Crafts
"Calligraphy"
Pens and Nibs. Check with your local art-supply dealer to determine the appropriate pen for your needs. There are four basic types of pens used for calligraphy: chisel-point marker, dip pen, reservoir pen and steel brush. The chisel-point marker, which has a flat point, comes in fine, medium, broad, extra-broad and split tip. The dip pen, which has a variety of steel-tip nibs (such as Speedball or Mitchell), is used with a pen holder. The steel-tip nibs come in various widths that can be interchanged to achieve different size letters. The reservoir pen is a fountain pen with a broad tip (such as Osmir- oid. Pelican or Rotring) made especially for calligraphy. When the ink chamber is filled, the reservoir pen will have a constant flow of ink. The steel brush is a dip pen and uses interchangeable, very wide nibs. The steel brush is used for posters, signs and billboards. If you are left-handed, check with your art supply dealer to be sure you purchase a pen and nibs for left-handed writers. Inks. Ask your art-supply dealer for suggestions on the type of ink to use with the type of pen you've chosen. If you use a reservoir pen, be sure to use ink made for fountain pens. Some India inks contain shellac, which will clog and damage the reservoir pen. Always remember to rinse out the pen nib after each use.
Paper. Any smooth-surface paper is suitable. Nonerasable typing paper is a good, inexpensive paper on which to practice. But a good quality paper will enhance your calligraphy. Smooth bristol board and parchment paper are among the best papers. Ask your art supply dealer for suggestions regarding the appropriate paper for your project. Your initial investment for materials is minimal. All you need is a dip pen with a few nibs (such as Speedball Nos. C-O, C-l and C-2), black ink and smooth surface paper.
A slanted surface will enhance your writing comfort and enjoyment. A sim- ple way to make a slanted surface is by placing one or two books under a drawing board so that the surface slants toward you. POSTURE
For best results, sit with both feet flat on the floor and your forearms and elbows resting on the writing surface. Sit up straight, don't slump.PAPER POSITION
If you are right-handed, turn the paper slightly to the left; if you are left- handed, turn the paper slightly to the right. After writing a few words, move the paper slightly so that your hand is always comfortable.PEN HOLD
Hold the pen comfortably between your thumb and forefinger, resting it near the first knuckle of your middle pen too tightly. The pen point does most of the work, so you do not have to exert much pressure.PEN ANGLE
Most important, hold the pen so that the point — or edge — of the nib is at a 45° angle to the writing line (FIG. 1).
This position allows the pen to form the correct "thicks" and "thins" of each letter. The pen must stay at this 45° angle and the entire nib edge must stay in contact with the paper at all times.THE ITALIC ALPHABET
The italic alphabet is called Chancery Cursive. The shape of the Chancery letter is tall rather than round or fat, and it has a slight slant. It is written with a broad-tip nib held at a constant 45° angle to the writing line. By holding the appropriate-edge nib at the correct angle, you will create the proper thicks and thins that are so beautiful and characteristic of Chancery Cursive.GUIDELINES
Draw guidelines with a ruler and pencil. Always use a soft black pencil — 5B or 6B— and always use a light touch. Then when your ink is completely dry, gently erase all guidelines with a soft white eraser.LETTER SIZE
The height of a letter is determined by the width of the nib you are using. The lowercase letter should be five nib widths high. The ascenders and descenders should also be five nib widths high (FIG. 2). The uppercase, or capital, letter should be seven nib widths high.PRACTICE STROKES
When beginning to practice calligraphy, always use a large nib. By doing so, it is easier for you to see each letter and to judge the correct shape and angle of that letter. All letters should be formed by moving the pen down (from the top of the letter to the bottom) and to the right. The pen should never be pushed from bottom to top or from right to left.PRACTICE LETTERS
The following exercises (FIG. 3) and the "N chain" (FIG. 4) will help you develop a smooth and flowing hand.PRACTICE SENTENCE
The sentence(FIG. 5) contains all the letters of the alphabet. ***Lower case sample can be found here.
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