Calligraphy & Penmanship Gift Guide

Whether you use the pen craft professionally, or just for personal expression, it embodies a tradition of beauty and discipline that few other crafts can match. Here are my favorite learning guides for mastering the time-honored art and craft of calligraphy, lettering and penmanship — for young and old! The first time someone sees you writing in pure copperplate and exclaims “Wow, how did you learn that?” you’ll know you’ve gained a skill few others posess. Any of these books will also make a superb gift for anyone on your list.

lettering and calligraphy samples

Calligraphy and Lettering Books
Whether you use the pen craft professionally, or just for personal expression, it embodies a tradition of beauty and discipline that few other crafts can match. Here are my favorite learning guides for mastering the time-honored art and craft of calligraphy, lettering and penmanship — for young and old! The first time someone sees you writing in pure copperplate and exclaims “Wow, how did you learn that?” you’ll know you’ve gained a skill few others posess. Any of these books will also make a superb gift for anyone on your list.

Calligraphy 101:
Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily through Step-by-Step

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Calligraphy is both an art and a skill. Unlike with many other crafts, a person cannot develop good calligraphy skills simply by picking up the pen and practicing. There are many details about how to load the pen, how to hold it at an exact angle to the paper, even how to form each letter of each alphabet style one stroke at a time. Without proper training, the crafter will soon give up and consider it too hard to learn.
      This book starts at the very beginning, teaching all the fine points about calligraphy with practice drills and easy projects to begin with. Then, new and more difficult skills are introduced gradually through more practice drills and projects. Like other books in the 101 series, the book is written for the absolute beginner with detailed instructions, tips, and quick references all aimed at helping the crafter achieve success.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Calligraphy 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily through Step-by-Step

Calligraphy in the Copperplate Style

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Herb Kaufman, Geri Homelsky bring together beautiful writing and gestalt technique in this complete guide. All aspects of calligraphic style are taught step-by-step in remarkably easy-to-follow guide. This guide is low cost and just for beginners.
      Guide sheets. 64 illustrations.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Calligraphy in the Copperplate Style

Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy: A Step-by-Step Manual

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Admired for its beauty, grace and fluidity, copperplate calligraphy is perhaps the most popular writing style for social correspondence.
      This practical guide teaches students to handle the alphabet, numbers and punctuation, color and paper; how to write simple paragraphs, quotations, poems, cards, invitations and more. Numerous black-and-white illustrations. Bibliography. Index.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy: A Step-by-Step Manual – Eleanor Winters

All About Techniques in Calligraphy:
An Indispensable Manual for Artists and Hobbyists

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Stephanie Zvirin of Booklist writes :
      Like others in the All about Techniques series, this book packs a lot of information into a very attractive package. Captioned photos and diagrams and blocks of concise text work beautifully together to introduce a wealth of information on the lettering art. An overview of writing and alphabets as they evolved in a few key areas around the globe precedes information on calligraphy materials, tools, and techniques.
      There are chapters on composition and design as well, along with step-by-step demonstrations of letter construction and generously sized samples, perfect for copying, of Gothic, Humanistic, Carolingian, Chancellery, and other scripts. The final sections of the book comprise an idea gallery that links the lettering to modern design opportunities. Unlike Annie Cicale?s The Art and Craft of Hand Lettering (2004), this book includes no projects but is, nonetheless, a first-rate introduction to hand-lettering, from practice to perfection.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : All About Techniques in Calligraphy: An Indispensable Manual for Artists and Hobbyists

Favorite Calligraphy Books

Spencerian Penmanship (Theory Book plus five copybooks)

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

In the mid-1800’s, the Spencerian form of penmanship became a standard. An elegant handwriting was much prized. Today, in our computer age, a fine, beautiful, and legible handwriting brings a warm personal touch to our correspondence.
      These books, 5 copybooks and a theory book (available separately or as a set), may be used to introduce cursive writing to second or third graders or to improve the handwriting of older students or adults.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Spencerian Penmanship by Platt Rogers Spencer

Medieval Calligraphy: Its History and Technique

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Spirited history and comprehensive instruction manual covers 13 important writing styles (ca. 4th century thru 15th). Fascinating facts about Roman Rustic, Uncial, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, 8 other styles; all examples beautifully photographed.
      Detailed directions for duplicating medieval techniques with modern tools. 232 illustrations.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Medieval Calligraphy by Marc Drogin

Pen LetteringFavorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

This is a new edition of the classic introduction to formal calligraphy by one if its foremost teachers. In this book Ann Camp sets out to explain every action in every stage of learning to use the pen, from the making of letters to spacing words, planning and designing a page, and from there to planning a book. For those who teach and wish to refresh their minds on a direct and clear approach, this book will be invaluable, and for those who wish to become proficient in the craft of pen lettering each stage is clearly explained.
      Ann Camp is a well-known professional scribe with fortytwo years of teaching experience. She is a fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and founded the Digby Stuart calligraphy course which has produced the majority of today’s successful applicants for Fellowship of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Pen Lettering by Ann Camp

The Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

The Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy: A Manual and Model Book of the Pointed Pen Method by Gordon Turner is a real bargain for those who are serious about learning.
      Step-by-step instructions for elegant roundhand style ? American version of copperplate. Strokes, hairlines, shading, etc. Pens, inks, papers, more.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : The Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy

The Universal PenmanFavorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

This famous treasury of English roundhand calligraphy of 1740 is not only a good workbook for calligraphers — it’s a remarkable source of ideas for all kinds of art.
      Alphabets, decorated pages, scrolls, frames, cupids, and similar material don’t just dwell on lettering — but all kinds of graphics as well.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : The Universal Penman by George Bickham

Copperplate Calligraphy

Copperplate Calligraphy

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Not only is this book out of print but Dick Jackson is no longer with us. This book is a classic regarding the copperplate alphabet. It is written clearly with excellent examples of the letters.
      One of the secrets to the lettering is a light touch to the up strokes. The other is the down strokes – none of us who were fortunate to have taken one of his workshops will ever forget his voice – MASH ON IT – as we created the downstrokes with the pen. He always wanted to see a contrast to the thick/thin lines. This book is worth searching for.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Copperplate Calligraphy by Dick Jackson

Calligraphy in 24 HoursFavorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Serious beginners who open this book can really learn the ancient art of calligraphy in just 24 one-hour sessions. A carefully structured beginner’s course, Calligraphy in 24 Hours starts with basic instruction and progresses through sessions that challenge readers with projects of increasing difficulty.
      VEIKO KESPERSAKS is a leading Scandinavian calligraphy specialist and lettering designer based in London. He has gained an international reputation as one of the most skilled lettering artists and teachers currently working in the field.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Calligraphy in 24 Hours by Veiko Kespersaks

The Bible of Illuminated Letters

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Readers and students of illumination who open this book will find: a history of illumination; required tools, techniques, and materials for illuminating; instruction in layout and design; and steps to follow in order to create 12 alphabet styles.
      This beautiful book also features a picture gallery of outstanding historical and contemporary illuminated letters, as well as a glossary and index. More than 400 inspiring color illustrations in total.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : The Bible of Illuminated Letters: A Treasury of Decorative Calligraphy by Margaret Morgan and Rosemary Buczek

Calligraphy: A Course in Hand Lettering

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination This Spiral-Bound is for anyone who’s ever been wowed by the writing on a wedding invitation rather than the reception…for anyone who’s ever studied the calligraphy on a wine list rather than the chianti.
      This is a comprehensive calligraphy course between covers, taught by a distinguished calligrapher. From ninth-century Uncial to fifteenth-century Gothic to nineteenth-century Script, the book explains the development of the major ‘hands’ and shows how to master the basics. Topics include supplies, strokes, pen angles, spacing, design and layout, italic lettering, Carolingian lettering, foundational lettering, plus much, much more. Therapeutic and rewarding, calligraphy is popular both as an art form and a form of relaxation’and here’s the perfect no-fuss, no-muss starter course!
READ THIS REPORT Full story :

Ornate Pictorial CalligraphyFavorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

The traditional ornamental art of “flourishing.” Complete instructions and examples help you create your own magnificent swirls, delicately shaded curves, harmoniously crisscrossing lines, from which birds, rabbits, deer, ribbons, and other objects gracefully emerge.
      In the Dover tradition, this is a great little book for just a few dollars! Over 150 royalty-free illustrations may also be applied to a multitude of graphic art and design purposes. Preface. Instructions.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy: Instructions and Over 150 Examples

copperplate pen lettering calligraphy

The Art of Illumination

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Pulling together only the best projects from this bestselling author’s three previous books on illumination, this compendium instructs designers on a range of exquisite designs in watercolor and gouache to enhance calligraphy, texts, and a host of other decorative items.
      Employing timeless techniques to more than 60 design ideas, these projects draw their inspiration from classic manuscripts and texts. About the Author Patricia Carter is the author of Illuminated Alphabets, Illuminated Calligraphy, and Illuminated Design.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : The Art of Illumination by Patricia Carter

How to Become a Professional CalligrapherFavorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

This is an excellent book for those starting in the Calligraphy business. It is well written, easy to read and has many fine illustrations.
      The author has written a book that caters to the artist. He knows that a lot of artists have a hard time with sales and are often very critical of themselves. His philosophy is to jump in and start working with easier projects and you will gain experience and clients as you go.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : How to Become a Professional Calligrapher by Stuart David

Lettering & Calligraphy Workbook

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

This thorough workbook provides a complete course in calligraphy, from basic alphabets and letterforms to templates, from spacing and layout to complex projects. It’s big, it’s complete, and it’s filled with the most detailed lessons on calligraphy anyone will ever need.
      A complete overview of the basic tools explains what each pen can do, and how inks and paints can affect the quality of the work. Several tasks are laid out for students to master: They can start with ‘skeleton letters,’ and then gradually try more complex forms, including Rustica, Antique Uncials, and Carolingian. Prepare for a project by understanding line spacing, centering, layout, pasting up, and using color. Then, see how to make giftwrap, fashion handmade greeting cards, design posters, and copy poetry and prose.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Lettering & Calligraphy Workbook by the Diagram Group

