When I released the Amy Style worksheet set, I also made an optional video course to accompany it. The video course was born out of feedback I had received from visual learners. Many of these learners suggested that it would be easier to catch on to the concept/style if I could show them letter formations, how to hold a dip pen, etc. in a video.
After receiving good feedback from users of the Amy Style video course, I decided to make one for the Kaitlin Style. The Kaitlin Style has remained the most popular calligraphy worksheet set on TPK, so I knew there were many beginners who could benefit from it! The problem? When I printed out the worksheet set (originally released in July 2014), I could see a lot of room for improvement.
While the first version of the worksheet set was sufficient, and certainly has helped many modern calligraphy learners, I found a lot of things I wanted to tweak. First of all, I wanted to add a pop of color, a couple of illustrations, and a better layout. Secondly, and most importantly, I knew I should listen to user feedback and add a section on how to alternate the stroke dips, provide more room for practice, and help with achieving a right-leaning slant. The more I thought about it, the more it became evident that I needed to conduct a complete calligraphy worksheet overhaul.
I got to work right away, and the final result is something I know you’ll love! No graphics or calligraphy have been recycled from the first worksheet set; everything was re-written and created using the latest versions of Photoshop and InDesign. A few of my favorite new features include a smarter faux calligraphy section design; instead of having you reference a separate sheet of paper to determine how a letter is made, the worksheet shows you how to create every letter right before you write it.
As far as the dip pen section is concerned, the first worksheet set didn’t give you a lot of room to practice. This set, however, encourages you to write each letter fifteen times. That’s a lot of room to master a letterform!
I know a lot of people have trouble with letter connections, so I included a section to practice a lot of commonly-used words, e.g. “Happy”, “Birthday”, “New”. This section will be helpful for reference whether you’re creating calligraphy for a holiday card, or if you wonder “how do two ‘p’s connect together?”.
Finally, I addressed an issue that a lot of Kaitlin Style learners have: knowing when to dip letters low, and when to pull them back up. While there’s no “you have to”-type of system to it, I developed a “1, 2, 3 Rule” that will prove immeasurably helpful when confronting this problem!
If you are new to the calligraphy world, all you need to get started are the tools listed in the Ultimate Modern Calligraphy Starter Kit plus the new Kaitlin Worksheet. If you have created calligraphy before, you might consider investing in an oblique pen to write this style; I depend on mine a lot when I’m making slanted calligraphy.
All of the calligraphy worksheets on TPK were developed with the sole objective of helping you to learn the best you can; so it’s my business philosophy that when an update is made to a product, current product owners should be entitled to it free of charge. Effectively, if you purchased the previous version of the Kaitlin Style premium worksheet, you can easily access this one! Here are three ways to do it:
- Sign in to your account on TPK, then scroll down to “Available Downloads”. Click on “Premium Calligraphy Worksheet Set {Kaitlin Style}”; the file you download will be the new worksheet set.
- If you do not have a TPK account, search your inbox for the order confirmation email you received when you purchased the Kaitlin set. Once you find it, click the Kaitlin download link in the email. The resulting download will be the new worksheet set!
- If you do not have a TPK account and your order confirmation email has disappeared into the ether, don’t fret! Just send me an email ([email protected]) letting me know which email address you used to make your purchase of the original Kaitlin set. I can then go into the system and have your order confirmation email (including the download link) re-sent to you.
After I finished the worksheet yesterday, I was so happy/proud that I decided to make a little video to explain some of the new bells and whistles!
If you do not own the previous version of the Kaitlin Style worksheet set, the new worksheet is still part of the Learn Calligraphy for a Latté collection. Effectively, it’s only $5.00! You can purchase it by clicking here.
Thanks very much for reading TPK (and humoring my excitement about this worksheet set makeover)! I hope you have a good weekend. 🙂
Warmly,
Hi Lindsey, Can I try the new worksheet with a brush pen ?
Hi Rosa! You can, as long as it’s fairly small. A Tombow Fudensuke would be perfect! Otherwise, there’s actually a brush pen edition of this calligraphy style. 🙂
Hi Lindsey!
