Wedding Calligraphy: A Guide to Beautiful Hand Lettering

Dedication

For our parents, Don and RoxanneHooper, who have shown endless supportthroughoutthisfourteen-yearjourneyandwhoseencouragementallowedLauraHooperCalligraphytogrowintothebranditistoday.

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

IWEDDINGS&CALLIGRAPHY

ChoosingYourCalligraphicStyleorHandCategoriesScriptsEnvelope&InvitationFormatsEnvelopeLayoutsSelectingYourStyle

WeddingCalligraphyApplicationsWeddingCalligraphyChecklistPre-WeddingApplicationsCeremonyApplicationsReceptionApplications

IICALLIGRAPHYGUIDELINES&TIPS

TheBasicsToolsToolPreparation

Technique

PracticingLetterformsIndividualLetterformPatternsConsistencyBestPracticesChecklist

IIIPROJECTS

BasicTentedEscortCardsGoldenPearPlaceCardsEnvelopeLetteringOysterShellSeatingCardsMacaronPlaceCardsRiverRockPlaceCardsWoodSigns

InClosing

Contributors

Acknowledgements

GlossaryofCalligraphicTerms

IForeword

tallbeganwithasinglebride.

Iwastwenty-twoyearsold,andmyroommategotengaged.Despitebeingclose,shedidn’taskmetobeinherbridalparty,andIwasstillyoungenoughtobedisappointed by that type of thing. Looking to be involved in some way, Iofferedtoaddressherinvitationenvelopes—alltwohundredofthem—andshegraciouslyaccepted.

Once I had addressed the envelopes for my roommate, my dad offered my“services”toacoworkerforhisdaughter’swedding.Soonafter,mysister’sbosswas getting married, so I did her envelopes as well, and this succession of“orders”mademerealize thatcalligraphycouldbecomeacareerpossibility. Itallhappenedsoquickly!

Ihadalwaysconsideredmyselfartisticandlovedallofmyartclasses,butafterfalling short of passing my high school AP Art exam, I had put art on thebackburner to earn a BA in business. However, by offering to address myroommate’s envelopes—and having no idea what I was getting into—IunknowinglylaunchedLauraHooperCalligraphy.

Fast-forwardtomorethanadecadelater:Ihavenowworkedwiththousandsofclientsworldwideon their stationeryneeds forweddings, showers,events,andmore. Laura Hooper Calligraphy has grown to offer not only handwrittenservices, but also full wedding stationery design and printing; an online shopfeaturingprintedpartygoodsandcalligraphysupplies;andeducationforotherslookingtolearntheart.

Threeyearsago,mysisterAlyssajoinedLauraHooperCalligraphyfull-time.Inadditiontomanagingpartof thebusinessoperations,shecoteachescalligraphyworkshopsaroundthecountrybymyside.Inthepagesofthisbook,AlyssaandI share our combined know-ledge on the art of wedding calligraphy, and it’sbeensuchajoytoworkwithheronthislatestventure.

Asfortheroommatewhodidn’taskmetobeabridesmaidinherweddingparty,sheisnowmybestfriendandtherearenohardfeelings.Infact,I’llalwaysbe

gratefulshewasmyveryfirstbride.

Warmly,

OIntroduction

nce perceived as an antiquated detail and unnecessary extravagance tomany amodern bride, hand-lettered calligraphy is now a highly sought-

afteraspectof stationeryandweddingdécor—andwithgoodreason.Weddingstationeryoffersthefirstglimpseofthestyleandlevelofformalityofanevent.With the incredible influence of social media and wedding blogs, the art ofcalligraphyhasbeencatapultedtotheforefrontofpopularweddingdetails.Fromclassic pointed-pen and contemporary lettering to unique and unusual writingsurfaces, there truly is a calligraphy style and application for every potentialweddingthemeorsetting.

Thisbookismeanttoserveasafoundationofinformationandinspirationwhileyou learn the art and develop your skills through in-personworkshops, onlinetutorials, and/or instructional kits. It is also designed to relate to a variety ofreaders,witheachsectionofferingdirectionor insight thatcanapply tobothacouplegettingmarriedandacalligrapher.

First,wehelpyoufindtheletteringtypeandstylethatisappropriateforyour—or your client’s—event, followed by a walk-through of the traditional andcontemporaryways that hand-lettered calligraphy can be applied toweddings.Next, we cover the basic terms, tools, and techniques related to pointed-pencalligraphy, followed by a range of DIY projects for the hands-on bride orprofessional. Insider tips and suggestions are sprinkled throughout, and acompleteglossaryofcalligraphytermsisofferedatthebackofthebookforeasyreference.

Whetheryou’reabridelookingforideas,anoviceaspiringtohandcalligraphyorletteryourownweddingdetails,oraprofessionalseekingadditionalinsight,thisbookhassomething tooffer.Andwhile thedirectionsharedhere involvesour own style andmethods, expect your own personal aesthetic to ultimatelyshine through. There is no single “right” way to practice the art of moderncalligraphy,andthepossibilitiesarevirtuallyendless.

Let’sgetstarted!

•SECTIONI•

Weddings&Calligraphy

I

ChoosingYourCalligraphicStyleofHand

t’simportanttounderstandthenuancesofmatchingtheappropriateletteringtypeandstyletoawedding,whetherit’syourowneventoraneventtowhich

you’ve been hired to contribute as a professional. Just as you or your clientwouldn’twearblack-tieattire toanafternoongardenparty,youwouldn’twantthecategory,script,format,orlayoutofthechosencalligraphytoclashwiththetoneoftheeventitrepresents.

T

Categories

herearemanydifferent typesofcalligraphyand lettering that fallwithinahandfulofcategories.However,thatlistcouldfillanentirebookofitsown.

In the following sections we’ve selected to pinpoint some generalized, basicdifferencesbetweenthetopthreestyles.

CLASSICPOINTED-PEN

This category includes classic styles such as Copperplate (the Declaration ofIndependencewaswritteninCopperplate!)andSpencerian.Generally,therearespecific letterangles,writingguidelines,andother rules thatmustbe followedwith classic pointed-pen calligraphy. These include the commonly recognizedcharacteristicofthickandthinlines.

Classicpointed-penexamplesprovidedcourtesyofMasterPenwomanVivianMungall

MODERNPOINTED-PEN

Applyingthegeneralconceptsofclassiccalligraphywithmanyofthesametools(dip pen, ink, and nibs), this category invites personal adjustments to developone’sownstyle.Thisstylealsoincludesthecommonlyrecognizedcharacteristicof thick and thin lines, but they can bewritten on a larger scalewith unevenbaselinesandothervariations.

LETTERING

Lettering takes the principles from pointed-pen and applies them to alternatewritingtoolssuchaspens,markers,chalk,brushes,andmore.Itcanmaintainamonolinestyle(singleline)orshaded(thelookofthickandthin).Woodsigns,chalkboards,oversizedcanvases,etc.,wouldmostlikelybeconsideredletteringastheyarenotusuallycreatedwithadippenandnib.

TScripts

here are countlessoptions forvarious scripts—manyofwhichare adaptedfrom computer fonts, while others are original scripts dreamt up by

individualcalligraphersandletterers.Onthefollowingpages,wesharefourofLaura’s exemplars, or full-sample alphabets, that all fall beneath the modernpointed-pen category described previously. These scripts were selected todemonstrate four different combinations of formal, casual, traditional, andmodernstyles,allofwhichcanbeappliedtoweddingsintheirownuniqueway.

