A lot goes into making a Learn Calligraphy for a Latté set; first, what I call the “Getting Back in Touch with Popular Culture While Doing Some Serious Calligraphing” phase occurs. In this phase, I create all the letterforms and calligraphy needed for the set. Generally, this takes enough time that I am able to watch an entire Netflix or HBO series. {For this set, it was Girls.}
Next comes the “InDesign” phase, which is mostly executed at a local coffee shop over the span of a few weeks; I try to eavesdrop on strangers’ conversations for entertainment as I construct the worksheet letter by letter. All Learn Calligraphy for a Latté worksheets are created using Adobe InDesign; it’s basically a lot of cutting and pasting letterforms and words, as well as writing instructions. After the InDesign phase comes the “Testing” phase, which is just a fancy way of saying that I print out the worksheet, read through it carefully, and make sure everything looks good. The “Testing” phase is my favorite phase … but it’s probably my spouse’s least favorite phase because I walk around the house for a couple of days whistling The Final Countdown. {And now it’s in your head, too, right?}
Last year, when I created the first Learn for a Latté worksheet set {Flourish Formal Style}, I didn’t realize what a great resource it would be for modern calligraphy learners everywhere. I thought maybe a handful of people would purchase and enjoy it, and knowing that those people liked it would be gratification enough for me. I honestly never could have imagined how popular the worksheets would get; Instagram has shown me Learn for a Latté sets in every corner of the world, from Japan to Australia to Pakistan and beyond. I think that’s the really cool thing about digital products: they are accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
As the number of people learning with the worksheet sets have grown, so, too, has the amount and quality of feedback I have received. That’s why every set is an improvement over the last, and the latest worksheet {Amy Style} is no exception. This worksheet set includes built-in “ghost tracer” letters, straight slant lines, and a separate Extra Word Practice sheet including common words like “Happy”, “Birthday,” “Love,” “Thank”, and “You”. I am very excited to hear what you think about this worksheet set because I believe it’s the best one yet for beginners. To be clear: all LFAL sets are formulated for beginners, but this set has the most information and does not require trying/using an oblique pen. I know it will be particularly good for people — both left- and right-handed — who have never tried calligraphy before because there’s no slant to the letters. Despite the lack of slant, Amy Style calligraphy is clean and modern with the right amount of formality. It’s the calligraphy style that you can use on anything from wedding envelopes to casual greeting cards.
The biggest difference between this worksheet set and the others is … please mentally insert a drumroll here … videos. For a few months now, calligraphy learners have been suggesting videos to accompany worksheet sets. The argument for this is that it’s really nice to actually see things being written out, and being able to observe how I grip the pen, dip the ink, clean the nib, etc. I admittedly did not take the video suggestions with gusto: the camera I had was not well-suited for videos; I had no idea how I was going to get that nice, overhead shot of me writing; and I was very intimidated by Premiere Pro {the Adobe video editing software}.
These obstacles are precisely why the optional video course for Amy Style calligraphy is approximately twice the cost of a latté {$10.00}. In order to make the videos, I purchased {and learned how to use} a DSLR camera that shoots amazing videos. To solve the overhead shot issue, I got a Manfrotto tripod with a horizontal arm-thing — who knew, by the way, that four fused-together iron posts could cost so much?? Finally, I watched Premiere Pro tutorials online until my eyes crossed, and I purchased private video hosting through Vimeo. In short: it was quite the endeavor!
If you opt to purchase the video course with the Amy Style premium worksheet set, here’s what to expect:
- A comprehensive explanation of supplies needed to create Amy Style {and other styles} of calligraphy.
- A demonstration of how to create faux calligraphy.
- Dip pen basics {assembly, cleaning, how far to dip the nib in ink, how to hold the pen}.
- Two videos of around 13 minutes each showcasing how to create both uppercase and lowercase letterforms.
- “Extras”: a short demonstration of using an oblique pen, plus how to write on an envelope using Amy Style calligraphy.
- Two printables: a supply checklist and an envelope guideline helper.
One thing to note is that you can purchase and use the Amy Style Premium Calligraphy Worksheet Set without the video course; however, you will be lost if you attempt to do the video course without the premium worksheet set. Here are download links for each learning tool, plus, of course, a free two-page exemplar worksheet:
- Click here to purchase the Amy Style Premium Calligraphy Worksheet Set.
- Click here to purchase the Amy Style Video Course {remember, you need the premium worksheet set to properly follow along!}.
