Dark and dramatic wedding invitations by Claire Gould. Image credit: Hannah Hall Photography at Ghyll Barn

How NOT to pack your wedding invitations for calligraphy – and how to get it right!

Your wedding invitations are special – even more so if you’ve decided to have names written on them by a professional calligrapher. But too often I receive invitations which are poorly packaged and dicing with danger as they pass through courier and mailing depots! In this blog I’ll share my top tips for packaging wedding …

Calligraphy and winter wedding magic from Ghyll Barn, Cumbria

I had the loveliest road trip to a fabulous wedding venue recently. Hannah Hall – an amazing Lake District wedding photographer – invited me to join her and a team of talented wedding suppliers at Ghyll Barn for a styled wedding photoshoot. Sneak peek – preview images from Hannah Hall at Ghyll Barn Hannah sent …

Family tree print against a bright wall backdrop with flowers

A cautionary tale about family tree calligraphy – and proofing!

I sell simple illustrated family trees on Not On The High St. They’re a favourite for 80th birthdays and 60th wedding anniversaries! And often, they’re ordered in a bit of a hurry. Top tip: if your Mum or Dad, Nan or Grandad, favourite auntie or uncle is celebrating a milestone birthday in the next month …

Summer wedding flowers in bright pastel shades and calligraphy table name cards

Elegant calligraphy styling for Lydia & John’s Broadoaks Country House wedding

This lovely couple contacted me months before their wedding to order on-the-day stationery for their reception at Broadoaks, one of my favourite Lake District wedding venues. Lydia and John’s colour palette was pale blush. They chose soft grey ink and luxury papers with stunning silk ribbons, and a set of my bespoke calligraphy wedding vow …

Why you need an expert corporate calligrapher and how to find one

If you’re searching for an experienced calligrapher for your corporate event invitations, to write certificates in calligraphy or address envelopes to important business clients, the choice can be overwhelming. With so many calligraphers available throughout the UK, you’ll need to know what to look for – and the pitfalls to avoid when choosing a professional …

Navy blue place names with pink ribbon and peach pink calligraphy

How to write wedding place cards in calligraphy if you’ve never done it before

I’ve written tens of thousands of wedding place cards. In my calligraphy workshops I meet people who are learning especially for a wedding, and I remember how scary it can be the first time. I wanted to write this little step by step guide to help you if, like my friend Michelle, you’ve got a …

modern calligraphy pens and two different nibs held against a background of calligraphy art

What’s in a calligrapher’s pencil case?

I thought it might be interesting to show you the tools and supplies I use for calligraphy every day. All of the magic of modern calligraphy is in the pen and nib. The rhythm of pen strokes and smoothness of the swirling letters are what makes calligraphy look beautiful. It takes practice to achieve hairline …