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My new book, Calligraphy for Dummies, says calligraphy should be practiced sitting at a desk with a tilted writing surface. I’m sitting on a couch with a piano bench in front of me. Ol’ Calligraphy Jim (the author) also suggests learning with a fountain pen—I got calligraphy markers because I thought they’d be easier. Easier, as it turns out, equals cheating and does not ensure a good learning environment. Huh. I also am supposed to be practicing with specifically measured and, obviously, straight lines. I’m not so good at making straight lines.
(Personal photo)
I think maybe I’m going about this all wrong. But it’s gonna be GREAT.
Also, I’ve been working on beefing up my DIY supplies lately. I’m getting a Xyron tomorrow because I got a coupon for 40% off a single item from Michaels! Yesssss. However, I wish I had waited to go to Paper-Source for my bone folder. I bought a Martha Stewart one from Michaels and, frankly, it makes me look like a sissy.
(Personal photo)
Martha, were the rhinestones really necessary? Sigh.
Oh, Martha. It doesn’t matter how girly your bone folder it - it is still totally my favorite, thought I could live with out it but why would life be fun? tool ever.
Ha ha ha, I think the folder is cute! At least it’s got a little fun in it 
Wow, it is like you are my wedding doppelganger or something, I have the exact same book! I haven’t even cracked it open yet, but I can tell you right now that the lines will become a lot easier to make it start using a T-Square instead of a ruler. It might seem like a waste of money but it is so worth it. Get one cheap off amazon or something and go for it!
@Gilneas: I have since purchased the Martha scoring board — ALSO THE BEST THING EVER.
@Mrs. Sand Dollar: True! Love me some flair.
@plantains: I don’t feel like it. 
I hate calligraphy! I hate it!! Good luck, though.
I took a calligraphy class, which helped a lot.
BUT you know there’s the quick and dirty way too: you can also simply find the calligraphy font you like on the computer, print out the address, and trace over it with your calligraphy marker (of course you need light, unlined envelopes to do this and a lightbox helps)
Also–Martha’s scoring board? Now that thing is BRILLIANT! And no flounce on the boning folder.
@JennyW1: I tried faux-ligraphy, I really did. I gave it my best shot. I just need to not have anything to do with addressing envelopes … stay tuned to see what I found as a solution! Dun dun dun …
@Miss Panther: Yeah it is rough. YOu could always just cheat with faux-ligraphy instead, I bet no one can tell the difference!!!
I have a MS bone folder, got it from Walmart on clearance! I’ve been trying calligraphy but I too prefer to sit myself on the couch–in the book I have they compare calligraphy to yoga. Not sure where they got that from…
I’m terrible, I just want to know what kind of Xyron you’re getting. I bought a Creatopia and I’m all proud of myself but no one in my life knows what one is!
@Violet Violet: Oh yeah, just like yoga. *scoff*
@Encore: WHOA, I had never heard of that before but I just looked it up and it looks AMAZING! I have a 510, a 900, and of course several 5/8″ runners.
Holy moly - you are the overachiever of the crew! Actually learning calligraphy for your envelopes?! My hat is off to you.
you’ll be best off with a speedball oblique nib holder and a hunt 101 nib. otherwise all you’ll get is that gothic-looking callig.
@Mrs. Husky: No, no, Husky, let’s be real. I tried for about half an hour and then gave up. I’m an imaginary overachiever, though!
@Mrs. Scissors: Scissors, if I was a braver woman, I would totally take your advice. I was in AWE of your gorgeous calligraphy! I will never have your mad skills. No but really, I’m not even going to try. Thanks for the suggestion, though! I’ll keep that in mind if I ever grow a pair.
I can not believe your having a go at this yourself! Major props! I am lucky if my day to day writing doesnt look like chicken scratch on crack! Cant wait to see how it turns out…
I gave up on calligraphy and addressed ours with a gel pen and tried to get a calligraphy look. It was eh, but I liked it.
I did my own calligraphy for addressing our invite envelopes- it was far, far from perfect but people thought it looked nice anyway- so keep at it and it will be worth it
I want to stab calligraphy in the jugular! I hope you are having better luck.
Hahaha, I have to admit, I almost fell for the rhinestones.. but Martha had a plain white one that I bought instead!
>_> Were the ones from papersource cheaper?
I bought a calligraphy pen and just copied the font letters I liked from the computer a few times after I got used to how the pen worked and how to hold it, it wasn’t that bad. My writing is no where near perfect, but a $3 pen is way cheaper than hiring a calligrapher, and more personal IMO than printing the addresses.
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Mrs. Panther, Atlanta GA/Westport CT Age and Occupation: 24, Web Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Music Recording Engineer Engagement Date: March 13, 2010 Wedding Date: July 2011 Venue: The Inn at Longshore About Me: I'm a total goofball who goes through life at a breakneck pace, trying not to knock anything over. I tend to fall in love with everything I encounter, but more than anything, I love my two little kitties, Bela and Josie, and my big kitty, Mr. Panther! As a wannabe crafter, I'm still waiting for my artistic talents to emerge. (Any day now, really.) In the meantime, I spend my days eating anything put in front of me, buying every pair of shoes I see and absorbing wedding inspiration from every inch of my surroundings. Mr. Panther and I are hardcore New Englanders planning Connecticut nuptials from our new home in the Dirty South, and can't wait to mix our newfound love of classic Southern charm with some modern city touches.
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