These scrolls are based on a 3rd century mosaic on display in the National Roman Museum.

I was surprised to find a floral motif. Most of what I’d seen thus far was more abstract geometric. That plus the curved lines convinced me it needed to be turned into scrolls. The baselines were traced, but then I used the template as more of a guide when adding the foliage for more of a freehand feel. Sort of freehand with guide rails, which worked well for me.

This motif also looked like a good fit for silver gilding. Ozzy agreed.

Matching the Roman motif, the calligraphy hand was done in Roman Rustic.

Materials: Printer, light table, 8″x10″ pergamenata, ruler, Ames lettering guide, pencil, eraser, micron pen, Speedball Super Black ink, dip pen, gouache, Finetec silver paint