- ABOUT -
Greetings
Hello! I’m Chantelle Hoffmann - the hand behind Bespoke Strokes Calligraphy.
My own life's journey has gone through many seasons, but having a pen and ink in my hand has been one of the most constant threads that runs through the timeline of my story since I was a young teen. It is a great honor to transcribe words of love on behalf of others and to introduce students to the world of pen and ink!
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When I’m not in the studio, you will find me with my three young children and husband – likely pulling blackberries or trying to figure out how to work a tractor on our new farm in the Pacific Northwest. It's a wonder my hands aren't permanently stained by ink and soil!
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Thank you for visiting my site. I would be honored to be your partner in creating something "bespoke" just for you.
- My Lettering Journey -
I took my first series of calligraphy courses when I was just 14 years old. There truly was no looking back once I made those first thick & thin strokes. I had discovered an art that my left-brained, analytical mind could grasp!
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Skipping forward through a decade of hobby calligraphy, the real change came for me when I left a corporate job at Microsoft, and moved with my husband and young family to a small English village. While living there I joined the Oxford Scribes Calligraphy Guild and began to ramp up my calligraphic study. Shortly after my second son was born, post-birth hormones told me it would be a great idea to officially launch a business. And so, Bespoke Strokes Calligraphy was born amidst sleep deprivation, baby cuddles, and tea over-indulgence. I'd never been happier.
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In 2014 I joined the International Association of Master Penmen Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) and have had the opportunity to learn from a number of Master Penmen and incredible calligraphers through this organization.
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Once we moved back to my Seattle hometown, I added engraving services to expand my calligraphic offerings and began partnering with a number of luxury brand retailers. Shortly after, I began teaching and learned my love for this art only increased the more I got to share it with others.
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The adventure continues.... I will never stop learning and sharing what I've learned with the goal of serving the world around me through the gift of beautiful script.
- RECOMMENDED TOOLS -
Some Favorites...
01/ Nibs: Leonard Principal EF & Nikko G
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02/ Penholders: These deuce penholders are great for beginners. I really appreciate my Jake Weidmann holder for when you're ready to make more of an investment in an ergonomic grip.
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03/ Inks: Walnut, Sumi, Old World Iron Gall, Gouache, Metalics, White
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04/ Paper: Grid Practice Pad, Printing Paper that doesn't bleed, For Finished Work
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05/ And there's plenty more. I curated a list on Amazon with some of the items I've found helpful over the years. Of course, I love to encourage others to purchase supplies locally or from the wonderful Paper and Ink Arts and John Neal Books as these companies put their whole heart behind supporting calligraphers.
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- just for fun-
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A Few Simple Joys
01/ Tea: It's a warm hug-in-a-cup to my ever-freezing body. Harney & Sons is a current favorite.
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02/ Beekeeping: I don't think this fascinating learning curve will let up anytime soon!
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03/ Early morning Rowing: The pandemic taught me that it's my crew-mates that really make it all worthwhile. Go Sammamish!
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04/ Wallpaper, cordless vacuums and audiobooks: because they just make life better
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05/ Alone time: As an enneagram two I sincerely cherish times of solitude and silence (neither of which I get much of thanks to my three little human joys). Calligraphy does help make space for quiet, intentional time, though, which is perhaps is one of the reasons why I love it so.
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