There are new things stirring over in this little corner of the internet as the new year approaches…We are excited to share one of those today- our new blog column, In Good Co. We have the privilege of getting to walk alongside some inspiring, growing, and dynamic creatives as navigate the small biz world as creators ourselves. On the blog, we want to feature some of these artists and get to know a little of the story behind their craft, how they create their work, and what makes them tick as a artist.
Today we are thrilled to spotlight dear EOH friend, Ashley Schot. She has even collaborated with EOH on some holiday products this year (which you will see below.) Learn more about Ashley and her story…
What’s your story? For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved beautiful letters. I have a clear memory of asking my mom in the 1st grade if my handwriting looked good…and wanting to make sure she gave me a true answer, not just let her say yes because she was my mom. I am a true lover of paper, beautiful lettering, and design. Put me in the middle of an art supply store and I am like a kid in a candy store…which, coming from a true sugar lover, says a lot! When I was in the working in corporate world (very unhappily) I would tell my husband, Justin, that all I wanted to do was own a paper store. When I started seeing all of Emily’s work, I absolutely fell in love! It’s kind of funny- the first invitations I ordered from Emily were for a bridal shower and I actually think I did a sales pitch to her on her own business about how much I value the importance of a beautiful invitation…it sets the mood for the entire event!
What’s your craft? I’ve wanted to learn the art of calligraphy for years…and had tried several times without much success. I am left handed and it presents quite an obstacle in learning traditional calligraphy. My desire to learn Modern Pointed Pen Calligraphy just wouldn’t go away though! Every time I see beautiful calligraphy I just swoon….I study the thick and thin of all the letters, the flourishes…it is truly such an art. So finally, determined once again, I set out to learn again. I got the right tools, took an online course, and dove into lots and lots of practice! And though I still have MUCH learning to do, I am totally in love with it. There’s such a thrill of dipping a nib into ink and seeing letters flow onto your paper. (NERD alert!)
A major part of my business right now is doing chalkboard signs! I stay home with my two kiddos (Hudson-3 and Mackenna-1). This business has happened totally organically. I started by doing chalkboard signs for myself and a few friends and the word spread. It has been so exciting for me to be able to do two things I love…be home with my babies and have a little business making fun lettered designs! I joke that all of my notebook doodling during my school classes finally paid off! I actually saved a lot of my college notebooks because they were filled with so many letters and doodles that I couldn’t part with them.
Where do you find inspiration? I actually find a ton of inspiration on Instagram! There’s a whole world of calligraphers, chalkboard artists, and hand-letterers posting their beautiful work daily. It keeps me inspired to continue creating, practicing, and perfecting my work. Words, to me, are very healing and comforting. Some of my favorite things to write are the lyrics of my favorite hymns and Bible verses. One inspiring lady who fueled my love for letters (and made me see that I could actually pursue it a notebook doodle!) is Lindsay Sherbondy of Lindsay Letters. Her work is amazing and so unique! I have her pretty lettered print of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” hanging in my office. It is special to me because it was sung at our wedding and I constantly look at it for inspiration and the reminder of how faithful the Lord is!
Ashley is willing to do custom hand lettering for Christmas cards, signs, posters…pretty much anything you can dream up! Contact us to get her info. Her work is gorgeous in person!
Thanks, Ashley, for sharing a little bit of your story with us! We’re thankful to have you (and your pretty lettering!) on board at EOH this holiday season.
