November 08, 2024

Ink & Inspirations: Crafting Holiday Cheer with Bee Davies

Bee Davies brings an approach to art that celebrates the joy of creativity, so we sat down with her to gather top tips for festive crafting. Let her vibrant style and thoughtful insights inspire you to make every holiday detail uniquely yours.

From personalized invitations to colorful art pieces, your work feels so celebratory! Can you tell us a bit about what drew you to illustration and calligraphy?

Thank you! I’ve always been an artist and loved drawing and painting. Bringing people’s ideas to life and making them smile has always felt natural to me, so illustration was the perfect path for my degree. From there, I’ve explored all kinds of creative avenues, including turning my own handwriting into calligraphy—a skill I taught myself and now love to share in my workshops. For me, calligraphy isn’t about making your writing look like someone else’s; it’s about developing your own style. My mantra is to say yes to every opportunity that excites me (even if it’s a bit scary!). Everything in my 10-year career has felt like a natural progression, built on the connections and experiences along the way. Growth is always on my mind, and the way illustration continues to evolve keeps me inspired.

Can you share a bit about your creative process? How do you approach a new piece, especially for a festive occasion?

I always start by getting as much information as possible from my client. We’ll chat so I can understand their personality or brand and create something that feels unique and personal. Even though I have my own style, I see the design process as a collaboration, a marriage of my vision and theirs. I always aim to create pieces that reflect both the client’s message and that signature Bee Davies flair.

Many people are trying DIY this holiday season. What tips would you give for crafting the perfect holiday invitation that feels unique and memorable?

Always go for hand drawn! The whimsical, playful style is very on-trend, and even if you feel like you ‘can’t draw,’ I promise it’ll have a unique feel that looks gorgeous. If you’re not feeling confident, I suggest trying a material you’re unfamiliar with. Sometimes, a new tool can help you loosen up—something I do when I feel creatively stuck! For instance, instead of felt-tip pens, try brush and ink, or swap colored pencils for wax crayons. Art should be playful, so have fun with it! I also suggest getting big sheets of paper, drawing things multiple times, and choosing your favourite elements to scan and arrange digitally.

Calligraphy adds such a magical touch to any event. Do you have any beginner tips for making hand-lettered invitations look professional?

For beginners, “professional” in calligraphy just means practice—and lots of it! It takes time to build that polish, but joining a beginner’s class (like mine!) is a great way to pick up tips and get started. With some guidance and practice, you’ll have everything you need to keep developing your skills!

Ready to Put Pen to Paper?

Join Bee Davies for her next calligraphy workshop and discover the art of crafting beautiful, hand-lettered pieces that are truly your own. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Bee’s hands-on approach will guide you through developing your unique style, with tips and techniques to make each letter feel effortless. Spaces are limited, so book your spot now and get ready to add a touch of artistry to your writing. Perfect for anyone ready to turn simple strokes into something special!