Next month, Christie’s will begin the sale of the exceptional fine and decorative arts collection of legendary fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, featuring more than 1,200 lots of French and European Furniture and works of art, including sculpture and paintings from Old Masters to Modern and Contemporary works. Each object was chosen with Hubert de Givenchy’s meticulous eye and reflects his exquisite taste. Drawn from two of de Givenchy’s most iconic and elegant homes—the Hôtel d’Orrouer in Paris and the Château du Jonchet in the Loire Valley—the collection includes many exceptional objects unseen on the market for decades as well as more recent works acquired towards the end of his collecting journey. Christie’s will offer this extraordinary collection at auction in Paris from June 14 to 17 (live sales) and from June 8 to 23, 2022 in a dedicated online sale. The timing of the announcement of the sale coincides with the 70th anniversary of the first haute couture collection Hubert de Givenchy presented in Paris on February 2, 1952, which was a resounding international success.
Interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein – a favorite of The Glam Pad – was recognized for her excellence in the classical tradition with an Arthur Ross Award on Tuesday. Established in 1982 through the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the annual award celebrates achievements in classical architecture, interior design, landscape design, art, and those who have left their mark in the name of classicism.
This year’s awards ceremony was held in the grand dining room of the University Club in New York City, designed by the legendary architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White. You can see the full list of 2022 winners here.
By Suzanne’s side Tuesday evening was her daughter Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, founder of the celebrated interior design shop KRB. Supremely curated, KRB specializes in one-of-kind art, antiques, and other objects of charm, and has been a go-to shop for designer enthusiasts since its inception in 2014. Having outgrown its quaint shop on the Upper East Side of New York, next month KRB will move to a beautiful storefront located at 73rd Street and Lexington Avenue, just one block south of their current home.
Outrage over the continued demolition of the most beautiful, historic homes in Highland Park (Texas) is mounting. This week, D Magazine shared updates on Preservation Park Cities‘ mission to save historically significant homes in the Dallas suburbs of Highland Park and University Park. The preservation society has inventoried the 100 most noteworthy and endangered houses as part of a larger attempt to save these historic homes. Sadly, getting historic protection ordinances “is unlikely” the magazine reports, so efforts include potential ordinances that would delay demolition, protect a property’s mature trees, and more.
Meanwhile one resident has started a petition, and we are asking readers for signatures here! The petition will request City Council to offer tax incentives for homeowners to keep and renovate historic homes, and to establish a Demolition Review Board in the hopes that we can save some homes in the future. A building review will also be requested to prevent every new home built in the 2020 decade from looking the same.
Built by Hal Thomson in 1926 this Highland Park home made D Magazine‘s list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Homes in Dallas. It was lovingly restored in 2019 and sold in 2021… click here to enjoy the real estate listing.Another home saved from the wrecking ball, via Preservation Park Cities
Classic Summer Reading List
The Glam Pad has a passion for the classics, and that includes our love of books. Nothing quite beats curling up with a historic novel and a cup of tea. The physicality of holding a book will always trump digital reading and exploration…. although Audible has become a bit of a guilty pleasure during bath time! We are mavens of beauty and while they say you can’t judge a book by its cover, sometimes we must respectfully disagree.
For your summer reading pleasure, we have rounded up some of our favorite classics for all our fellow bookworms with the sweetest covers that will surely make a statement on your shelves. They also make lovely gifts. What is your favorite? Please comment below!
As perpetual treasure hunters and shoppers, we are always on the lookout for amazing online steals! Starting TODAY celebrated fabric house Sister Parish Design will be hosting an online warehouse sale like never before, offering their beautiful prints to the public at incredible prices. Sister Parish Design, named of course after the late decorator Sister Parish of the renowned firm Parish-Hadley, is an iconic fabric house that tops our list. With bold yet classic prints, every home could use a dose of Sister Parish Design. Psst… sign up for their newsletter by tapping the link in their Instagram bio for email access to the sale or keep an eye on their website for the sale to go live!
Today, you are in for a special treat as Elizabeth Moyer (@theprettypinktulips) is taking The Glam Pad on an exclusive video tour of her renowned pretty pink tulip gardens! Elizabeth and her family moved into their beautiful Rye, New York home 16 years ago and began working on the landscaping the following year. The first order of business was to replace all of the foundation plantings and re-draw the borders. Once the foundation was complete, the annual tradition of planting pink tulips began.
