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 signed up but never got the email to confirm my address.
I’ll confirm you – sorry about that!
Hi Julie,
I can’t believe I found your site that teaches caligraphy for no cost.
I am ordering supplies on line and will be ready next week. I have wanted
to learn for about 50 years!!! Finally, I will! Thanks! I look forward to following
your emails and blog. Happy New Year to you and everyone using this site!!
Thank you, Susan! I hope you enjoy it! Happy New Year!
Greetings Julie!
I truly hope this message finds you well and that your Christmas was Merry and Bright! I am so excited to begin your Calligraphy Series but am having a bit of a challenge finding local supplies. My local art supply carries Speedball and Hunt products and I was wondering if there is a comparable nib to the Zebra G in the Speedball or Hunt line. Could you please advise me on the best alternate or whether I should simply purchase the G nib in the Zebra line online from PIA.com? Thanks bunches and Happy New Year!! 🙂
Happy New Year, Kamesha!
Hi Kate!
Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright!! I was wondering if you have a recommendation for a “strong alternative” to a Zebra G nib. My local art store only carries Speedball and Hunt nib and I was wondering what nib number(s) could be compariables to G in the other brands. I am excited to being and look forward to your response!! Also, regarding the PRACTICE SHEETS, what size should they be when they are printed?? 11″ x 17″?? 8.5″ x 11″?? or does it matter? 🙂 THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!
8.5 x 11. I would order online…it’s well worth it!
Thank you so much, Julie! I will place my order right away! Have a wonderful day!
Hi! I just got the supplies to begin learning calligraphy and took your advice from this series. I purchased the Zebra G-nibs and a Speedball pen holder. The nibs do not seem to fit the holder, however. They easily slide in and out with no resistance. I have searched high and low on the internet and can’t find any resources as to what holder fits these nibs. My holder is a Speedball “B” pen holder, and it lists appropriate nibs to use on the packaging (A, B, C, 22B, 56, and so on) but no G. I’m quite confused with all the numbers and letters and would like to know what specific holders will fit these nibs. Thanks!
You can check with the store, but all of these should work with the Zebra G nibs. http://www.paperinkarts.com/calligraphy-pens.html
I have been scouring the internet for good tutorials on calligraphy and when I found yours I was so excited! It was so clear and concise. Sadly though, I went to download the practice sheets and alphabets but the links keep going back to the post instead of the sheets. Is there any way you can email them to me or re-link them? Thanks!
It has been corrected, thank you for bringing it to my attention!
First of all, I think this is wonderful and thank you for sharing with the world! Second, I’m very new at this and was wondering what paper you are using and if I could find it on Amazon.com? The paper weights and brands are quite confusing and I’m not sure which ones would work well for being such a beginner 😉 Thank you for your help and time!
Personally, Alyse, I wouldn’t overthink it. I just purchased mine at Michaels. Just anything heavier than text weight.
I cannot tell you how excited I am to start this! I always try and learn a new skill every time winter rolls around and I’m stuck inside…and I have a feeling this will be perfect! I was wondering what brand/where you got your pen? I have found the speedball brand at most stores, but was just curious as to what else was out there! Thanks!!
Is it too late to subscribe to this series? I’d love to learn calligraphy!!
Not at all! I hope you love it!
Hi! I loved reading through your 5 days of calligraphy and just got some supplies. Is there any way I can still get the printables that were sent to emails through subscribing. Or is it too late??
I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Melina! All but one “extra” printable have been released in the posts, so just follow along! The extra was emailed to subscribers last week & will be again in November.
I’m having trouble with my paper. What do you suggest to use? I bought tracing paper from Michael’s but it seems “too scratchy” and I can’t get my pen to easily glide. Same goes for writing paper as well. What are your suggestions and where can I purchase? Thanks in advance!
Sorry, Agnes! It may actually be the angle your holding your pen. You can also visit the online resource I recommend – link is in the supplies post. Enjoy!
Will the Zebra G nibs fit in any pen? I can only find the Speedball brand.
They will! They’re all universal.
my mom won’t let me start this but it’s wonderful.
Beautyful pen the black one, where did you get it?? 🙂
I missed signing up for he calligraphy emails! Is it too late?!
Not at all! I’m sending out a follow up with the link to the printables in a week or two. For now, start from the beginning of the calligraphy series & enjoy!
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