Happy Friday! You know what that means – it’s time to learn calligraphy! Today, we’re getting back to basics. When you first learned how to write in elementary school, you used lined paper & started with basic strokes. The same applies when learning calligraphy. Today, we’re going to get used to the feeling of writing with the pen, learn how to apply the pressure that results in beautiful strokes, & practice, practice, practice!
It’s time to get out your practice grid, tracing paper, pen, ink & damp paper towel {to blot excess}.
1. Start with straight down strokes. This will help you get used to the feeling of it. Do a line without applying pressure, followed by a line with light pressure {don’t get too carried away}. Notice that you get different thicknesses according to how much pressure you apply.
2. Let’s practice upstrokes. Create a loop {letter “l”} without pressure going up & light pressure going down. Fill a sheet or two with these beauties!
Now if you’ll recall, I’m learning with you, so don’t judge! I’m sharing one of my practice sheets so you can see the strokes. Madi was pretty impressed with my “l’s”! Okay, she was just being nice, but we all have to start somewhere! Just remember, it takes practice to perfect, don’t be scared to lift your pen, & this is just our first lesson.
These basics may not seem like much, but they’re essential to learn before you develop a style of your own. You’ll come to appreciate how each letter is formed. The next 2 weeks are much more intense, so get ready for some fun!
You won’t want to miss a lesson, so subscribe here & have them sent directly to your inbox. Thanks to Emmy Ray of Handmaker of Things for the gorgeous flowers, Jenny Wheat for photographing my journey & of course, Madi Sanders for teaching me!
The series, in order:
Calligraphy Resources & Left Handed Calligraphy
LET’S CONNECT!
What kind of pen and ink do you recommend?
I’m out of town & can’t source it, but it’s the first post in the series. Enjoy!
I subscribed to your website to learn calligraphy, but I haven’t received any of the emails. I’m looking to start on uppercase and I don’t have a printable. What should I do?
All of the printables are currently available within the posts. They were initially sent once a month. Look for additional free printables in upcoming newsletters! Enjoy!
I signed to get email and DID but no link to get pratice sheets or links. Help?
There are links in the email…click on “free printable upper case”. My apologies that the links weren’t differentiated with color. Don’t hesitate if you need anything else! Happy day!
Can you also teach basic calligraphy for the left handed?
I’ll work on it ๐ Welcome, Catherine!
Left-handed here,too!
Stay tuned!
You two look gorgeous, as always!
I’ve been meaning to learn forever, so I will definitely be following along. What a fun series!
Hello! Do you have a certain type of paper that you recommend practicing on? Im having a hard time with the nip gliding on all the papers I am trying out. Thanks!
Brittney
Just the tracing paper.