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Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy: A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them
Discover everything you need to know about historic flourished hands and how to create elegant, modern artwork inspired by traditional calligraphy techniques in this follow-up to the first and best-selling lettering book in Walter Foster’s Creative…and Beyond series.
Beginning with an i ntroduction to pointed pen and how to get started with this timeless tool, you’ll find a brief overview of the recommended tools and materials , as well as how to set up your work space . In addition, you will explore essential techniques used throughout the book, learn to hold the pen properly, and find tips for warming up.
Talented artist and teacher Laura Lavender introduces you to a wide range of traditional, historic flourished hands and lettering styles , including Copperplate, Spencerian, Italian hand, Bickham script, Victorian embellished capitals, Art Nouveau capitals, Gothic capitals, and more. Each style includes an engaging introduction and history of the hand , an alphabet sampler , step-by-step instructions for creating the letters, and lots of inspirational examples and ideas for using the hand.
Throughout the book, you will also find practice templates that can be copied and used time and again to perfect your technique and style.
Creative Lettering and Timeless Calligraphy is the ideal guide for learning the techniques of traditional lettering styles.
Beginning with an i ntroduction to pointed pen and how to get started with this timeless tool, you’ll find a brief overview of the recommended tools and materials , as well as how to set up your work space . In addition, you will explore essential techniques used throughout the book, learn to hold the pen properly, and find tips for warming up.
Talented artist and teacher Laura Lavender introduces you to a wide range of traditional, historic flourished hands and lettering styles , including Copperplate, Spencerian, Italian hand, Bickham script, Victorian embellished capitals, Art Nouveau capitals, Gothic capitals, and more. Each style includes an engaging introduction and history of the hand , an alphabet sampler , step-by-step instructions for creating the letters, and lots of inspirational examples and ideas for using the hand.
Throughout the book, you will also find practice templates that can be copied and used time and again to perfect your technique and style.
Creative Lettering and Timeless Calligraphy is the ideal guide for learning the techniques of traditional lettering styles.
144 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 10, 2019
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My first granted wish on NetGalley! 😍
What can I say? I was always fascinated by Calligraphy, mainly because my handwriting is horrendous and I keep switching between several "writing styles". I write "s" like four or five different ways. And for some reason, I write L as alpha, don't ask why.
So, of course, since I cannot keep my crappy writing uniform, I would want to get my hands on Calligraphy!
And I think that this might be probably just the best guideline ever. Did you know that there is a proper how to dip your pen in ink? Cause I sure did not!
This book has it all, from the beginning (how to hold your pen kind of beginning) to several different writing styles. And I love it all and I cannot to buy some quill (of course I would buy a writing quill! ✍) and some ink and make a lot of mess!
🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋
My first granted wish on NetGalley! 😍
What can I say? I was always fascinated by Calligraphy, mainly because my handwriting is horrendous and I keep switching between several "writing styles". I write "s" like four or five different ways. And for some reason, I write L as alpha, don't ask why.
So, of course, since I cannot keep my crappy writing uniform, I would want to get my hands on Calligraphy!
And I think that this might be probably just the best guideline ever. Did you know that there is a proper how to dip your pen in ink? Cause I sure did not!
This book has it all, from the beginning (how to hold your pen kind of beginning) to several different writing styles. And I love it all and I cannot to buy some quill (of course I would buy a writing quill! ✍) and some ink and make a lot of mess!
🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋
May 12, 2020
I love doing calligraphy and am always looking to learn new fonts and flourishing embellishments. This book was perfect on demonstrating lettering step by step and I appreciated the gorgeous illustrations that accompanied the instructions. I already own and use the previous Creative Lettering and Beyond book and though it helped aid in rudimentary calligraphy skill and gave ideas for projects, however, I liked this one a bit more because it went more in depth with explaining techniques and offering valuable advice for both beginners and experts alike.
