For years I have wanted to learn calligraphy. I made several attempts years ago, buying paint brush style pens that left me feeling helpless. Early last fall I was at a yard sale and saw a calligraphy book for $1.00. Feeling like all I do is buy other peoples junk I talked myself out of the book. Then once returning home I kicked myself in the rear- it was a dollar!.. Not knowing what direction to go I decided to look for a calligraphy guild in my area.
The guild meets once a month fall-spring and costs $25. I joined and talked a girlfriend into joining with me. When we arrived the ladies asked what type of calligraphy we wanted to learn, “huh?”... We had some work to do! After spending too much money and several months trying to figure out what I wanted to learn (trial and error) what tools I needed (and did not need) I finally have the answer. Copperplate!
For the past two three months I’ve been fumbling around buying expensive books, useless implements (for me needs), watching hours of on-line tutorials, and late night hours on Pinterest and now I feel I have found the holy grail starter kit! Keep in mind I am only 6 months into my first year of calligraphy. So this list may change but I’m hoping to save others time, money and energy. Oh and tiny fits of frustration!
Paper matters. I went through all sorts. Be careful some “calligraphy” papers are worthless, your ink will bleed and I found all the slanted lines overwhelming. The paper I like is Canson Pro Layout 9in x 12 in. Bright white. I ordered this on amazon (be careful the your search doesn’t give you similar Canson paper)...
Ink: I was told by the ladies in the guild to buy Higgins Eternal black ink. With all the information I was getting I decided to trust the gal from a modern calligraphy book. Many of the ladies in the guild don’t care for Copperplate. I purchased a ink that will fade over time= fail. Then I grabbed the Higgins Calligraphy Ink= fail. This was too thin... I may try to leave this open for a few days and see if it thickens up enough to use.
Nibs: I bought a sampler kit from www.paperinkarts.com I was pretty excited about this starter kit in the beginning. What I have found is so far the best nib for me is the Nikko G. This is also the most recommended nib in books, on-line and from users. Once I’ve mastered the Nikko G I may play around with the others. For now I feel it’s best to learn with one nib. Now, not so excited about the sampler kit.
The Holy Grail of Calligraphy Books: Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor Winters. This book was purchased on amazon after hearing multiple on-line tutors say they used it and it was $9.00. I wish this was my first purchase six months ago, it’s so helpful!!!
Metal Ruler 15inch. From amazon and it has cork on the back to prevent from slipping. The size I’ll admit isn’t the best to tote around but the holy grail book recommended it and for now I’m trusting Eleanor Winters!
White artist tape: paper and ink website, to tape your papers down very handy and doesn’t tear your paper.
Tips:
Sit down for at least one hour of practice.
Write the dates on your work so you can see how you progress.
Have a system to mark your work for errors and compliments. Otherwise you might be temped to not look back and learn from your mistakes or celebrate your success.
Draw the lines (baseline, ascender line, descender line) or use a lined paper underneath. It’s time consuming but copperplate is a slow methodical art and the time and effort will show in your work.
All these things are common at craft stores:
white eraser
medium to hard pencils 3h-4h
small water container: one should rinse their nib every 15 mins or so.
rag: to clean nib (any rag will do).
The best advise I can give is get the book listed above and you can’t go wrong!
My minuscules (lower case letters) are much better than my majuscules (capital letters).