Okay..."b" let's see what you got 👀

Well, "b" showed me what they got, and I definitely will be practicing twice a day for thirty minutes. This lesson kicked my butt. It was difficult and believe it or not this was the easy version. The letter "b" can be done using three or four individual strokes. See the pictures below. 

The first "b" can be done in three individual strokes (upstroke, ascending loop and upstroke). This is the version my instructor, Becca uses, and the one I chose to do. The second "b" has four individual strokes, (upstroke, ascending loop, oval and another upstroke). This way is the traditional calligraphy way to do the letter "b". 

You start with the upstroke halfway then stop leaving a little space for the ascending loop. This loop comes around and down to fill the space I left open. Then I start at the bottom of the ascending loop to start the curved "s" (is the best way I can describe this stroke) and finish it off.

*Editors Note: This practice sheet page is from Becca, The Happily Ever Crafter.

You start with the upstroke halfway then stop leaving a little space for the ascending loop. This loop comes around and down to fill the space I left open. Then I start at the bottom of the ascending loop to start the curved "s" (is the best way I can describe this stroke) and finish it off. My instructor, Becca made it look easy. It was anything but. By the end of the practice sheet, I was mentally exhausted, a bit frustrated and yet smiling like a proud mama because I made it through.  

I bought this cut plushie. Anytime I feel upset or frustrated, I grab my plushie. No more ripping up practice sheets for me. Don't worry, I don't abuse the plushie. It's for emotional support and the occasion firm hug. 😂 

I'm about two days behind in posting this video to Instagram and YouTube. I work full time and get ready to go back to school (college) on Aug. 29th. I've been running around campus getting my books and other tasks completed before classes begin. My goal today is to upload all the videos to Instagram and YouTube. I'm trying to get the videos shorter. The video I recorded today was almost four minutes long.  

Be patient with yourself while you become the artist you want to be. Learning something new takes courage, humility, and a willingness to start again. Give yourself credit for every step forward. Success in calligraphy is created through thousands of small choices: practicing when it's easier to quit, trying again after mistakes, and believing improvement is possible.