Merry Christmas

THE PLEASURE OF A HANDWRITTEN CHRISTMAS CARD IS A TRADITION TO BE SAVOURED. SO HOW SPLENDID IT WOULD BE TO SCRIBE THE GREETING BEAUTIFULLY YOURSELF. LUCY EDMONDS, CHAMPION OF MODERN CALLIGRAPHY AND OWNER OF STATIONERY BOUTIQUE, QUILL, EXPLAINS HOW

WHAT IS MODERN CALLIGRAPHY?

A style of pointed pen calligraphy, loosely based on Copperplate, which was much used by 18th century penmen, then travelled across the world via the clerks of the British Empire. Calligraphy itself has a 2,000 plus year-old history but the rigorous traditional scripts of the Middle Ages are much harder to master than modern calligraphy. But it is so much more than ‘fancy writing’. It requires regular practice to unlock the creative pathways in your brain and, by demanding your full attention, rewards you with mindful relaxation.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Hold the pen in a firm but relaxed grip between your thumb, index and third finger, with your wrist and forearm resting gently on the table. Your fingers should be relaxed and neither tightly curled up, or completely straight.

When using a straight holder, the nib should point straight up and at 45 degrees to the page. Feel free to position your practice paper at an angle that’s comfortable for you. As a righthander, I tilt my paper a little to the left.

In the centre of the nib you’ll see there is a hole that you’ll need to submerge in the ink. Release any excess ink by dabbing the nib on the rim of the jar. Avoid shaking off the ink as you’ll risk flicking it everywhere!

By pressing on the nib you’ll see a thick line on the page, and – by not applying any pressure at all, you’ll make a fine, ‘hairline’ stroke using the closed tines. It’s this contrast between heavy and light lines that you’re striving for, and that will create the lovely ribbon-effect you want to see.

BUT I HAVE TERRIBLE HANDWRITING…

That doesn’t matter at all – in fact modern calligraphy won’t necessarily even improve it. In my classes I always try to emphasise that, instead of ‘writing’ letters and words as you do when handwriting, you should think of it as ‘drawing’ them. In modern calligraphy we have an opportunity to add expression, excitement and personality to your letters and words, veering away from the uniformity and orderly structure of traditional scripts, and indeed handwriting. Think creatively – for example, not all the letters have to sit on one line, nor do they have to be exactly the same size or height. Build up a composition of shapes one by one to create a beautiful and balanced piece of lettering. And over time you will develop your own style.