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!
Such a beauty!!! Did you click this pic? I love it!
Late to the game here. Loving the lessons though! I am having to constantly push my nib back into the pen, about every half line of writing or so. I feel like I’m losing precious ink every time. Any suggestions?
It sounds like your nib isn’t fitting well. Maybe try a new pen? That sounds frustrating!
Hello! Whip out a ballpoint or gel pen, and follow the instructions in the faux calligraphy blog post . The reason I advocate learning faux calligraphy first is it gives you a feel for letter forms and teaches you about the different strokes involved in dip pen calligraphy. As a bonus, a mastery of faux calligraphy will allow you to write on non-paper surfaces with any tool. For example, say you want to create calligraphy on a chalkboard; you can do so with faux calligraphy!
Hi,
I’m a Lefty too, after dealing with very bad hand writing for…well for ever and having tried to improve it with little success, I’m now trying a new approach… using my right hand! Progress has been slow & i come back to it every so often but hopefully it will come with time. Where did you get the practice grid paper from? that would be really handy.
I was recently recommended a Pilot Parallel pen to practice with… i love it
Thank you for your lessons Julie 🙂
I’m glad you’re enjoying them!