Calligraphy for Kids (Volume 1) (Calligraphy Basics)

I have decided to take up calligraphy. I am an artist with, what I think, is terrible penmanship. I often create things with wording and I struggle to make it look right, so I have my sister do the lettering. Not anymore! In just 1 week of practicing the alphabet in skeleton form (Without the thick and thins) with a carpenter's pencil (wide lead like a wide nibbled pen) and this book, and I'm well on my way!

This book is perfect for me, I thought if this book can teach a child, it can teach me as well! On the other hand, I thought that if this can't teach me, nothing will! lol

The key to this, I've found, is repetition. Start with a roundhand lowercase (or miniscule) alphabet and write your abc's literally until you cannot stand to write another strange looking "g" (the roundhand lowercase "g" is the strangest way I've ever written a "g" before since the top circle doesnt fill up the entire x height, only about 2/3 plus the rest of the letter is made with a funky motion. It feels unnatural to me.) Even so, now I can make them with ease. After this is when I picked up this book. My normal handwriting has improved immensely, I find myself using the tips and tricks from this book without even thinking about. It's becoming second nature. Again, repetition is key! The practice pages in the back are perfect! I scanned them in and printed off a ton of copies. Lots of pictures, stroke numbers and detailed tips to help you or a child learn the beautiful art of calligraphy!

One thing I didn't see in the book was the tip to use the carpenter's pencil at first. You get the hang of keeping it flat at all times with the wide lead, just like a wide nibbed pen. I can see where kids may have an easier time with that instead of jumping straight to a marker or fountain pen.

(If I may also recommend a pen, the Pilot Parallel is amazing! So simple to use, to load and write with. The ink flows perfectly, it is unlike any other calligraphy or broad nibbled pen I've ever used and they're under $8 here on Amazon. I also recommend getting the 20 dollar 4 pack with differing sizes. 1.5, 2.4, 3.8 and 6.0)

Speedball's Elegant Writers are great chisel tip markers to practice with also, and Amazon sells a 4 pk for 4 dollars as an add on item!

**I included a photo of the funky roundhand script letter "g" just in case anyone wondered what I was talking about, but also to show the difference my practice has made. The "weird" g's looked terrible when I started a week ago.
Written with the Pilot Parellel 1.5 mm

I've been doing calligraphy for years and lately I've taught some classes to interested beginners at a local art center and to my 9 year-old granddaughter. I find this book to be one of the best to use as a guide. It has everything a beginner needs to know ...with clear and concise instructions.

I bought this for my 8 yr old, (who is admittedly a fantastic reader, well above her grade level, so you'll have to be the judge of your child's ability) she loves it! It is well organized and the language is simple without talking down to the kids, so an adult just beginning can learn a lot from this book, too. It's recommended for grades 4 and up, but my daughter is grade 2 and does fine with it.

I will be teaching calligraphy to students in 2nd - 8th grade this summer and this will be the book I use with them. It is easy to follow. It has levels of difficulty, sheets to follow and can be bought at a reasonable price.

I am a calligrapher, and am using this book to teach my daughter. This book is clear, has excellent instructional points, a wide variety of alphabets to learn, and practice pages that can be copied and used. Very pleased with this book.

Though written for kids, I believe that adults will also find this book helpful. It does not talk down to you, and it gives clear and easy to understand information and directions. Because I had some practice in calligraphy before I began using this book (and because I'm impatient), I do not take it as slowly as the book suggests. I also do not bother with the guide sheets, but whether you do or not depends on how perfect you want your writing to be. Part of the reason I don't use the guide sheets is because I already have a calligraphy marker, and it is not the correct size for the sheets. However, they might be helpful (I wouldn't know, I've never used them :D). I also do not think it is necessary to switch to an actual calligraphy pen; at least, not right away. The markers work just fine, and are less messy. Other than this, the book is very helpful, and, as I said before, easy to follow.

I looked at several books in craft stores and this one was my favorite. The directions are clear, and the illustrations are attractive. It would be best for children age 10 - 14. Younger kids would need more help to understand how to form the letters, and would be using the books mostly for the illustrations, but an older child could learn how to make some nice work, even without help. Several alphabets are illustrated.

Excellent calligraphy primer. Covers everything the newbie needs to know, and then some. Highly recommended for children in second grade (7 years+). Works well when done in projects with a parent. Very good intro for the adult beginner as well.

I'm using this book with a group of teens and the instruction is excellent! There are several types of calligraphy covered, from very traditional to gothic to roman typeset style. Instructions include pen placement and strokes, upper case, lower case and spacing of letters. There are chapters on writing invitations and other applications for calligraphy. The book is straight forward enough for a child, but it's not childish. An excellent resource for learning and practicing calligraphy.

My daughter is still learning to read and to write, but she insisted upon starting to learn calligraphy because she loves to see mine. The book is a great break-down for a young reader, and moves forward slowly and surely through the method. My daughter is not only learning calligraphy basics, but her reading, writing, and spelling has gotten so much better as well. We love it.