The Calligrapher’s Bible:
100 Complete Alphabets and How to Draw Them

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Both hobbyists and students of design will value this easy-to-use self-teaching book — it’s Spiral-Bound and lays perfectly flat for use! Each of its 100 sections shows a complete A-to-Z calligraphy alphabet, with lessons on correct pen strokes and advice on avoiding errors.
      Beginners will find sound basic instruction, while experienced calligraphers can extend their repertoire with letter styles that range from classic Roman to clean and elegant contemporary styles. In addition to analysis of each alphabet’s features, the book’s detailed instruction provides information on * Tools and materials * Layout basics * Numerals and punctuation * Illumination and ornamentation * Tips for the left-handed calligrapher and more.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : The Calligrapher’s Bible by David Harris

From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Here’s another beautifully Spiral-Bound volume offering lettering arts techniques as well as project ideas
      Calligraphy, the art of elegant, beautiful lettering, has increased in popularity over the last several years. From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot. This book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Modern Mark Making by Lisa Engelbrecht

styles of calligraphy from the calligraphy bible

1,000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Pages and Inspirations

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

This is the first book to offer examples of over 1000 journal pages in one eye-catching, visual format. Artists can embrace and experiment with this medium and will benefit from this rich collection.
      Over 1,000 journal pages presented in one beautiful full-color book Journals offer their makers a safe place to dream, doodle, rant, and reinvent themselves. They offer viewers rich, visual inspiration.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : 1,000 Artist Journal Pages by Dawn DeVries Sokol

Hand Lettering: Simple, Creative Styles for Cards, Scrapbooks & More

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

If you think creating beautiful and graceful calligraphy requires years of training and a closet full of fancy pens and exotic inks, think again!
      Here, the authors explain how anyone can use simple tools and materials found in ordinary craft stores, as well as Q-tips, sponges, and other common items, to produce outstanding results. They provide examples of a dozen alphabet styles, as well as many decorative details. Color photography reveals more than merely the necessary brush and pen techniques — it also shows a vast range of ideas for using calligraphy in new and surprising ways.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Hand Lettering with MARCI DONLEY and DEANN SINGH

Calligraphy for Kids

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

The title says kids, and we agree: it’s a wonderful experience to have with your kids … but it’s not just about kids!
      Succinct chapters showing how to create a variety of alphabets follow. Winters, an art professor and calligraphist, folds fascinating history into her expert instructions. Her clean layouts showcase beautifully rendered examples and practical exercises, and appended worksheets can be copied for experiments.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Calligraphy for Kids by Eleanor Winters

Sheaffer Calligraphy Maxi Kit

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

A party in a box for the dedicated calligrapher of any level! Three pens, each with a different nib grade, and a generous assortment of ink colors allow for multiple colors on the same project without cleaning the pen. A step-by-step instruction booklet is included, meaning you can become a calligrapher in four easy steps. It’s the art of fine lettering, and you are the artist!
      3 Sheaffer calligraphy pens * 3 Nibs (fine, medium, broad) * 14 assorted Skrip ink cartridges * 1 Calligraphy instruction booklet
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Sheaffer Calligraphy

Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering: A Mark-Making Workbook for Crafters, Cardmakers, and Journal Artists

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.
      This new-in-paperback book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering: By Lisa Engelbrecht

Calligraphy Alphabets for Beginners: The Easy Way to Learn Lettering and Illumination Techniques

Favorite guides for calligraphy, lettering and illumination

Presenting advice and instruction on a more basic level than found in most other calligraphy books, this brand-new title starts with fundamentals. It takes absolute beginners by the hand and walks them through 15 key alphabets.
      The author guides neophyte calligraphers stroke-by-stroke in the process of creating each elegant letter. Entry-level students of the art will quickly learn to create beautiful scripts for Greeting Cards; Party Invitations and Favors; Wedding Announcements; Menus and more
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Calligraphy Alphabets for Beginners by Mary Noble and Janet Mehigan


CALLIGRAPHY PRACTICE PAD

This 9×12 pad for calligraphers comes from Alvin & Co., the well known name in art supplies.
      This is a 50-sheet pad of good quality 9″ x 12″ white parchment. Each sheet is printed with practice rules and a slanting grid. Ideal for learning the art of calligraphy.
READ THIS REPORT Full story : Alvin & Co. CP145 CALLIGRAPHY PRACTICE PAD

Illumination lettering layout templates

Select any of these books as guide, and mentor. The inspiration here will lift you to great works — if nothing else, you’ll gain a heightened appreciation for the skills of penmanship. Any of these books will also make a superb gift for anyone on your list.

And, thanks for reading

Fred Showker

Don’t forget … we encourage you to share your discoveries with other readers. Just send and email, contribute your own article, join the Design Cafe forums, or follow DTG on Facebook!