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Calligraphy Bible

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Calligraphy Bible by Maryanne Grebstein

Is an in-depth look at the ancient art of calligraphy. It covers everything from the basic, like how to hold the pen, all the way down to the origins of calligraphy. Containing  10 different alphabets, there is a writing style for everybody! Attention to detail is one of the contributing factors to why this is the perfect how-to for any beginning calligrapher. This guide is complete with Alphabet workbook, Design & Color, and Decorative Detail sections so nothing is left out.

In the alphabet workbook, you learn how to write 10 different letterforms in capitals and lowercase.  You learn what angle to hold the pen, the stroke order, and what it is used for. This section shows 8 different variations of each letterform. A few different alphabets in this book include Uncials, Gothic, Batarde, Italic, and many more! You also get 3 lines for practicing each letter.

In the Design & Color section, you choose what text you are going to work with and then  decide an effective layout and find the correct color for your project. You get examples of the projects you can use each alphabet in, to aid you in picking the writing style best suited for yourself. The next thing you learn in this section is the basics of page layout and margins. Calligraphy is not only used for writing, it is an art. The concern of this section is the visual impact of letter shapes, and it allows you to explore the visual dynamics of letter placing without reference to language content.

Decorative Detail combines abstract alphabetical designs with the language form. You learn how to turn your project into real art. This section offers instruction on how to embellish your texts. There are step-by-step instructions for designing and gilding illuminated letters. You find out different ways to complete your pieces with embellishments to letters such as flourishes and ornamental elements. Don’t what to just have a bland paper with some fancy writing on it? That’s ok, because you learn how to border your paper in this section.

Not only does this book cover absolutely everything you need to know about Calligraphy, it is also very well written. The language used is easy to understand, and the layout is very well placed. I would recommend Calligraphy Bible  to anyone wanting to learn Calligraphy, or anyone who just wants to create a unique project. This is an excellent book for anyone, beginners and advanced alike.

 (written by Gavin Shaw, my grandson who knows a whole lot more about Calligraphy than I do!)

Comments

  1. “Calligraphers make great pen friends!” That was my quote when I used to learn calligraphy many years ago.Hope you like it.

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Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.