Dip Pen Calligraphy

How to Hold a Calligraphy Pen (Includes Videos)

November 18, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 46 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Dip Pen Calligraphy· Oblique Pen Holders· Video

A lot of TPK blog posts have touched on how to hold a calligraphy pen … but, really, it’s a topic that deserves its own post. You see, there are so many calligraphy frustrations that stem from a problematic grip! With a few minor adjustments, you can solve everything from ink flow issues to the nib digging into the paper to arm and back pain. Whether you write with your right or left hand, the tips in this post will help you to write better and more comfortably!
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Not Your Average Calligraphy Drills Sheet

November 15, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 45 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Calligraphy Drills· Dip Pen Calligraphy· Free Printables· Printable Goodies

If you’re new to using a dip pen, calligraphy drills can help a lot! Drills give you a nice opportunity to practice fluidity and pressure exertion without having to worry about letterforms. That said, I’ve always found drills a little bit drab and dry … until today.
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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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Dip Pens & Fountain Pens: Not as Similar as You Think

July 14, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 80 Comments
Calligraphy· Dip Pen Calligraphy

I remember having an internal debate when I decided to learn calligraphy: “Do I start with one of those pens you dip into ink, or do I start with one of those pens that already has an ink cartridge in it?” As far as I knew, dip pens and fountain pens were essentially the same thing, but fountain pens seemed to be more portable and convenient. Gosh, was I wrong! I have gleaned from reader emails that — understandably — some people have the same mentality that I did. The goal of this post, therefore, is to explain to you how fountain pens are different from from dip pens.
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Learn Calligraphy the TPK Way

July 7, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 28 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Dip Pen Calligraphy· Faux Calligraphy

When people ask me what I do — as in, what is my profession — I generally say I am a blogger whose main goal is to help people learn calligraphy, and modern styles in particular. While there are a lot of art and DIY projects mixed in with calligraphy posts, calligraphy and hand-lettering is the lifeblood of TPK. That said, the other day I was examining the blog and trying to look at it from the perspective of someone who has happened upon the website for the first time. In that moment, I realized that even when you conduct a concentrated search {e.g. “learn calligraphy”}, there are a lot of articles, and it’s difficult/overwhelming to choose which one to begin with.
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Seven New Calligraphy Tips + A Weekend Giveaway

June 26, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 74 Comments
Beginner’s Calligraphy· Calligraphy· Dip Pen Calligraphy· Inks

This is my second calligraphy tips post {you can read the first post here}, and I’m writing it because, well, I’m always learning new tips myself. I get new ideas from readers’ questions and comments, my own trial-and-error, and aha! moments that strike me at random. Since these tips make my life easier, it’s only fair that I pass them on to you. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has been creating calligraphy for a long time, the recommendations in this blog post should come in handy!
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