To say that I’m excited is an understatement. I’m overjoyed to take you on this journey of learning calligraphy with me. Over the course of the next 6 weeks, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know to learn calligraphy including step by step instructions, practice sheets & more. I, along with calligrapher Madi Sanders, have designed this to teach you calligraphy in 5 “days.” Today, we’re going to get you started with the basics, so you’ll have plenty of time to purchase supplies & start Day 1!
Recommended Supplies:
Zebra G Nib {firm, great for beginners}
Straight pen {I purchased an oblique & immediately felt overwhelmed. The choice is up to you, but whatever you learn with should be what you continue to use for sake of ease.}
Tracing paper
Black ink {I use Higgins Eternal Black Ink}
Paper in varying weights
Most of these items should be available locally, but are easiest to locate online. I receive numerous emails about where to purchase supplies. While you can find them at numerous stores, this is one I have used.
Let’s do this! To get started, insert the nib.
Dip the pen in ink.
You don’t want to see the hole after you dip. The first time may take a little more. When you fill the hole, remove the excess ink on the nib on the side of the ink jar. Notice that Madi stabilizes her jar with a roll of washi tape. Genius, right? Don’t forget to print your practice grids!
Next week you’ll learn the strokes, how to create varying widths & loops! Everything you need to learn calligraphy is within these posts, but you can subscribe here to receive a bonus practice sheet {goes out once a month}!
PIN the tutorial for later here:
The series, in order:
Calligraphy Resources & Left Handed Calligraphy
You may also like my online flower arranging workshop filled to the brim with beautiful centerpiece ideas you can recreate with step-by-step instructions.
Credits:
flowers Emmy-Ray, photography Wheat Photo, calligraphy instructor Madi Sanders [show_shopthepost_widget id=”1746039″]
LET’S CONNECT!
I was wondering if it was a good idea to purchase multiples of a nib? Do they break easily or would ordering 1 be all I would need?
They can break if you’re too aggressive. It definitely doesn’t hurt. I haven’t broken one to date, but then again, I’m usually enjoying a glass of wine while practicing!
Thank you for the clarifications. 😉
Do you know where I can find the pens? I’ve looked in stores like A.C. Moore and the have a handful of fountain pens but I haven’t been too successful in finding more than one fairly sad looking dip pen. Where did you find your pen? Btw, the second one pictured is very pretty.
Your best bet locally would be a craft/hobby store. Try Michaels.
Oops one more question….do you mean Higgins Eternal Ink?
Uh yes, & I’m so sorry! Thanks for bringing that to my attention Kate!
Hi. So excited to start this. I’m getting supplies online and am wondering is a Zebra Comic G Nib what you have?
It is Kate! Yay! It’s been a fun journey for me.
Hi julie please tell me alternative for zebra G nib…
Unabke to find it .
Google it, hundreds of sites carry it. Enjoy!
Hi! I printed the practice grid but it is too small 🙁 Yours looks like a letter size. What am I doing wrong?
Check your printer settings, chances are, you have it set to 50%, etc