FORMAL/TRADITIONALBickhamSwashCapitalsScriptThishandwrittenstyleisadaptedfromthecomputerfontBickhamScript,whichis often used on formalwedding invitations. It features a clean, even baselinewithmoreelaborateflourishingonthecapitalletters.Thisscriptalsofeaturesaconsistentinterletterspace,aclassicfeature.

FORMAL/MODERNAlexandriaScriptFlourished,capital letterscombinedwithabouncedbaselineinfusesasenseofeleganceintoamorecasualscript,whileinconsistentinterletterspaceaswellasascendersanddescendersofdifferentheightsgivethescriptamodernedge.

CASUAL/TRADITIONALFrancineScriptFeaturingareturntotheevenbaseline,thisscripthasamoretraditionalfeel,butthedelicateflourishinglendsaless-formalimpression.Thisscriptalsofeaturesaconsistentinterletterspace.

C

CASUAL/MODERNItalicScriptA bounced baseline, loose ligatures, slanted letters, and simple majusculs(capital letters) inject this script with a casual, contemporary vibe. Ascendersand descenders of inconsistent heights combined with inconsistent interletterspaceunderscoretherelaxed,laid-backfeel.

Envelope&InvitationFormats

alligraphy can also be utilized or inserted in varying degrees in order toaffectthelookandfeelofthefinishedproduct.

FULLCALLIGRAPHY

Invitationsthatarecreatedentirelywithhandwrittenscriptwouldbeconsidereda full calligraphy suite. While there is a general misconception that fullcalligraphymaybedifficulttoreadandisonlyappropriateforblack-tieaffairs,the legibility can vary greatly depending on the amount of text aswell as thescriptitself.

PARTIALCALLIGRAPHY

Another format option that incorporates handwritten calligraphy is a mixbetweenahandwrittencalligraphyscriptandacomputerfont.Thecomputerfontis typically some formof capital letters or italicized type, but it’s really up toyouroryourclient’spersonalpreference.

SPOTCALLIGRAPHY

A subcategory of partial calligraphy, this option refers towhen a calligrapherandaseparatestationerworktogether,withthecalligrapherlimitedtoprovidingfiles of key words so the stationer can then lay out the invitation suite forprinting.Thehandwrittencomponentsareusuallyrestrictedtothenamesofthewedding couple, the venue(s), portions of the reply card, and headers for anyadditional inserts (such as accommodation cards, reception cards, itineraries,maps,etc.),soitcansometimesbeamoreaffordableoptionwhenworkingwitha stationer.Because it’s a version of partial calligraphy, the previous examplestillapplies.

I

EnvelopeLayouts

nadditiontothestyleofcalligraphy,youcanusedifferentenvelopelayoutstoconveythetoneofyourwedding.Onthefollowingpagesareseveraloptions

youcanusetoimprintthemoodforanyevent—justbesuretoaccommodatethenecessaryareaforthestamporstamps.(Vintagestampshavegainedpopularityinrecentyearstobeusedinacollectiononenvelopes.)Weusedthesamescriptand address for each of the following examples so you can easily see thedifferencesbetweentheeffects.

CENTERED

Addressblockwith each line centeredon the envelopeand in relation to each

other.

DECORATIVE

Address block that includes laurel leaves or other embellishments for a moredecorativelook.

DIAGONAL

Addressblockthatanglestowardstheupper-rightcorner.

DROPPEDZIPCODE

Addressblockwiththezipcodeline“dropped”downtoitsownline.Canalsoincludea“spread”zipcode,whichfeatureswiderspacesbetweeneachnumber.

FLOURISHING

Address blockwith extra ornamental flourishes to the script.May ormay notexactlymatchthescriptofprintedcollateralinside.

FLOWINGBASELINE

Addresswithoneormorelineswrittenonacurvedbaseline.

SCRIPT&CAPSAddressblockwithamixofscripts,mostcommonlyacursivescriptcombinedwithblockletters.Blockletterscanbecraftedwiththesamepointed-pennib.

STAGGERED

Address block with each line indented from the previous line to create astaggeredeffect.

TIP!

Ifyouareincludingvintagestamps,laythemoutonasampleenvelopetogaugehowfardownyouneedtostartthefirstlineoftheaddressblock.Asaruleofthumb,weusuallystartabouttwo-and-a-halftothreeinchesfromthetopwiththeaddressblocksittingbelowthecenteroftheinvitation.Ifaplannerorclientletsusknowthatvintagestampswillbeused,weaskhowmany

inchesfromthebottomofthestamptheywouldlikeustobegintheaddressblock.

N

SelectingYourStyle

ow that you’re familiar with the style components of calligraphy, you cancreateorsuggestthecombinationofcategory,script,format,andlayoutthat

best reflects the tone of the wedding. We created a few examples on thefollowing pages for your reference, but you or your wedding planner willultimatelydecidewhichcombinationswillworkbestforyourcelebration.There

arenohard-setrules—ifyouwantabeach-themedaffairtobemoreformal,gofor it!You can exude the desired tone by pairing a formal scriptwith amorecasualformat.

Note: Because of our expertise in modern pointed-pen, all of the followingexamplesbeginwiththiscategoryofcalligraphy.Ifyourexpertiseis inclassicpointed-pen, or you’re a couple seeking a calligrapher who’s an expert withstrictlyclassicscript,itcaneasilybeswappedinwherethemoreformalscriptsareused.

BEACHWEDDING

Casual/ModernScript+PartialCalligraphy+DiagonalFormat

The enlarged scale and uneven baseline of modern pointed-pen instantlycommunicates that this is not a traditionalwedding,while a loose script on adiagonalwithflowingligaturesandblocklettering—suchastheoneshownhere—indicatesa relaxedvibe.Dropdown thezipcode to thenext lineandaddafewdecorativedotsin-betweenforafunaddedtouch.

CATHEDRALWEDDING

Formal/TraditionalScript+FullCalligraphy+CenteredAformalscriptwithmore flourishes suggests a formal event, so this combination of a highlyflourished,traditionalscriptinfullcalligraphyisindicativeofanelegant,formal,black-tiewedding.Oftentimes the added flourishingwillmake it necessary todropthezip,sojustmoveitdownifyourunoutofspaceonthelastlineoftheaddress.

GARDENWEDDING

Casual/TraditionalScript+FullCalligraphy+Decorative

A garden wedding calls for a sense of whimsy and romance, so the oversizelettersofacasual/traditionalscriptinaloose-but-controlled,decorativestyle(orevenadiagonal format)workwell for this typeofwedding.Youcandrop thezip code to its own line and leave it off-centered to lighten up the moretraditionalstyle,andpairwithsomeaddedlooseflourishestoinvokethefeelofthegarden.

INDUSTRIALWEDDING

Casual/ModernScript+PartialCalligraphy+DroppedZipTypicallyheldinawarehouseorotheruniquevenue(suchasamuseum),anindustrialweddingisalittlemoremodern in style, and therefore lends well to amore contemporaryscript.Breaking up the scriptwith block letters is also indicative of amodernwedding,whilethedroppedzipinvokesacasualvibe.

RUSTICCHICWEDDING

Formal/Modern Script + Partial Calligraphy + Flowing Baseline The earthyfeel of a rustic, outdoor wedding can be alluded to with flowing calligraphy,which suggests a more casual event. A curved, uneven baseline to add someinterestandgivetheenvelopesaplayfultouchroundsoutthevibe.Feelfreetoevenmixablockletteringstyleinifyouwish!