I am working through your Katilin worksheet set and I’m loving it. I even got a few new nibs and an oblique holder! Super fun, but I have a question. Is it normal for the nib to only hold enough ink for about 2 letters (capitals) per dip? I always brush of a little of the extra ink so it doesn’t blotch up (it still seems to use an excessive amount on the first letter) but it almost always runs out by the third letter. I am currently using the “blue pumpkin” nib. Do you have a post about this, or about that nib in general? It seems like I should be able to at least write a whole word with out re-dipping. What am I doing wrong?
You know — I’d try another nib. Do you have the Nikko G? I really don’t have that great of luck with the Blue Pumpkin! If you’re bent on using the BP, though, I’d just try to make sure you are dipping up past the reservoir (the hole in the center). Otherwise, do give the Nikko G a shot! It’s great at holding a lot of ink and makes for great stroke contrast. Once you get used to the Nikko G, give the Brause EF66 a try. It doesn’t hold as much ink, but makes fantastic strokes!
Hello, Lindsey! Why is it called Kaitlin Calligraphy Style? Who is Kaitlin? 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Nata! Kaitlin is a client that commissioned me to do her wedding invitations in 2013 … this was the font I came up with for her materials, thus the “Kaitlin Style”. 🙂
Thanks, Lindsey, for the new info on the Kaitlyn worksheet. I had no trouble downloading it and can’t wait to review it.
Hi Lindsey– I just discovered your website yesterday and have been reading many of your insightful blog postings on calligraphy. I practiced italic calligraphy many years ago and your beautiful lettering has inspired me to dig out my pens and practice again! I downloaded the Kaitlin style worksheet set and began with the faux calligraphy practice sheets. However, I noticed that the “ghost” lettering isn’t showing up. Everything else appears to be printed correctly, can you help me with this?
Hi Janet!
Sure! It sounds like the PDF reader is having trouble communicating with the printer. To rectify, you can follow these steps:
1. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader (it’s free!).
2. After you have downloaded the reader, open the application. Then go to File > Open, and open the Kaitlin Worksheet using Adobe Reader.
3. Go to File > Print!
That should fix the issue, but if it doesn’t, please let me know! Thank you! 🙂
Thanks Lindsey! I upgraded my version of Adobe Reader and now everything is printing up perfectly. I am off to practice Kaitlin!
Thank you for your quick response –and your inspiring website. Just lovely to read!
Janet
Just got this today, looking forward to starting it. I am slowly working away at Beth. Thanks so much for these sheets, they are brilliant and so affordable. Maura x
Yay! I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying Beth, too. 🙂 I’m planning on doing a similar makeover to that worksheet next year — but in the meantime, it’s still a wonderful learning tool!
Thank you so much Lindsey! And thank you for explaining how to get it! I got the Kaitlin set first back in March and didn’t have a TPK account. But I found it in my email because of your perfect instructions!
Thanks again!! You are awesome!!
xDaniella
I’m really happy to hear you found it! And of course; it’s my pleasure to be able to provide the worksheet. I’m also happy that it’s relatively easy for current owners to achieve (the thank you there goes to my web developer, for sure)! 🙂
Wow, Lindsey. The new Kaitlin worksheets are terrific! Thanks so much for the extra tips on stroke dips, slant and letter connections. I spent the afternoon printing the whole new Kaitlin premium set, plus several copies of worksheet pages for practicing. Most of my calligraphy is for cards and envelopes, so I printed extras of the pages at 80% to also practice smaller letter sizes. I absolutely love all of your outstanding videos and worksheets, and am eagerly looking forward to your Kaitlin video! Applause once again for being featured in Flow Magazine! –Pam O.
Printing at 80% to get a feel for making smaller letterforms is genius! And thank you so much for the compliment on Flow; gosh, I love that magazine! Just everything about it: the lack of advertisements, the paper it’s printed on, the size — it’s fantastic!!
Just got my worksheet and I’m so excited to start practicing! Thank you! 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that! You are welcome!!
AHHHHHHH! I’ve been waiting for this for SO LONG! SO excited to download! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
😀 You are so very welcome!
this is amazing! thank you so much for the update..!
-love from a beginner in Singapore!