*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*
April 2, 2019
Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is a delightful volume that teaches a variety of traditional lettering styles. There is something here for both the beginner and the adept, as while she commences with a basic introduction, Lavender goes on to breakdown several styles in great detail, allowing practice space within the pages. If you are interested in learning classic, flourishing calligraphy, this is the perfect volume to pick up.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2019
Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy
A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them
by Laura Lavender
The term Calligraphy comes from the Greek words “calli” = beautiful and “graphein” = meaning to write. The book goes on to describe writing tools, terminology, letters, scripts and so much more. On a personal note, I received low grades in 4th grade handwritinng class. I still remember that “Jane” was able to make perfect letters and receive the highest grade. It did make me want to improve and over time my fine motor skills strengthened thus improving my control of what I produced when writing letters on paper. Handwriting is used less now than in the past but the fine art of calligraphy is in demand for special documents, invitations and big events. Another side note – when I was in high school or college I remember my father, a physician, being impressed with calligraphy and practicing to change his personal handwriting into a more calligraphic style even though his handwriting was perfectly legible as it was.
The book included information in how to seat the nib in the holder, how to fill the pen with ink, how ot make ox gall ink from scratch, how to embellis writing, styles of calligraphy, working with colors, adding in patterns, illuniated calligraphy, practice pages and templates. I found it interesting that there are three lines to consider when creating calligraphy and that the empty spaces are as important, in some ways, as the lines and curves. One tip I found intriguing was the use of a light box to put a template on to improve the calligraphy one creates.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC ~ This is my honest review
4-5 Stars
A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them
by Laura Lavender
The term Calligraphy comes from the Greek words “calli” = beautiful and “graphein” = meaning to write. The book goes on to describe writing tools, terminology, letters, scripts and so much more. On a personal note, I received low grades in 4th grade handwritinng class. I still remember that “Jane” was able to make perfect letters and receive the highest grade. It did make me want to improve and over time my fine motor skills strengthened thus improving my control of what I produced when writing letters on paper. Handwriting is used less now than in the past but the fine art of calligraphy is in demand for special documents, invitations and big events. Another side note – when I was in high school or college I remember my father, a physician, being impressed with calligraphy and practicing to change his personal handwriting into a more calligraphic style even though his handwriting was perfectly legible as it was.
The book included information in how to seat the nib in the holder, how to fill the pen with ink, how ot make ox gall ink from scratch, how to embellis writing, styles of calligraphy, working with colors, adding in patterns, illuniated calligraphy, practice pages and templates. I found it interesting that there are three lines to consider when creating calligraphy and that the empty spaces are as important, in some ways, as the lines and curves. One tip I found intriguing was the use of a light box to put a template on to improve the calligraphy one creates.
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster for the ARC ~ This is my honest review
4-5 Stars
April 28, 2019
Calligraphy has always appealed and expanding my skill set and font library was my goal in picking up Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy by Laura Lavender. I was not disappointed. It is full of step-by-step instructions, practice exercises and beautiful lettering. A bonus, and probably my favourite element, is the emblemishment designs which surround lettering.
I don’t own calligraphy pens but rather use pencil and pen to imitate them but thoroughly enjoyed the book nonetheless! If you are looking for book to teach you from the basics through to designs, this is the one for you! Five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale!
I don’t own calligraphy pens but rather use pencil and pen to imitate them but thoroughly enjoyed the book nonetheless! If you are looking for book to teach you from the basics through to designs, this is the one for you! Five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale!
July 4, 2019
Thank you Quatro Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.
This is an attractive book which begins by providing good information for the beginning calligrapher on how to start, materials needed etc. the remainder of the book sets out different fonts and decorative styles. Many of the fonts are gorgeous and some of the decorative styles are quite elaborate but beautiful,
This book would be suited for someone who already has some knowledge of how to do lettering and wants to explore a bit further. As a beginner you may require a different book if you are looking for a step by step how to do each letter.
This is an attractive book which begins by providing good information for the beginning calligrapher on how to start, materials needed etc. the remainder of the book sets out different fonts and decorative styles. Many of the fonts are gorgeous and some of the decorative styles are quite elaborate but beautiful,
This book would be suited for someone who already has some knowledge of how to do lettering and wants to explore a bit further. As a beginner you may require a different book if you are looking for a step by step how to do each letter.