VINEYARDWEDDING

Casual/Traditional Script + Full Calligraphy + Dropped Zip/Decorative Avineyardweddingcanbeeithermodernorfeaturemorerustic,naturalelements,soit’sagreatopportunitytomixsomecontemporaryideas(suchascasualscriptanddecorativeembellishmentslikelaurelleaves)intotraditionaldetails.

Ultimately, you can use any combination for your special event, but theseexamplesshouldofferastartingpointtodeterminewhatwillworkbestforyouoryourclient.

G

WeddingCalligraphyApplications

oneare thedayswhencalligraphywasconsideredanextra invitationdetailthatwasexpensive,unnecessary,andmaybeevenabitstuffy.Now,thereare

a variety of wedding-related items to which calligraphy can be applied—beautifully!Forourpurposes,wewill focusonpointed-penandhand-letteringoptions,buttherearemanyonlinetutorialsandworkshopsouttherethatcoverthevastnumberofcalligraphyandletteringstylesavailabletoday.

Our basic checklist on page 42 gives you a quick rundown of some popularcomponents forweddingcalligraphy, followedbydetaileddescriptionsofhowyou can personalize each so you can expand your imagination beyond theboundsoftheinner-andouter-envelopeset.

WeddingCalligraphyChecklist

PRE-WEDDING

Save the Dates & Envelopes (optional) Wedding Invitation Suites &Envelopes WeddingPartyAccents

WelcomeBags

WelcomeSignage

CEREMONY

Accessories

Programs

RECEPTION

Favors

Seating(bothforescortandplacecards) Signage

Pre-WeddingApplications

SAVE-THE-DATEANDINVITATIONCALLIGRAPHYCalligraphy can be applied to both a save-the-date and an invitation suitefollowingtheformatguidelinesinthefirstsection,withfullcalligraphy,partialcalligraphy,andspotcalligraphy.Yourpreferredcalligraphyscript,format,andstyle can be hand-lettered to your liking and then reproduced on paper usingdigital,letterpressprinting,engraving,orotherprintoptions.

Note:We do not recommendwedding invitations as aDIY project unless youhavegraphicdesignexperienceandknowledge/access toprofessionalprinters.Here we review the possibilities where calligraphy can be included in yourweddingplanningprocessandcelebration.

ENVELOPES

Yes, it’s a cliché, but envelopes really do provide guests with the firstimpressionofawedding.Calligraphyisanartform,andhandwrittenenvelopesaresostrikingthatmanyclientstellusthattheirguestsdidnotwanttothrowtheinvitationenvelopesaway!It’snoteverydaythatpeopleseetheirnameswrittenoutsobeautifully,andsomuchaboutaneventcanbe instantlycommunicatedsimply through the script, format, and layout of your chosen calligraphy.Youcanpersonalizeenvelopeseven further throughcolor selection, liner style,andpaperqualityandtexture.

TIP!

TIP!

Whenworkingwithyourstationer,besuretoaskthemtoincludethereturnaddresspreprintedontheouterflapofyourenvelopeandonthereplycardenvelope.Somecalligraphersdonotofferreturnaddressing,oriftheydo,itisoftenthesamepriceasmailing-addresscalligraphyandcanaddupveryquicklyprice-wise(becauseyou’reessentiallydoublingtheamountof

work).Ifyourstationerdoesnotofferthisoption,youcanalsoconsideracustomrubberstampcontainingthereturnaddress,asmanycalligraphersdoofferthisoptioninthescripttomatch

yourmailingaddressscript.

WEDDINGPARTYACCENTS

Eventhesmallestdetailslookamazinginphotos,andthemembersofyour—oryour client’s—wedding party will appreciate the thought. Wooden hangerspersonalized with handwritten names for each bridesmaid are a sweet andthoughtfulcomponent toadd to the“getting ready”session.Name tags for thebouquets belonging to each bridesmaid, flower girl, and maid (or matron) ofhonor, aswell as for theboutonnieres for thegroomsmen,ushers, fathers, andgrandfathers, are both considerate and photogenic. Be sure to include corsagetagsformothersandgrandmothers,too.

WELCOMEBAGCOMPONENTS

Anotherplacetoaddatouchofcalligraphytoaweddingoraneventwouldbethe welcome bags or boxes commonly provided for out-of-town guests.Personalizednametagssimplyattachedtothetotebagorboxcangoalongwaytowardsmakingguestsfeelappreciated,whileitinerariesorcustommapsfortheinside of the bags are an easy place to have your stationer insert calligraphicelementsthatarepersonaltoyou.

WELCOMESIGNAGE

Welcome signs can be hand-lettered (most commonly on wood boards ordigitized for oversized printing as a poster sign) and welcome your guests toyourwedding ceremonywith some added flare. Theymost frequently includethe couple’s names and wedding date, but can also be a simple welcomemessage.

CeremonyApplications

ACCESSORIES

Calligraphic touches can be added to a variety of areas in your weddingceremonyincluding“Reserved”signsonseatsforVIPguests,signsfortheringbearer and flower girl, customvowbooks, hand-lettered ceremony backdrops,andmore.

PROGRAMS

Anotherwaytoaddcalligraphyistocoordinateyourprogramswiththerestofyour stationery suite. If your program is especially word heavy, you canincorporate spot calligraphy into the printed pieces versus a full calligraphyprogram that can sometimes be difficult to read.An easyway to do this is toreplaceeachheadingwithacalligraphyscript.

ReceptionApplications

SEATING

Escortcardsandplacecardsarethecommonareaforcalligraphytobeusedinreceptionwork,andit’simportanttounderstandthedifferencebetweenthetwo.

Escortcardstellguestswhichtabletheyareassignedto.Thesecardsareusuallyseparated by “party,” whether it’s an individual, a couple, or a family withchildrenundertheageofeighteen.Eachincludesanameornamesaswellasatablenumber.Tentcards,minienvelopeswithinserts,orflatcardsarethemostwell-known options, but you can also get creative and personalizeunconventionalitemssuchasrocks,shells,oversizeseatingboards,andmore.

Place cards tell guests which individual place setting is reserved for them attheirassignedtable.Flattags,tentedcards,orpersonalizedmenusarethemostcommonoptions,butyoucanbejustascreativewithplacecardsasyoucanwithyourescortcards.

SIGNAGE

Signage isa fantasticway to incorporatepersonalityandstyle intoawedding.Tablenumbersgowithoutsaying,buthand-letteredsignsthatwelcomeguests,offerprograms,tagtheescortcardtable,andlabeldisplaysforfavors,food,anddesserts,alllookgreatwrittenincalligraphyaswell.Onalargerscale,youcaninclude oversized signs to direct guests towards the site of the cocktail hour,ceremony,and/orreception.Oversizedescortboardsarealsogreatconversationstarters!

Signagecanbedoneonpaper,wood,oruniqueobjectssuchasslicesofagate,

bottles,oversizedleaves,rocks,orshells.We’veevenwrittenonlifepreserversonmorethanoneoccasion!

Asyoucansee,therearemanycreativewaystoincludecalligraphyinyour—oryourclient’s—wedding,wellbeyondjusttheinvitationandenvelopes.Wehopeyou’lltakealloftheseideasintoconsiderationforyourevent,orlettheminspireyoutodevelopexcitingoptionsofyourown.

