yes or no?

“In the space between yes and no, there's a lifetime. It's the difference between the path you walk and the one you leave behind; it's the gap between who you thought you could be and who you really are; its the legroom for the lies you'll tell yourself in the future."― Jodi Picoult, Change of Heart

the bell rings

After many requests, a modern penmanship class has finally been scheduled for January 2013.  I will be leading a small group of students in an intimate studio setting put a pen to paper & develop their own expressive calligraphy style with a dip pen & ink.  Contact hello@crystalkluge.com for more details.

hello etsy!

Along with our darling fonts, a ever changing collection of type-centric goods & ephemera is now available at Etsy.com .

in utero

A sneak peek of our latest Bookeyed baby. (awwhhh, isn't she a sweetheart?) Her name yet is still undecided, suggestions welcome!

hot new releases

 The long awaited Bookeyed cousin Nelson joins Bookeyed Jack & Bookeyed Suzanne at MyFonts today.

Beautiful new San Rafael hits the market at MyFonts today as well.  She's mighty fine.

read all about it!

MyFonts creative characters interview fresh off the press today!

if you don't have anything nice to say....

Here's a peek at the development of my poster design for the Expletive Poster Show opening Sept. 14th at Light Grey Art Lab in Minneapolis. 50 artists were asked to design posters eloquently displaying a favorite curse word or phrase.  Prints will be available for purchase once the show opens. Check out their blog to see more.

we're so happy you're here!

A little custom lettering for Sophie & Dave! : )

enjoying the high life

Freshly launched Pimlico magazine is chock full of goodness including this map of Columbus's High Street shopping district.

wrapper's delight: barocca monograms at msw

Barocca Monograms sweetly adorns these chocolate favors in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (summer 2012).  Check out the magazine for more beautiful diy ideas.

aya at myfonts

Aya Script + Aya Script Ribbons are now available at MyFonts too! Enjoy : )

beauty in the backyard

Here's a lovely shower invitation & envelope idea from the Everygirl blog Backyard Bridal Shower feature.  It was designed by Darcy at Pretty Girl Designs with Nelly Script and hand addressed by me.

love lines

Aya Script + Aya Script Ribbons will be available at MyFonts next week.  Can't wait? Early Birds can pick her up at Font Bros today.

sneak peek: aya script + aya script ribbons

I'm super excited to give a sneak peek of our next release: Aya Script + Aya Script Ribbons!  The ribbons version connects the letters automatically mirroring the entry & exit strokes or it allows you to customize the ribbon as you please with generous alternates.

even sweeter

Sugarplum + Sugarplum now available at MyFonts too!

visions of sugarplums

Now at FontBros.: Sugarplum + Sugarplum Sweet!

This yummy little opentype font complete with juicy alternates and ligatures will soon be at MyFonts and Fontshop as well.

be golden

Brevity calligraphy necklaces are now offered in sensuous 24k gold.

type speciman: carrotflower + mountains of christmas

This invitation set was created for a great couple getting married at their family cabin in Northwoods of Minnesota way back in 2005 (time does fly). I completely handlettered all the text, drew an illustration of the couple canoeing then handprinted the invitations via gocco. The lettering became the basis for 2 Tart Workshop fonts, Carrotflower and Mountains of Christmas.

springtime weddings

In honor of the Spring wedding rush, I pulled this illustration from the archives. Congratulations newlyweds to be!

introducing madelinette!

Pleased to announce the release of our newest addition to the Tart family, Madelinette. She's handlettered as always and includes some lovely alternate glyphs & ligatures to delight the eye. To see more please visit her at MyFonts or FontBros today.

sweet letters to post

Personal projects are a fun chance to play around with different inks & styles. I always love the drama of light ink on dark paper. Above are shots of a few our valentine envelopes before they went to post. Happy Valentines! : ) ps. do click on the image to enlarge-they're worth a closer look.

endearments

Seeking something sweet for your sweetheart? Brevity just released a new line of ready-to-wear necklaces in my lettering just in time for Valentine's Day. The series includes: Love, Honey, Babe & Sweetheart. I love 'em all. : )

beatrice and dylan

notebook sketching

wishing you & yours a merry little christmas

sharing happiness

Delighted to spot Bookeyed Suzanne merrily placed on Panera Bread's holiday materials.

like snowflakes...

I'm absolutely delighted to share a few images of my collaboration with jewelry designer Anna Corpron of Brevity. Every necklace is custom lettered per request, each is a unique design just as each of us is a unique person.

prettiness

A fresh new watercolor illustration commission. Thanks Darcy!

covergirl nelly

Nelly Flourish gracefully titles the cover of this New York Times bestseller "Maine" by J.Courtney Sullivan, published by Random House. : )

victorian vampire gallery

In celebration of All Hallow's Eve....a victorian vampire toss pattern inspired by my daughter's gothic inclinations, influenced by edward gorey, lemony snickett and print & pattern instructor Lindsey Nohl.

the happy envelope

Discovered this charming letterpressed invitation combining multiple typefaces including Nelly Script Flourish, designed by The Happy Envelope in Knoxville, Tennesse. Oh so happy!

new york love story

A New York love story designed with a combination of handdrawn elements and Tart Workshop fonts; bookeyed suzanne, carrotflower & carrotflower icons. Best Wishes to Elaina & Jared!

Marvelous

Marvel Bar is now open in Minneapolis with a sweet logo!

open me

Congratulations to Amanda & David! I'm delighted to share their beautiful letterpressed invitations which recently went out in the mail. The gorgeous design incorporated Nelly Script with custom calligraphy accents.

she's a lulu!

Charmed to share these smart logo design samples for a new boudoir photography biz. Look forward to posting the gorgeous final design & materials.

welcome to the twin cities

In print now, July 2011 Mpls|St.Paul magazine newcomer's guide.

go suzi

Bookeyed Suzanne is rising up the MyFonts Hot New Font list! Go Suzi!

graphic + glitz

This glitterly wedding shoot including my lettering features the work of Amy Hardy of Design 8 Days, inspired by a glamorous Graphic & Glitz inspiration board and styled by Maddy Hague of the Inspired Bride, with an fabulous team that also included Shauna Younge, and Paper Antler. It's currently making the hip design blog rounds, you can enjoy the entire spread at PaperCrave. and 100 Layer Cake.

free treats: fancy pinkalicious labels

I'm happy to share new FREE treats at Tart Workshop: downloadable fancy pinkalicious labels handpainted in satiny watercolor shown above with Bookeyed Jack + Suzanne, Henparty Serif and Carrotflower fonts. think pink! : )
note: the designs are for personal use only.

sneak peek : jack & suzanne

Soon to be released: Bookeyed Jack and his stylish cousin Suzanne. Carefully handdrawn with an old school pointed pen in walnut ink they include smart titles & accents.