June 4, 2019
This book was really helpful as I got to know about different types of strokes, brushes, pens and an introduction to all sorts of calligraphy! I wish it was more catered towards beginners though, since I have very little practice in the field and was looking to learn from scratch. Most of the used stationaries are not easily available here either. It was a bit overwhelming, but I loved how the author illustrated all her teachings and how there were practice pages. The tips includes are also beneficial.
April 24, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced Copy! My opinions are my own.
I have been looking for ways to jazz up and clean up my writing. From brush lettering to calligraphy and with use for my fountain pens mainly. This book has been very helpful in that area. The pictures and illustrations are wonderful examples.
Can also be used in scrapbooking, letter writing to friends, card making, etc. So many great ways to use this writing in everyday life!
I have been looking for ways to jazz up and clean up my writing. From brush lettering to calligraphy and with use for my fountain pens mainly. This book has been very helpful in that area. The pictures and illustrations are wonderful examples.
Can also be used in scrapbooking, letter writing to friends, card making, etc. So many great ways to use this writing in everyday life!
May 3, 2019
I love Lavender’s books and this one was no exception. My favorite thing is the information she included about each font. She also included some tips for us left-handed folk.
May 1, 2019
For the creative one
"Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy. A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them" was written by Laura Lavender and published by Quarto Publishing Group - Walter. With this book Lavender wants to inform readers about historic flourished hands and how to create them, using them for modern artwork. The book has three foci: 1) the historical styles of calligraphy, 2) script pointed-pen styles of calligraphy from the origins of pointed pens in Renaissance Italy, and 3) elegant hand-lettering styles with pointed-pen scripts. The book shows the reader how various pointed-pen hands (Copperplate, Spencerian, Italian Hand, Bickham, Roman, Uncial, Bookhand) are created and offers various step-by-step projects (Monograms & Wedding Invitations, Craft a Feather Quill, Silhouette Letters, Victorian-Inspired Story Letters, ...). The glossary can be found at the end of the book as well as a resource list.
I appreciated the book for its great pictures and artwork. There are prompts, tips, projects, and exercises to inspire the reader to learn the art of traditional pointed-pen calligraphy. The explanations are clear and easy to understand. Furthermore, there are clear instructions which supplies the reader who wants to engage in this type of calligraphy needs to get as well as instructions for attaching the nip and caring for the nip and the holder. There are various practice sheets throughout the book, but I recommend to photocopy them because the book is not spiral-bound and will not lie flat (considering the fact that it has 144 pages) and it will be difficult to write in the book. It would have been nice if the practice sheets would have been offered as a download.
This book is not for readers who are interested in other arts of lettering, modern (faux) lettering, or lettering with other materials (e.g. chalk, brush pens, brushes). It is also important to note that the only pen used for the presentation and exercises is the oblique pen, there are no presentation or exercises where the straight calligraphy pen is used.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#CreativeLetteringAndBeyondTimelessCalligraphy #NetGalley
"Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy. A collection of traditional calligraphic hands from history and how to write them" was written by Laura Lavender and published by Quarto Publishing Group - Walter. With this book Lavender wants to inform readers about historic flourished hands and how to create them, using them for modern artwork. The book has three foci: 1) the historical styles of calligraphy, 2) script pointed-pen styles of calligraphy from the origins of pointed pens in Renaissance Italy, and 3) elegant hand-lettering styles with pointed-pen scripts. The book shows the reader how various pointed-pen hands (Copperplate, Spencerian, Italian Hand, Bickham, Roman, Uncial, Bookhand) are created and offers various step-by-step projects (Monograms & Wedding Invitations, Craft a Feather Quill, Silhouette Letters, Victorian-Inspired Story Letters, ...). The glossary can be found at the end of the book as well as a resource list.
