World Calligraphy Day was started by the Manuscript Pen Company in 2017, but calligraphy has existed since the written word began. The word "calligraphy" originated around 600 BCE in Rome from the Greek words "kallos" (beauty) and "graphein" (to write). Decorative lettering styles evolved, and when the printing press was invented in 1454, Gothic became the first typeface.
In China, written language is over 3000 years old and developed into five basic script types, all of which calligraphers used and still use today. Chinese calligraphy was introduced to Japan in the 6th century A.D. and evolved into what we call "Shodo" which translates to "the way of writing."
Islamic calligraphy was first established in the 900s by Vizier Ibn Muqla and continues to use the original theory of measurements based on the dot, alif, and circle.
Calligraphy has continued to evolve and diversify into what we now categorize as "modern calligraphy." There are many styles to choose from for those interested in learning.
Join us for an Introduction to Japanese Language and Calligraphy on Saturday, September 7, at 3 p.m. at the Hawthorne Branch.
Express yourself with beautiful letters. Learn more about the ancient art and technique of Japanese writing with Ms. Sylvia Ashwell.
Registration Required.
Introduce children to calligraphy with these picture books:
Check out these books from the collection to get started on your calligraphy journey:
The Encyclopedia of Calligraphy Techniques
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Comprehensive step-by-step visual analysis of all major calligraphic techniques, from Foundational hand and Uncials to Gothic, Italic and Copperplate. Inspirational gallery of work by leading calligraphers demonstrates how, when and what style of calligraphy best suite a given subject. Basic design principles explained, together with coverage of equipment and materials.
Happy Hand Lettering: Simple Calligraphy Techniques to Bring Your Words to Life
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Messages from your own hand are an intimate and powerful means of expression and communication. Happy Hand Lettering offers you instruction and encouragement to begin crating beautifully written words right away. From selecting the best tools and supplies, to forming your first simple letters, everything you need to begin your calligraphic journey is here.
Celtic Calligraphy: Calligraphy, Knotwork and Illumination
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Learn how to write the beautiful calligraphy that we associate with Celtic culture, and be taught how to develop scripts that are based on original mediaeval manuscripts into lovely projects to treasure. Starting with the materials you need and basic calligraphy techniques, the book moves on to the development and improvement of skills with design elements, exercises, clear instruction on lettering, using colour, knotwork illustration and illumination, with inspirational examples of Celtic art and lettering. Beginners will find much to help them in this practical guide and more experienced calligraphers will learn about Celtic influences and the way lettering can be enhanced with stylised knotwork illustration and illumination. Traditional letterforms can be transformed into unique works of art with an intertwining of colour, art and design. Stylised letterforms are ornament in themselves, but enhanced with knotwork, Celtic swirls and patterns, illumination, colour and design, Celtic calligraphy becomes an exciting art form based in fascinating ancient traditions.
Modern Calligraphy: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started in Script Calligraphy
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Calligraphy is about creating something uniquely beautiful, whether to celebrate a special occasion like marriage or to use every day in the form of stationery. Author Molly Suber Thorpe, an award-winning designer and calligrapher based in Los Angeles, works closely with her international clients to give them the distinctive products they're looking for. Now you can learn from this experienced expert how to master this fresh modern lettering style. The first book to teach this bold new style breaks the calligraphy process down into simple steps so anyone can learn to create their own stunning wedding invitations, thank you cards, gift tags, and more. Starting with an overview of the supplies--from paper to ink to pens--you will learn how to form letters, words, and then phrases by following Molly's clear step-by-step instructions, and by practicing with the provided templates. After mastering letter forms using a pointed pen and ink you can take it to the next level by learning how to use watercolor and gouache, or how to digitize your calligraphy. The twenty projects in the book provide lots of inspiration for making your own and are grouped into three sections: weddings, entertainment, and personal stationery. With loads of ideas, practice exercises, and helpful tips, soon you will be turning out gorgeous script calligraphy pieces like the ones featured in wedding magazines and popular websites like Pinterest!
Simply Calligraphy: A Beginner's Guide to Elegant Lettering
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This simple guide to calligraphy teaches just the basics, allowing novices to jump right in and make their own wedding invitations, hand-label envelopes, write their own placecards, and explore their creative side. With the rise of do-it-yourselfers, there is growing demand for a calligraphy guide that is much simpler than what's currently on the market. This book answers that call, with a focus on only the popular Italic alphabet rather than the scads normally covered by other books (Gothic, Uncials, Half-uncials, and so on). After learning the basic letters, this book presents an open invitation--and a bit of inspiration--to make calligraphy one's own with creative flourishes for every project and occasion. With a modern two-color design and simple explanatory text, Simply Calligraphy's unintimidating approach proves that calligraphy is as easy as picking up pen and paper.
The Gift of Calligraphy: A Modern Approach to Hand Lettering with 25 Projects to Give & to Keep
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Calligraphy and hand lettering have surged in popularity as people rediscover traditional handicrafts as a creative outlet and way to relax. Unlike other hand lettering books, The Gift of Calligraphy shows you how to use your calligraphy skills to create invitations, wall art, wrapping paper, a tote bag, even a calligraphy kit for kids. Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls, calligraphy teacher and author of Belle Calligraphy, brings her signature modern style to this traditional craft. The first quarter of the book provides a primer for creating a simple alphabet and how to find your own personal style of lettering, followed by wonderful projects that will delight your family, impress your friends, and beautify your home, all accompanied by clear step-by-step photography and inspiring shots of the finished pieces.
A Beginner's Guide to Modern Calligraphy and Brush Pen Lettering : Learn to Create Beautiful Hand Lettering for Invitations, Cards, Journals and More!
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Master calligrapher Maki Shimano shows you all the techniques and provides hundreds of colorful examples to inspire you. Creating your own calligraphy is very easy using Shimano's time-tested method of breaking down each letter into a small number of strokes. And she provides dozens of ideas for decorative motifs such as wreaths, balloons, birthday cakes—and so much more!