Read more
A fun introduction to the art of calligraphy--plus how-tos and practice exercises Calligraphy For Dummies, 2nd Edition is an approachable place to start for anyone interested in lettering with flair. This book provides helpful tips and tricks for learning this expressive artform, including choosing your pen and paper, taking care of your materials, understanding foundational concepts, and putting your own spin on classic alphabet styles. Once you've gotten the basics down, this book also helps spark interesting project ideas, including ways you can elevate letters, invitations, posters, and beyond. With plenty of practice opportunities and guidance, this easy-to-use resource will have you dotting your i's and crossing your t's--the fancy way. Inside:
- Learn classic calligraphy lettering and techniques, as well as digital calligraphy
- Discover the world of ink, pens, and paper, and choose the best materials for your project
- Add your own artistic touch to alphabet styles
- Add beautiful lettering to your other art and craft projects
Pick up an exciting new hobby or brush up, with
Calligraphy For Dummies, 2nd Edition.
List of contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Calligraphy 7 Chapter 1: You Can Do Calligraphy! 9
Chapter 2: Assembling Your Calligrapher's Toolbox 15
Chapter 3: Putting Pen to Paper: Modern Tools for a Timeless Art 25
Part 2: Taking a Beginner's Path to Calligraphic Artistry 43 Chapter 4: Getting Acquainted with EZScript 45
Chapter 5: Lettering EZScript with a Calligraphy Pen 55
Chapter 6: Refining Your Calligraphy 63
Chapter 7: Creating Expressive Quotations: Elevating Your Skills 71
Part 3: Exploring the Traditional Alphabets 79 Chapter 8: Classical Roman Letters: The Pillars of Written Language 81
Chapter 9: Uncial: The Irish Charm of Celtic Glyphs 97
Chapter 10: Manuscript: The Elegant Hand of the Scribes 109
Chapter 11: Blackletter: The Majesty of Medieval Script 125
Chapter 12: Italic: The Renaissance of Elegance 145
Chapter 13: Copperplate: The Art of Flourished Perfection 167
Chapter 14: Versals: Elegantly Outlined and Decorated Letters 203
Part 4: Expanding Your Repertoire Beyond the Basics 213 Chapter 15: Adding Variations, Borders, Flourishes, and Other Embellishments 215
Chapter 16: Broadening Your Artistic Horizons: Signatures, Quotations, and More 225
Chapter 17: Crafting Elegant Certificates 241
Chapter 18: Designing Eye-Catching Posters or Signs 251
Chapter 19: Creating Calligraphic Computer Fonts 261
Part 5: The Part of Tens 269 Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Use Your Calligraphy for Weddings 271
Chapter 21: Ten Fun Alphabets 277
Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Turning Your Calligraphy into Income 285
Index 291
About the author
Jim Bennett is an accomplished calligrapher and former portrait artist with over forty years' experience as an award-winning teacher. He is the author of the first edition of Calligraphy For Dummies and the creator of the website, mathsquad.com, which uses art projects to teach students middle school math.