I appreciated the book for its great pictures and artwork. There are prompts, tips, projects, and exercises to inspire the reader to learn the art of traditional pointed-pen calligraphy. The explanations are clear and easy to understand. Furthermore, there are clear instructions which supplies the reader who wants to engage in this type of calligraphy needs to get as well as instructions for attaching the nip and caring for the nip and the holder. There are various practice sheets throughout the book, but I recommend to photocopy them because the book is not spiral-bound and will not lie flat (considering the fact that it has 144 pages) and it will be difficult to write in the book. It would have been nice if the practice sheets would have been offered as a download.
This book is not for readers who are interested in other arts of lettering, modern (faux) lettering, or lettering with other materials (e.g. chalk, brush pens, brushes). It is also important to note that the only pen used for the presentation and exercises is the oblique pen, there are no presentation or exercises where the straight calligraphy pen is used.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#CreativeLetteringAndBeyondTimelessCalligraphy #NetGalley
May 1, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is an instruction guide to calligraphy along with specific tutorials and practice templates for 18 projects featuring well known styles such as Spencerian, copperplate, uncial, Roman, and bookhand.
Released 30th April 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
When learning any skill, the emphasis must be on practice, practice, practice. That is absolutely paramount when learning calligraphy. So much of the success or failure of hand lettering (or painting or other graphic arts) is in training the eye and fine tuning the muscle memory to make reproducible consistent movements. To that end, having pleasing tools and instructions can make practice time more fun (and thus, likely to be done happily instead of suffered through as a necessary 'evil').
I have always found that having a new lesson or plan or new tutorial projects makes me a lot more willing to pick up my pens and paper. The book includes templates for the reader to reproduce the lessons which can be printed out and copied. Many of the templates have guidelines in the practice areas.
There are also a number of project tutorials, including a DIY scented oak gall ink which looks tempting to try. There's also a nice beginner homage to illuminated letters with sidebars covering diapers, backgrounds, and embellishments.
There are a huge number of books on calligraphy and illumination available. This one is quite worthy and contains a lot of material in digestible form for both beginner and intermediate calligraphers. The book also includes a short glossary and a reading list for further exploration.
Appealing and well written. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is an instruction guide to calligraphy along with specific tutorials and practice templates for 18 projects featuring well known styles such as Spencerian, copperplate, uncial, Roman, and bookhand.
Released 30th April 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 144 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
When learning any skill, the emphasis must be on practice, practice, practice. That is absolutely paramount when learning calligraphy. So much of the success or failure of hand lettering (or painting or other graphic arts) is in training the eye and fine tuning the muscle memory to make reproducible consistent movements. To that end, having pleasing tools and instructions can make practice time more fun (and thus, likely to be done happily instead of suffered through as a necessary 'evil').
I have always found that having a new lesson or plan or new tutorial projects makes me a lot more willing to pick up my pens and paper. The book includes templates for the reader to reproduce the lessons which can be printed out and copied. Many of the templates have guidelines in the practice areas.
There are also a number of project tutorials, including a DIY scented oak gall ink which looks tempting to try. There's also a nice beginner homage to illuminated letters with sidebars covering diapers, backgrounds, and embellishments.
There are a huge number of books on calligraphy and illumination available. This one is quite worthy and contains a lot of material in digestible form for both beginner and intermediate calligraphers. The book also includes a short glossary and a reading list for further exploration.
Appealing and well written. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
April 6, 2019
I am always amazed at other people's beautiful calligraphy so I always seek books that teach it. If only one could learn by osmosis, I would be a master by now. Alas, what you need is practice.
This book has lots of valuable information about materials, different practice exercises, script styles and even ways to make your own ink. She walks you through a whole bunch of different alphabet styles from Roman to Copperplate to Italian and more.
But my favorite part was the last section where she has the step-by-step projects. I'll admit that often step by steps skip so much of how-to that it drives me mad. This was a bit like that where she goes right to "pretty hard" and then jumps to "holy cow how did she do that!" but I loved the ideas so much and I especially loved all the embellished capitals that I am happy to stare at them for hours and try to figure out how to emulate them.
