Calligraphy For Dummies

by Jim Bennett

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394369003
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/31/2025
Sold by:	JOHN WILEY & SONS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

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.

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Table 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