Holiday lettering at Kirkland’s Heathman Hotel

Four years ago, Camille Robinson was trying to find a more creative outlet.

Before starting her business, Robinson Paperie, she recalls always having a passion for design and illustration. She worked several corporate jobs before taking the plunge to becoming a creator full time. Robinson also decided it was time to share her passion with the world.

“I was trying to find a more creative outlet,” she said. “I started designing and I loved it. I knew I had to find a way to make this a career.”

Camille Robinson shares tips and secrets to elevate personalized hand-lettered holiday cards. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Robinson specializes in wedding and event stationary that include save the dates, custom invitation suites, day-of stationary and hand lettering projects. Based in Seattle, Robinson has a passion working with clients to create a beautiful “first look.”

On Dec. 9, she carried that passion over to teach her hand lettering class at the Heathman Hotel in downtown Kirkland. She taught a class of about 20 people. Each attendee was provided with paper materials, pens, ink and a brush lettering 101 booklet.

The workshop provided paper materials, pens, ink, and a Brush Lettering 101 booklet, as well as bites and hot cider from Trellis Restaurant. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Women of all ages attended the workshop in hopes of learning how to elevate their holiday letters and gift tags. With a smaller class, each participant had the opportunity to work one-on-one with Robinson, who was more than happy to help.

“It’s an attainable skill that people can learn,” she said about hand lettering. “I really wanted to make it a fun thing for people to learn, especially over the holidays. It’s such a fun way to do things more personal. It’s a nice touch and it’s very thoughtful.”

First timer Blythe Condo of Mukilteo, said she signed up for the class to practice for her wedding in June. Condo wants to hand letter her save the dates and wedding invitations.

Amber Bullock of Lake Stevens and Stephanie Remier of Camano Island were also first timers. They both added that once they practiced a few times, lettering felt relaxing and therapeutic.

L-R: Amber Bulluck, Stephanie Reimer, Pilita Corrales and Blythe Condo enjoyed learning at their first hand lettering class. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo

Robinson’s workshops are seasonal. She is currently working with the Heathman to set more dates for hand lettering workshops in 2019.

“We’re realizing there’s a need and desire from the community to want to do events like this,” said Heathman director of sales Asia Martin about the workshop.

Martin added that the Heathman is an “iconic property” for downtown Kirkland, so by them being actively involved with the community, with events like the hand lettering workshop, they are bridging the hotel piece with the community.

The Heathman is still hosting holiday activities for the month of December. Community members can send letters to Santa in the Heathman lobby, now through Dec. 24. Trellis Restaurant is also hosting holiday tea through the end of the month. The menu features sweet, seasonal offerings like peppermint bark and hot apple cider.

The Heathman is also finalizing dates to host more hand lettering workshops with Robinson as well.

To learn more about Robinson Paperie, visit, www.robinsonpaperie.com.

To learn more about and to find events at the Heathman, visit, www. heathmankirkland.com.