MONTHS of uncertainty and what feels like a lifetime in lockdown has forced many entrepreneurs to adapt their work to keep business afloat during a global pandemic.
At a time when the world starts to work its way out of lockdown and back to a new normal, it has never been more crucial to shop local and support small businesses.
This is why the Bracknell News has launched its Backing Business Campaign to support all traders working hard to get back up and running as lockdown eases.
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Local calligrapher Louise Ralphs is among those adapting to keep her own business going while many firms fear the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
The creative, from Crowthorne, set up the business five years ago as an extension to her existing wedding stationery company LouPaper.
But months of lockdown quickly put a stop to face-to-face calligraphy lessons and the restrictions on weddings meant couple’s were no longer in need of the bespoke wedding signs, invites, table settings, and pieces all hand-made by Louise herself.
She said: “I founded LouPaper, my wedding stationery business, back in 2015, merging my degree in graphic design with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry.
“I started quite organically designing for friends and colleagues, before the business grew over time and I went full time last year.
“Taking the leap to go full time was a scary one, to be self-sufficient and not have the security of a ‘job’.
“It took a lot of encouragement from my husband Darren to actually quit my day job.”
In the wake of Covid-19, the 31-year-old calligrapher has taken her business online to teach people the creative skill through online workshops and calligraphy kits.
Step-by-step tutorials take beginners through the basics including how to prepare your tools, how to hold your pen, the varied pressure and directions of pen storkes, and ultimately how to create the luxurious letters that have come to adorn most elaborate invites.
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Louise, who specialises in modern calligraphy and hand lettering, said: “Lockdown has turned my business on its head. Because all weddings and my in-person workshops are all postponed, I knew I still wanted to be able to give as many people as possible the chance to try calligraphy.
"So, I took my workshops online, offering the same tuition process as my in-person sessions, the online calligraphy workshop and kit provides everything needed to master the art in the comfort of your own home.”
The online sessions have proved a hit with many people stuck at home and looking for a new hobby, or as an escape from the stresses felt during lockdown.
The course includes all the tools, materials and worksheets you need to learn, alongside an online workshop. The pre-recorded videos take you step-by-step through learning modern calligraphy and the kit is posted to you and includes all the tools you’ll need to get started.
Louise, who learnt the skills at a course similar to that which she now teahces, added: “I find calligraphy is a wonderful skill to practice for promoting wellbeing. It offers the perfect escape, providing a sense of calm and is a great way to practice mindfulness.
"The true beauty of calligraphy is its uniqueness, each individual has a very unique style, it’s a form of handwriting meaning no two results are ever the same.”
She added: "You can learn the process in a matter of hours, but it’s so important to go away to practice and refine and decide on your own style.
"I would say I am still learning, there are always new inks and materials to experiment with and new styles coming on the scene, it’s the beauty of the art."
For more details: loupaper.co.uk or to see Louise’s creations follow @loupaper_ on instagram.
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OUR REVIEW: A beginners guide to calligraphy
Long gone are the days of scribbling my name in all shapes and sizes while pretending to listen during school lessons.
But not long-gone is the enjoyment that comes with switching off and immersing myself into a project that demands concentration and creativity.
This is why the thought of calligraphy was intriguing, albeit a skill I had never considered combating before.
Opening the Loupaper starter kits was exciting with everything included to get you started, plus the added personalised touch of your name adorned to everything in calligraphy.
Reading the in-depth instructions, over a cup of herbal tea, and the overwhelming feeling of wonderment glazed over me realising the skill and precision that goes into each and every letter.
In comparison, I am someone who uses shorthand regularly where it tends to flow without much tnot much thought needed while scribbling (just the reading it back!).
So, speedball straight penholder and nib in hand, inked and ready, I was settled in for what I thought would be an onslaught of mind-bending challenges needed to master calligraphy.
But that wasn’t the case, within five minutes the clear instructions from Loupaper owner Louise Ralphs meant I was quickly learning the ropes.
The detailed walk-throughs from warm-up exercises, the directions of pen strokes, the shaping of hand lettering, and all the way through to how to join up words started to make sense.
This was solely down to the professional and clear way business owner Louise explained her craft.
Her passion and understanding of how beginners would be approaching the workshop made following the Youtube instructions easy and enjoyable.
The set provided everything needed to nail the exercises and with sessions pre-recorded allowing students to pause and process instructions and (most importantly) rewind for a second try!
Less than an hour later and all Youtube workshops were complete and the fancy lettering was flowing (albeit in a very shaky fashion in my case).
But practice makes perfect and the online course from Loupaper provided the perfect grounding to cultivate the craft and develop your lettering skills.
It also provided a much-needed escape to switch off, focus on one project, immerse yourself in calm, and relax.
A perfect welcome to a new hobby that allows you to stretch your creative brain, while keeping mindfulness at the forefront.
For more details of the calligraphy kit click here
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