Calligraphy: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily through Step-by-Step Instruction

Calligraphy is both an art and a skill. Unlike with many other crafts, a person cannot develop good calligraphy skills simply by picking up the pen and practicing. There are many details about how to load the pen, how to hold it at an exact angle to the paper, even how to form each letter of each alphabet style one stroke at a time. Without proper training, the crafter will soon give up and consider it too hard to learn. This book starts at the very beginning, teaching all the fine points about calligraphy with practice drills and easy projects to begin with. Then, new and more difficult skills are introduced gradually through more practice drills and projects. Like other books in the 101 series, the book is written for the absolute beginner with detailed instructions, tips, and quick references all aimed at helping the crafter achieve success.

Calligraphy is both an art and a skill. Unlike with many other crafts, a person cannot develop good calligraphy skills simply by picking up the pen and practicing. There are many details about how to load the pen, how to hold it at an exact angle to the paper, even how to form each letter of each alphabet style one stroke at a time. Without proper training, the crafter will soon give up and consider it too hard to learn. This book starts at the very beginning, teaching all the fine points about calligraphy with practice drills and easy projects to begin with. Then, new and more difficult skills are introduced gradually through more practice drills and projects. Like other books in the 101 series, the book is written for the absolute beginner with detailed instructions, tips, and quick references all aimed at helping the crafter achieve success.

Library Journal

Gauthier was cofounder and principal designer at Lunalux Art and Design Workshop, where she designed illustrated stationery products—and her experience shows. After introducing a few simple tools and supplies, she teaches the basic strokes and alphabets. Then she presents a full array of tools, methods, and styles with which to create professional-looking cards, invitations, and artists' books. The DVD is an excellent addition to the package, making every lesson vivid. This is a solid manual for beginners. Advanced calligraphers should consider Mary Noble and Adrian Waddington's The Encyclopedia of Colour Calligraphy.

Jeaneen Gauthier currently works as a self-employed artist specializing in custom-made invitations and stationery, illustration, photography, and textile design. She sells her line of hand-crafted jewelry, barrettes, and greeting cards that feature her calligraphy and illustrations on her webstore at Joyology101.etsy.com. www.jeaneengauthier.com