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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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January 2016 Creative Challenge Winner + Entries

February 2, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 44 Comments
Inspiration· Video

In the past two weeks, many gorgeous pieces of artwork and calligraphy made their way into my inbox as part of the TPK January 2016 Creative Challenge! The challenge was a lot of fun for me because it gave me a chance to interact with some of the creatives who read the TPK blog, and to be inspired by the different styles of calligraphy and illustration that I saw. In today’s blog post, I want to share some of the pieces I received with you! First, though, allow me to announce the winner … and a bit of a surprise:
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Behind the Scenes: Making a Calligraphy Pen

January 19, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 26 Comments
Calligraphy· Oblique Pen Holders· Video

I don’t believe that you have to own an expensive calligraphy pen to create beautiful calligraphy. Just like with most endeavors, you can start off with cost-effective tools (like those listed in the Ultimate Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit), then treat yourself to splurges as your skill level improves. One such splurge might be a Rodger’s Pen Box (also known as RPB) calligraphy pen!
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How to Adjust an Oblique Pen Holder

January 12, 2016 by Lindsey Bugbee 56 Comments
Calligraphy· Free Printables· Oblique Pen Holders· Printable Goodies· Video

I’ve wondered how to adjust an oblique pen holder to fit different nibs for a long time. Before last weekend, I hadn’t dared to try it, mainly because all the flanges on my pens are adjusted perfectly for their respective nibs. I was afraid I’d mess something up! However, after a trip to Albuquerque a couple of days ago to meet with Rodger Mayeda, the artisan behind Rodger’s Pen Box, I now have the confidence to fiddle with my flanges. After you watch the flange-focused videos that Rodger was generous enough to help me make, I know that you will feel the same way!
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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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A Holiday Oblique Calligraphy Pen Giveaway!

December 15, 2015 by Lindsey Bugbee 45 Comments
Calligraphy· Video

A couple of years ago, a calligraphy enthusiast named Rodger Mayeda sent me an oblique calligraphy pen prototype he’d made just for fun in his New Mexico workshop. When I received it, I immediately fell in love with its smart simplicity! It had this wonderful, sleek design, and felt “just right” in my hand. I’d never used anything like it, and I saw my calligraphy improve almost immediately! I believe I owe the improvement to the practical design of the pen and the fact that I was more motivated to practice with the artisan pen than I had been with my plastic Speedball oblique. I begged Rodger to make his pens available for purchase, which culminated in the development of Rodger’s Pen Box (RPB) on Etsy. RPB is now so popular that Rodger generally sells out of pens the first day of every month!
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