Calligraphy...

So, I missed Tuesday Tidbits! Maybe next week. Instead, I thought I would share one of my favorite hobbies with you.

Websters Dictionary defines calligraphy as...

1 a : artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering b : the art of producing such writing

When I was very young, maybe 10 years old, I found my mom's art box in the basement. Inside was a book about calligraphy, a bottle of ink and several dip pens. I used to sit for hours and hours at the kitchen table trying to emulate the beautiful writing in that book.

Imagine my surprise when 28 years later, I found the book again among my late mother's art tools.

This is the book.

When I originally found the book my mother told me it was from her high school art class which would have been in the 1960's. This book doesn't have a copyright date but I can tell you how old it is by comparing it to a book I bought back around 2000. See where it says fifth edition?

Here is the 23rd Edition!

Fifth Edition.

23rd Edition.

When I was 32, I took an actual class in calligraphy because I wanted to do my own wedding invitations. The lady was surprised at the fact I already knew how to hold the pen and do the basic strokes. She asked if I had ever done calligraphy before and I told her, "About 20 years ago!"

With my youngest starting kindergarten in 4 weeks, I am getting ready to dust off my pens. Here is a sample of my work...

A gift for my friend Gina.

A college graduation gift for my brother.

I am pretty critical about my work, so it takes several copies before I am satisfied. Which is probably why I don't do it very often. I am one of those crafters/artists who prefers instant gratification!

What about you? Do you do calligraphy? Have you ever tried or are you interested?