Each fall, 1,600 Menton bulbs are planted in the front, and by late April they are gloriously blooming. Over time, the Moyers began planting an additional 1,500 in the back. Half are Angelique and half are usually Maureen, but this year they substituted Catherina. The bulbs must be replaced each fall. “Overall, the tulip season lasts for less than one month, but it is something I anticipate and look forward to each spring,” said Elizabeth. “And I love sharing them virtually with all of you.” Her 11,000+ followers on Instagram couldn’t agree more!
Please click here to enjoy Elizabeth’s guided video tour… and a sneak peek is below!
To see Elizabeth’s beautiful tulips from years past, as featured by The Glam Pad, please click here. We also captured the one year she substituted red for her signature pink, which you can see here!
Today The Glam Pad is thrilled to introduce a very special guest… one you will frequently be seeing moving forward as we share a very special announcement… keep reading! Jenny Caulk is the founder of Fursatile, a company that connects people and pets with beautiful yet functional décor and products for the home.
In 2015 a Cavalier King Charles puppy named Cooper stole Jenny’s heart and home. Inspired by the “picture perfect” rooms featured on The Glam Pad, she wanted to create a beautiful, magazine-worthy home for Cooper and herself but couldn’t find products that were stylish, functional, and made for the entire family. For over a year, Jenny worked on designing and sourcing quality-made materials. Drop cloths evolved into Protective Covers, and a Tory Burch shoe box transformed into a patented Step Ottoman. Her dream of “connecting people and pets beautifully” became a reality when Jenny launched Fursatile in 2019, stepping down from a career that included global marketing and branding. Fursatile quickly developed a loyal following among the nation’s leading interior designers, stylish pet owners, and celebrities, even gaining the attention of Oprah in her coveted O List: Pet Edition.
Pictured: Jenny developed the Fursatile Protective Covering after after becoming tired of stripping the bedding and scrubbing upholstery every time there was a mess or accident. The blankets on the market either looked like they were made for a dog’s house or they didn’t have performance characteristics. The Fursatile cover repels stains and spills and is 100% free of harmful substances.The award-winning Fursatile Step Ottoman is beautiful, functional, and versatile, and can be used by both people and pets. With patented tongue-and-groove glides, Jenny designed the Step Ottoman – which is actually three independent pieces – after not being able to find attractive pet steps on the market. Photo Credit: @thedesigngirls@jenny_waters_reynolds@luluandtedders@boxwoodinteriors@walton_street@lydiamenziescelebrates@kristywicks The Protective Cover is also UV-Resistant@kristywicks@madcapcottage
After losing her father suddenly, Jenny channeled the values she learned from him – honesty, hard work, determination, and an entrepreneurial spirit – into her business. Thanks to the power of Instagram, Fursatile became not only a business, but a dedicated community of pet lovers (#fursatilefamily). This community has walked beside Jenny every step of the way, especially through the loss of her mother – Fursatile’s biggest cheerleader – in January 2022.
“Her death has been devastating and the love, support, and guidance she provided can never be replaced. Losing someone is never easy, but much like what happened when my father died and I started Fursatile, I came to realize that in addition to loving Fursatile and Cooper,” said Jenny, “I needed something new to pour my heart and soul into.”
Jenny and Andrea, founder of The Glam Pad, met in the fall of 2021 and instantly realized they were kindred spirits. They quickly discovered their shared values, entrepreneurial spirit, passion for dogs, and design aesthetic. They were even born in the same year, just two months apart! For Andrea, the challenge of juggling motherhood and The Glam Pad was becoming increasingly difficult, and she had been praying to find a solution that would enable her to maintain editorial control, yet relinquish much of the business development necessary to take TGP to the next level. With a shared vision and complementary skill sets, Jenny and Andrea are thrilled to partner together as they and their team take TGP to new heights.
Still mourning the loss of her mother, Jenny will infuse her cherished memories and lessons learned into TGP through her new role as Managing Director. From an early age, Jenny’s mother introduced her to the world antiques, shared in her love for historical dramas and period films, and inspired her to find beauty in all things: animals, plants, flowers, and the joy evoked from everyday experiences such as a beautifully made bed that welcomes a tired soul, a home cooked meal passed down from generations, a room adorned with items representing the past and present, etc. Jenny’s parents taught her that home is not just a house, it’s a haven… A place where everyone is welcome and the door is always open, day or night.