•SECTIONII•

CalligraphyGuidelines&Tips

A

TheBasics

imed largely at beginners and aspiring DIYers, this section covers basiccalligraphytermsandguidelinesdesignedtofamiliarizeyouwiththeartand

giveyouanedgebeforetakingaworkshoporotherpracticalinstruction(video,etc.).Education is alwaysagood investment, sowhetheryou’re reviewing thebasicsforthefirst time,openingyourselftoanother’sprofessionalperspective,orlearningthelingobeforemeetingwithaprospectivestationer,thissectioncangreatlybenefityou.

Note:Be sure to reference the complete glossaryat the endof thebookwhenneeded!

Tools

OBLIQUECALLIGRAPHYPEN(Toprow,nextpage)

Theoblique calligraphypen ismadeupof the longpenholder and the flangeprotrudingfromthesidetoholdthenib.Onaright-handedpen,theflangeisontheleftsideasyouareholdingyourpentothepaper.Onaleft-handedpen,the

flangeisontherightside.Thepurposeoftheflangeistomorenaturallyachievethe angle necessary to create the thick and thin lines that are characteristic ofpointed-pencalligraphy.

STRAIGHTCALLIGRAPHYPEN(Bottomrow,nextpage)

Thereisalsoastraight-penversionavailablethatissometimespreferredforleft-handed calligraphers or when creating ornamental flourishing. When using astraightpen,thenibwillbeinserteddirectlyintothefaceofthepen.Thesepenholderscanbeusedbyright-handedcalligraphersaswell,buttheangleofyourhandwillneed tobeadjustedso that the tipof thenib ispointing towards thetop/top-rightareaofyourwritingsurfaceversusofftotheleftsideofyourpaper.

NIB

Thenibisinsertedintotheflange,andisthecomponentthatmakescontactwiththepaperwhenwriting.Differentnibsaremadeofdifferentmaterials,resultinginvaryingdegreesofflexibility.Firmernibsarerecommendedforbeginnersasthey learn to gain control over their hand.Amore flexible nib allows for thelighter touch needed to create a thick downstroke, but beginners should firstpracticecontrolover theirmovementsbeforemovingon tomore flexiblenibs.The topofeachnib isstampedwithabrandnameandanumber;someofourpreferrednibsforbeginnersincludetheGillott404,Hunt56,Hunt101,andtheNikkoG.

Thenibiscomprisedofthebody(whichisinsertedintotheflange)andthetip(whichtouchesthesurfaceofthepaper).Thereisafineslitrunningtowardsthevent,whichistheopenhole.Theslitwillopentoformtwotinesasyouapplyheavier pressure on your downstrokes, creating the thick swells of ink.Underneath the vent is the reservoir where the ink sits after you dip. As youwrite,airpassesthroughthevent,andinkfromthereservoirflowsthroughthetinesontoyourpaper.

INK

Thetypeof inkthatyouusecancertainlymakeadifferenceaswell.Differentcalligraphershaveindividualpreferences,andinkscanvaryinhowtheyreacttothepaperyouareusing.AfewofourpreferredinksareZiller,Higgins,Sumi,Walnut, andDr. Ph.Martin’s, but there aremanymore.You can even createcustominkbymixingGouachepaintwithwater insmall jars.Werecommendsqueezingaquarter-sizedamountofpaintintoyourjarandslowlyaddingwater,mixing and testing until you get to the desired consistency for your project.

Ultimately,youwillwanttohaveavarietyofinktypesonhandfortestingwithanygivenproject.

PAPERSTOCK

Using high-quality paper is important for practicing your calligraphy.Unfortunately, your standard Xerox copy paper is not a viable option! Werecommendpaperwithcottoninittoavoidbleedingandfeatheringofink.Therearemanycalligraphypaperpadsavailableatartstores,buttrytoavoidoptions

from general craft stores. Rhodia pads and Strathmore marker pads are bothcommonfavoritesamongstcalligraphers.

ToolPreparation

PREPPINGTHENIB

Whennibsarebrandnew,theyhaveacoatingonthemfromthemanufacturer.Thecoatingisappliedtoprotectthenibsfromoxidizationorotherdamagethatcouldoccurduringshipping,andmustberemovedpriortouse.Thereareafewmethods foraccomplishing this, suchas runninga flameover thenib,but thiscanaffecttheflexibilityofthemetal.Youcanalsolickyournibs,butthistastesaboutasappetizingasitsounds!Weliketodipthenibintoourink—carefullycoveringthevent,butnottouchingtheflange—andthengentlywipetheinkoffcompletelywithasoft,cleancloth(orevenabasicpapertowel)onboththetopandundersidesofthenib.Thiscanberepeatedacoupleoftimestoensurethecoating is fully removed. Another option is to wipe the nib with a Q-tip andtoothpaste or rubbing alcohol. You’ll know the coating is still present if youattempttowriteandtheinkbeadsuponthenib.Ifthat’sthecase,justdipandwipethenibagaintoremoveanyexcessresidue.

INSERTINGTHENIB

Toinsertyournib,graspthebodyofthenibandinsertthebaseintotheflange.You’llnoticethenibandflangebothhavethesamesemicircleshape,sothat’swhatyouwanttomatchup.Besuretopushthenibfarenoughintotheflangesothatasmallportionof thenibsticksoutof thebackof theflange,unlessyourflangeisnotopenintheback.Doingthisincreasesleverageonyournib.

FILLINGTHENIBWITHINK

Whenyoudipyournibintotheink,besuretocovertheventwithink.However,don’tdipallthewaytotheflange—anddefinitelynotuptotheholderitself.Ifyouareusingastraightholder,again,cover thevent fullybutdonotdipyour

penholderintotheink.Youwanttogetenoughinktofillthereservoir,butnotsomuchthattheinkisseepingupintoyourflangeand/orpenholder.Ifyougetinkinyourflangeand/orpenholder,youwillhavedifficultyremovingyournibfor cleaning.Youcan also experience ink seeming to “leak”outof theholderontoyourhands andprojects.There is no cartridge inyourpenholder, so theonlyinkinsideiswhatyouputtherewhendipping.

Technique

HOLDINGYOURPEN

Youwanttoholdyourpenataboutaforty-five-degreeanglefromthesurfaceofthepapertoavoidwritingontheverytipofyournib.Thetipofyournibshouldbeflushagainstthepaper—thatis,notrotatedontoitsinsideoroutsideedgebutstillpointingtowardthetopareaofyourpaper.Dependingonhowangledyouwouldliketobe,thetipcanpointmoreorlesstowardstheupper-rightcornerofyourpaper.Pointingmoretowardstherightcornerwouldlenditself toamoreitalic-style letter. The reservoir side of the vent should be closer to the paper,withthevent-holesidefacingup.

CREATINGTHICKANDTHINLINES

Oneofthedefiningcharacteristicsofpointed-pencalligraphyisthevariationofthickandthinlinesachievedbychangingtheamountofpressureonyournibasyouwrite.The thinupstrokes,knownas finehairlines,arecreatedwithaverydelicate touch of upward movement on your paper. The thick downstrokes,knownasheavy swells, are achievedbyapplyingenoughpressure toopen thetinesofyournibsotheinkhasaheavierflow.

