Modern Calligraphy

I arrived just in time for my Beginners Modern Calligraphy workshop at Quill London. As I entered the shop, everyone was silently and attentively listening to Lucy who was giving an introduction on Modern Calligraphy and what we were going to learn. Everything was neatly laid out in front of us and as I made my way to an empty seat with an elegant Calligraphy kit laid out in front of it, my little heart got excited!

I have always had a passion for stationery, literally ever since I can remember writing. I am that person who chases you for their pen back, should you have been lucky enough in the first place to have been lent it! I love all my pens, pencils and brushes and it seems to be a genetic thing as my father also exhibits the same passion for pens and perfectly neat and aligned handwriting. 

Next we were told to gently, but firmly, fit our nibs onto the provided pen holder and dip! Off we were creating strokes on the provided dotted paper. The hand naturally kept wanting to write normally but it was almost as if the nib was not allowing this. I was completely engrossed in trying to make varying thicknesses while holding the pen at the correct angle and sitting upright; down thick stroke, up fine stroke. We continued with some curves and then more complicated curves, to then attempt letters and finally some phrases. 

At the end of the workshop, Lucy kindly told me that she was impressed at my work. I smiled and as I headed back to the station to get home, I was almost floating with glee like a little school girl who had just been given a gold star. 

It was a lovely evening. Words cannot describe the happiness I feel when pen in hand. Simply, it was an extraordinary feeling of contentment as I lost myself in the moment of creating letters.

Thank you to Lucy and Quill for a wonderful introduction to Modern Calligraphy and a lovely evening. 

At home I have been keen to practice and every time it comes easier and you can see my calligraphy getting better! I also got a book Modern Calligraphy Workshop by Imogen Owen. Beautifully explained and detailed. I have found it very helpful with carrying on and developing my own "style". I cannot wait to start reading about brushes and "faking it".

Oops!

And although I was warned...Imogen clearly states in her book to make sure that your ink is positioned on a flat surface and away from the elbows! Alas, practising Calligraphy on the sofa on your lap...not such a good idea!