Howdy from Texas! My name is Rachel Carl and I’m the owner and designer behind Rachel Carl Calligraphy. I’m a proud Texan; I live here with my husband, son and soon-to-be daughter, who’s due in October.
I started practicing and perfecting calligraphy from an early age; even back then I loved to write and explore new penmanship techniques. When I first started selling on Etsy, I did what I knew best: envelope calligraphy. In the beginning it was a part-time endeavor while I completed the school year as a music teacher, but once wedding season hit in April, I was overwhelmed with inquiries. I realized quickly that I could turn this joy for writing and making into full-time work. That summer, I decided to work on my Etsy shop full time.
Since then, my calligraphy work has evolved – I’ve learned different techniques and developed new, personalized items for my clients. I started offering custom address stamps in 2012 and had an influx of requests for other stamp designs as well. As I slowly added new items and products to my shop, my love for working with clients on custom calligraphy projects has only grown.
In 2013 I was commissioned to write on champagne flutes. I had never even conceived of this type of product before, but through a series of trial and error, I found a way to permanently hand-paint on both plastic and glass. After all the experimentation, I loved the way the champagne flutes turned out, so I decided to add them to my shop repertoire. Over time, they’ve become one of my bestselling items.
Getting to do what I love – writing, painting, drawing, and creating – for people all over the world brings me great joy. I’m grateful to have my Etsy shop, which provides the opportunity for a flexible work schedule, and I feel so blessed by my shop’s growth. It’s my most sincere hope that I can continue creating and designing for years to come, and I look forward to new ideas and new relationships in the future.
All photographs by Taylor Lord.
182 comments
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sign in to add your ownSharon from YearsAfter said 3 years ago
Beautiful Words of Art! Congrats!
Lesya from HappyScarvesByLesya said 3 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! Lovely shop. Keep it up!
Iva-Tasha from gregolino said 3 years ago
Congrats! Really nice shop! :)
Latonya from AuthenticallyMade said 3 years ago
Your work is beautiful! Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Fybur from Fybur said 3 years ago
Congrats! In the age of ipads and tablets, calligraphy brings us back to our schooldays and letters are like music notes from our heart... Beautiful work!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 3 years ago
Very nice.
NeatoKeen from NeatoKeen said 3 years ago
Your handwriting is so elegant. Congratulations on the spotlight and I wish you continued success!
Beard Oil from BeardOil said 3 years ago
Great work Rachel! Congratulations, and keep it up!! =)
Jessica from CreativeDollCrafts said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop!! So creative!
Deodorant Shop from deodorantshop said 3 years ago
Congratulations!! It's inspiring to know that you are so passionate and really enjoy what you do! Thank you :)
Christina from TheWildPlum said 3 years ago
HeARTy and inspiring. Congratulations!
Zalooza from Zalooza said 3 years ago
Awesome shop! ♥ Congrats & best wishes!
Ironwood Candles from IronwoodCandles said 3 years ago
So wonderful. Congrats, Rachel!!!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 3 years ago
Gorgeous shop! Congratulations on the feature!
PeachesnCream Studio from PeachesnCreamStudio said 3 years ago
Beautiful calligraphy! Congrats on the feature (and soon-to-be-coming daughter!)!
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 3 years ago
Your calligraphy is gorgeous!
Fawning Inlove from FawningInLove said 3 years ago
so beautiful! Congratulations! ♥
kay o. from pumpedonpaper said 3 years ago
Your shop has always been one of my favorites. Well done Rachel -- keep up the great work my friend!
Mo and Ki from MokiMinis said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop!
Marina Lampropoulou from tothemetal said 3 years ago
Beautiful work!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 3 years ago
Great work! Congrats!
Megan Bark from HabitatHandcrafted said 3 years ago
Love your shop! Your work is beautiful and I'm so envious of your gorgeous workspace :) Wish you much continued success!
Sara from UrbanFarmhouseTampa said 3 years ago
Beautiful Work! Love it.
TheFigLeaf from TheFigLeaf said 3 years ago
Oh wow - Such amazing work! So detailed!
The Paper Promenade from ThePaperPromenade said 3 years ago
love the idea of personalized wine glasses and champagne flutes! SO fun! Your work is absolutely gorgeous!
Deb Vasbinder from BabyCuteBaby said 3 years ago
Great Work - very beautiful! Congrats!