It iswhile creatingdownstrokes thatyouwillmost likelynotice thatyourpenhasrunoutofink.Thisusuallyhappensafterthreeorfourletters.Youwillsee

thattherearetwofinelines,createdbyyouropentines,withnothingbetween.Itwilllookasifthelettersarehollow.Thisiscalledrailroadingduetoitsobvioussimilaritiestorailroadtracks.Youwanttostopassoonasyounoticethis,redip,andcarefullyfillintheemptyspaceandcontinuewithyourdownstroke.Thereisnobackspace inhandwrittenwork,soyouwant togetused to filling inandcontinuingon!

Ifyourinkisn’tflowingafteryoujustdippedit,itislikelythatasmallamounthasdriedontheverytipofyournib,preventingtheinkfromflowingout.Youcangentlytouchthetiptowetinktore-moistenthetipareaor,ifthatdoesnotwork,youshouldwipeyournibcleananddipagain.Youdonotwanttoredipintoyourinkwhenyoustillhaveinkremaininginthereservoir,asthiscanleadtotoomuchinkaccumulatinginyournibandseepingupintoyourflange.

APPLYINGTHECORRECTAMOUNTOFPRESSUREIfyournibisdiggingintothepaper,catchingandsplatteringink,youaremostlikely applying too much pressure on your upward strokes. You want todelicately glide upwards across the page to achieve a fine hairline for yourupstrokes. Envision pulling the nib upward, gliding across the surface of thepaper,versuspushing itupwardsand into thepaper.Whencreatingcurvesandloops especially, you want to be sure you release any heavy pressure beforeleadingintothecurve,oryournibcancatchandsplatterink.

Additionally,youwanttowriteslowlyenoughtoallowyourselftimetoactuallychangetheamountofpressurewithwhichyouarewriting.Generally,youwantless pressure for fine upstrokes andmore pressure for heavy downstrokes.Onyourdownstrokes,youneedtoapplyenoughpressuretoliterallyopenthetinesonyournib toallow the ink to flowout ina thickerswell. Itdoesnothappenautomatically—youneedtoconsciouslypresshardertoopenthetines.

J

PracticingLetterforms

ust as the previous content was not meant to replace in-person or onlinepractical instruction, this subsection of the book is not meant to replace a

formalinstructionbookletorpracticesheets.Inotherwords,don’twriteonthesepages!Therearepracticalstarterkitsavailablefromavarietyofsourcesthatwillinclude everythingyouneed to practice, or you canpurchase gridline practicenotebooks,alphabettracingpads,andtracingpaperseparately.

Dependingon the stageyou are atwithyour calligraphy, your ownworkwillvaryfromwhatisfeaturedinthisbook,andthat’sokay!Whetheryouareusingour guide as inspiration for your own wedding, or the weddings of potentialclients, your work should be unique to you. After covering some tips forpracticingyourcalligraphy,wewillmoveintotheDIYprojectapplications.

IndividualLetterformPatterns

Pointed-pencalligraphyisaskillthatisdevelopedovertime,sokeepinmindthat practice is key.Repeating the same letter over and over is essential to

developingthemusclememoryinyourhand,sowhile itmayseementicingtojump right intowriting sentences, it is important to get a good grasp of eachletterform individually before moving on to connecting letters. Do not feeldiscouragedifittakessometimetodevelopyourskillsincalligraphy.Formostpeopleitdoesnotcomeovernight,butratherwithyearsofpractice.

Whenpracticing,youwant tobesure thatyouuseguidelinesof somekindsothat you are consistently creating letterforms that are the same size, as

“P

consistency is an important aspect of improving the overall look of yourcalligraphy. Our Laura Hooper Calligraphy practice pads all use gridlines(shownonthenextpage).Rhodiagridpaperisanotherpopularoption.

Consistency

ractice makes perfect” is a well-known cliché, but keep in mind thatpractice also makes permanent. Make sure you are writing your letters

correctly—andnotingrainingbadhabits—bykeepingthetipsonthenextpageinmind.

BestPracticesChecklist

A

•SECTIONIII•

Projects

s shown earlier in the book, there are countless ways you can applycalligraphytoweddingsandeventsingeneral.Inthissection,wecoverafew

of themostpopularanduniqueprojectswe’vehad thepleasureofworkingonovertheyears.Wehopeyou’llusethesestep-by-stepguidestoaddtexture,anelement of surprise, a personal touch, or even a pop of whimsy tomake anyeventfestive!

Whiletherearemanywaystocompletethesetypesofpieces,we’vesharedthemethodsthathaveworkedbestforusaftermuchtrialanderrorovertheyears.Wehopeyou’llfindthemhelpful.Feelfreetoexperimentoradjustthematerialsandstepsasneeded,basingitonyourpreferenceandlevelofexperience.Forthesake of consistency, the instructions arewritten as though the reader does nothave tools specific to writing in a straight line. If you do have access totemplates or lettering guides of any kind, you can dismiss the steps related tolininganderasing.

Note:Whenyouareorderingsuppliestowriteon,besuretoaccommodateforerrorsandinktestingbyorderingatleast15–20percentoverage.So,foralistwith 100 names, you would want 115–120 envelopes, cards, etc. On singlepieces,suchasawoodboard,it’sbesttohaveatleastoneextralinedupintheeventanunfixableerrorsneaksin.

A

BasicTentedEscortCards

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:EASY

ddingasimplehandwrittencardtoyourweddingdécorcaninstantlyelevatethelookandexperienceforyourguests.Thistutorialcanbeappliedtoeither

flatortentedcards(PaperSourceandPaperPresentationarehelpfulsuppliersofready-madepapergoods),andyoucanevenpunchsmallholesinthecardstocktocreatesweettags!

Toolsneeded:•Ruler•Lightcoloredpencilorsoapstonemarker•Escorttents(standardsizefoldsto2.5"x3.5"approximately,butmanysizesareavailable,oryoucancustomcutyourownsizewithapapercutter)•Calligraphypen,nib,andinkTIP!

Theprocessisthesameforplacecards,butwithoutthetablenumberincluded.Remember:Eachguestreceivesanindividualplacecard,whileescortcardsareassignedbyparty.

STEP1:Pressingdownaslightlyaspossiblewithasoapstoneorlightcoloredpencil(versusaheavyleadone),drawlinesonthefrontofyourcard.Besuretoevenly space them (two to three lines depending on the length of name andwhetherornotyouwouldlikethetablenumberonthefrontofthecard),anddonotapplytoomuchpressure—themoresolid/firmyourline,themoreyouhavetoerase.Youonlyneedafaintguideforyourstraightlines,notasolidline.

STEP2:Penciloutthename(s)andtablenumberfirstifyouwouldlikeaguidefor lettering, and then go over the pencilwith the dip pen and ink. The tablenumbercanbecenteredunderthename(s),positionedatthebottom-rightcornerofthecard,orevenplacedontheinsideofthetent.

STEP3:Reviewyour cards against yourmaster list,making sure eachname

andtablenumberiscorrect.

STEP4:Allowyourcards todryfully,and theneraseany linesandpenciledletteringthatstillappears.Werecommendwaitingatleastthreehoursforyourink to dry before you attempt to erase. This step can be completed prior tocheckingtheaddresses,butthatmayresultinextraerasing.

M

GoldenPearPlaceCards

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:EASY

aterialsforplacecardscanexpandwaybeyondpaper.Pearsworkwellforfallweddingsaswellas rusticgarden fêtes.Unique touches like thesecan

addapopofwhimsytoyouroverallcelebration.

Note:Real pears have a shelf life! You’llwant to complete a project like thiswithinaweekoftheeventyou’reusingitfor.

