Beginner’s Calligraphy

Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You? – Part II + Giveaway

March 15, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 29 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Oblique Pen Holders· Straight Pen Holders· Video

In Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You?: Part I, we talked about using regular pens and brush pens to create calligraphy. Both of those writing utensils provide a non-intimidating, fun entry into the world of lettering! Once you’ve practiced with regular pens and/or brush pens for a few days, though, you will probably want something a little more advanced. Enter dip pen calligraphy! In this post, we are going to discuss straight pens and oblique pens: how you know you’re ready to try them, which ones to purchase, and tips for using them.
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Which Calligraphy Writing Utensil is Best for You? – Part I

March 11, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 33 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Brush Pen Calligraphy· Calligraphy

In this two-part series, we’re going to explore which calligraphy writing utensil is most compatible with you at this point. Based on the information you read here, you may decide to try one of the recommended writing utensils; or, you may find out that there are a couple of different kinds that you’ll love! Today’s post will examine regular pens (e.g. ballpoint, gel) and brush pens. Next week, we’ll talk about straight dip pens and oblique dip pens!
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Black Calligraphy Inks Comparison Part II: Bombay, Speedball, and Winsor & Newton

March 4, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 37 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Inks

In Part I of the Black Calligraphy Inks Comparison series, you were introduced to Ziller, Sumi, and Higgins inks. Today, we’re going to examine three more inks to conclude the comparison: Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bombay India Ink, Speedball India Ink, and Winsor & Newton Black Calligraphy Ink. All of these inks are excellent choices if you wish to create black calligraphy; however, it’s a good idea to get to know them a little bit better before you make a buying decision.
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Black Calligraphy Inks Comparison Part I: Ziller, Sumi, and Higgins

March 1, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 71 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Dip Pen Calligraphy· Inks

In previous posts we’ve discussed earthy calligraphy inks, sparkly calligraphy inks, and white calligraphy inks. It’s only appropriate, then, that in today’s article we take a look at three well-known black calligraphy inks! You’ve probably heard of at least one of these inks … and if you haven’t, you may just find a new favorite. I’d recommend waiting to buy any new black inks, though, until after this black ink post series concludes on Friday! That way, you’ll have all the information you need to make a smart buying decision. In the meantime, let’s kick off this ink examination by taking a look at Higgins!
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Storage Tips for Calligraphy Supplies

January 8, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 38 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy

We all have different living situations and different tendencies when it comes to keeping things organized, so naturally there are going to be variations from artist to artist as far as how he or she stores calligraphy supplies. In this blog post, I’m going to show you how I keep my supplies stored and organized! My hope is that you can A) be assured that your current storage situation is correct; and/or B) get some new ideas for storage solutions for your own calligraphy supplies.
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Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part II)

December 22, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 15 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Inspiration· Tutorials· Video

In the Calligraphy Swirls Tutorials (Part I) post, you learned how to make two different calligraphy swirls. Today, it’s time to expand your repertoire with two more swirl techniques! First, I’m going to start you off with a very simple and versatile flourish: the “Scroll Swirl”. Then, we’ll move on to a more complicated swirl called the “Arabian Nights”. I encourage you to try creating both of them at some point; they both offer a great way to add personality and pizazz to your pieces!
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