DIY Network

Basic Calligraphy From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-230

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Here's a framed sample of Shirley LaPorte's calligraphy. Figure A Figure B Figure C

Materials (figure A):

Italic pens -- available in markers, fountain pens and individual pen nibs (figure B) that are inserted into a holder
Graph paper
Plain paper

1. Every calligraphic alphabet is made up of a series of basic strokes. Holding your chisel-edge pen nib at a constant 45-degree angle creates the beautiful thick-and-thin ribbon effect.

2. The size of the letter is determined by the size of the pen you're using. The nib size can range from 1.5mm up to 16mm. The height of the lower-case body of the letter "a," for example, is equal to 5 times the width of the pen nib. The ascender is 5 times again higher with the letter "d" and the descender is 5 times again lower with "g" (figure C). All capital letters are equal to 7 pen nibs high.

3. A 5-degree slant is most desirable. Consistency and practice are key to beautiful letter forms. Don't hesitate to let your personality shine through and create a style that is your own. Follow the basic guidelines and rules, then add your own flair.

Products: Available at stationery or art-supply stores nationwide.

RESOURCES :
300 Papermaking Recipes
Model: 1564773035
Author: Mary Reimer

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

Paper Crafting Beautiful Boxes, Book Covers and Frames
Model: 0806999535
Author: Valeria Ferrari

Paper Illuminated: 15 Projects for Making Handcrafted Luminaria
Model: 1580173306
Author: Helen Hiebert
(September, 2001)

Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com

Fresh Ideas in Invitations, Posters and Announcements
Model: 1581800878
Author: Gail Deibler Finke (Editor)

Invitations
Model: 0609603035
Author: Marc Friedland and Betty Goodwin
(November, 1998)

Clarkson Potter/The Crown Publishing Group/Random House
Website: www.randomhouse.com

Papercraft Projects With One Piece of Paper
Model: 0486255042
Author: Michael Grater and Geoffrey Goode

Dover Publications Inc.
Website: www.doverpublications.com

Paper Perfect : Hundreds of Stunning Practical Projects in Collage, Decoupage, Papier-Mache. . .
ISBN: 1842152963
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Card Crafting: Over 45 Ideas for Making Greeting Cards & Stationery
Model: 0806986832
Author: Gillian Souter
(August, 1993)

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Creative Greeting Cards: Personalized Projects for All Occasions (Reader's Digest)
Model: 0895779838
Author: Caroline Green
(October, 1997)

Reader's Digest Adult

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Creative Cards: Wrap a Message With a Personal Touch
Model: 0870119648
Author: Yoshiko Kitagawa
(September, 1990)

Kodansha International

GUESTS :
Shirley LaPorte
PO Box 67174
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: 805-496-1517
Website: www.societyforcalligraphy.org
Society for Calligraphy