Toolsneeded:•Pearsindesiredsize•Goldspraypaint•Fine-pointpaintpen(wepreferwater-basedSharpiepaintmarkers,buttherearemanyotherpaint-markeroptionsavailableaswell,suchasMolotowandKrink)•Bluepainter’stape(optional)TIP!

Usewaxedpaperorawireracktokeepthepearsfromstickingwhilethepaintdries.

STEP1:Washanddrypearstoremoveanyresiduethatcouldcauseanunevensurfacethatisnotnaturaltothefruit.Makesurepearsarecompletelydrybeforeproceeding,aspaintwillnotholdifthefruitisstillwetwhensprayed.

STEP2:Layoutnewspaper,butcherpaper,oranoldcardboardboxasneededtoprotectyourworkarea.

STEP 3: Once pears are completely dry, hold each by the stem and spraycompletelyaroundthebody,frontandback.Seteachpearonitsbottomtodry.

Note:Oncepearsaresprayedwithpaint,theyarenolongeredible!

STEP4:Oncethespraypaintisfullydry,writeeachnameinasinglelinewithyourpaintmarker.Ifyouneedaguideline,useasmallstripofpainter’stapetoprovidearemovableguideinthewritingarea.

STEP5: Fill inwhere the thicker lineswould go in pointed-pen calligraphy.Remember,thisisforthedownstrokesonly!Besurenottofillinyourentryorexitstrokeswiththickness.

STEP6:Double-checkeachpearagainstyourmasterlist.

P

EnvelopeLettering

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:MODERATE

roducing a beautifully handwritten envelopemay seem like an intimidatinggoal,butoncebrokendownintoindividualsteps,itcanbecomeamuchmore

manageabletask!Thefollowingpagesincludethebasicsofachievinggorgeousenvelopes.

Toolsneeded:•Lightcoloredpencil•Ruler

•Calligraphypen,nib,andink•Artist’seraser•Envelopes

TIP!

Useahigh-qualityartist’seraserinsteadofaneraserattheendofamechanicalpencilforaneasierprocessandacleanerlook.

STEP 1: Pressing down as lightly as possible with a lightly colored pencil(versusaheavyleadone),drawlinesonthefrontofyourenvelope(threelinesforastandardaddressblock;four,ifyouplantodropyourzipcodesortouseanaddressrequiringadditionallines).

STEP2:Pencilouttheaddress,andthengooverthepencilwithyourdippenand ink.Remember that if you run out of ink, youwant to stop immediately,redip, fill in the empty area where you ran out of ink, and continue on.(Remember:Thereisnobackspace!)Asyouaddresseachenvelope,setitasidetodry.

TIP!

Toworkonyourcentering,youcanperformamailmergeinWordtocreatelabellayouts,printthemonpaper,andusethecenteredlinestogaugewhereeachlineshouldlayinrelationtooneanother.Youcanalsopencilaverticallinethroughthecenteroftheyourenvelopetogaugehow

manycharactersshouldbeoneachside,makingsuretocountspacesascharacters.

STEP 3: Layer each envelope over the top of the previous envelope, justunderneaththebottomline.Startanewrowatthebeginningonceyougettotheendofyourworkspace,asthefirstenvelopeinthepreviousrowshouldbedryatthispoint.Onceyou’vecompleted the list,youcangatheryourenvelopes rowbyrowwhilemaintainingmostof theoriginalorder. (This is justonepossiblemethod, but one that we’ve found works well for us!)

STEP4:Oncetheorderiscomplete,werecommendthatyougobackthroughandcheckeachenvelopeagainst themaster listyouhaveprinted.Youwant tocheck thesewordbyword—infact,we like tocheckoffeachwordon the listwithapencil!Itcanhelptohaveafreshsetofeyesdothisproofingforyouor,ifyoumustdoityourself,waituntilthenextdaytogothroughthem.

STEP5:Afteryourenvelopesare fullydry,erase the linesyouhavecreated.

Wecannotstresstheimportanceofdryinkenough:Youdon’twanttheletteringtosmearandhavetodoanenvelopeoveragain.Werecommendwaitingatleastthree hours for your ink to dry before you attempt to erase. As mentionedpreviously, thisstepcanbecompletedprior tocheckingtheaddresses,but thatmayresultinextraerasing.

Note: Many calligraphers choose to “seal” their envelope lettering with afixativeinanattempttoavoiddamageinthepostalsystem,butultimatelythisisan unnecessary step. If your envelope is wet enough to smear your ink, thecontents inside are likely already damaged and there are much bigger issueswiththeinvitationinside!

W

OysterShellSeatingCards

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:MODERATE

anttoreallyimpressyourguests?Oystershellsareanunexpectedtouchthatcan add true "wow" factor to your tables! Shallow, large-size shellswork

bestandcanbeeasilyfoundonEtsy.Thisproject isperfectforbeach-inspiredcelebrationsormoreformalaffairsthathappentobecoastal.

Toolsneeded:•Oystershells•All-purposespraycleanerandpapertowels•Fine-orextra-fine-pointpaintpeninadarkcolorsuchasblackornavy(orgoldforamoreupscalelook)TIP!

Otheritemstowhichthesesamestepscouldapplyincludelemons,apples,minipumpkins,magnolialeaves,andmore!Spraypaintisoptionalaswell,butunlessyouuseapenwithedibleink,fooditemscannotbe

consumed.

STEP1:Prepeachoysterbycleaningthewritingareawithapapertowelandan all-purpose cleaner such asWindex to remove the sandy grit that naturallyresidesonthesurfaceoftheshell.

STEP2: Identify the hard, smooth area of the shell’s inner surface,which iswhereyouwillwrite.Avoidthecalcifiedarea,whichisusuallysofterandmattewhiteincolor,asitisdifficultforthepaintmarkertoworkonthatsurface.

STEP3:Slowlywriteeachnameinasinglemonoline,rememberingthattheseare real shells andhave a naturally uneven surface thatwill affect the lookof

yourlettering.

STEP4:Fillinwherethethickerlineswouldappearinpointed-pencalligraphy.Remember,thisisforthedownstrokesonly!Besurenottofillinyourentryorexitstrokeswiththickness.

STEP 5: Double-check your finished shells for spelling errors against yourmasterlistandconfirmyou’vecompletedthemall.

M

MacaronPlaceCards

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:MODERATE-TO-HARD

arkyourguests’seatassignmentswithplacecardstheywon’tbeabletostoptalking about (or munchin’ on)! It takes just a few steps to turn this

trendsetting treat into awedding detail that won’t disappoint. Amazon has anexcellent selection of edible-ink pens, and these same project steps can alsoapplytohardfrostingusedonsugarcookies,orfondantoncupcakesorweddingcakes.

Toolsneeded:•Macarons•Fine-point,edible-inkpenindesiredcolor•Latexgloves TIP!

Youcanturntheseplacecardsintoescortcardsbyaddingatablenumberbeneatheachname.Inthiscase,werecommendonemacaronperpersonratherthanassigningonemacaronperparty(because,let’sbe

honest,noonewillwanttosharetheirmacarons!).

STEP1:Beforehandlingthemacarons,washhandsthoroughlyandcovercleanhandswithgloves.

STEP2:Pressinglightlysoasnottocracktheshells, lettereachnameontoamacaron,eyeballingthecenteringandstraightnessofthelines.

