Want to beautify your cards in a really quick, easy way? Take your birthday and holiday cards to a WHOLE new level with calligraphy! It may seem super foreign and complicated when you first try it, but through time and practice, you will get used to it and afterwards, it’ll take you less than 5 minutes to write a beautiful message for a friend or family member!
As with any hobby or skill, remember to be patient as you learn! Your fingers and hands won’t be accustomed to the writing techniques used in calligraphy right off the bat. Just like with any other skill, all it takes is time and practice and you’ll master the skill soon enough :)) You got this!!
Materials to Start With:
- Paper
- Calligraphy Pens/Markers (can be black or colored – depends on you!)
If you’re starting, you don’t need to buy calligraphy pens that are super expensive. Generally, a $10-$25 set should be reliable, especially if you’re just learning! Here are a few links to reference:
- Michaels – Black Calligraphy Brush Pens
- Amazon – Colored Calligraphy Brush Pens
- Amazon – Metallic Calligraphy Brush Pens
- Optional: Amazon – Tracing Practice/Lettering Sheets
NOTE: These are suggestions! There are tons more options that will work very effectively as well!
The Mechanics of a Calligraphy Brush Pen
A calligraphy brush pen has a soft, foldable tip. The purpose of the squishiness is so that when you press down, the tip folds down on the paper, creating thicker strokes. However, when you gently and barely move the tip on the paper, you will write thinner lines.
The Style of Calligraphy
When you write in calligraphy, the most important thing to remember is that when you are creating a downward stroke to form a letter, press down on the tip of the marker so that the resulting line is thick. Do the opposite when you’re creating an upward stroke – as you go up, release the pressure you had when pushing down to create thinner lines (for a reference, check the picture just a few lines below)!
Everyday Exercises to Practice
- Alternate between upward and downward brush strokes on a piece of paper like so:
2. When you feel confident going back and forth between writing thick and thin strokes (pressing down on the tip then releasing the pressure, and vice versa), transition to writing actual letters! Start with writing the alphabet, one letter at a time (the letters don’t necessarily have to be connected if you don’t feel ready yet)! Doing so will prepare you to write actual words!
3. Finally, after taking the time to practice and MASTER your strokes and alphabet, try writing out some words! First, start with shorter words with the letters that you feel the most comfortable with! Then, gradually try out longer words until you feel as if you can write ANY word comfortably and easily. You know you’re good to go when writing in calligraphy is not only just as easy as writing in type, but MORE FUN!
4. Experiment to find YOUR style! Some calligraphy styles are more formal and fancy, while others are a bit more casual and fun! Try out different styles and see which one you enjoy the best!
By ~ Joni
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