ABOUT THIS EVENT

Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

In this class, we'll cover allllllll the things you need to know to be successful instead of cursing!! Aside from learning the modern calligraphy script featured in my book, we'll cover a long list including: getting the dang nib to work right, how to properly adjust the flange, what nib to paper angle is best, mixing custom inks, tricks for using crappy paper when you have to, and so much more. We will of course practice writing a modern calligraphy alphabet but, more importantly, you will leave feeling confident using the tools!!

I got so frustrated when I bought my first dip pen. Why couldn't I do anything I was seeing?! How come the ink wouldn't even stay on the nib? Why don't my "thin" lines look that thin? What the heck is gum arabic? Why is the ink bleeding so much? How do I get the nib to glide across the paper instead of digging in and making a big splatter mess? What am I supposed to do with this goopy white ink that everyone thinks is awesome?

Not to worry! There are definitely tricks to all of this. And I can teach you!! (No, really! I can teach! I have a masters in education and taught high school and college before quitting the day job to be a full time calligrapher.) By the end of the class, you will no longer be cussing your way through practice sessions. Instead, you will be friends with all your supplies and just be able to focus on practicing your beautiful writing.

Here's an overview of what we will cover (not necessarily in this order):

• The difference between pointed nibs and how to pick the right one


• Preparing new nibs and when to toss them


• Why oblique holders are your friend (even though they look scary)


• How to evaluate a "good" pen (just because it costs $200 doesn't mean it works well)


• How to adjust the flange for different nibs


• Holding the pen at the proper angle and rotation for smooth writing


• The "basic strokes" and why they matter so much (hint: we'll use them to make lower case letters)


• Best ways to practice


• Which inks work best for calligraphy


• How to use watercolor as calligraphy ink 


• How to practice when you can't deal with a jar of ink (you will now relish your three-hour wait at the DMV!)


• Where to buy calligraphy supplies and good paper


• What makes a good calligraphy paper


• Tricks for using bad paper (because sometimes you don't have a choice)


• How and when to use gum arabic

| WHEN |
• Saturday, May 25
• 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (we'll break for lunch, multiple options within walking distance)

| LOCATION |
•  Fiber Circle Studio, Cotati
• Located about 45 minutes north of San Francisco in the Sonoma County wine country. Make this workshop an excuse for a weekend get-away!
• Room for only 8 participants so you will get lots of attention and interaction

| SUPPLIES INCLUDED |
• All needed supplies will be provided and are yours to keep so you can continue to practice your newly acquired skills at home.
• Jar of ink
• Variety set of popular pointed pen nibs
• Rosewood oblique calligraphy pen holder
• Set of Modern Calligraphy practice pages printed on calligraphy quality paper

 *** Really want to learn: Go ahead and also sign up for Copperplate Calligraphy: Beginners (June 8) The Tricks Revealed class gives you all the skills you will need in order to start your Copperplate journey.

Minimum age

All ages welcome

What's Provided

• All needed supplies will be provided and are yours to keep • Jar of ink• Variety set of popular pointed pen nibs• Rosewood oblique calligraphy pen holder• Set of Modern Calligraphy practice pages printed on calligraphy quality paper

Cancellation Policy

Location