STEP3:Fillinwherethethickerlineswouldappearinpointed-pencalligraphy.Remember,thisisforthedownstrokesonly!Becarefulnottofillinyourentryorexitstrokeswiththickness.

STEP4:Double-checkyourfinishedmacaronsforspellingerrorsagainstyourmasterlistandconfirmyou’vecompletedthemall.

I

RiverRockPlaceCards

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:MODERATE-TO-HARD

ncludingriverrocksinyourweddingdécorcanaddunexpectedtexturetoyourplace settings while pointed-pen lettering keeps the look elevated overall.

Smooth stones that are dark in colorworkbest and canbe sourced fromcraftstores,Etsy,orAmazon.Besuretosaveyourwiderrocksforlongernames,andifyouareusingtheseasescortcards,leaveenoughroomfortablenumbers.(Werecommenddigitsonlyonpiecesofthissize.)Toolsneeded:

•Riverrockslargeenoughtoaccommodatenamesand/ortablenumbers•All-purposespraycleanerandpapertowels•Calligraphypen,nib,andink TIP!

Anibthatisalreadydullworksbest,asanewnibwilldullimmediatelyuponuseonahardsurfacesuchasthis.

STEP 1: Prep each rock by wiping it down with a paper towel and an all-purposecleanersuchasWindextoremoveanydustornaturalgrit.

STEP2:Write each namewhile eyeballing the correct centering andmakingsuretoavoidanypressureonyourupstrokes.Youshouldbarelybegrazingthesurfaceoftherock—ifyouapplyanydownwardpressure,thenibwillcatchandsplatterinkorpotentiallybreak.

STEP3:Double-checkyourfinishedrocksagainstyourmasterlisttocheckfor

spellingerrorsandmakesureyou’vecompletedthemall.

TIP!

Paintpenswillworkonrocksaswell—justfollowthestepsfromtheoystershellprojecttocomplete!

W

WoodSigns

DIFFICULTYLEVEL:HARD

ood signage is all the rage at weddings, and since diverse looks can beachieved by using different scripts and shades of stain, this trend can be

adjustedtofitprettymuchanystyleortheme.Themostcommonboardsizeweuseis8"x10",whichcaneitherbepurchasedprecutatcraftstoresorcustomcutoutofplywoodathomeimprovementstores.Keepinmindthatthisprojectcanbe a bit labor intensive, so be sure to allocate enough hours for drying time,creating the layout, and adhering to safety precautions in addition to the timeneededforlettering.

Toolsneeded:•Woodboardinthesizedesired•Woodstain•Latexgloves•Paint-mixingstick•Sandpaper(or,fortheparticularlybold,apowersander)•Clean,soft,cottoncloth(webuypacksathomeimprovementstores)•Bluepainter’stape•Medium-pointwhitepaintpen(wepreferwater-basedSharpiepaintmarkers)•Lightcoloredpencilorsandstonemarker•Artist’seraser

STEP1: Prep yourwoodby thoroughly sanding the entire surface, includingsides, edges, and corners. (You don’t have to sand the backside, but we do.)STEP2:Wearinglatexgloves,openthecanofstainandthoroughlymixitwitha paint-mixing stick or other stirring utensil. Dip the cloth into the stain, andsmudgestainevenlyoverthesurfaceofthewood.

STEP3:Leaveyourboard tocompletelydry. (We letourboardsdryat leastovernight,usuallylonger.)Ifyouareinarainyorwetclimate,youmaywanttoallowafullweekforyourboardtodry,sobesuretoprepwellinadvance.Thisis a very important step and couldmean the difference between letteringwithcrisp, sharp edges, and lettering that bleeds and feathers. Your stain mustabsolutelybefullydried.

STEP4:Onceyouhaveallowedadequatetimeforthestaintodry,physicallytouch the board to determine if it feels tacky or damp.Again, if it is not 100percentdried,allowformoredryingtime.

TIP!

TIP!

Weliketostainthebacksidefirst,letitdry,turnitover,andthenstainthefront,applyingonlyasinglecoattotheboard.

STEP5:Measureoutthelinesforyourletteringontheboard.Itcanbehelpfultodrawatrue-to-sizesketchonapieceofpaperorevenlightlypencilthewordsontotheboardbeforeyoubegintowrite.

STEP6:Placebluepainter’stapetomarkwhereyourwritinglineswillbe.

STEP7:Using the paintmarker,write out yourwording in amonoline first,thengobackandfillintheareasthatneedthickening(hint:thesewillalwaysbeyourdownstrokes).Letitdrybeforedoinganythingelse.

STEP 8: Erase any pencil marks and/or remove painter’s tape from finishedsign.

TIP!

Don’tworryifyoumakeamistake—youcansandtheareawiththeerrorthoroughly,restainit,allowittodry,andtouchupwiththepaintmarkerasneeded.>

W

InClosing

earesogladthatyouhavetakenaninterestinexploringtheartofmoderncalligraphy and its applications to weddings and other celebrations. The

possibilitiesforbothlearningandcreatingaretrulyendless.

Wehopethatthisbookhasservedasastartingpointtothinkingaboutthemanywaysthatthisartformcanbeputtouse,thattheintroductiontopointed-penhaspotentiallysparkedaninterestinlearningevenmorethroughworkshops,starterkits,andadditionalpractice,andthatthepracticalapplicationssharedleaveyouinspiredtotryyourownhandatnewcreativeprojects.

While the artofbothpointed-penand letteringcan takeyearsofpractice, andyouwillalwaysbegrowingwiththeart,itishelpfultorememberthatyourworkdoesnotneedtobe“perfect”inordertohavefunwithitandincorporateitintoyourownpersonalprojects.

Wewishyouthebestofluckinyourcalligraphyandletteringadventures!

T

Contributors

hankyoutoourgroupofcontributorswhohelpedtobringthecontentofthisbooktolife.

MARILYN OLIVEIRA: Story Editing

Awriterandeditorwhohasdevotedmorethanhalfofhertwenty-yearcareerto

the delightful category of weddings, Marilyn Oliveira is the cofounder ofLuxElope.com, the website that launched the concept of luxury elopementswithin the travel and wedding industries. Prior to her turn as entrepreneur,Marilyn held pivotal editorial roles atWeddingChannel.com, InsideWeddingsmagazine, and Evite respectively, and has been tapped as an authority onweddingsandcelebrationsbyavarietyofprint,radio,andtelevisionoutlets.

LAURYNPRATTES:StylingInspiredbytheworldoffashionandinteriordesign,Laurynisseriousaboutthetruestylingofanevent,creatingnotjustapartybutalsoanexperience.Asoneof the topplanners inWashington,DC,Lauryn’sworkhasbeen featuredbothnationally and locally in magazines such as The Knot,Brides, andWeddingsUnveiled.Believingthatthesmallestdetailscountthemost—suchastheperfectpackagingforfavorsorsourcingtheexactribbonforabridalbouquet—Laurynspends countless hours working to style flawless events that leave guestsinspiredandintrigued.

ABBYJIU:PhotographyAbbyJiuhashadapassionforgorgeous imageryandcreatingartsincebeforeshecanremember.Herstyleisthebestofbothworlds,usingfilmcamerasanddigital cameras to catch the stolen glances, fits of laughter, and heartfeltemotions sprinkled among the ever-important beautiful details thatmake eachcouple’sweddingdayunique.She’sreceivednumerousaccoladesforherwork,including being named one ofMartha Stewart Weddings’ Top PhotographersandWashingtonianEditor’sPick.HerworkcanbeseenonthepagesofBrides,MarthaStewartWeddings,TheKnot,SouthernWeddings,WashingtonianBride&Groom,SouthernLivingWeddings,andmanymore.

