Learn How to Do Calligraphy with Our Sets and Kits for Beginners
|If you are a beginner to calligraphy, then a great way to jump right into this art form and learn as you go is by trying out one of our calligraphy starter kits. We have put these sets of items together to take the guesswork out of finding what materials and tools are necessary to learn calligraphy from scratch. Each of the following three kits contains an instructional book, ink, and pens/nibs/holders. At the bottom of this page, we have included links to all of our available supply kits. Also, we have linked to more information about taking calligraphy classes online and our page about calligraphy events and classes around the United States.
(Each Kit is linked to our website for ease of purchase and more information)
What Should I Buy to Start Calligraphy?
There certainly are a ton of tools and materials that can be involved in the art that is calligraphy…and we have most of them in our store! 🙂
However, when getting down to the basics of the craft. You won’t need too many items, but here’s the short list:
- Writing tool. Preferably a dip pen. Yes, you can use a fountain pen, for certain projects. But, we recommend starting with a dip pen, as a beginner.
- Nibs. Nibs are inserted into the pen holder. This is the tip of the pen.
- Ink. You need something to dip the nib into, right?
- Paper. A good quality practice paper, will be both cost effective, and able to handle
- A great instructional book, video, or class.
That’s about it, to get started. While it seems simple enough, there are a ton of different product types to choose from, in each of those categories.
Not to worry though, we have organized the best beginners calligraphy tools, into pre-made kits. These calligraphy sets will provide you the very basics to get started on your learning process.
What’s the Best Calligraphy Set for Beginners?
Our Most Popular Kit!
Contains the basic items you need to learn copperplate. Includes the instructional book Mastering Copperplate by Eleanor Winters and materials that go along with her book: Hunt plastic oblique holder, 6 Nikko G Nibs, Higgins Eternal ink, JNB “Mastering Copperplate” Practice Pad (8.5″x11″, 50 sheets).
This kit is our most basic and easiest to get started with. Very affordable bundle. Mastering Copperplate is one of the premier instructional books for calligraphy. Copperplate is a great place to get started for beginner calligraphers and this gives you everything you need for practicing the absolute foundations. The pointed Nikko G nibs are very smooth and easy to get the hang of.
2. K105. Calligraphy Dip Pen Beginner’s SetÂ
(Also available for Left Handers)
This kit contains everything you need to begin your journey into calligraphy: nibs and holder, ink, an instructional book and practice paper that won’t bleed. These products are the highest quality and come highly recommended.
The Broad Edge Sampler is a small set of different brands of broad edge nibs to let you get a feel for each nib, ideal for beginners, the Higgins Ink is non waterproof and won’t build up on your nibs if you rinse it off after every use, the Canson pad does not feather or bleed, and Art & Craft of Hand Lettering is an excellent manual.
In her book Annie Cicale gives instruction in broad-edge calligraphy. Exemplars include Foundational, Italic, Roman, Black Letter, Uncial, italic handwriting, pointed pen, brush lettering and ruling pen alphabets. She covers design and includes a generous gallery. Color throughout.
Kit contents:
B4254. Art & Craft of Hand Lettering (New Ed) / Cicale
H62. Mahogany Pen Holder
N207. Broad Edge Nib Sampler
I08. Higgins Eternal Ink
P32. Canson Pro-Layout Marker
What’s the Best Italic Calligraphy Kit?
K104. Italic Calligraphy Beginner’s Kit
(Also available for Left Handers)
Want to teach yourself Italic calligraphy?
Use this instructional and informative workbook and a fountain pen that exactly fits the exercises. Kit contains Simply Calligraphy by Judy Detrick, A 2.0mm Pilot Parallel Pen, and a pad of JNB Graph paper.
Kit Contents:
B4091. Simply Calligraphy
FP68 – 2.0. Left hand modified Pilot Parallel Pen.
P22. JNB Graph Pad.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF OUR KITS
Do You Need a Special Pen for Calligraphy?
You will need a pen holder and nib. Not so much of a ‘special’ pen, just not items that are sold in every store. We, of course, carry a wide variety of each. Getting started isn’t as complicated, as you might think. The basic tools are actually quite affordable. We sell these individually, but you can also try the kits, we listed above.
You can practice and create art, using all sorts of writing instruments. But, it’s a good idea, to learn the basics with proper tools.
Is Calligraphy Hard to Learn?
Much like learning how to paint or play an instrument, calligraphy is a skill, that needs to be developed over time. It is easy to get started in your learning, but honing and mastering your craft, is going to take lots of practice.
There are difficult aspects, of course, but that shouldn’t deter you from learning and having fun with this. Calligraphy is an art, that should be enjoyed thoroughly! You will get better, with more experience, but it is a process.