Starting out in calligraphy

Many people are attracted to calligraphy because they want to write out words – whether that is names for their own invitations, to copy out their favourite poem, or to write out a section from a book, that has long had appeal, for a friend or relation.

They soon find out that, in terms of tools and materials, calligraphy is one of the easiest of all the arts and crafts to start. Most art shops, and many stationers, sell calligraphy pens and ink and, to start with, you can use something as simple as photocopying paper to write on. There are many books available, too. Look at the list of CLAS Fellows and CLAS Honoured Fellows and click on the links for more details to see the books they have written. You are assured then of a good standard of letters, helpful text and a host of ideas.

Calligraphic letters are made by writing separate strokes and lifting the pen between each one. For the letters shown on the following pages, note where the first stroke starts, follow the arrow around and lift the pen into the next position to make the second, and successive strokes.

For the Foundational Hand (English Caroline Minuscule) the x-height is 4 nib widths, the height of ascenders and descenders 7 in all, and majuscules 6.5. Illustrations taken from 'Teach Yourself Calligraphy' by Patricia Lovett, published by Hodder and Stoughton.

Making progress

Once hooked, though, calligraphers realise that the actual process of making good letters can be quite spine-tingling. The smell of the ink, the slight scratch of the pen across the paper, and the end result of a beautiful letter. It soon becomes compulsive.

And it is such fun! Making cards for your family and friends, writing out their favourite quotations - matching the colours to the room where your work will be framed and hung - or even writing a letter calligraphically which you want to get noticed. All these are immensely satisfying.

Of course it is an art which takes time to practise and perfect, but anything that is worth doing always is!

Illustrations taken from 'Teach Yourself Calligraphy' by Patricia Lovett, published by Hodder and Stoughton.

Once on your way, you may want to improve and aim for higher things. The CLAS Ladder of Progress is there to help you make good strides. An enjoyable pastime may soon turn into a profession, where you can earn money from your work.

It's never too late to learn, and never to soon to begin. The best way to make progress is to become a member of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society.