Stacey from vintagejane said 3 years ago
Beautiful work!! Congrats!
Leda Design from LedaDesign said 3 years ago
What a beautiful shop! Love it!
AuroraHorton from EstateofAuroraHorton said 3 years ago
This is amazing. You have beautiful handwriting!
Sarah from Birchmoonrocksfibers said 3 years ago
beautiful! many blessings to you and your shop!
TheGlowingSkin from TheGlowingSkin said 3 years ago
The personalized wine glasses have a sense of belonging. Really cool shop and process.
Sara and Steve Kozak from potterandwoodsmith said 3 years ago
Your shop is beautiful! Reading about the evolution of your shop is inspiring to us as fairly new etsy shop owners ! Congratulations! ( On your feature and your new baby! )
earlums from Earlums said 3 years ago
Calligraphy is an ART. Great job! Congrats on the feature!
Maykers Leather from Maykers said 3 years ago
SUPAH cool shop! You have such a happy place to work in! Love your handwriting!
Hey Chica from HeyChica said 3 years ago
Lovely designs and shop, congrats!
Rebecca and Daniel from HabitNationUSA said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop as the written word is so intriguing. I loved reading how your shop has grown organically over time. So inspiring!
Lauren Sumner from LaurenSumnerPottery said 3 years ago
I love your work! I've been admiring the champagne glasses for quite some time. Congrats on the feature.
Narwhal Needlework from NarwhalNeedlework said 3 years ago
Great feature! Your artwork is beautiful :)
Margaret from magszilla said 3 years ago
Congratulations on the feature, wishing you much success!
tammy hinojosa said 3 years ago
Congratulations! !!
primlark from primlark said 3 years ago
What a beautiful shop! Congratulations!
Merle H. from MerleyBird said 3 years ago
From someone who has TERRIBLE handwriting I really admire your talents! Congratulations on the new family member :) A very inspirational feature on how our interests can turn into delightful jobs!
Quality Handmade Items from WhisperingOak said 3 years ago
Beautiful art
Carol Bender from BarnshopAntiques said 3 years ago
congrats on the feature...beautiful work.
Debbie Ritter from UneekDollDesigns said 3 years ago
Lovely art work, wishing you much success in the days to come! :)
Jillian Bishop from jbethbish said 3 years ago
Lovely shop! Very nice :)
Sonya Rasi from sonyarasi said 3 years ago
Wonderful work!
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 3 years ago
Simply gorgeous! Congrats on your success & feature!
Rosie Pekris from Rosiejoeart said 3 years ago
So gorgeous x
Jennifer Nease from ModernCountryShop said 3 years ago
What a great feature! Wishing you much success on your journey with etsy!
GoHobo from gohobo said 3 years ago
love love love
Anne Clarey from ClareyClayworks said 3 years ago
Great feature -- congrats!!
WeeBindery from WeeBindery said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop and ideas! Congratulations on your feature!
rbphotos said 3 years ago
Yay!!! Congrats! Love your work! :)
H88255 from HillarysSuperfoods said 3 years ago
Very skilled and wonderful artwork with universal and precious messages!
Carter Seibels Singh from WomanShopsWorld said 3 years ago
I really admire your work! I have the worst handwriting in the world, so I really admire people like yourself who can make words look pretty! Congrats on this feature, may it bring you much continued success!
Claudia Bogart from bogARTstudiogallery said 3 years ago
Beautiful! congratulations, and best wishes!
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 3 years ago
As someone who used to do a LOT of calligraphy, I appreciate just how much effort & talent goes into creating something that some people regard as simply something you're born knowing how to do. Calligraphy is NOT the same as handwriting, it is an artform in & of itself & requires patience, skill, & LOTS of practice! Nice to see you've experienced what I think most Etsy sellers will know to be true... that the best ideas come from your customers, & being open to try something a bit different can not only open up new means of turning a profit but also stretch you artistically & expand your skillset as well! Wishing you everything you wish for yourself.
L'Arrigo from DaisyLovesLuLu said 3 years ago
So lovely! Really fantastic work.
Lisa from AngryHairJewelry said 3 years ago
Your work is beautiful. I wish you continued success. Congrats on your growing family too!
L. Matheney from LemonSweetJewelry said 3 years ago
Gorgeous work!! I absolutely love everything!
Marissa Villescas from storybooksoaps said 3 years ago
Beautiful writing. It is a blessing to do what you love. Congratulations on your success.