One of the things I learned from this book which in retrospect seems super obvious but I had never specifically read elsewhere is that each of your letters have to be slanted at the same angle for great lettering (also the spacing and size should be consistent, which I had known.) As I said it seems obvious but it was an a-ha moment for me.
The other little tidbit I loved is that the ampersand originates from the Latin "et" which means "and" so it originally contained both an e and a t. Apparently it's no longer clearly visible but now that I know this, I am going to look for that e and t each time I see an ampersand.
Overall, this was a wonderful book if you'd like a general reference and idea book. Absolutely beautiful to look at and some lovely extra tidbits of information as a bonus!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
This book has lots of valuable information about materials, different practice exercises, script styles and even ways to make your own ink. She walks you through a whole bunch of different alphabet styles from Roman to Copperplate to Italian and more.
But my favorite part was the last section where she has the step-by-step projects. I'll admit that often step by steps skip so much of how-to that it drives me mad. This was a bit like that where she goes right to "pretty hard" and then jumps to "holy cow how did she do that!" but I loved the ideas so much and I especially loved all the embellished capitals that I am happy to stare at them for hours and try to figure out how to emulate them.
One of the things I learned from this book which in retrospect seems super obvious but I had never specifically read elsewhere is that each of your letters have to be slanted at the same angle for great lettering (also the spacing and size should be consistent, which I had known.) As I said it seems obvious but it was an a-ha moment for me.
The other little tidbit I loved is that the ampersand originates from the Latin "et" which means "and" so it originally contained both an e and a t. Apparently it's no longer clearly visible but now that I know this, I am going to look for that e and t each time I see an ampersand.
Overall, this was a wonderful book if you'd like a general reference and idea book. Absolutely beautiful to look at and some lovely extra tidbits of information as a bonus!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
April 24, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.
If you've always been interested in calligraphy and lettering then look no further. This was a fun hands on manual that shows you what to buy and what certain styles of calligraphy are. There are many different old styles of handwriting, and you can see different styles and history listed through out the book. The book also has certain things you could use as ideas of calligraphy invitations or crafts. This feels like an introduction book and not a real how to because a lot of the terms I just didn't know.
What did I like? This book tells you what style of pen to use, and gives you a street map of the lettering per style. If I was more into tracing, this book would be more helpful. I could not get the hang of actually doing them on my own. I wonder how our ancestors did?
Would I buy this book? Lettering is fun and this book gives you an understanding of what the letters look like but I'm more of a watch and learn so I'd still have to YouTube a video. If your looking for a reference, then this book is for you.
Thoughts for the author? I'm always saying in these how to books for author's to YouTube a few videos and add it or a site. People watch stuff more than they read so it helps. I realize that over time video's expire or become unavailable but it's always nice to reference just checking.
Four stars of craftiness!
If you've always been interested in calligraphy and lettering then look no further. This was a fun hands on manual that shows you what to buy and what certain styles of calligraphy are. There are many different old styles of handwriting, and you can see different styles and history listed through out the book. The book also has certain things you could use as ideas of calligraphy invitations or crafts. This feels like an introduction book and not a real how to because a lot of the terms I just didn't know.
What did I like? This book tells you what style of pen to use, and gives you a street map of the lettering per style. If I was more into tracing, this book would be more helpful. I could not get the hang of actually doing them on my own. I wonder how our ancestors did?
Would I buy this book? Lettering is fun and this book gives you an understanding of what the letters look like but I'm more of a watch and learn so I'd still have to YouTube a video. If your looking for a reference, then this book is for you.
Thoughts for the author? I'm always saying in these how to books for author's to YouTube a few videos and add it or a site. People watch stuff more than they read so it helps. I realize that over time video's expire or become unavailable but it's always nice to reference just checking.
Four stars of craftiness!
June 17, 2019
A book teaching the reader how to create beautifully formed lettering. This book gives an extensive choice of calligraphy styles. It gives step by step instructions on aspects such as hight, weight and pressure.
As it guides the reader through calligraphy from the basics on it doesn't seem as though a reader would need to know much about calligraphy to use this book.
There where places where the reader could practice.
