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!
Hi Julie are starting you class’s again as I could a refresher.
I would love to, but not until at least January. Sorry!
Hi I am wanting to start this and I have no experience at all with this I just wanted to ask. If I should just go for it or eat up on it?
GO FOR IT! Just start from the beginning. Enjoy!
Hi! Julie, can I use William Mitchell copperplate fountain pen with its nibs??? Is it suitable for Beginners???
These are just recommendations. You can use whatever you’d like…this was just what I found to be easy and comfortable when getting started. Enjoy!
I started your at home course, and I am having trouble running out of ink too fast. Are you using a reservoir? I also can’t seem to make thinner loops when I go up without pressure. When I first dip the pen there is a lot more ink on it than I should it should have!
This is just awesome it can be used in so many places.
I find it very easy to write in different calligraphy styles after seeing your site. It has helped me a lot.
I would like to share something.The sentence’ A QUICK BROWN FOX JUMPS OVER A LAZY DOG’ contains all the letters of the English alphabet. By practicing this sentence, we get to practice all the alphabets in calligraphy in one go.
Hello Julie,
This series looks fantastic, thank you for providing it for free 🙂
I am on the site you’ve provided the link to for supplies and I’m looking at purchasing my supplies soon.
I’m just wondering whether I’m getting the right things? My cart contains: Zebra Comic G Nib, Higgins Eternal Non-Waterproof Ink, Speedball Marbled Penholder.
I also have the Copperplate Practice Pad in my cart but I am wondering if I need this as you’ve provided practice grids.
Also, do I need to buy specific paper, you mentioned ‘paper in varying weights’, I looked at the sampler pack on this site, however, it is $20.95 and also very extensive so I wondering if it was necessary or better to get a recommended few sheets and if so, do you have a recommendation please? I only ask because the options in the paper section are a touch overwhelming when all you have ever bought is basic printer paper.
I already have a tracing paper pad, is there anything else I need to get started?
Also, I am ordering these to the UK so would you recommend getting multiple nibs, any other specific nib types or multiple pen holders?
Thank you for your time and I hope you receive this (as I’ve noticed the last comment was from August).
Kind regards,
Rachel
I am very excited to get started. I purchased the actual practice pad or do you recommend that I just use the tracing paper with calligraphy paper?
I am also confused about using the tracing paper with the provided practice sheet. Do I place the tracing paper just over the provided practice sheet and go from there. Thanks!
I personally recommend starting with tracing paper, but it’s completely up to you! That’s correct!
Hi, I brought the oblique pen and the zebra G nib but couldn’t find the higgings eternal black ink.
Can I use some other ink?
Absolutely!
I am very exiting to lurn callygraphy
Were do I find the series to get started
You’re in it! This post is about the supplies, and teaches you how to load the nib and properly ink it. At the end of this post you’ll see the posts in order with links.
I am left handed and would love to learn calligraphy is it to late to sign up for one of your classes.
I have most of my left handed supplies. An what is the cost for your class.
Pat Hubbard
patben@comcast.net
Completely free – just follow the series from post to post. You’ll see the posts listed at the bottom of each. They include free printable practice sheets as well and there’s a post to specifically address left-handed calligraphy! Enjoy!
i would like to learn calligrophy
Thank you so much for these lessons. I’ve been all over YouTube to no avail & have found the perfect learning resource right here on your beautiful site. So appreciative. Thank you!
I hope you enjoy it, Kate! Thank you!
Do you do your own calligraphy on your site? Very impressive! I’m brand new in learning. 🙂
I went to our local craft store and could not find a Zebra G nib – if I can’t find that, what would you recommend? Then, I couldn’t find your ink – is it waterproof or non-waterproof? So aggravating when you can’t find what you need. Please advise. Thanks so much. : )
It’s also available online. Unfortunately, every store differs & constantly changes inventory. These are merely recommendations.
Unfortunately Robyn, craft stores vary, even from one location to another. In addition, they often continuously update stock. In this post you’ll find a link to the online resource I’ve used if that is more convenient. https://julieblanner.com/learn-calligraphy/
Hi,
I just came across your calligraphy series!! So excited. I have been wanting to learn this for years now. I even bought all the supplies but never could find a class near home. I just subscribed. How can I get the practice sheets? Thankyou!
They’re all available within their individual lessons. Enjoy!
Will you be having this free class again anytime soon? I took a beginners class 10 years ago but would like to get started again. I look forward to attending.
I don’t offer classes, but follow the series to learn on your own at home! Enjoy!
Hi Julie! So happy to have found this 5 day course 🙂 It might be helpful with my wedding coming up in a few months time 🙂 I have been looking for the files to download and all I can find is the practice grid.. would you be able to send the alphabet etc by email? Thank you so much! xoxo
All files are within the series of posts for their individual lessons. Enjoy!
I am 79 years of age and I can write fairly well, but I do shake at times. I have wanted to learn this art form for years. Will I be wasting my time and money?
You may actually find it’s easier for you because unlike handwriting, you do a stroke at a time, lifting the pen as needed. It’s free, so give it a try!