Jenn Duval from MoodiChic said 3 years ago
Lovely work and congrats on the feature.
Nancy from HerMajestysPug said 3 years ago
J'adore your work!!! Congrats on being featured!!! Pugs & kisses
Natalie from HansHolzkopf said 3 years ago
beautiful work!!! congrats!
Adriana from ripeshop said 3 years ago
Love your work!! Congrats on the feature and the birth of your baby daughter too! Yay for October babies ;)
Xiu Li from Bridalize said 3 years ago
Beautifully written...Love it!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 3 years ago
Wonderful love letters!! I'm amazed of your beautiful handwriting that denotes a form of artwork. Love the way you described your feelings towards Etsy, it's just how I feel :-) ... Congratulations on the feature, much and continued success!!
Meghann Halfmoon from halfmoonatelier said 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing your memories of writing and penmanship as a child. I too loved to explore different ways of writing! Congratulations on the feature, and your future daughter!
Mallory Bottesch from BotteschPhotography said 3 years ago
Lovely shop! I'm glad you get to do what you love every day! Very inspiring!
BarDulce from BarDulce said 3 years ago
Gorgeous work!
Megan C from AlaskaBagCompany said 3 years ago
Great shop! Congrats
Shulamit Raanan from ShuliDesigns said 3 years ago
Congrats on a great feature! You are so talented... I love your work!!!! :-) I wish you all the best in the future!
meesia from meesia said 3 years ago
So lovely works!! Congrats!!
Lois Ward from SimpleLifeStitches said 3 years ago
Lovely work! And I though calligraphy was becoming a lost art. Thank you for keeping it alive. Blessing in your future.
EBK Riley from DeeAndFee said 3 years ago
Really beautiful work. Thanks for making the world lovelier!
R. Anne from LnRworks said 3 years ago
amazing work! congrats.
Emily Renee Gold from egoamigo said 3 years ago
Beautiful penmanship & work! Love it all!
thedelhistore from theDelhiStore said 3 years ago
Beautiful Shop!
Maria B. from TheNorthWayStudio said 3 years ago
Stunning work--your calligraphy is absolutely mesmerizing! Oh, and I adore your necklace too:D
AtelierDuCielArt from AtelierDuCielArt said 3 years ago
Beautiful pictures of your items!
MJ from MerCuriosJewelry said 3 years ago
Such beautiful handwriting. Congrats on the feature and success, it's very well deserved. xo
Carter and Aveesh from BeadWalla said 3 years ago
Mesmerizing & Beautiful Penmanship! Congrats and wishing you continued success.
Mishka from OnlyOneByRebuild said 3 years ago
I appreciate everyone who is able to do a calligraphy and you do it well! it's a gift also skill to write by hand like this, keep going your works are stunning! And congratulation to being feautured!
Julia Wine from JuliaWine said 3 years ago
Beautiful and such unique work! Congrats on the feature! :)
Bangkokpants Pants from bangkokpants said 3 years ago
beautiful work !!!
sigalit abbou from ArtSigalit said 3 years ago
beautiful calligrafihe amezing art work! congrrats
Diahann Mangoni from ClayMeADream said 3 years ago
Congratulations!!!! I absolutely love your shop!
Marlous P from Lousje said 3 years ago
Beautiful work!
Kasia Slusarczyk from KatDeco said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop!!! Congrats:)
Megan Braswell from inspiringanchors said 3 years ago
Your shop looks like soo much fun! Beautiful work!
Marley Wilkinson from CobaltSkyStudio said 3 years ago
Congrats on the feature. Your shop is fabulous !
AGORAA from AGORAA said 3 years ago
Beautiful work! Beautiful shop! Congrats!
Helen Mills from 1820BagCo said 3 years ago
Great feature. Your shop is beautiful, congrats on the feature.
Bridget Mcnabb from UniqueCastaways said 3 years ago
Beautiful!!
stacey from TessCloset said 3 years ago
Wow! So pretty! Congrats on the feature and the birth of your new baby girl! thanks for sharing your story!
Amanda Gynther from CafePrimrose said 3 years ago
Wow! Congrats!!
Bill Huggin from BHuggin said 3 years ago
Well done!
Kelly from LucyRoseDesigns said 3 years ago
Your handwriting is beautiful, congratulations on the feature!!
