Calligraphy is the art of decorative writing
Calligraphy is the art of decorative writing. In the Far East, this art is revered as beautiful and spiritual. The Western world often uses calligraphy on special documents, plaques and certificates. Calligraphic writing is an especially popular way of addressing wedding invitations and graduation announcements. Calligraphy requires focus, practice and use of the correct tools. Tools can be found at hobby shops and art supply stores or can be ordered from specialty shops on the Internet.
Refillable Pens
Refillable pens are the professional calligrapher's most important tool. These pens are dipped in ink which then fills the reservoir. These pens must be cleanly wiped before the calligrapher begins to write, or blotting will occur. Nibs are the pen tips used on refillable pens. These come in many different styles and sizes and can be changed out on the same pen, as desired. They are usually steel and are available for both right- and left-handed calligraphers. Coit nibs are those with splits in them. They are usually larger and are used for large, decorative letters or border designs. The reservoir holds the ink and is the section the calligrapher holds when writing. These also come in various shapes and sizes.
Natural Product Pens
Certain natural products can be carved into calligraphy pens. Quills, bamboo stalks and reeds are the most popular natural products for calligraphy pens, as they are hollow enough to hold ink, strong enough to be grasped and hard enough to have their ends carved into the desired shape. Most calligraphers consider natural product pens to be the most challenging pens to use. As such, only the most dedicated and talented of calligraphers use them.
Filled Pens
Fountain pens pre-filled with ink, and come with a permanently affixed nib. They are often used by beginners because the need to refill and wipe the pen is eliminated. Felt tip pens are the ultimate beginner's tool. They are the least expensive of the calligraphy pens and also the easiest to handle. They often come pre-packaged in sets of popular sizes with practice sheets and instructional booklets or DVDs. They are similar in style to the chisel-tip markers found in office supply stores.
Other Tools
Calligraphers employ a variety of other tools in addition to pens. While various papers may be used, the paper of choice for most calligraphers is parchment. This thin, smooth paper allows for crisp character creation, and is transparent enough to make drawing board lines easy to see. A drawing board is a large, flat board printed with straight lines. When thin calligraphy paper is placed over this board in a strong light, the calligrapher can see the lines through the page and follow them to ensure that his writing is straight. Some drawing boards include affixed lights or are back-lit. A sharpening stone is used to sharpen steel nibs. Nibs can become dull, which leads to imprecise character formation. Paperweights are used to hold the edges of the paper flat against the surface. These come in many sizes and varieties.
