Diane Nichols
"What started out
as a nightmare
became a wonderful dream"
People interested in my artwork often want to know the process I use to make my cards. Instead of writing a profile about myself, I will answer the most frequently asked questions about my artwork. It will tell you a little about me and a lot about the joy and passion I have for my craft!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did you learn calligraphy and how long have you been doing it?
I’m a self-taught calligrapher. I’ve been doing Calligraphy for more than 20 years. I learned it in Des Moines, Iowa. I wanted to start a business, and I needed the skill of someone who knew calligraphy. I had my husband, David, in mind for the task. David is an artist, and had experience in lettering. He encouraged me to go to the local library in Des Moines and get a book and learn it myself. He did offer to be my coach, so off I went ‘brooding’ to the library. I really didn’t want to put all that time and effort into learning calligraphy! I began practicing 1 or 2 hours daily. I learned the Italic style calligraphy. David gave me my first calligraphy pen. It was the old-style quill pen you dipped into a small jar of ink. It wasn’t easy, but with practice and determination, I learned calligraphy! What started out as a nightmare became a wonderful dream. I absolutely love writing calligraphy!
How did the idea of the Flowery Quotes come about?
After a few months of practice, I felt confident enough to give a friend a framed scripture. I was very pleased with the writing, as I had worked hard on it. A few weeks later I returned to their home, and to my surprise, my friend had added two beautiful red fuchsia flowers to the picture. My expression was one of shock and surprise. She asked if I was offended. I said, “To the contrary, I really like it”! Later David took things much further, he surrounded a quote with an entire floral arrangement! So words meet flowers, and the expression flowery quotes was born!
How do you press flowers?
I use a plain telephone book. They work well and they are very absorbent. You don’t need to go out and buy a fancy flower press. Make sure the flowers are dry and at their peak. Spread the flowers flat on the pages of the phonebook. You need to place bricks or something heavy on top of the books and put them in a cool dry place. Let the flowers dry without opening the book for at least two weeks. The most popular flowers to press are pansies, but many other flowers press well. I always experimented with different flowers. I am always fascinated with how the flowers looked after they are dry and pressed!
Where do you get your flowers?
I pick them out of people’s yards, but only if I ask people first. David has grown flowers for us to use. I have a wonderful friend here in town who would grow them, press them, and bring them to me! Thanks Tory! I also buy them at florist or other stores. At one point people were calling me the flower lady. I guess that’s better than some names!
Where do you get your sayings for your greeting cards?
I use poems, Scriptures, quotes from famous people. I especially like using my own original sayings. I always want any saying I use to be positive and upbuilding.
Are the flowers on your products real?
No. The flowers on my originals are real! The flowers on these high-quality reproductions look real, but they are not. This is something you can be happy about! The flowers on the card will not fade, but will remain beautiful and vibrant!
