Creative Calligraphy Made Easy

This is a story of how I got back into practicing calligraphy. It all started with a book called "Creative Calligraphy Made Easy."

It's written by Karla Lim, a calligrapher and wedding invitation designer based in Vancouver. She is also the woman behind Written Word Calligraphy where she blogs, teaches classes, and even has a shop. 

 

Karla's style is feminine and elegant with a muted color palette. She's been doing this for more than eight years, making her an expert to write this book. She defines "Modern Calligraphy" this way:

"Modern calligraphy uses the exact same tools as traditional pointed-pen calligraphy but you set your own "lettering rules," styles, flourishes and more. When you use a pointed pen to write in calligraphy, you will be going back in time, dipping a pen into an inkwell and writing with a flexible pointed nib. The flexible pointed pen creates thick and thin lines when you write, which leads to the signature look of modern calligraphy. I always think of modern calligraphy as drawing or painting letters and words, rather than simply writing them to be read. Modern calligraphy is truly an artistic expression." - Karla Lim, Written Word Calligraphy   

I've taken a calligraphy class with Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls (who also writes the foreword to Karla's book) but I haven't practiced in ages.

So I assembled my materials, an assortment from Maybelle's class, as well as thrift shop and art store finds.

Then I practiced.

And practiced.

And practiced (the uppercase letters weren't easy to do at the beginning).

Karla's mantra is "Practice makes progress."

The book suggests many projects where we can apply our newfound calligraphy skill.

There are guidelines on how to address envelopes in calligraphy for wedding invitations or to fancy up everyday envelopes we send in the mail.

There's also a lot of wedding and party DIY ideas.

Plus ways to add flair to wrapping gifts.

I'd love to try this calligraphy on ribbon using a foil quill.

To give this idea my own little twist, I wrote down some phrases on scrap cardboard to make these salutation cards.

And used them to decorate some presents...TADA!

This book is very helpful to learn the basics and discover new applications for modern calligraphy, turning ordinary objects from "blah" to "TADA!"

"Calligraphy is an invitation for rediscovery and creativity. It invites us to slow down and think about the shapes and intention behind every stroke, rather than just writing simply to read. Because of that, writing in calligraphy is typically slower than usual hand writing. It is more intentional, technical and purposeful, which is what I love about it." - Karla Lim, Written Word Calligraphy

How about you? Have you tried calligraphy?

By the way, if you like my crafty "blah to TADA!" ideas and would like these blog posts automatically delivered to your inbox, you may subscribe here.  Thank you!