I enjoyed the different styles of lettering and found the history of them interesting, however, as with several books I have read here on NetGalley using my smartphone I found it difficult at times to read. I think it would be much more enjoyable in paper form as I could have tried some of the calligraphy for myself.
I think this would be worth a re-read in paper form in the future as I would like to use some of the calligraphy in my bullet journaling.
As it guides the reader through calligraphy from the basics on it doesn't seem as though a reader would need to know much about calligraphy to use this book.
There where places where the reader could practice.
I enjoyed the different styles of lettering and found the history of them interesting, however, as with several books I have read here on NetGalley using my smartphone I found it difficult at times to read. I think it would be much more enjoyable in paper form as I could have tried some of the calligraphy for myself.
I think this would be worth a re-read in paper form in the future as I would like to use some of the calligraphy in my bullet journaling.
June 21, 2019
An easy-to-follow calligraphy guide with exercises, tips, and tricks in-between. My only criticism is that while difficulties of doing calligraphy are briefly addressed, the given solutions are either added tools or figure out the lettering on your own. While we're not new to having to do our own creative solving problem, it would have been nice to give a few different strokes to follow as suggestions. Otherwise, most people will get what they want out of this book: better skills at calligraphy.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2019
A great look into Calligraphy. Easy to follow instruction and great book layout.
I especially liked that there were lots of tips on how to get started with advice on different pens etc.
There are also practice pages which I really appreciated as I am really wanting to practice and hopefully perfect Calligraphy.
I especially liked that there were lots of tips on how to get started with advice on different pens etc.
There are also practice pages which I really appreciated as I am really wanting to practice and hopefully perfect Calligraphy.
July 1, 2019
Loved this book!! So many hints and tricks to make things come out better. I cant wait to put these into tattoo flash. Super excited to have the privilege of reviewing. I'm loving how my drawings are coming out
March 16, 2021
This book is good for it's examples of copperplate, spencerian, bookend, and illuminated letters. If you're looking for trace-able alphabet guides, this is not for you. The paper is thin, and the few practice sheets bleed if you're not using dip-pen specific ink.
August 20, 2021
What a great book. Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is a fantastic guidebook on historic artwork.. Traditional calligraphy is so beautiful and the techniques are easy to follow.
See this as a great coffee table.
See this as a great coffee table.
June 22, 2019
This was a great introduction to learning Calligraphy and creative lettering. Detailed instructions and beautiful examples throughout the book.
Did not finish
June 29, 2019Review copy expired before I finished. :(
April 27, 2019
A look into elegant and flourished calligraphy techniques which brings a modern twist to some traditional techniques.
With an overview of tools and materials with helpful tips the artist Laura Lavender shows lots of different techniques with simple instructions and some history too.
The content is beautiful and well done, I'd definitely recommend to anyone interested.
I loved how it included so much more than just exercises and instructions and that really inspired me to try out new techniques and try to hone my skills further.
With an overview of tools and materials with helpful tips the artist Laura Lavender shows lots of different techniques with simple instructions and some history too.
The content is beautiful and well done, I'd definitely recommend to anyone interested.
I loved how it included so much more than just exercises and instructions and that really inspired me to try out new techniques and try to hone my skills further.
October 25, 2019
I received a free e-review copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I ended up requesting this book because the cover was super nice and because I wanted to learn some lettering techniques for my bullet journal. I always see those super elegant writing styles on Pinterest and figured it was time to learn a thing or two!
I ended up rating this book a 3/5 because it really has a lot of great information (breaking down the types of pens, nibs, paper, and more materials to use), but the way it's presented is not the most friendly, especially for a visual learner like me. I'm super curious about the dimensions of this book as I found it to be text heavy in small fonts. If it's a larger printed book, I think everything works well. If it's a smaller printed book, it probably won't be very appealing at first glance.
I did think all the fonts Lavender introduced us to are super neat and plan to try them for the review on my blog. I probably wouldn't purchase this for myself.
I ended up requesting this book because the cover was super nice and because I wanted to learn some lettering techniques for my bullet journal. I always see those super elegant writing styles on Pinterest and figured it was time to learn a thing or two!
