Creative Calligraphy Made Easy: A Beginner's Guide to Crafting Stylish Cards, Event Decor and Gifts

by Karla Lim

Overview

Master Modern Calligraphy and Show Off Your Skills with Amazing Projects

Learn the art of calligraphy with this approachable, inspiring step-by-step guide. Calligraphy is the key to creating stunning, customized cards, gorgeous hand-addressed envelopes, personalized stationery, unique gift wrap and more. Renowned calligraphy designer and instructor Karla Lim breaks down the complex craft into simple steps so you can get amazing professional results in your cards and gifts, while also enjoying this meditative process. With worksheets right in the book, you can practice forming and connecting letters in a variety of sophisticated modern calligraphy styles. Karla’s practice plan makes it easy to get comfortable with the essential tools and techniques before moving on to create personalized projects with your new skill.

Add a special touch to your next event with an elegant handwritten menu and place cards. Get creative with inspiring gifts like a memory shadow box and a botanical calendar. Karla also covers the basics of digitizing calligraphy, making it easy to share your creations with friends and family, and to connect with the exciting lettering and calligraphy community online. Packed with essential tips and inspiring project ideas, this book has everything you need to get started and get creative with calligraphy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781645671343
Publisher:	Page Street Publishing
Publication date:	12/08/2020
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	488,367
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Karla Lim is the owner of Written Word Calligraphy and Design, a wedding invitation and design studio. She is the creator of the Written Word Academy and has taught calligraphy to countless beginners and professionals. She has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Knot, Brides and Martha Stewart Weddings. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, with her husband Clement and son Chase.

Table of Contents

Foreword Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls 6

Introduction 7

Getting Started in Modern Calligraphy 8

What Is Modern Calligraphy? 8

Your Essential Toolkit for Learning Calligraphy 10

A Deep Dive into Calligraphy Tools 10

Pointed Nibs 11

Pens 12

Inks 13

Paper 14

Other Materials 14

Preparing Your Tools for Writing 15

Preparing the Nib 15

Installing the Nib 16

Dipping the Nib into Ink 17

Cleaning the Nib 17

Holding the Pen 17

How to Write 19

Calligraphy Step-by-Step Guide 20

Six-Week Practice Plan 20

Practice Exercises 21

Lowercase Alphabet 21

Uppercase Alphabet 22

Connecting Letters 22

Worksheets 23

Troubleshooting 23

Basics of Faux Calligraphy 24

Projects 26

Creative Cards for Every Occasion 28

Earth-Toned Watercoior Birthday Card 31

Desert-Inspired Get Well Soon Card 35

Festive Gold Holiday Card 39

Spring-Inspired Flora! Mother's Day Card 43

Rainbow Baby Wishes Card 47

Elegant Embossed Monogram Stationery Set 51

All You Need to Know about Addressing Envelopes in Calligraphy 55

Special Touches for Weddings & Events 60

Personalized Bridesmaid Card and Gift Box 62

Monochromatic Wax Seal Place Cards 67

Modern Illustrated Seating Chart 71

Stylish Floral Box Table Number 75

Handwritten Natural Linen Fabric Menu 79

Minimal Diamond Acrylic Cake Topper 83

Bespoke Monogram and Place Card Table Runner 87

Sleek Botanical Place Card and Menu 91

Floral Hoop Backdrop 95

Calligraphy Gift Wrapping Ideas 98

Personalized Calligraphy Gift Wrapping Paper 101

Modern Brushed Gold Leaf Tags 105

Elegant Gold-Foiled Silk Ribbons 109

Botanical Vellum Monogram Gift Bag 113

Hand-Lettered Projects for Your Home 116

Wall-Hanging Wooden Calligraphy Pennant 119

Simple Handwritten Organizing Pantry Labels 123

Hand-Drawn Gold Glass Recipe Box with Organizers 127

Illustrated Blooming Wooden Perpetual Calendar 131

Minimal Baby Memory Shadow Boxes 135

Chic Handmade Gifts 138

Pressed Floral Calligraphy Phone Case 141

Monogrammed Handmade Tea Bags and Gift Bags 145

Hand-Lettered Amber Bud Flower Vase 149

Perfect Leather Keychain 153

Personalized Ring Dishes and Cones 157

Marbled Christmas Ornaments 161

Hand-Painted Watercolor Baby Milestone Cards 165

The Basics of Digitizing Calligraphy 168

Templates 170

Resources 170

Acknowledgments 173

About the Author 173

Index 174

Editorial Reviews

Karla elevates ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art with her creative, elegant calligraphy. Her fearless experimentation with modern styles is an inspiration!”
—Lindsey Bugbee, creator of The Postman’s Knock

“There is no detail left undone in this amazing book. It is laid out perfectly with easy step-by-step instructions, and the fun projects are the best part. Brilliant!”
—Suzanne Cunningham, calligrapher and teacher

“Karla has been and continues to be the most influential calligrapher in the wedding industry. This in-depth book combines her creative crafting skills and impeccable aesthetic, and offers budding calligraphers a unique chance to hone their skills from the comfort of their homes.”
—Joy Proctor, founder of Joy Proctor Design

“This thoughtfully laid-out book will be a catalyst for countless aspiring calligraphers as they wield the pen and explore the art of beautiful writing.”
—Jake Weidmann, Master Penman

From the Publisher