How do calligraphy nibs work? A visual map to explain the magic… Part 1

Calligraphers are generally serious, quietly academic types. Or were, in the days of formal lettering required to be a ‘proper businessman’. However, I’m blessed with a childish sense of humour I should have grown out of twenty years ago. Still. I’m going to take you on a journey from shaft to flange, via tips and …

NEW! Updated and revised modern calligraphy set

I’m super happy to tell you my NEW & IMPROVED modern calligraphy set is now available to buy in my Etsy shop. I’m so proud of this kit – we’ve sold them worldwide to calligraphy beginners and crafty folks, on Etsy and Not On The High Street – I think they’re the best modern calligraphy …

Making your calligraphy practice fun!

I hate letter drills. Writing pages of a single letter isn’t for me – I think focusing to that extent is counter productive, to be honest. So I challenge myself to practise modern calligraphy in a fun way. I use colour – it brightens my desk and changes the look of my letters. Writing in …

How long does it take to learn modern calligraphy?

Modern calligraphy lies somewhere between basic writing skills and art. We all learn to write from the age of 5 or so, and we’re also taught to handle a paintbrush and knock out a reasonable picture of a cat by the time we’re 7. Mastering either skill takes a little longer… Calligraphy is where writing …

How I became a calligrapher – my story

I don’t think I was ever meant to follow a straight or conventional path through life. I was raised on adventure stories and grew up in the countryside as a bit of a free spirit. At school I loved languages while my friends studied art. Words were my thing from day one… My dad trained …

Calligraphy quotes and effective, creative layouts – a step by step guide

I’ve never been a fan of letter drills as a way to practice modern calligraphy. I find writing quotes so much more rewarding and fun! There’s something compelling about a block of writing. A chunk of text becomes a pattern – writing quotes is a great challenge, a confidence builder an a wonderful way to …

Easy gold leaf for calligraphy beginners

Are you ready to take your calligraphy one step further and experiment with something really exciting? Gold leaf is a fabulous medium to explore and there are simple ways to learn about applying gold leaf to calligraphy which are affordable too! The paper It’s really important to have a smooth paper base if you want …

From basic modern calligraphy lettering to a loose, organic style

Do you have your heart set on learning a specific style of calligraphy? If so, you’re not alone. So many of the lovely people I’ve taught at my Manchester calligraphy workshops are there because they’ve seen a style of lettering they love, and want to learn to write exactly like that. The trendiest style of modern …