I ended up rating this book a 3/5 because it really has a lot of great information (breaking down the types of pens, nibs, paper, and more materials to use), but the way it's presented is not the most friendly, especially for a visual learner like me. I'm super curious about the dimensions of this book as I found it to be text heavy in small fonts. If it's a larger printed book, I think everything works well. If it's a smaller printed book, it probably won't be very appealing at first glance.
I did think all the fonts Lavender introduced us to are super neat and plan to try them for the review on my blog. I probably wouldn't purchase this for myself.
September 16, 2019
I loved this book. It showed me so many techniques I had never tried. Definitely a timeless art. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn
March 29, 2019
I love this book...it’s an overview of the many styles of Calligraphy lettering.
It has detailed tutorials, practice exercises and different types of pen and nibs to use. It also has instructions and inspiration for illustrated letters and monograms.
Lots of different styles , Roman, gothic, and so many more in a simple and easy to follow style. I will be referring to this regularly.
It has detailed tutorials, practice exercises and different types of pen and nibs to use. It also has instructions and inspiration for illustrated letters and monograms.
Lots of different styles , Roman, gothic, and so many more in a simple and easy to follow style. I will be referring to this regularly.
April 1, 2019
I had such a great time perusing this book. After giving up most social media I have taken an interest in letter writing. To my horror after years of being glued to keyboard and phone my penmanship has really suffered. Calligraphy was a hobby and interest of mine from a young age when a mentor of mine showed me how she created such beautiful and thoughtful correspondence. Reading this book, albeit on my modern tablet with handy Wacom pen so that I could work the practise exercises, was an instant reconnection with that old fascination. I found everything easy to understand and follow, with both simple and more advanced techniques included.
April 2, 2019
Laura Lavender's Creative Lettering and Beyond: Timeless Calligraphy is a beautiful book. The visuals would make anyone inspired to try their hand at calligraphy. The first chapter on how to get started is particularly helpful with several helpful hints on how to get started. I have taken a lettering class before and many of the suggested techniques for practicing up and down strokes are exactly like the ones that I was taught.
What I especially love about this book is the variety of different types of lettering styles demonstrated: Copperplate, Spencerian, Monograms, Italian, Bickham, and Roman strokes to name a few. For those who have artistic talent, there's even a chapter on how to embellish calligraphy with drawings.
As previously stated, this book is as beautiful as it is practical. I highly recommend!
What I especially love about this book is the variety of different types of lettering styles demonstrated: Copperplate, Spencerian, Monograms, Italian, Bickham, and Roman strokes to name a few. For those who have artistic talent, there's even a chapter on how to embellish calligraphy with drawings.
As previously stated, this book is as beautiful as it is practical. I highly recommend!
April 3, 2019
Unfortunately, when pulling book up on Bookperk, it showed two pages at once. This made the print really small and too hard to decipher much. What I could read looked interesting but not so I could practice some on my own. Tried to enlarge it to no avail. I am really interested in learning calligraphy and may end up purchasing this book for myself.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.
April 4, 2019
Timeless Calligraphy is a fantastic introduction to basic and advanced calligraphy. Different sets of alphabets are detailed and broken down and thoroughly explained. There are also ample practice exercises and papers included that allow the reader to practice the new skills. Various projects such as making ink, making a feather quill, and addressing wedding invitations are also included.
My one critique about the book is that the projects are included in weird places that mess up the flow of the book in my opinion.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
My one critique about the book is that the projects are included in weird places that mess up the flow of the book in my opinion.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 10, 2019
I really liked the front cover of this book so I was eager to see inside. Whilst the images are beautiful I don't think it is a book aimed at beginners because it uses terms right from the start without even explaining what those terms mean (ligature, swash, ascender).. I think this book could have benefited from starting with a key terms explanation page before launching into different calligraphy types. If you have some experience of calligraphy already then this book may be inspiring. If you are a novice like me then this probably isn't the book for you because the layout and instructions are not easy to follow.
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