ANNEKIM:PhotographyAnneisbasedintheWashington,DC/Virginiaarea,butherbagsarepackedandready to travel to wherever there is creativity happening. Anne’s love forphotography goesmuch deeper than fitting into one category.Her images aregreatlyinspiredbythecreativeenvironmentandtherootsoftheEastCoastandmodernminimalisticaesthetic.Onmostdays,sheiscoffeeshophoppingwhileonthelookoutforallthingsblackandwhite.Shefindsthemostjoyinbuildingcreative content with creative human beings. Her passion to capture theauthenticityofamomentbeginsandendswiththis:“createdbyTheCreatortocreate.”

LAUREN ANDERSON & RACHEL BRIDGWOOD OF SWEET ROOT

VILLAGE:FloralDesignSweetRootVillage, located inAlexandria,Virginia, specializes inevent floraldesign and editorial photography. Established in 2010, this group of ladiessharesapassion for lifeandpeopleas theycreatebeautiful things.Asa team,theyvalue intentional relationships;countonbeingdrivenandresourceful;arepassionate about interpreting beauty in the everyday; and believe inencouragementthatempowersanentrepreneurialspirit.

TAcknowledgements

here aremany people to thank for the creation of this book, aswell as forsharing our journey with this beautiful art form both before and after its

publication.

fromLaura

Thank you to my husband, Jeremy, for never once complaining about theamount of time spent in the studio, the endless conversations about “thebusiness,”andallthe“calligraphyemergencies,”ashelikestorefertothem.

fromAlyssa

Thank you to my fiancé, Jesse, for holding down the home front during ourfrequent calligraphy workshop travels; for accepting the small-business,entrepreneurial lifestyle (including excessive picture taking!); and foradventuringalongwithus.

Thankyoutoourfriendsandfamilies,whohavesupporteduseverystepofthewayasweturnedasingleprojectforasinglefriendintodreamcareersforbothofus.

Thankyoutooursupportstaff,pastandpresent,whoputasmuchlove,energy,andpassion intoeveryorderaswedo.OurUncleRad, inparticular, followedLauratoVirginiatocontinuemanagingthewarehousesothatpacking,shipping,andorderingneverceasedduringthetransition,andweareextremelygrateful.

Thankyoutoourin-houseeditoratSkyhorsePublishing,JesseMcHugh,forhisencouragementandguidanceduringtheprocessofwritingthisbook.

Thankyoutotheplannersanddesignerswhoinviteustoturntheircreative(andoften crazy!) ideas into reality, and push us beyond the bounds of our ownlimitedimaginations.

Thankyoutothephotographerswhohavecapturedeverythingalongtheway,sothateventhetiniestofdetailshavenotbeenoverlooked.

Thankyoutoourclients—past,present,andfuture—whotrustuswiththemostimportant day of their lives (so far!).We are humbled to play a role in yourevents.

Lastly, thankyou to our calligraphy colleagues and students: It is anhonor tokeepthisamazingartformalivewithyou.

GlossaryofCalligraphicTerms

A

APEXthepointedtipofaletter,asinthetipoftheletterAASCENDERtheupperstemsoflowercaseletters,includingb,d,f,h,k,andl

B

BASE end of the nib, opposite the tip, that fits into the flange or pen holderBASELINE thelineinwhichallyourletterbodiesaresittingBOUNCE lettersthatdon’tsitonthesamebaseline,oftenseeninmodernletteringstylesBOWLstrokesofaletterthatforma“counter,”suchasina,b,d,andgBRANCHINGwhereanupstrokebranchesoutfromthedownstroke/stemofaletter,suchasonh,m,andn

C

COUNTER a fully or partially enclosed space within a letter CROSSBAR ahorizontalstrokeonaletter,includingHort

D

DESCENDER the lower stem that drops below the baseline on lowercase letterssuchasf,g,j,p,q,y,andzDOWNSTROKEastrokedrawninadownwardmotionDRILLSpracticepatternsthatdevelopbrainandmusclememoryaswellashelptowarmupthehandforwritingDUCTUSthesequenceofstrokesthattogetherformaletter

E

EXEMPLAR a perfectmodelof an alphabet touse in the studyof a calligraphichandEXITSTROKEastrokethatendsaletter

F

FLANGEportionoffsetfromthestaffofthepenholderitself,oftenmadeofbrassorplastic,thatholdsthenibFLOURISHembellishmentaddedtothemainstructureofaletterusedfordecorativepurposes

G

GOUACHEanopaquewatercolorpaint,oftenusedtomixcustominkcolorsGRIPtheportionofthepenholderthatisgraspedGUMARABICathickeningagentusedto change the composition of ink so it sits on top of the papermaterial ratherthanbleedingorfeatheringout

H

HAIRLINEafinelineformedontheupstrokeHAND(CALLIGRAPHICHAND)ascriptor writing style done by hand, not to be confused with typestyles on thecomputer,whicharecalledfontsHEFTthethicknessofshadedstrokes

I

INK THICKENER see Gum Arabic INTERLETTER SPACE the space between twoletters, referred to in typography as kerning INTERWORD SPACE the spacebetweentwowords

K

KERNINGseeinterletterspace

L

LEAD-IN STROKE the stroke that begins a letter LEADING the space betweenbaselines of successive lines, also referred to as interlinear space LIGATUREconnectionsbetweentwolettersformedbyhairlinestrokes

M

MAJUSCULEcapitallettersMINUSCULElowercaseletters

N

NIBthemetal,detachablepieceofthepenthatmakescontactwiththepaperNIBIDidentifyingmarkersindicatingthebrandandsizeofeachnibthatcanbefoundstampedonthebody(orshank);alsoreferredtoasimprint

O

OBLIQUEPENHOLDERcalligraphypenholderfittedwithaflangeinwhichthenibsitsatanoffsetangle,makingiteasiertoachievethethicklinescharacteristicofpointed-pencalligraphy

P

PEN HOLDER the actual holder in which the nib is placed; can be oblique orstraight,andisoftenmadeofplastic,wood,ormetal

R

RAILROADINGwritingwith thenibwhen ithas little-to-no ink left,whichoftenresults in two very fine lines on the downstroke with no ink in-betweenRESERVOIRthespacebeneaththeventofthenibwheretheinksitsafterdippingandwhilewriting;mustbecontinuouslyrefilledbyredippingafter inkhasrunout

S

SHADEthethickpartofthedownstrokecreatedbyapplyingpressuretothetines

SHANK thebodyofthenibSHOULDERwherethetinesmeetthebodyofthenibSLANT the slope of a letterSTEM the vertical line that is the foundation of theletter’sform

T

TERMINAL the start andendpoint toa strokeTINES the twosidesof theniboneithersideoftheslitthatsplitwhenpressureisappliedtoallowmoreinktoflowTIPpointofthenibthatmakescontactwiththepaper/writingsurface

U

UPSTROKEastrokedrawninanupwardmotion,oftenreferredtoasahairline

V

VENTholeinthetopofthenibthatdrawsinairsoinkcanflowsmoothly

W

WEIGHT the height and size of a letter as compared to the size of the writingtool/nibyouareusing

X

X-HEIGHTtheheightofthelowercasedletters'bodies