Handwriting

What’s the Difference Between Handwriting and Calligraphy?

February 23, 2021 by Lindsey Bugbee 3 Comments
Handwriting

I recently received an email from someone who was wondering about the difference between handwriting and calligraphy. Specifically, they wondered if learning calligraphy would improve their everyday handwriting. In this article, I’ll talk about some of the key characteristics that separate handwriting from calligraphy. We’ll also examine the question of whether learning calligraphy improves a person’s penmanship in general.

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Emulating My Grandmother’s Beautiful Handwriting (Includes Free Worksheet)

October 29, 2020 by Lindsey Bugbee 133 Comments
Everyday Skills· Free Printables· Handwriting

My paternal grandmother, Estelle, had beautiful handwriting. Every time I come across one of her cards in my sketchbook, her flowing, elegant cursive inspires me to pay a little closer attention to how I write! In this article, I’ll provide you with an analysis and an exemplar + worksheet of her handwriting so you can write lovely letters, too.

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How to Improve Your Signature

December 18, 2018 by Lindsey Bugbee 151 Comments
Everyday Skills· Handwriting

I’ve always toyed with writing an article about how to improve your signature. It’s taken me this long to tackle this topic, though, because I wondered if a signature can be changed! Like: can you one day decide that you no longer want a messy signature and opt for writing a neat one instead (or vice versa)? As we near January — a month of change — I got to thinking: why not? A signature is just another way that we present ourselves to the world, and your presentation is always something you can change! Today, we’ll toss around some ideas for making a satisfying signature that you’re proud to show off.
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How to Write in Cursive + a Free Exemplar

February 16, 2018 by Lindsey Bugbee 125 Comments
Everyday Skills· Free Printables· Handwriting· Printable Goodies· Tutorials· Worksheets

In the US, teaching cursive to students is a hot topic. Do we dedicate our tax dollars to teaching an arguably impractical skill, or do we honor tradition and keep cursive writing alive? The different sides taken in this debate are starting to show in my inbox as teenage calligraphy learners — who were never taught how to write in cursive — ask whether not knowing cursive will affect their ability to learn dip pen calligraphy.
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8 Tips to Improve Your Handwriting (Plus a Free Worksheet)

March 10, 2017 by Lindsey Bugbee 251 Comments
Everyday Skills· Free Printables· Handwriting· Printable Goodies· Tutorials· Worksheets

People often assume that calligraphy and handwriting are synonymous, but they’re not. In general, calligraphy is comprised of stylized, embellished letters — it’s more art than writing, really. Conversely, handwriting refers to the style and technique that you use to jot things down day to day. Handwriting needs to be quicker and more practical than calligraphy. While everyone has their own personal handwriting style, there’s always room for improvement! In this post, you’ll find eight tips to help you improve your handwriting.
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Elegant and Effective Letter Writing Tips

September 2, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 16 Comments
Calligraphy· Handwriting· Inspiration· Letter Writing· Paper· Tutorials

Before phones, email, and internet, letter writing was the way to communicate! Inevitably, however, letter writing has lost its place as the most popular mode of communication. It is much more convenient and efficient to give someone a quick call or write them an email. The disadvantage of electronic correspondence is the loss of personal touch: emails, calls, Facebook messages, and texts are intangible, and most will fall by the wayside as the days pass. That’s where letters really shine: they capture a piece of the author with handwriting, ink choice, stationery, and enclosures. For that reason, letters stand the test of time — and they make the recipient feel very special! In today’s blog post, we’re going to examine how to write a standard and simple yet elegant letter.
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