Calligraphy: Beginner's Boot Camp

 

If you are looking for a place

to start learning calligraphy,

take this course!
 

Designed for the beginner, the italic alphabet is a popular introduction to calligraphy. Also called Chancery Cursive, it is

the handwriting of Renaissance scribes. In a step-by-step approach, students will learn this graceful and beautiful alphabet with

basic strokes, minuscule (lower case) letters, capitals, numerals, punctuation, and spacing. Italic is a modern, legible alphabet

that has a wide variety of applications. Great for scrap bookers,

this class can also be used as a refresher.
 

Level: Beginner
8 Saturday Mornings, 16 hours
9:30 am to 11:30 am
February 18 through April 21
**No class March 17, 31

 

Cost: $259

 

All supplies included.

 

SOLD OUT

 

Please email us if you would like to be notified

of the next class schedule.

 

 

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Gorgeous Gothics:

The Old English Alphabet

 

The Old English alphabet is a bold, broad pen style marked

a distinctly Gothic look. Although it can be traced back

to medieval times, its origin is actually German.

Although visually decorative and elaborate by modern day

standards, Old English letterforms were considered logical

for their time. They remain an excellent example of letters

as text application, as well as design ornament.

In this step-by-step approach, students will learn

basic rules for writing, individual strokes,

minuscule (lower case) letters, capitals, numerals,

punctuation, and spacing. Writing words,

sentences, and text writing will also be addressed.


Level: Beginner
8 Saturday Afternoons, 16 hours
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

February 18 through April 21
No class March 17

Cost: $259

All supplies included
 

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Introduction to Copperplate

 

The Copperplate alphabet, also called English Roundhand,

is a script hand popularized in the 19th century. Using a flexible, pointed nib, and an oblique (elbow) pen holder, this elegant

and distinct writing style is beautiful with its graceful swells

and lifts. Using the "press and release" method,

students will learn the foundations of all letterforms:

upper and lower cases, numbers and punctuation.

Careful attention is paid to consistency in spacing and rhythm.

The Copperplate hand has a classic, timeless feel that makes it

a popular choice to learn and apply.

Level: Beginner
8 Monday Evenings, 16 hours
February 20 to April 9

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
 

Cost: $299

 

All supplies included.

 

ONLY 2 SEATS LEFT

 

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Envelope Addressing and Etiquette
 

This one day workshop is designed specifically for those who wish

to learn how to address envelopes using their existing calligraphy skills. Students will learn how to determine proper scale for

small writing, formal and informal approaches to addressing, determining and setting up guidelines, centering techniques,

and other tips and tricks that calligraphers use for an optimal result. We will also cover basic rules of etiquette, postal regulations

for mailing, and how to write on dark colored and heavily

lined envelopes. Bring your own supplies; suggested supply list

will be mailed upon registration.

Envelopes will be provided.

 

Saturday, June 2
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
1 Session, 5 hours
9:30 am to 3:15 pm
 

Cost: $129

Please note: This is not a letterforms class.

A knowledge of calligraphy is necessary

in order to fully benefit from this class.

 

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Decorated Letters

The illuminated letter has been used to highlight and enhance handwritten manuscripts and texts throughout history.

In this one-day workshop, students will learn how to create

and decorate a unique freeform letter, and a simple Versal letter based on a system of historic techniques. From basic outlining

to detailed, colored embellishments and applied gold leaf paint,

these step-by-step methods are easy to learn and have many creative applications, from simple greeting cards

to more formal documents.

Saturday, June 16
Level: Beginner
1 Session, 5 hours
9:30 am to 3:15 pm
 

Cost: $129
 

All supplies included.

 

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Divine Flourishes

 

Victorian pointed pen flourishing

(also called “off-hand flourishing”) is the shining star

of 19th century pen work. In this workshop, students

will first learn basic strokes and simple techniques,

and then combine them into delicate vines, leaves,

berries, wheat sheaves, and floral bouquets. Known for

its repertoire of graceful curves and gentle ovals,

this visually beautiful art form

is both rewarding and relevant today.
 

Saturday, June 30

Level: Beginner/Intermediate
1 Session, 5 hours
9:30 am to 3:15 pm
 

Cost: $129
 

All supplies included.

 

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The Flourished Name- NEW!
 

Ornamental Decorative Flourishing is one of

the most challenging and rewarding skills

that a calligrapher can acquire.

But did you ever wonder how it’s done?

In this workshop, we’ll combine both history and artistry

as we explore the world of flourished names. First, students

will learn the simple, fundamental “rules” and techniques

of flourishing, with its signature graceful curves, concentric ovals,

and gentle direction changes. Next, in this step-by-step tutorial,

we will examine the endless possibilities of flourished attachments using pencil sketches. The end result will be a finished composition rendered in pen and ink. Both decorative and useful, our goal

in flourishing names and words is to achieve a balanced,

harmonious and visually beautiful look, while maintaining

the integrity and readability of the letterforms.

Saturday, July 14
Level: Intermediate
1 Session, 5 hours
9:30 am to 3:15 pm
 

Cost: $129
 

All supplies included.

Please note: This is not a letterforms class.

A knowledge of pointed pen calligraphy is necessary

in order to fully benefit from this class.
 

 

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Calligraphy in the Celtic Style
 

Rich in the history of the Irish culture, this two day workshop

is perfect for beginners. Students will explore the foundation, structure, and distinctive hand of the Celtic alphabet. We will learn letterforms, punctuation, numerals, spacing, and layout.

Also called "uncial", this ancient alphabet is both beautiful

and useful. This class can also be used as a refresher.

 

July 21 and 28
2 Saturdays, 10 hours
Level: Beginner
9:30 am to 3:15 pm
 

Cost: $169
 

All supplies included.

 

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Coming in Autumn 2012:

Beginner’s Boot Camp
Intermediate Boot Camp
Introduction to Copperplate
Divine Flourishes
Artists’ Retreat Day
Calligraphy Fine Tuning
Adventures in Layout and Design
Calligraphy Patterns and Decorative Borders