I really enjoyed learning calligraphy, & from the response I received, it appears you all did too! By special request, I’m sharing how to learn calligraphy if you’re left handed. I have a special place in my heart for those who are left handed. Chris is left handed & it’s the first thing I think about when I sit at a table – which side to sit on so that he can eat comfortably. In a world where many are right-handed, I’m happy to make small accommodations for those of you who are talented enough to use the opposite hand. I struggle to scribble with my left!
Left Handed Calligraphy:
The majority of the “rules” in calligraphy apply regardless if you’re left handed or right handed. However, there are a few minor things that will make learning calligraphy easier.
First, you’ll want to use a straight pen. If you’ll recall, I discussed the differences between straight & oblique pens.
Rotate your paper clockwise 20 degrees.
Determine if you’re a curler. Curlers curve their hand around the pen, non-curlers don’t bend their wrist.
Remember, practice makes perfect.
Know that you too can learn the art of calligraphy! Nicole Black, The Left Handed Calligrapher, has mastered the craft.
Additional resources:
Free printable calligraphy worksheets – there are an abundance of lessons, including flourishing!
Calligraphy resources on Pinterest – my collection of favorite printables, supplies, etc.
Need a little more guidance? Melissa Esplin of I Still Love Calligraphy, offers online courses.
The uppercase alphabet! Once only for subscribers, I’m offering it to all today. Click here for your free printable calligraphy alphabet. Other printables are available in the calligraphy series. *Please link back or pin directly from this post rather than the printable. Thanks in advance for your kindness.
The series, in order:
Calligraphy Resources & Left Handed Calligraphy
Calligraphy is an art form. It takes lots of practice. I look forward to dedicating more time to calligraphy this fall & exploring new fonts. Have you been enjoying the series? I’d love to hear! Keep in touch – have more inspiring entertaining ideas delivered to your inbox 3 times a week!
*special thanks to Madi Reid Sanders for penning my beautiful business card & Paper Crane Photography for photographing them!
Hi Julie. Thank you so much for your tutorials. Some great tips and lots of resources to get started. Since I am a leftie, I have a few questions for you regarding this post:
1. re: “First, you’ll want to use a straight pen” However, I see on Calligraphy.org that they strongly recommend the oblique pen holder for lefties. Can you elaborate on this?
2. re: “If you’ll recall, I discussed the differences between straight & oblique pens”. I went and re-read the whole post but the only thing I can find about the differences between straight and oblique pens is this “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.}”. Has the post changed? I see it was originally posted on 2014 so maybe that is the reason I can’t find what you discussed about the differences between those two pen holders?
3. re: “Determine if you’re a curler. Curlers curve their hand around the pen, non-curlers don’t bend their wrist”. I have determined I am not a curler. Now what do I do?
Thanks again. I can’t wait to get the supplies so I can start practicing.
Hello Julie! Happy New Year!
I’m a subscriber and I want to know where can I find the mayuscules & symbols practice sheet of How to learn Calligraphy in 5 days. I want to start this year practicing the uppers.
It just went out last night. I send it 1-2 times/month. Enjoy!
Do you have left handed classes or are the same as the right handed. I tried to copy worksheets and was unable to do so, can you help me with that. When does the next class. I am so excited cant wait to learn. I have all the stuff to get going.
Pat Hubbard
patben@comcast.net
It’s just online tutorials to learn on your own – follow the series from start to finish through the links below for more information, step-by-steps and printable worksheets.