A while back I got this copperplate calligraphy instruction book by Eleanor Winters. After flipping through it, I realized I would need one of those funky-looking oblique pens to achieve the super skinny and big fat lines characteristic of copperplate. I just got the pen, and it’s so strange! Using it is like learning to write all over again. I now have even higher respect for the calligraphy-saavy. I’m plagued by wobbly letters, but I really like dipping the pen in the ink. I pretend I’m signing the Declaration of Independence every time I dip. Eleanors’ book looks great, but I’m not sure how much I’ll use it except for learning the technical stuff like how to hold the pen, what kind of ink to use, etc… I think I want to make up my own way to write with this funny pen, rather than learn somebody else’s way. Any objections?
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You should definitely try Eleanor Winter’s book.I took her Copperplate 1 class this year through Society of Scribes. The book reflects exactly what she taught in class. It gives you a better understanding of Copperplate calligraphy.
Oooh the class must have been great!
Hehe, love the Joanna Newsom practice lettering!
I was wondering if anyone would notice. :) She has the best lyrics!
Love the lettering and the lyrics! Fun!
i’m taking melissa eplin’s “i still love calligraphy” course online! I learned to write with the oblique pen :) though i’m not a pro at it…..LOVE her class.
also…she mentions to stay away from Higgins ink….though – each to his own heehee! whatever works for you!
I am hoping to start a class with this talented lady. (http://istilllovecalligraphy.com//)
You should check out her class. I think you did great for just starting off. We all need the basics and then find our own style. Good luck!
This is nice!! You make me want to get this pen too hahahaha! I always love the sweet contrast of the thin and thick fat lines together :)
Nice ! I’m not at ease with hand lettering or calligraphy, I don’t succeed with curves…
Maybe I should take a class…
“this pen is weird” – whenever I practice lettering, I always write what I’m thinking too. :P “I’m hungry.” “something smells funny.” “I wish I were wearing socks.” looking good!
Oh, I love Calligraphy!! You did a wonderful job!
oh, it looks great! i´d love to learn how to write properly with one of those :)
stella xo
I actually prefer the oblique to the straight pen holder. My first calligraphy instructor taught me using this holder, so it feels the most natural in order to get the proper strokes. Just remember “54 degree angle,” and you’re all set!
How fun!! Looks like you did great, I like the character to your hand lettering.
My Mom was a beautifully talented calligrapher and I will always be in awe of that talent. I have always wanted to pull together some of her supplies and give it a try. Just wish she were still around to give me some lessons.
Oh, you’re lucky to have calligraphy in your blood. You should definitely try it!
Very pretty!
No objection here! This looks fun.
I just wanted to say that I love your blog. I especially love your hand lettering posts! I posted about blogs I love and included yours! :) http://alonewithmytea.blogspot.com/2012/09/saturday-share-day.html
Thanks so much Julie! :)
Adorable!!!
Saludos desde Argentina!
Is it terrible that, even though I’ve always wanted to learn calligraphy, that pen stops me dead in my tracks? I can’t image it ever feeling “normal”. Kudos to you for actually picking it up and trying! Maybe … just maybe I’ll get over my funky-awkward-pen-fear. :)
Hi – found you via a comment you made on Bright Bazaar. I love your items and your blog. I have been thinking about taking a calligraphy class (found one online yesterday). I could have used it awhile ago – as someone asked me to do an address on a plaque and she wanted and Old French script and for the life of me – I couldn’t find the graphics she wanted.
Oh well…maybe a good thing since it’s not what I really do anyway.
I am off to look at more of your blog!
Linda
Thanks for stopping by Linda! :)
I just took a copperplate calligraphy class from a local teacher (in Birmingham, AL, Deb Warnat for anyone from here who is interested!) about a month ago and am loving hand lettering! I already did some playing around with a straight holder and nibs, and I never thought I’d get to be any good at any sort of actual standard calligraphy. I still have some improving to do but I LOVE it!
Also, is that the Principal nib? (That’s my favorite so far!)
Oh I WISH I wasn’t left handed… :((
I loveee your handwriting! How do you dip your tip into the ink in that bottle? & Do you mind making a video or tutorial on how you use the pen? :)