Jenny’s late mother and father
“Jenny is the perfect embodiment of everything TGP represents, and I could not be more excited and honored to welcome her onboard as my partner in crime and as a dear friend,” said Andrea. “The fresh energy, perspective, and ideas Jenny brings to the table will be delightful to watch unfold as she shares the same warmth and sense of community experienced through Fursatile.”
As Managing Director, Jenny will foster relationships with designers, tastemakers, and brands while increasing engagement and building a renewed community for TGP followers. She will oversee exciting new projects on the horizon, establish strategic goals with Andrea, and work with TGP team to achieve exponential growth. Jenny remains committed to the continued growth of Fursatile, and she and Andrea look forward to collaboratively supporting both brands.
Fursatile BrandingAnother Dynamic Duo: Andrea’s French Bulldog, Riley, illustrated with Jenny’s Cavalier, Cooper
To learn more about Fursatile and make purchases, please visit fursatile.com and follow @fursatile on Instagram. We look forward to sharing our new journey with you!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Our favorite mother-daughter duo has launched an exclusive fabric collection: Serena Fresson Fabrics, designed by Serena Fresson for Mrs. Alice. The collection perfectly showcases Serena’s distinct eye, blending her lifelong love of colour with inspiration from classic English Country House design. Each fabric has been thoughtfully executed making for an impeccable addition to any home. It is no wonder we are clamoring to get our hands on every print!
Click here to take a tour of Serena’s gorgeous home, and follow @serena_fresson on Instagram.
With Summer quickly approaching, we have gardening on our minds. While digging in the dirt, sorting seeds, and sweating over a wheelbarrow isn’t exactly glamorous, we always believe in adding a bit of chic to even the most arduous task. Below, we have rounded up the loveliest gardening accessories around to make pruning the rose bush more palatable this year.
Chic Garden Style
And speaking of chic gardening… Paula Sutton – the English rose who single handedly turned gardening in a frock into an art form, creating an Instagram sensation with her joie de vivre in the English countryside – has released her first book – Hill House Living: The Art of Creating a Joyful Life. It is a gorgeous guide to the simple pleasures of cottage living—antique hunting, gardening, and enjoying the seasons—from a beloved British design and fashion influencer. You can tour Paula’s home here, and follow her @hillhousevintage on Instagram.
From interior design to fabulously fun fabrics to home goods – and of course the illustrious design legend herself – we simply cannot get enough of all things Sister Parish. This spring, the iconic brand has knocked it out of the park with a new rug collaboration, Sister Parish x Tibetano. With each one more marvelous than the next, the hand-woven flat weave collection is made to withstand time. Luxurious yet simplistic, carpets will be offered direct to the trade.
Mytheresa, an industry leader in the world of online luxury fashion and retail, just introduced “Life,” an elevated selection of home décor and other lifestyle products. From furniture to tablescape, the retailer’s latest expansion is quickly becoming a go-to resource for home shopping. Launching with 60 carefully curated brands, Mytheresa offers something to suit everyone, from minimalists to maximalists.
A sampling of their delightful new offerings below…
One of our favorite New Yorkers and photographers, Susan Kaufman will be releasing her first book Walk with Me New York on May 24th with a celebration at Hudson Grace in the West Village. A prolific photographer, creative, and New Yorker, Susan captures the beauty of the city like no other. Each photograph tells a story and often reminds one to pause and observe everyday spaces frequently overlooked. From Instagram to the glossy pages of print, Susan’s book is a must have. If you find yourself in New York May 24th, stop by Hudson Grace at 405 Bleecker Street from 6-8pm for a signed copy.
Last summer we featured the work of Atlanta-based designer Lauren E. Lowe, founder of Lauren Elaine Interiors, for a Style Profile Q&A. We are huge fans of her classic, Grandmillennial style and were delighted to see her new home featured earlier this year in House Beautiful! Today, Lauren is sharing some extra, previously unpublished pictures with The Glam Pad!
