Laura Lavender

This book focuses on the pointed pen style of calligraphy, requiring different tools than a fountain pen, though for practice any writing utensil can be used. A handy guide for beginners, it covers everything from practice strokes to how to assemble letters for various fonts. I loved the various font ideas (which even the uninspired could trace if need be!). The lovely letter art that finishes out the book was way out of my league, but beautiful to gawk at all the same. I think I would have been overwhelmed if this was my first calligraphy book, but it would make a great addition to a lettering library.… (más)

Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy
A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them
by Laura Lavender

The term Calligraphy comes from the Greek words “calli” = beautiful and “graphein” = meaning to write. The book goes on to describe writing tools, terminology, letters, scripts and so much more. On a personal note, I received low grades in 4th grade handwritinng class. I still remember that “Jane” was able to make perfect letters and receive the highest grade. It did make me want to improve and over time my fine motor skills strengthened thus improving my control of what I produced when writing letters on paper. Handwriting is used less now than in the past but the fine art of calligraphy is in demand for special documents, invitations and big events. Another side note – when I was in high school or college I remember my father, a physician, being impressed with calligraphy and practicing to change his personal handwriting into a more calligraphic style even though his handwriting was perfectly legible as it was.

The book included information in how to seat the nib in the holder, how to fill the pen with ink, how ot make ox gall ink from scratch, how to embellis writing, styles of calligraphy, working with colors, adding in patterns, illuniated calligraphy, practice pages and templates. I found it interesting that there are three lines to consider when creating calligraphy and that the empty spaces are as important, in some ways, as the lines and curves. One tip I found intriguing was the use of a light box to put a template on to improve the calligraphy one creates.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC ~ This is my honest review

4-5 Stars… (más)