesignstudio

We will meet from 10-12:30 ET online, take an hour lunch break, and then meet again from 1:30-4 both days. [There is no need to have a second device on Zoom (to show your work to the rest of the group as you work) as we have done with the guild in the past.]

Circles Supply List:

Basic calligraphy tool box & Note taking supplies 

Drawing compass (one that holds a pencil lead at one end) 

8.5x11” mat board or the back of a paper pad to protect the table 

Mechanical pencil (0.5 or smaller) 

Wooden (HB lead) or drafting pencil (HB) for lettering (bring appropriate sharpeners) 

Black fine line Sharpie (waterproof) 

12” C’Thru Ruler (I prefer this ruler as it has a centering guide) 

Soft Vinyl Eraser

12” piece of string; Scissors 

water pot/ pen wipes/six well mixing palette 

Reposition tape or low-tack washi tape 

Short text or poetry that resonates with you 

Fine awl for piercing paper or large needle 

Boris & Riley #37 Boris Layout Tracing paper (a must have!) 

Arches Text Wove/Velin (minimum 1/2 sheet) approx. 19x25” (cut down into 4 parts) 

Black Paper and other small scraps of good paper approx. 6x6” or larger 

Writing tools of your choice & mediums (I will be using a pointed pen as we will be working small). I will also use a small broad edge pen. 

Ink of your choice…sumi, walnut, stick ink…what ink you like to use

Watercolors (pan or tube) & brush either round or flat (medium size) 

Optional: 

**Fon’s & Porter white mechanical pencil (or similar) highly recommended especially if you are using dark papers. 

*Circle Maker …I will also show you other options for making circles 

**Fiskars Circle cutter 

*Clear Contact Paper (approx 9x6”) 

**Gold Finetec or Pearl EX & Gum Arabic! 

*Light pad 

**Gum Sandarac 

*Please do not feel that you need to rush out and buy all of the optional items if you do not already own them. Watching me demonstrate them will let you decide if it is something you want to purchase. 

**Optional items with two (**) asterisks are products I highly recommend. You can find Helix Angel & Circle Maker on Amazon.