Learn Calligraphy

The Pen
Get Started
Alphabets
Calligraphy Videos
Gallery

History

History of Writing

Shopping

Calligraphy Shop UK
Calligraphy Shop USA

Links

Link to Me
Site Map
Security Statement.
Privacy Policy
The Small Print.

Contact

Contact Us

Calligraphy Forum

A place to discuss your calligraphy experiences

Site Updated: 25 May, 2010

© 2000-2010 LearnCalligraphy.co.uk

 

You will need pens (calligraphy felt tips, calligraphy cartridge pens, italic or steel nibs), pencils (i.e. H, HB), ink (if necessary) rubber bands, rulers, erasers, paper, work board.

 

A good exercise to get the feel of the shapes made by a calligraphy nib is to strap 2 pencils together with a rubber band.

 

wpca4d8d70.jpg wpc247db5f.jpg Hold the pencils side by side so that the two points represent the outer corners of the pen nib. By moving them sideways, at an angle of roughly 30° to the writing line (far left), you will draw a fine line and pulling it downwards draws parallel lines (near left)- the thick stroke of a pen nib. The arrow shows the direction of movement of the pencil, or pen nib. This may take a little practise.

 

wp8f7c8ad8_0f.jpg Calligraphy letters are made up of more than one stroke (click for larger image) and the pen nibs are designed to be pulled downwards or moved sideways. If you push some nibs upwards, especially steel dip nibs, you will find they dig into the fibres of the paper and the ink will bleed and spread.

 

For some great animations showing how to use the calligraphy pen click here.

 

You shouldn't need to apply much pressure to the pen when you write.

 

Practise Shapes & Letter Spacing >>

 

Useful Links:

Calligraphy Starter Sets from Amazon.co.uk

Calligraphy Starter Sets from Amazon.com

Dick Blick Art Materials

Getting Started  building a calligraphy project