Calligraphy is defined as “the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skillful manner.”  This penmanship style has been around for hundreds of years, but has seen a resurgence in popularity recently with a modern twist.

I had the chance to take a modern calligraphy class recently with Molly from Poppy Cox, Inc.  This was the real, honest to goodness calligraphy using a nib — a sharpened point dipped into a pot of ink!  Molly had each person’s place set with their own personalized pumpkin and hot pink clipboards with all our practice pages.

She reviewed the basics and started us with the pen.  Here we are practicing holding the nib in our hand. Can you see the tiny metal tip – that is supposed to spread out as you apply the ink to the paper.

Molly sent us home with a supply kit filled with the basic tools and a few of her favorite supplies.   It was really fun to trace the letters and watch the ink flow out the pen. The above photo shows how the ink was still wet. I felt like Martha Washington penning a letter to George.

We all agreed we have a much better appreciation for the time it takes for someone to hand-letter envelopes or pen invitations –something I would love to be able to practice to do for Christmas cards and invitations.

I had so much fun I decided to partner up with Molly to offer a private class in my home on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. The class fee of $75 (a $25 discount for my readers) includes tools, tips, supplies and practice time, plus a yummy breakfast casserole featuring Salty Pig sausage, my famous cinnamon rolls, mimosas and coffee. If you are local to Fort Worth and would like to join us, comment with your email address and we will send you an invoice to register your seat.  This is a perfect way to learn the basics for the holidays — think gift tags, menu cards and chalkboard lettering!

Molly and I hope to see you there!