- Click here to download the two-page Standard Amy Style Calligraphy Worksheet {it’s free!}.
As I explained earlier in this blog post, the reason that the TPK printable Learn Calligraphy for a Latté worksheets have gotten better is user feedback. This is the very first video course I’ve made, and I would love to create more — I’m thinking of tackling the Kaitlin next. However, I want to hear what you think and how I can improve helping you to learn via videos. So, if you decide to take the video course and you have suggestions for improvement, I’m all ears; please email me at [email protected] I always {always, always} listen to feedback … it’s what helps this website to achieve its goal of being a place to learn as well as be inspired!
Whether you have practiced with a Learn Calligraphy for a Latté worksheet set before, or if you’re brand-new to TPK and are toying with learning, I know you’ll enjoy the Amy. Good things take time, and this worksheet has been months in the works for a reason: it’s a fantastic, comprehensive resource that’s designed to help you grow in your calligraphy skill and have fun in the meantime. Really, don’t hesitate to put on some good music and enjoy a nice few minutes or hours of working through the worksheet set. Throw in some yummy snacks and your favorite beverage to the mix, and you’ve got a veritable vacation!
If you have any questions about this calligraphy style or the worksheet/videos, don’t hesitate to ask. I also recently updated the FAQs, so the answer you seek may be there, especially if it’s general. Thank you very, very much for reading, and don’t forget to check out the TPK Weekend Giveaway on Facebook to win a Lamy fountain pen!
Warmest wishes to you always,
Hi I’m new to your blog! I REALLY love it! A while ago my friend when’t on a trip to England and emailed me pictures of the book of kells. I was amazed by all of the beautiful illumination on the pages. So I looked up some more illuminated pages and began to draw and color some illumination on the pages in my journel. After I had done a illuminated page I picked out a verse to write on it but realized that with all this pretty stuff around the page my hand writting wouldn’t fitt! So after looking at some of the illuminated pages again I really liked the writting. I looked up what this pretty writting was and thats how I found out about calligraphy! After searching and searching the internet looking at blogs, youtube videos and such I found a video class you could take for 200 dollars or somthing. So I disided to do one last search “how to learn calligraphy” and your sight poped up! I’m sooooo glad I found you! I’m brand new at calligraphy but looking at all the art and calligraphy on your blog made me more exited and inspired to put my artist hat on than I’ve been in a long time! I’ve already ordered ink, pen and nib you suggested and am dieing to get started! I’ve practiced the cheeting calligraphy for several days now and am haveing lots of fun but am acing to try the real thing!
So hopfully I having exasperated you with my long story but felt I should tell you! I do have a question though, you say on alot of your blog posts to try the Kaitlin Style first but I was looking at the FAQ and you said to us the amy style first. Which one would you suggest know? Thank you so much, and as I said I’ve been sooo inspired by everyhing on your blog!
Hi Isabella! I’m so happy that you found the TPK blog — I do think you’ll find it very helpful in learning calligraphy, and you won’t spend anywhere near $200. 🙂 At this point, I would recommend beginning with the Amy style, though you can absolutely begin with any style that appeals to you! All of the sets are formulated for beginners; though, currently, the Amy is the only style with an accompanying video course, which should make learning a bit easier.
I hope this helps! If you have any additional questions, you need only ask!
Thank you! can’t wait to get started! I feel so dumb right know I re read this post and realized you answer my question!
Oh! Not at all! You’re supposed to feel nothing but smart, creative, and inspired on this website. Feeling dumb isn’t allowed. 🙂 Feel free to ask any question, any time!
Way to go, Lindsay! Your worksheets are already a fantastic resource for beginners, but I respect you so much as an entrepreneur for your ability to keep making an already great thing even greater… Keep up the AMAZING work!
-Sarah Alves
Thanks, Sarah! User feedback has helped me a lot in making the LFAL worksheets better … and I wouldn’t have even thought to create videos without a couple of people putting a bug in my ear to do so. 🙂 I love that you like the worksheets; that makes me feel so happy — thank you!!
I might have to consider this….wishing I had waited and maybe NOT jumped in and bought the Kaitlyn set to begin learning . This looks a wee bit easier? But I’m still on the faux calligraphy. Great resources you have produced, thanks so much!
No worries! The Kaitlin is also awesome to learn with. 🙂 You are very welcome!