One of the first things Lauren did was to add a lot of bright white paint and add windows to bring in natural light. She sorted through her previous home’s furnishings, editing and filling in with other pieces she had collected over the years. Lauren layered the rooms with a mix of antiques, vintage furniture, contemporary and traditional art, and antique Persian Rugs. She added lots of color with fun prints and patterns, creating a kid-friendly, Grandmillennial paradise.
Let’s take a tour with photography by Emily J. Followill.
Reese Witherspoon has famously said, “My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything else I own. My rule is, if it’s not moving — monogram it!” From their ancient beginnings to modern times, monograms have played an integral role throughout history.
As early as 350BC, many of the early Greek and Roman coins were marked with the ruler’s monogram as a form of authentication. Royalty and military leaders symbolized their position and influence by using monograms to mark government buildings, identify objects belonging to the ruler in power, authenticate official documents, etc. In the Victorian era, aristocratic families began using custom monograms to mark their table linens, cutlery, and other household goods as a sign of prestige. Soon every household boasted their own form of monogram styles from embroidered monogram letters for noblemen to simple personalized stamps for the lower class.
Today, technology has made monogramming affordable and accessible to almost everyone. While aspiration may still play a role, monogramming is now considered a personal creative expression having very little to do with social position or wealth. Thanks to mass production, they have become ubiquitous. You no longer need to be an artisan to monogram, just plug your initials into the computer and go. This left me wanting something more unique… Something personal I could use that no one else would have. So when I met Nancy Sharon Collins, I immediately knew I simply had to have her create my very own bespoke monogram.
Nancy Sharon Collins is the country’s leading expert on engraved social stationery and founder of the eponymous Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer LLC. She fell in love with etching while taking a printmaking class as an undergraduate and went on to receive a BFA and MFA in graphic design.
The unfolding field of digital graphic design in the 1990s broke her heart, she says. “Imagine: there I was in my Soho, NYC studio when the methods and procedures, materials and supplies, the business relationships I’d assiduously studied, garnered, and learned developing my career became suddenly obsolete. Whole industries such as typesetting, film photography, film and print retouching, color separating, plate-making, and engraving were literally put out of business by desktop publishing. Sad but true.”
Realizing she had to adapt or perish, Nancy began offering digital graphic design catering to clients such as MOMA, Bergdorf Goodman, Williams-Sonoma, and Clinique. But to save her creative soul, by night she turned to Nancy Sharon Collins, Stationer, specializing in bespoke hand engraved social stationery.
Not only does Nancy create beautiful custom stationery, but she also creates the absolute most exquisite monograms and ciphers handmade from scratch… Literally scratching with a graphite pencil on tracing paper. You can learn more about her highly interactive process here.
Over the years, many fashion labels have created their own monogram of their company initials, such as LV of Louis Vuitton, YSL of Yves Saint Laurent, the mirrored “C”s of Chanel, and Gucci’s double “G”s. These easily recognizable custom monograms are an easy way for fashion houses to brand themselves and differentiate their products from competitors. And custom monograms can now be used to create your own unique brand. Monograms are an increasingly popular branding design trend in 2022. Of course, Nancy offers corporate branding expertise, but in today’s digital, social media-driven world, creating a personal brand is more important than ever. Distinguishing yourself with a bespoke one-of-a-kind monogram is a cutting-edge, yet nostalgic, way to stand out from the pack.
“The idea is that the Bespoke Monogram (from me) is an investment. In time and cost. It should be used for everything,” said Nancy. “Back in the day, it was the one single mark to identify one’s possessions. Artists have one mark that is called an artist’s monogram. Kings and queens and monarchs had and have theirs on everything from saddles to linens to carriage stones! Think napkins and tablecloths and hankies and fine china and silverware and even Hermes handbags… One’s monogram should be the forever mark on everything!”
Here is one example from Richmond, VA sent to Nancy yesterday…
Click here to learn more about commissioning a bespoke monogram from Nancy. And in closing, I am thrilled to share the stunning monogram she made for me, which I simply could not love more! First, here are some mood boards Nancy created after I completed her “13 Questions” exercise.
And my gorgeous monogram!! It is truly a work of art, and this just the initial sketch… Next it will be turned into a Vector design graphic, and then engraved upon a copper plate. 🙂 The design was inspired by an Austrian design from the 1920s. I’m obsessed with the “hearts”!
