Calligraphy Sharing

A Calligraphy Class

For our Feb. meeting, our leader graciously led us in learning Calligraphy. We had about 25 girls and 15 moms! We were set up at tables in a gym. Our leader had a large tablet we could all see. She had also prepared sheets for us with the letters and tracing paper to use so we could take them home, purchase additional tracing paper and practice, practice, practice! We made a bookmark and a card. We had a wonderful time!  (Huntsville, AL)

Girls Not Only Learn Calligraphy, But Learn to Use It in a Variety of Ways.

Christina Brown and her daughter Jessica and Abigail hosted this meeting. I discussed the word calligraphy and how it means beautiful writing. We talked about the history of calligraphy considering pictographs and Egyptian Hieroglyphics; how it flourished in the middle Ages, and how calligraphy became less used when the printing press was invented, and why it was revitalized in the 19th century.

I gave examples of different types of calligraphy, care of tools, types of ink and pens. We also perused strokes, hand positions, and Calligrams.

We discussed rules, correct position, and posture and spacing. We also talked about tips: allowing yourself to make mistakes, extension of your pinkie finger and why this helps, how tracing isn't cheating, working with a rhythm, patience, and practice, practice, practice!

I showed the girls several different books about calligraphy and the different alphabets they could choose from. We also discussed examples on how you can use calligraphy in your life and ways to make money through Calligraphy.

Projects:

The first project was to write the alphabet of their choice. We discussed the different styles available and what they had seen using these styles or what it made them think about. Some were more ornate than others, and the girls didn't just pick the easiest. I had the girls do the lower case alphabet and then the upper case alphabet.

As it was just before Valentines Day, the girls each made a Valentine's Card, for someone special, with a Bible verse in it about Love. The girls each picked a verse and wrote it in the calligraphy alphabet of their choice. They decorated these with scrapbooking paper, supplies, stickers, etc.

The girls were sent home with instruction on reading one calligraphy book of their choice and another project they were to complete at home which was a sign for their door, stating for example, 'Christina's Room' written in the calligraphy alphabet of their choice.

The girls had a great time. Afterwards, my youngest daughter was using calligraphy in thank you notes and story covers. She even noticed calligraphy at our city's newspaper on the wall. (Charlotte, NC)

Neat Little Stands to Display Calligraphy Scriptures

The project began as meeting one of the three requirements for the calligraphy merit badge by requiring our group (there are 13 members) to calligraphy a minimum of five verses of Scripture.  The offshoot of this was the girls’ desire to display these five and others in a more permanent manner—thus the idea for the small stand.

The calligraphy techniques were taught by two homeschool moms in the group who were quite accomplished in their teaching skills. Although learning this particular skill was new to most of our girls they all exhibited a great deal of patience and commitment to that all important element of practice—and more practice—and more practice—etc.!!!!!!

The bases are made of scrap pieces of 3/4" white pine.  The table top is tempered hardwood.  Some of the 1" columns are plain dowels while others are from wooden curtain rods.  Close attention should be made in placing the locations of the hole in the paper and the top so they line up nicely when assembled.  The rings are Rollodex rings available at most office supply stores.  (Nicholson, GA)