It’s all my pleasure!
The 1-2-3 rule will be very helpful to me because I still have problems with how to dip and pull back the letters. Thanks for letting us have the upgrade for free, that is so generous =).
Of course! I suspected that the 1-2-3 Rule would be helpful; it’s a good way to get yourself to dip above and below the guideline. 🙂 You are very welcome!
You are totally awesome!! Thank you so much for the updated version. Already downloaded and loving it!!
Cheers from Hong Kong!
Yay!! I’m so happy you like it. 🙂 Thank you!
Hey Thanks!
Your generosity is so refreshing and is really appreciated. And I love the backgrounds you’ve popped into this post. Looking forward to getting into my updated worksheets. Best $5 I ever spent (even with rubbish exchange rates)! Have a great week 🙂
Thanks for the compliment on the backgrounds! I’ve found it’s easier to edit photos if I do a background besides white, so I’ve been playing with that a lot lately. 🙂 I wish the worksheets were $5.00 for you; but even though they were a bit more than that, I’m glad you enjoy them all the same!
Thank you so much for letting those with the older version download the new version. I love Kaitlin.
Of course! I’m so happy you like it!
Hi Lindsey! This looks great! Does this supersede the old one? For those who haven’t owned the old one, do they buy both, each at $5 or the old one is replaced by this enhanced version? Just wondering and I’m looking to get it soon. Looks exciting!
Hi Jasmine! This new worksheet does supersede the old one; the new one has been replaced by this enhanced version. 🙂 Thanks for asking this question; I’m sure others were wondering the same thing!
oh gosh, so amazing if you to update the worksheets and let ppl who have already gotten the sheet upgrade, I’m just blown away! I was struggling with my slanting and hadn’t been doing my practice because I was down about it, then I saw the email this morning and I’m just so so happy!!! thank you so much, I will be printing and practicing as soon as possible!!!! have a great day!
Of course! And if you’re still experiencing trouble with your slant, give this blog post a read. 🙂
Thanks for making this great set even better! I appreciate being able to pick up the new set without having to purchase it again. Thank you!
Of course! I want to make sure you always have access to the best. 🙂
Good job you!!! The new Kaitlin Premium Worksheet looks great, Lindsey! I especially love the new “1-2-3” feature. Most of the calligraphy I attempt is traditional because I never know when to direct a stroke up or down in modern calligraphy. Thank you for providing the new worksheet free of charge to those of us who already own the original set–a very kind gesture on your part. I swear, Lindsey, you must have the energy of 10 people. Anyway, at first glance, I’d say the new Kaitlin worksheet set is worth all the love you put into it. Thank you!
PS The best part of today’s post … your video introducing the new worksheet set. ?
I thought the 1-2-3 Rule might be helpful, especially for those who are used to writing neater calligraphy. 🙂 If only I had the energy of 10 people — gosh, wouldn’t that be nice?? But I’m happy it appears to be that way! And thank you for the compliment on the video! I thought it might be nice to add a little bit of a personal element, especially since I’m so in love with the Kaitlin revamp. I am so happy that you like it!!
Thank you!!! You are amazing! This makes my weekend! Hope you enjoy yours!
It’s all my pleasure!! 🙂 🙂
Lindsey…having just watched this video….I must tell you, you are lovely to look at, delightful to listen to and so gracious in your giving”ness”. You have made my day, my next step is to download my new, improved Kaitlin worksheets. Thank you for sharing your talents, your time and your insights. Enjoy…in Joy..Georgia
I am still basking in your compliments and cannot think of a way to thank you that echoes your grace in the words — so, really, just thank you! Oh, and, of course, enjoy the new worksheet!!
Just starting out with your worksheets. Brilliant work love it
I’m very happy to hear that! Thank you, Maura!
Hi Lindsey,
What ink do you use for the titles? That blue is beautiful! Do you use watercolor? If so, which palette name? Is it a G&B paint?
Thank you so much for answering my incessant flow of questions 🙂
<3, Selene Xu
Hi Selene! It’s my pleasure to answer your question. 🙂 The blue ink I used is Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bombay Ink in Turquoise. It’s rich and beautiful; I love it!