Would you like to learn the skills of calligraphy for personal pleasure? Or maybe you would like to profit from the many opportunities available through this craft? Whatever your goal, Courses Direct's Calligraphy course will help get you started.
Calligraphy literally means 'beautiful writing' and has been practised throughout the ages as a way to combine functional writing with beauty and art. The timeless art of calligraphy arises from our basic desire to interact, engage and create. Perfecting this ancient skill will bring joy to you and others. From simply developing your own beautiful handwriting style, through to embarking on a profitable artistic career - the art of calligraphy is a superb starting point.
Whether you've never picked up a paint brush before, or you've been a keen artist for years, calligraphy can illuminate your every day AND inspire you to unlock your creative talent.
This Calligraphy course covers all the essential tools for you to become confident in this artistic field. Plus, as your course is delivered by correspondence, there are no timetables to adhere to so your study can fit around your current lifestyle.
First Things First
While you will be writing beautifully in no time, you first need to master a few of the basics. This module brings you quickly up to speed with the essentials on pens, paper, nibs, ink, letter structure and preparations for writing. We than get you moving on the basic calligraphy strokes.
Your Complete Guide to Foundational Hand I, II and III
Often also called roundhand, this style is perfect for virtually any project you want to do, especially if it needs to be easily readable for things such as wedding invitations, advertising posters or letters. By the end of these practical sessions you will be confidently writing minuscules, numerals, skeletal capitals, borders and majuscules - everything you need to know to get as creative as you want!
How to Enhance Beautiful Calligraphy with Stunning Layouts
With simple tips, tools and practical advice, this section shows you how to present your text on the page for maximum effect. We cover sure-fire layouts, design techniques, margins and spacing to make your prose beautifully appealing to the eye. Plus, we also show you exactly how to decorate the capital letter at the beginning of a poem like a pro!
Writing Calligraphy in Gothic Hand I, II and III
Stemming from northern Europe, this hand is perfect for certificates, diplomas, writing religious verse, poetry and invitations for very formal or solemn occasions. The hands on lessons teach you all the lettering as well as a Gothic pen-pattern border. Now that your skills are blossoming, we also cover some more advanced aspects of Gothic hand such as embellishing words and creating authentic Gothic layout.
Discover the Versatility of Uncial Hand I and II
Originating in Ireland, this hand is used extensively for manuscripts, long prose or invitations and is ideal for more practical, everyday uses such as labels on jam jars or preserves. Once you've mastered the other hands, this one is a lot easier! We also take you step-by-step through three fantastic craft projects in this section of the course.
Create a Flourishing Finish with Borders and Decoration
When you've created delightfully crafted prose, it seems a shame not to give it an attractive border when it is easy to learn how! People will think you slaved over it for days. We step you through full borders, kaleidoscope patterns, filigree borders and a huge range of decorations such as flowers, butterflies, scrolls, ribbons and more.
Richly Embellishing Letters and the Art of Illumination
Starting with the simple act of including colour in a manuscript, illumination has spread to art that fills us with awe. We get you started on this art with two projects illuminating capital letters with rich colours. You'll love these projects!
Eye-catching Invitation, Delightful Posters and Gorgeous Greeting Cards
Whether you offer your services to businesses for money, or help out your club or family, you'll be in demand with your new skills. We give you a step-by-step guide to creating a formal wedding invitation, a child's party invitation, four different greeting cards and a poster advertising a cake stall. You can adapt these lessons to any subject you need - let your new skills and imagination run wild!
Further Reading, Resources and Handy Calligraphic Information
Once you get this far in the course and your enthusiasm has been ignited, you will no doubt be keen to keep learning and developing your skills. This section provides lots of further information on all aspects of the craft from copyright, books, equipment and more.