Thank you, Nancy, for creating this treasure for me that I will use on everything for the rest of my life! Having something so beautiful, made just for me, makes me feel like a Queen.
This concludes our six-week letter writing series.
THE GLAM PAD’S LETTER WRITING SERIES
Below is an outline of The Glam Pad’s six-week series on the art of letter writing, and all that is related to the subject…
APRIL 8: Why hand-written letters and fine stationery (and calling cards!) are making a comeback, particularly among the Millennial generation. CLICK HERE TO READ
APRIL 22: An overview of resources for fine stationery. What pieces do today’s letter writing enthusiasts need in their wardrobe and why? CLICK HERE TO READ
April 29: A fabulously fun trend… Vintage stamps! How to begin a collection and use them to personalize your correspondence. CLICK HERE TO READ
MAY 6: Why cursive handwriting is making a comeback, and what you can do to learn or improve. CLICK HERE TO READ
MAY 13: The ultimate in customization – A bespoke monogram and stationery created by Nancy Sharon Collins.
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry this week.
It is not every day an icon of design shares their insider approach but thanks to Schumacher, industry legend Bunny Williams has revealed her tips, tricks, and favorites on bed making. An often-overlooked art, Bunny shows how to arrange a perfectly coiffed bed all while mixing and matching linens. Recently released through Frederic Magazine’s series Tricks of the Trade, the “bunny” bed comes to life.
We also loved learning design legend Charlotte Moss’ favorite roses via Veranda. Her top pick, Belinda’s Dream, is our founder Andrea’s favorite too. And if you don’t have it already, we highly recommend Charlotte’s recent book, Flowers… it is a visual feast for the eyes.
May 10th through May 20th NYC x Design will be in full swing. Entering its 10th year, NYC x Design showcases top New York-based artists and designers. Through creative events, parties, and other gatherings, the festival boasts exciting new ideas, products, and concepts. If you seek the pulse of the industry, NYC x Design will be a must.
We’re loving the new Sister Parish Design x Artemis collection of shoes and totes. Iconic Sister Parish patterns in ultra durable performance weaves are featured in a very special limited edition collaboration. Click here to shop.
Charleston based design and lifestyle expert Julia Berolzheimer has launched her much-anticipated collection with Pottery Barn, Julia Berolzheimer x Pottery Barn. Each piece perfectly encompasses Julia’s impeccable and effortless style. With superb outdoor pieces, tableware, furniture, and bed linens, the collaboration blends in seamlessly within itself. Each item is ideal for Spring spruce up around the house. We cannot wait to get our hands on every piece!
In a nail-biting race on Saturday evening, the Kentucky Derby has come and gone once again. As much as we loved watching, we adored gawking at the fabulous fascinators and hats much more. The spectacle has us inspired to get back into headwear. Shop some of our favorite hats of the season below.
It’s hard to believe it has been almost three years since my family and I moved back to Dallas after an eight-year stopover in Florida. There are so many incredible interior designers in Big D, and it has been so much fun getting to know them and exploring their portfolios. Today, The Glam Pad is delighted to welcome Sara Johnson, founder of Sara Johnson Interiors, for a Style Profile Q&A. Despite being a native Texan, Sara’s classic style offers a nod to the East Coast, an homage to her family’s roots. She loves blending items, both old and new, and layering in textures, patterns, and colors to create a rich, revived, and edited look. Fun Fact: Sara and I both began college at SMU as journalism majors before making our way into the world of interior design. 🙂 Welcome, Sara!
Sara Johnson
Q: When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in interior design, and what did your career path look like?
A: I have always had an eye for design and architecture throughout my childhood. As a matter of fact, I chose SMU because of its architecture and the architecture and gardens of neighboring homes. Crazy but true! At SMU, I majored in broadcast journalism with high hopes of becoming the next Katie Couric, all the while keeping my dorm and off campus housing perfectly designed. After I graduated, a real estate opportunity arose to flip some condos near SMU, and the success of this endeavor solidified for me that my true love is in home design and decor. I sold homes for many years before forming Sara Johnson Interiors, focusing on design but always keep real estate assets in mind.
Q: How do you define your style and how has it evolved over the years?
