Hello Fotene.

Welcome back to another fabulous edition of THE PENCIL CASE!  Each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. Today's inspiration is drawing lines. Yes, it's true.

DRAWING LINES.

One of the most popular questions I get is "how do you draw a straight line?" The simple answer is I use a straight edge...whether that's a triangle, a t-square or the edge of a book (okay, I typically don't use this last one, but you could!). Or perhaps you'd like to draw a  perfect circle? Use a circle template (or a series of coins...but honestly, the template is so much easier). If you start your drawing by using one of these drafting tools, paired with a pencil, you will create a solid set of bones for your garden plan. This is the secret to a consistent drawing.

Now here is the cool part...

once you draw your initial pencil line with a straight edge or circle template, you can ink (or use a darker pencil line) over them free-hand if you'd like. This is the awesome inconsistency that makes a drawing special. You can call this your "style". The drafting tools provide the consistent bones, then you can free-hand over them to insert your own style (the inconsistency). It's magical.

DRAWING LINES INSPIRATION.

Learn more about the idea of consistency and inconsistency in my post DEVELOPING YOUR GRAPHIC STYLE.

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Would you like to draw perfectly vertical, horizontal or angled lines? Find out more about DRAWING LINES in this post.

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HERE is a little Instagram video showing how I use a template to draw circles in pencil, then how I ink over them to add my own free-hand symbols.

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We draw tons of lines and circles in my course GARDEN GRAPHICS TOOL KIT. You can jump on the waiting list HERE. Enrollment opens again January 11 and class begins January 23rd.

LET'S DO THIS!

Try drawing (with a pencil) a straight line or perfect circle using a straight edge, circle template or even the bottom of a mug, then free-hand over it with your own style. What do you think?

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit your inbox and please have a lovely weekend! I look forward to meeting again in two weeks.

All my best,

Lisa

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP