Maybe because it’s best sent snail mail just like our subscription boxes, but calligraphy has our hearts these days. We’re always on the lookout for talented artists so when Bethany Menzel picked fellow Canadian Andrea Stenger of Little Black Letter Company to design a mug for our March box, we knew it was the perfect treat for a mom.
See Andrea’s design in our March box here and read more about her life in Edmonton, AB below.
Tell us a little about you, personally and professionally:
I am wife, dog lover, small business owner and soon to be mama (not actually pregnant but just hoping my husband reads this, haha). I also currently work full-time at a senior facility in the recreation department. It's a pretty sweet gig as my day consists of crib tournaments, exercise classes and birthday parties. It is also so much fun owning a small business and I love the autonomy I have over my work. Above all, my heart completely belongs to Jesus Christ and I am living this life for Him.
How did Little Black Letter Company start?
I've always loved creating things with my hands. Growing up I took art classes and really enjoyed it. Eventually I switched gears a bit and found my way to lettering which then led me to calligraphy. After spending hours practicing and decorating our home with my work I realized I was surrounded by a bunch of little black letters…and so Little Black Letter Company was founded.
Tell us how you learned calligraphy. Why did you choose this art form to express yourself?
I have always had a love for words and handwriting. My calligraphy is self-taught and took a lot of practice! There is something so special in being able to express yourself through this visual, writing art. I especially love the look of modern calligraphy since there really aren't that many "rules.” Instead you just get to write and watch as the letters begin to dance on the paper.
What are some of the things you love about living in Edmonton? Where are some of your favorite places to go/eat/shop?
We have a beautiful river valley, so any chance I get to run or do the stairs by the river, I don't waste the opportunity. My husband and I are big foodies so we have quite a few places we love to go eat! Although it isn't specific just to Edmonton, Famoso is definitely at the top of the list. We also love MEAT for an awesome casual dinner with beautiful interior design and Corso 32 for a more fine-dining, special occasion experience. I also love a good latte and now only get them from either Transcend or BRU. My other favourite spot to go is the Strathcona Farmer's Market. It runs all year round and has some awesome vendors (if you are in town go try the cranberry breakfast sausages from Sunworks Farms)!
If you weren't doing Little Black Letter Company you'd be......
If money were no object, I would be travelling the globe looking for mountains and waterfalls with my husband. After that we would go to a soft sandy beach with plenty of sunshine and turtles to swim with. Living in the real world, I would pursue photography. It is another beautiful form of art that I recently have grown to love.