The Art of Whimsical Lettering Paperback – March 20, 2014

Let me begin this review by admitting that... 1. I hardly ever purchase 'How To' books, as I feel I can usually figure things out on my own without depleting my already meager budget... and 2. I very rarely ever write reviews. That all being said, you must now realize how AWESOME I think this book is!!!I have been following Joanne Sharpe for quite a while, first noticing her magazine tutorials and articles, then stalking her website, and eventually signing up for one of her online classes... which I totally enjoyed. When I realized she had written this book, I was excited... but didn't purchase it. I get mad at myself when I purchase these kinds of books, flip through them, then toss them aside to gather dust as I continue to practice on my own. Do you do that too?? So... that's why I don't buy these books any more. Well... one evening while surfing the Internet searching for inspiration for another project I was working on, I stumbled upon her AOWL Book Club. WOW! I was blown away!! An author who enhances the printed lessons via FREE online classes???? Now THAT's what I call going above and beyond!!! I watched a few of the videos... then immediately purchased the book!!! I really like Joanne's style of teaching... and am THRILLED she keeps me going back to the book and dives deeper into the lessons. Finally... A 'How To' book that gets USED instead of just sitting on the shelf. I was so in love with this idea.. that I purchased her other book, The Art of Whimsical Stitching and actually PAID for the online class that goes with it!!Why are you still reading this review? Click the 'buy' button, pull out your paper and markers, join her book club, and get creating!!!

At first, I completely misread this book, and I'm not sure why that is. But if you read some of the three-star reviews, that was exactly my initial reaction. I expected something entirely different, where there would be more instruction and perhaps some whimsical calligraphy styles. But as I looked through the book, all I saw was variations on Joanne's own handwriting, and while pretty, it wasn't what I expected, so I just put it aside.Luckily, someone posted a comment on my review and suggested I give it another go, and I'm glad she did, as I feel like I'm reading a completely new book. Perhaps where I went wrong it that I looked at the second half of the book first, which consists of Joanne's varied styles of handwriting featured in a lot of different mixed media techniques. (I tend to read things back to front, even magazines.) So I basically missed the whole first part of the book, which is where there are 25 different exercises to get you playing with your own handwriting so that it can become a significant element in your own art. I'm having fun with them, but I do feel a need to be exposed to other styles, so I'll probably pick up some of the other handwriting books suggested in some of these reviews.I still think people should see this book before they buy it, as others were similarly confused by what they thought they were getting. But if you do buy it sight unseen, be sure to read it from the beginning, unlike yours truly. :)

I have always hated my handwriting as I came of age when our public schools were changing from the beautiful Palmer method to a more "modern" (read less structured) handwriting method. I was very successful at calligraphy for many years, but arthritis and carpal tunnel have knocked that out for me. Joanne is so enthusiastic about using your own handwriting and believing it is beautiful, that I decided to buy her book after listening to her when she visited the Bernina shop where I work. If you want a shot of energy, just listen to Joanne. I wonder if she secretly plugs herself into an electrical socket at night to recharge while she sleeps. <G> The book has pages and pages of examples and suggestions for materials to use from the basic Sharpie pen to some more exotic alcohol markers. You don't "need" the fancier things, but it is fun to buy a few, experiment and enjoy expanding from your basics. I don't have a lot of down time, but between Whimsical Lettering and Zentangles (not covered in Joanne's book but easy to pick up on-line) I have more than enough inspiration to fill the few moments when I get to sit down and my journals are looking fresher and more alive. I find myself noticing words and phrases I want to embellish. You should see my 4th of July page.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. The visual impact of the art is not only striking, but it draws you in to the text, compelling you to push forward with the exercises. The exercises themselves are outstanding - this is truly a comprehensive class in a book. If you follow along fully, you will see your natural writing evolve along with your artistic writing.The book starts off having you set up a composition notebook to be your journal/workspace/playground. I normally skip over that type of thing, but the look and feel is so appealing I fully threw myself in to the activity with great joy. Once completed, Joanne quickly jump-starts you with 25 short project pages. These give you a real sense of accomplishment in a short time, and again propel you on through the book. This type of construction is absolutely the best feature of the book - it nudges you forward and allows for quick and rewarding success as well as more in depth learning and challenge.I have seen amazing results from the book. After several major failures with other books on the market, this is a breath of fresh (and colorful) air.