As a newbie to calligraphy, I cannot tell you how much your Learn a Latte worksheets in the Amy style have helped me! As a left-hander whose normal handwriting looks a bit like a typewriter, I am finding the Amy style easy to learn. I love how your worksheets teach faux calligraphy first. Starting with faux calligraphy has made it easier to write with the dip pen! I also love that your worksheets come with words to practice. I have bought many “online” classes to help me learn calligraphy, but your product has absolutely blown all of those out of the water! I don’t even refer to those classes. Thank you a ton! I can’t wait to move on to another style as soon as I master the Amy and build my confidence!
I can craft a big calligraphy worksheet and lengthy blog posts … but I cannot, I’m afraid, sufficiently thank you for this very kind comment. That said, I’ll try: thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m sooo happy you’re loving (and learning!) the Amy!
Hello Lindsey! I really want to purchase some of your worksheets, but I don’t have a credit card. Are there any other ways? Thank you so much! 🙂
She has paypal as an option 🙂 So as long as you have a valid checking account you should be able to go that route 🙂
Hi Poohla!
Jessica is absolutely correct — you may use Paypal if it’s available in your country … click “Paypal” and see if you can perhaps create an account? You may be able to pay via eCheck that way? If not, we can try doing a wire transfer (e.g. Western Union). 🙂
Great idea! Thank you! I think Western Union is the most convenient for me.. 🙂 I read your responses late T-T I subscribed to the comments but I didn’t receive any notifications. But Thank you thank you!
Sounds great! Email me (lin[email protected]), and we can figure out payment. 🙂
I had a fabulous time yesterday just practicing this style while re-watching True Blood! It’s been too long since I’ve gone thru my worksheets but now have a sudden desire to revisit them all. Thank you for all the hard work that you put into the worksheets and congrats on the videos! New life skill acquired! I can’t wait to watch them all 🙂
Ohhhh True Blood! You were so wonderful up until season 4 … and then you did some crazy stuff with Bill’s character that made me feel weird about you (but I kept watching anyway). 😉 On another note: Sally (I’m no longer addressing True Blood), I love your zeal for life and learning (and, of course, baking, which is something I directly benefit from)! Thank you so much!
Ugh! They ruined Bill! But to be fair I was never a fan of his so I kept watching too. 🙂
Always happy to share my zeal!
I know … there was something a little weird about him from the beginning. I could never figure out if it was the actor or the character (and that remains a mystery to this day). Team Eric, all the way.
I kinda love you right now… (And I read the books and never did like Bill so I’m leaning that way.)
Hi LIndsay – I love, love, LOVE your Learn for a Latte Series! Really, they are among the best teaching tools out there. You area also extremely gracious about writing quality and instructive blog posts. Thank you for all you do for the calligraphy community.
One quick question: I have the Amy Style calligraphy worksheet that you posted April 23, 2014, and it is much different from this set. Is the 4/23 version just a more flourished version or something?
Hello! It is a more flourished version from when I actually had just started to learn calligraphy. 🙂 This version is more minimalistic with just a hint of flourish! I think it may just reflect the evolution of my preferences and style. That said, please feel free to treat them as two different styles and learn both! (Great observation, by the way!)
Love, love, love your learning sets and have purchased them all so far and of course in a few minutes this one too will be part of my calligraphy learning tools. I want to thank you so very much for putting the effort and passion you do into helping calligraphy enthusiasts like me learn this amazing art!
Maxine
I am really glad that you are enjoying learning! I can see some of these styles looking really great on a perfume label or a book cover … whichever endeavor you decide to tackle next! Love your website. 🙂
LOVE the Amy Style!! I really enjoyed the videos Lindsey, I’m definitely a visual learner. I know how much work you put into this project and it would be sooooo awesome to be able to purchase a video for all of your styles. It is especially helpful for me to watch the letter forms being made in real time. Keep up the great artistry!!
Sharon
Thanks so much, Sharon! I’m looking forward to starting on making Kaitlin style videos next week. 🙂 Eventually, all worksheet sets will have an optional video course, which should be really handy for visual learners like you (and me; I love video tutorials!).
Congratulations on your *first* video course!!! Amy Style is a great one! I can tell you put so much into your worksheets so I know this one will be awesome! Thank you for sharing the process 🙂 And once you get the hang of it, Premiere’s not too scary, right 😀 (I’m a video editor so I know how overwhelming it can be!)
At first, Premiere is quite the beast … but after a few YouTube tutorials and trial-and-error, you’re right … it wasn’t too scary! I won’t be deftly editing feature-length films anytime soon, but my skill got sufficient enough for the video courses, thank goodness! 🙂