A: I have always been very inspired by New England architecture and design. I spent my childhood summers in Stonington, CT, where my grandparents lived. The coastal, Connecticut homes influence my design and always create a sense of “home” for me. My style is comfortable and livable; traditional and a little modern; a mix of old and new; tailored and sophisticated.
Q: How do you ensure that your designs stand the test of time?
A: Design should always stand the test of time. Ideally, I like to incorporate as much existing furniture, artwork and/or collections a client has; especially if it has sentimental value or tells a story. I can easily breathe new life into existing furniture, and the story it tells or the sentiment it brings is what stands the test of time.
Q: Who are your favorite interior designers, past and present?
A: Jeffrey Bilhuber, Alessandra Branca, Andrew Howard
Q: Do you have any favorite go-to paints, wallpapers , linens, artists, etc.?
A: Thibaut wallpapers are usually my go-to as they are a good price point, which my client’s appreciate, there are a lot of choices, and installation is not complicated. For a high-gloss paint, I turn to Fine Paints of Europe. For tried-and-true paint colors, I love Farrow and Ball. Linens I typically keep simple, but a pop of D. Porthault is always fun! And for art, I like to commission pieces by up and coming artists.
Q: Has Covid changed the way your clients live, and what requests are you receiving as a result?
A: Definitely! For a long time, “open concept” living areas has been preferred, but with so much togetherness during COVID, clients now appreciate more defined and intimate spaces. And, not surprisingly, the home office is becoming a must have.
Q: What are some of your favorite collections and treasures within your own home?
A: My great-grandmother’s Baccarat chandelier that we transported from Connecticut and resized to fit in my dining room; a collection of sterling silver baby cups that were mine and my boys’, artwork we purchased from a local artist in Taos, NM, where we used to own a mountain home; and our beautiful wrought iron bed that we received as a wedding gift from my parents.
Q: What are 5 everyday luxuries you could not live without?
A: Down filled pillows, a steam shower, a turfed backyard so no more muddy shoes from my boys, Nest thermostat, and Amazon.
Q: When you aren’t busy designing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Estate sales and treasure hunting, afternoon naps, and watching my boys in their sports.
Sara’s beautiful 1930s Highland Park home she and her husband lovingly restored.
Thank you, Sara, for joining us today! Such a beautiful, timeless, and inspiring portfolio. To learn more about Sara Johnson Interiors, please visit sarajohnsoninteriors.com and follow @sarajohnsoninteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
In the first installment of our series on letter-writing, I made quite the confession. I do not know how to write in cursive. Much to the shock and horror of those my elder, I was never taught. A misfortune of modern schooling, cursive is no longer a taught subject and is even looked upon as passe. I suppose it was once imagined children of my generation would never need to use a pen and paper. Oh, l’ironie!
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, this posed no issue. My fingers are quick as lightning on a keyboard, and I can troubleshoot just about any technological malfunction. Now in my early adult years, I am utterly embarrassed by my penmanship. I recall the exact moment in which I realized the profound impact of my poor script. In the early days of my career, I was an intern at John Rosselli & Associates. The holidays were quickly approaching, and I was tasked with penning each Christmas card to be sent around the globe to various industry leaders and patrons alike. My stomach dropped and a sweat overcame my entire being. Giving it my all and many a deep breath I inscribed the first few notes. They were pitiful! With one glance from my supervisor of my grisly script, I was pulled from the chore.
image credit: @inkandpressco (learn more about the popularity of vintage stamps here)
Since this moment I have made a fierce point of improving my penmanship. With my newly found gravitation towards letter writing and the resurgence of its use, my efforts have rendered beneficial. Altering one’s handwriting and acquiring a cursive skillset is no easy task.
Through my assiduous attempt at improving my longhand, I have picked up a few tricks. Take a peek at my top tips…
If you are a young adult like me who never learned cursive or maybe, you seek an improvement I encourage you to print out a stack of children’s letter trace worksheets. They are a godsend.
Repetition is key! It may seem abecedarian to repeatably pen the letters of the alphabet, but this is the progress that engrains muscle memory. I now find myself writing out each letter on scrap paper or in my notebook while on the telephone.
Find a style of cursive that captures your eye and adopt it. Over time your hand will adjust and it will become your own.