BonTons from BonTons said 3 years ago
Nice designs. Congratulations on the Feature
unflappableproducts from unflappableproducts said 3 years ago
You must have quite a steady hand-beautiful-from someone who got a "P" in penmanship-you have my admiration! (p for poor)
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 3 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Beautiful.
Caitlin Benson from cinderandhoney said 3 years ago
Lovely work - congrats!
glitterandstones from glitterandstones said 3 years ago
Beautiful art work. Congratulations!
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 3 years ago
Congratulations and more blessings! You make art, words and letters can create an impact to the people. Also nice to know thay when i was little i had different penmanship and i feel odd about it.
Staci Brown from TheVelvetVine said 3 years ago
Congratulations and many blessings to you!!
Bradley from FrickandFrackScraps said 3 years ago
Great feature and congratulations!!!
Shawna from CityGirlAntiques said 3 years ago
beautiful calligraphy! congrats on the feature!! "cheers"
Rachel Carl from RachelCarl said 3 years ago
Thank you everyone for all the incredibly kind words and encouragement!
Jennifer Paulette from CraftZany said 3 years ago
Beautiful shop!
hubinshow from hubinshow said 3 years ago
Your work is beautiful!
creations4brides from creations4brides said 3 years ago
Wish you a great wedding season!
Lowe Jewelry from lowelowejewelry said 3 years ago
Adorable shop!
Liz and Phil Van D from lizystuff said 3 years ago
Lovely shop!...Congratulations on the feature! XoXo
Skye from Tanyabridal said 3 years ago
Very nice,
Aga from AgasJourney said 3 years ago
Beautiful calligraphy. Huge congrats and best wishes!
Katalin Szabó-Varga from UnnieDolls said 3 years ago
Very nice work! Congrats & best wishes!
Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 3 years ago
Congrats! Beautiful job.
Ada S from KingdomOfShang said 3 years ago
Very nice.
Patti Brisco from Honeybunnythreads said 3 years ago
Love the shop! Great work.
Bangkokpants Pants from bangkokpants said 3 years ago
nice work !! congrats
Catherine Maria Charalambous from BouncyTree said 3 years ago
Love your work. Such stunning lettering. Well done on the feature
Martin Gallagher from MartinGallagher said 3 years ago
Lovely story & beautiful work.....Adore your office!
Hina Nazir from ArtsySpace said 3 years ago
Beautiful work. Many congrats!
Holly King from HollyKingBeads said 3 years ago
Wonderful! I love you work.
MPillustration from MPillustration said 3 years ago
Beautiful girl, beautiful work :-)
Georgia Leiby from CenterCeramics said 3 years ago
It's great that you're willing to collaborate with your customers on design ideas. Congrats on starting a family too! Managing a shop and being a mama will present new challenges. Your ingenuity will serve you well! Cheers!
Duni from PeriDotbyDuni said 3 years ago
Congratulations! Your calligraphy is beautiful!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 3 years ago
Lovely work, Rachel! Beautiful work space. All the best!
Daniela Mendonça from ProducoesCoracao said 3 years ago
Wonderful work, beautiful and romantic!
AtticJoys1 from AtticJoys1 said 3 years ago
Your work is just beautiful and timeless.
Deborah Keats from dkshopgirl said 3 years ago
how absolutely gorgeous is your work ??? just perfection ♥
Thom Aten from Circa810 said 3 years ago
Beautiful calligraphy, makes me feel bad my penmanship is so poor! Congrats on a fantastic article.
Julie Lynn from imjulielynn said 3 years ago
Such a gorgeous shop!! Very inspiring!
Kathryn Greenwald from SweetBohemianLife said 3 years ago
Really a beautiful inspiration! Love this bright spot in my day!
Marie Mertilus from HeiressVintage said 3 years ago
Wow. Your work is so beautiful. Congrats on the feature.
Nichole Duenke from MorningSunshineShop said 3 years ago
Such a lovely shop! Wishing you continued success!
Mike and Jess from JessiesOrientalRugs said 3 years ago
Congrats on all of your success, I love your calligraphy!
Alessandra from AlexandraFamer said 3 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature:D
Jazmin Marquez from CuteMuseStationery said 3 years ago
Beautiful work!
Eve from MyLittleFrenchShop said 3 years ago
Sparks!!! <3
patty mora from PattyMora said 3 years ago
So pretty!
Mirjam from madebymirjam said 3 years ago
Congrats......so beautiful......
