Calligraphy Class Descriptions
Bookbinding
Classes | Altered Book
Classes | Decorated Journal
Classes
Introduction to Calligraphy
In this busy class you will be introduced to the elegant italic hand.
We will learn and practice the rules of letter construction, as well
as discuss the topics of pen, inks, papers, crafts and good reference
books. Be ready for lots of notes and ideas. We’ll make some fun and
useful cards. All materials are included in the cost of the course.
Bring pencil, ruler, scissors, glue stick and a paper punch if you have
one. Don’t forget your lunch!
1 or 2 days
Beginning Calligraphy
In this comprehensive study of elegant italic letters, we will review
many topics, including the best pens, inks and papers to use. We will
look at many practical uses for your calligraphy and experiment with enhancing
your letters using watercolour techniques.
5 to 8 session 2 hours/session
Continuing Calligraphy (Calligrafrolic)
In this continuing class, the focus will be on improving your italic
letters, more concentration on capital letters, layout and design, lettering
for reproduction, experimenting on new and different papers and confronting
conservation issues. Please pick up a copy of class supplies.
6 sessions 2 hours/session
Coercing Caps
Well, it's not actually the caps that have to coerced. It's you! Come
on! You know it's good for you!
In this workshop we'll learn the fine details of capital letters to
go with Italic. We really do need caps if we want to write someone's
name and nothing will ruin great miniscules like a bad capital letter.
Let's spend the day working out some of those kinks! Literally! It's
just so gratifying to make a good capital letter.
We'll be concentrating on pen angle, proportions and refinements. Come
on! You know it's good for you!
Supply list:
Higgins Eternal Ink
Mitchell #2 Nib or equivalent
Nib holder
Good practice Paper - I will have some, too
Pencil
Ruler
Paper towel
Scissors
Glue stick
Your glasses if you need them!
Defining and Refining Your Italic OR Italic
Boot Camp
Looking for that next step with your Italic? Wish you could tweak it
so that it's just a little bit better? It's time for some re-training!
This workshop is for the calligrapher with some experience with the
Italic Hand. We will review the basics of Italic miniscules then look
at what makes a fine and elegant letter. We'll examine pen angle, proportions
and the technical aspects of lettering and how these influence and change
your letterforms. We'll examine your Italic, look at its strengths and
weaknesses, identify personal quirks and in doing so, work on defining
your Italic style! 1 or 2 day workshop
Students
should bring
Please bring a sample of your practice italic that you have created
at home. We all do our best work at home! Just make sure it's something
that I can write on - maybe even a photocopy of a piece that you've
done.
Your usual calligraphy kit and
#2 Mitchell's Roundhand Nib or Equivalent (such as a 2mm Brause) and
holder!
Your favourite ink
A selection of gouache or watercolour
A water tub
Some good practice paper
A Sheet of Arches 140lb Hot Press Watercolour paper
Ruler, Pencil, Eraser
Your reading glasses (if you need them) for closeup work!!
Go to top
Blackletter (Gothic)
In this continuing class, students will explore textural qualities produced
by traditional gothic hands including gothicised italic, with a view to
producing a simple manuscript booklet.
6 sessions 2 hours/session or a weekend workshop
In this class we will study the hand found in the Ramsey Psalter and first
modernised by Edward Johnston at the beginning of the 1900’s. This beautiful
bookhand is based on a circle rather than the italic oval, is very legible
and has many applications.
6 sessions 2 hours/session or a weekend workshop
Adding Funk to your Foundational
In
this two day class, we will begin by reviewing the classic Foundational
minuscules . The fun begins when we move to the less formal hands by
varying serifs. Compression and expansion of the classic letters lends
a completely new look and then when we add some bouncing and accessorizing
we acquire a whole new arsenal of variations that will keep spice in
our calligraphic lives! We will round out the workshop by completing
a small project.
Instant Letters: Add Fun and Stir!
A
bit of a departure from traditional lettering, this workshop explores
fun and funky lettering styles.
In this one day class we will explore fun and creative lettering styles
perfect for card-makers, scrap-bookers, mail artists or just for playing
around. As we work on our projects, we’ll practice a variety of letterforms,
decorations and techniques guaranteed to brighten up your written pages!
We’ll give you some inspiring quotes and you’ll go home with projects
bearing ribbons, stamps, buttons, torn paper collage, tag art and more.
Please ask for a supply list when registering. $6 project supply fee
is payable to the instructor at the class. Don’t forget a bag
lunch!
1 session 6 hours
Versed In Versals
Let's take a romp through history and explore Versals as they evolved
from tall, elegant formality to short, rolly-polly, then on to comfortable
and loose.
Versals are drawn letters which often began a verse or chapter in a
manuscript. We'll learn and practice a number of variations and end
with some decorated letters of which the ancient scribes would never
have dreamed!
Supply list: Each students should bring a nib of 1 mm or Mitchell size
3½, ink, practice paper, a Pigma Pen 05 or 08 - or other waterproof
marker, glue stick, pencil scissors. Supplies will be available for
purchase at the class.
Full day workshop
