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introduction to calligraphy

I hope you enjoyed the introduction to calligraphy. Here are some suggested books, links, tools, and publications should you decide to investigate further.

*DOWNLOAD HANDOUT HERE*

MY FAVORITE CALLIGRAPHY INSTRUCTIONAL BOOKS
The Italic Way to Beautiful Handwriting, Fred Eager
Write Now: The Inga-Dubay Program for Handwriting Success, Inga Dubay and Barbara Getty
Written Letters, Jaki Svaren

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS & TIPS
Calligraphy for Beginners-How to write lower case italic alphabet with Joanne Fink: One of many she has made for Sakura markers
Lettering Daily: Italic Calligraphy for Beginners-Lots of good information from a South Korean calligrapher known as@Slo.Leecalli
Lloyd Reynolds's Italic Calligraphy and Handwriting: This is the first episode of 20 episodes. Lloyd Reynolds was a pioneer in teaching Italic handwriting.
Patricia Lovett: video clips about pens, inks, pen angle, italic, and a video for left-handers.
Carol DuBosch: tips on working with folded pens, making erasures, and using bleach.

SUGGESTED TOOLS
* Broad edge marker (I like Zig Calligraphy, Y & C Calligraphy, and Sakura Pigma Calligrapher)
* Pilot Parallel Pens (cartridge pens in a good range of nib sizes that write easily and make nice crisp lines)
* Dip Pen Set Up
   Speedball C nibs (complete set of 0-6. Most useful are 2-4.). They are treated to prevent rust. Rub with spit and a paper towel before using. 
   Pen holder (one and change nibs or a holder for each of your favorite nibs)
   Higgins Eternal Ink (easiest for beginners and still my favorite)
* Broad edge fountain and/or cartridge pen for handwriting and smaller size writing (Schaefer, Manuscript, Lamy)
   If you are left-handed, Speedball C nibs come in left-handed as do some markers and fountain pens.

CALLIGRAPHERS
Saint John's Bible
​John Stevens
Mike Gold
Carol DuBosch
Denis Brown
Holly Munroe

ORGANIZATIONS,  PUBLICATIONS, & MATERIALS
Masscribes: a New England based calligraphy organization with members in Massachusetts and the other New England states who share a common interest in calligraphy and related arts. Our goal is to help keep hand lettering alive and to support those with a passion for letters. Masscribes holds hands-on workshops, hosts educational programs, exhibits, and social gatherings.

Bound & Lettered: quarterly publication devoted to calligraphy and bookmaking

Letter Arts Review: quarterly publication devoted to the calligraphic arts

John Neal Bookseller: calligraphy & bookmaking books and tools

Paper & Ink Arts: calligraphy & bookmaking books and tools

Jet Pens: pens and markers of all kinds including calligraphy

Artist & Craftsman, Rte 1 South, Saugus: my favorite art supply store without going into Boston

Museum of Printing, Haverhill, MA: devoted to printing rather than hand lettering but a fascinating place

If you appreciate Susan’s sharing on her website, blog, and YouTube channel, support it by visiting the Bookstore and buying her books and catalogs.

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