Tammy from Picturality said 3 years ago
Wonderful Inspiration! Your work is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!
ReDESIGNProductions1 from ReDESIGNProductions1 said 3 years ago
Such a wonderful shop! Congrats on the feature story.
SweatyMitts from SweatyMitts said 3 years ago
Very impressive! Your calligraphy is wonderful. Congratulations on the Etsy feature!
Bonnie Becker from busybonniebee said 3 years ago
beautiful work--great feature!
Mary Landis Thomas from ToodleLooWS said 3 years ago
Congratulations from a fellow- Texan. You go!
Viva Tuck from vivatuck said 3 years ago
Congrats!! Beautiful shop and great feature! So pretty and inspirational!
Megan from ThimbleAndTag said 3 years ago
Beautiful work!
Caron and Susan from ecowalldecals said 3 years ago
You are amazingly talented. Your calligraphy is gorgeous! Your feature is very well done and thought out, congratulations and thank you for inspiring us all!
Helen from BESLOV said 3 years ago
Wonderful work!
Amy from needleandfelt said 3 years ago
Weird. I guessed you were from Texas viewing your pictures before reading: Howdy I'm from Texas. Ha! Congrats, lovely feature!
William Shinn from TJSSJEWELRY said 3 years ago
GREAT JOB!!!
Laura from LaRoHandmades said 3 years ago
beautiful shop!
Michelle Dunn from PaintingbyMichelle said 3 years ago
Great shop, thank you for sharing your story!
Sharon from VintageDeptStore said 3 years ago
Great natural flowing script!
mizziberger from mizziberger said 3 years ago
Really nice shop!
Mary Mayo from MVMayoPhotography said 3 years ago
You go girl! Congrats on the new baby!!
Chantelle Hoffmann from BespokeStrokes said 3 years ago
I love seeing a calligraphy shop highlighted!! Your work is so beautiful and your Etsy story is inspiring. Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your daughter!
aSouthernHug from aSouthernHug said 3 years ago
Congrats! Your work is beautiful.
veronica geller from Merrymissbetty said 3 years ago
wow, beautiful, simple, and elegant
Kathy from KiwiTiniCreations said 3 years ago
Congratulations Rachel on being a featured seller! You know I am a fan of your beautiful calligraphy. Congratulations on the your upcoming motherhood. Best to you!
Linda O'Neill from AbbyCreek said 3 years ago
Beautiful work. Love your studio too!
Michelle Solano from PrettyCollected said 3 years ago
Beautiful work! I love calligraphy, you are inspiring!
Roberta from amabito said 3 years ago
Great feature! Very inspiring, thanks!
Daniela from EyeLoveMyPatch said 3 years ago
Wonderful work, congratulations!
Beta and Raitis from BetaMenswear said 3 years ago
Such a beautiful handwriting!
Jane Brown from SandCanyonJewelry said 3 years ago
I so admire what you're able to do with a pen and a brush. Calligraphy is something I've never been able to master. And such a beautiful workspace! Much success to you.
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 3 years ago
As a fellow calligraphy lover, I admire your work. Good job :)
Michelle from twobloomsds said 3 years ago
What a beautiful shop, congratulations on being featured.
Gulabo from Cooldesires4u said 3 years ago
WOW, What an artistic Work you've done.. Mind blowing!! Best Wishes, Gulabo
Maya Perez from CreativeIllusion1 said 3 years ago
Love it! I started calligraphy at age 8, and I really need to integrate it into my paintings!
Belle from designandbelle said 3 years ago
Gorgeous work! congrats on being featured!
romanticflowers from romanticflowers said 3 years ago
Congratulations on your success!
Martina Tuzinska from CorkBoardMaps said 3 years ago
Congrats! Nice shop!
Tana Stephens from TanaAnns said 3 years ago
Love this Rachel!
yusuf904 said 3 years ago
Dedicated hard work pays off
alexistanbulll from justforangelsjewelry said 3 years ago
Rachel Carl : very creative and artistic works, you have a very cute shop congratulations .. I like very much success.
Sirikuwan Thipkum from tantawanlights said 3 years ago
Beautiful work...
Koren Kwan from GarasuWonderland said 2 years ago
lovely ~
Ruth Malone from ruthmalone said 2 years ago
Congratulations on your shop being featured! I love your calligraphy and appreciate the piece you did for me so much!