If I have not yet convinced you to pull out a pen and a pad of paper, then let’s turn to cursive expert Younghae Chung of Logos Calligraphy. Younghae is the author of Classic Calligraphy for Beginners (pre-order now) and is a highly sought calligraphy and cursive teacher with nearly 120K followers on Instagram. The Glam Pad had the good fortune of connecting with Younghae for a Q&A, and she is here to answer our burning cursive questions…
Welcome, Younghae!
TGP: Please tell me about your mission to keep cursive alive, and why it is important.
Younghae: “Handwriting is an imprint of the self on a page” – Dr. Rosemary Sassoon
Although modern technology is increasing and rapidly growing in our society today, I believe it cannot replace the value and benefits of handwriting. Studies have linked handwriting to fine motor skills, brain development, creativity, composition, and more. As a mom of 3 boys, not only have I personally seen these benefits in teaching cursive to my kids, but I find that cursive can be enjoyed through ALL generations (children, parents, grandparents).
I recently received a message that said “She (a middle school student) was telling me how she loves handwriting notes because, in middle school, everyone uses laptops”. Perhaps with the decline in teaching cursive in schools, it has also piqued a greater interest in the younger generation!
TGP: What do your clients typically seek to gain from your services?
Younghae: Currently, I offer online calligraphy courses, resources (downloadable workbooks, practice pads), and workshops to help promote and share my love for penmanship and arts.
Since 2016, I’ve had the opportunity to teach thousands of students ranging from their 20s to 70s from all over the world. On occasion, I will work with clients and brands to offer custom commission pieces.
TGP: How does one who only knows print begin? How about someone who knows cursive but is rusty and wants to improve?
Younghae: Whether you are an absolute beginner or want to improve your cursive, you can get started now with my cursive digital workbooks. These extensive self-study cursive workbooks include an introductory guide (history of cursive, basic strokes, exemplar, how to use guide sheets), 60+ pages of traceable sheets with instructional notes to guide you through the letterforms and practice words/numbers.
*Note – The cursive letters that I teach are a simplified form of Spencerian and were developed by Austin Norman Palmer in the late 1800s. The letters will be on a 52-degree slant with a 30-degree connective slant. Because the letters are similar, learning cursive will be a great springboard to learning Spencerian.
TGP: How do you decide between which course to take – cursive, Spencerian, or Copperplate?
Younghae: Cursive is a monoline script that can be written with any writing tool (pencil, pen, marker, fountain pen, glass pen) whereas Copperplate/Spencerian are pointed pen shaded calligraphy scripts. With Copperplate/Spencerian, we will be writing with a metal, pointed, flexible nib to create beautiful thicks and thins.
Comparison between Cursive & Spencerian, image credit: Younghae Chung
I would encourage you to look at each one and see what script you are drawn to! Copperplate/Spencerian will have a slightly bigger learning curve if you have no experience writing with a pointed nib.
TGP: Which course would you recommend for someone who simply wants to improve their letter/correspondence writing skills, and what pens/tools do you recommend?
Younghae: If you want to improve your handwriting for correspondence, I encourage you to begin with cursive! I recommend either a 0.5 or 0.7mm mechanical pencil or gel pens to start.
Thank you Younghae for your expertise. And now, get those pens moving!
x Natalie
Side Note: There is good news that in many states across the U.S., cursive is experiencing a resurgence in the classroom. If you are interested in further explanation as to why cursive was eliminated from schools, the arguments for and against, and what is being done to bring it back, Reader’s Digest published an excellent primer in March 2022, which you can read here.
Please tune in next Friday for our final installment of our six-week series on letter-writing!
Below is an outline of The Glam Pad’s six-week series on the art of letter writing, and all that is related to the subject… Stay tuned next week as Natalie shares tips on cursive handwriting!
APRIL 8: Why hand-written letters and fine stationery (and calling cards!) are making a comeback, particularly among the Millennial generation. CLICK HERE TO READ
APRIL 22: An overview of resources for fine stationery. What pieces do today’s letter writing enthusiasts need in their wardrobe and why? CLICK HERE TO READ
April 29: A fabulously fun trend… Vintage stamps! How to begin a collection and use them to personalize your correspondence. CLICK HERE TO READ
MAY 6: Why cursive handwriting is making a comeback, and what you can do to learn or improve.
MAY 13: The ultimate in customization – A bespoke monogram and stationery created by Nancy Sharon Collins.
