Copperplate Minuscules

Friday, May 29th, 2009

A running cursive derived from Italic was developed, referred to as ’roundhand’.   The engraver’s tool could better reproduce writing made with a pointed rather than an edged pen. From this engraving method the ’roundhand’ became termed ‘copperplate’.  Although Copperplate appears as a cursive script, it is in fact built up from a series of pen strokes.  Gaynor Goffe has added Copperplate Minuscules (lower case letters) to her range of short courses. The Copperplate Minuscules course will teach you how to write the lower-case (minuscule) letters. You will start with learning the letterforms and pressure and release technique in pencil, followed by 3 lessons using the pen.  With the pen you start with the basic letter strokes learning how to control the pointed nib. You will then combine these strokes to build up the letters of the alphabet. The letters of the alphabet are studied in groups based upon their characteristics.  The course consists of 4 lesson, each lesson building up the skills necessary to write Copperplate Minuscules.Marking by Gaynor is detailed with individual guidance, corrections demonstrated and prompt return of work.Copperplate MinusculesCopperplate Minuscules Course

Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Copperplate, a calligraphic style popular in England in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, remains one of the most elegant and popular styles among calligraphers. This volume is a complete manual on the technique of writing with the pointed pen in roundhand, which is the American version of copperplate.Technique of Copperplate CalligraphyYou’ll find detailed step-by-step instructions for executing the straight stroke, variations on the straight stroke (heavy strokes, hairline), curved stroke, push stroke, shading, ligatures, and other components of the style. Mastery of these strokes will in turn enable you to form lower-case letters and variations, capitals, alternate forms of capitals, numerals, and more.The author has provided numerous sample letters in both upper and lower case, alphabet sentences, and two short compositions for use in learning to draw the letters properly. Also included are helpful suggestions on selection and care of a calligrapher’s tools: inks, nibs, paper.A model book as well as an instruction book, The Technique of Copperplate Calligraphy is completely written in roundhand. By carefully studying its elegant script and practicing the formation of letters according to the author’s expert advice, even beginning calligraphers can achieve a good standard of the influential and distinctive copperplate style.This is useful book to have in your collection. Along with ‘Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy’ this book will help you work out the order and directions of the penstrokes for both lower and upper case letters.Original Dover (1987) publication. Foreword. 48pp. 8″ x 11″. Paperbound.Scribblers Calligraphy Books

Joy Daniels Calligraphy

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Joy DanielsA while back I mentioned Joy Daniels on this blog, when I posted about the Copperplate Special Interest Group, which Joy runs in her spare time. Joy runs the Copperplate Special Interest Group on behalf of the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society and she also serves on the Executive Committee of the Society for Italic Handwriting.Joy is an acomplished calligrapher, and undertakes commissions for all work requiring calligraphy, including Wedding stationery, family trees, poems and inscriptions, writing names on certificates, invitations and place cards, table plans and Books of Remembrance.Joy Daniels WebsiteJoy offers a bespoke Wedding Stationery service with stylish one-off designs to suit your celebration, whether it is traditional or more contemporary. She has a unique collection of individually designed invitations, placecards, order of service, thank you cards etc.www.joydaniels.co.uk

Speedball Super Black India Ink

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

At last! we have got the Speedball Super Black India Ink back in stock. It has been unavailable for some time.This is a free-flowing, non-clogging, waterproof, permanent ink and contains 100% carbon black pigment.Easily applied by brush, pen, steel brush or airbrush. Excellent reproduction quality on absorbent surfaces with optimal lightfastness.Speedball Super Black India InkSpeedball Super Black India Ink