b l a c k  m a g i c
Roman capitals, the gold standard of lettering, can be intimidating and difficult to
produce. This class will help you unlock the potential power and versatility of these
sensuous letterforms. The class will begin by analyzing the structure of traditional
Roman capitals with pencil, in order to see them as abstract shapes, not as symbols
for language.  Progress on to using broad edge pen, with both pen pressure and
pen manipulation, to create beautiful Romans with and without serifs.  Special
emphasis will be given to terminals, interlinear spacing for texture, and creativity in
layouts using capital letters.  
b e y o n d  b o o k h a n d
Focus your concentration on this elegant and useful hand.  The class
begins with a review of foundational to insure each student’s proficiency.
Then, experiments with variations in both form and size will reveal the
creative possibilities of this adaptable hand. Ultimately, students will
learn to write with a small nib to create tiny lettering suitable for a small
book.  
c o l o r  m y  w o r k
x - t r e m e   g i l d i n g
Using stamps, hot glue and other adhesives, find new ways to apply gold foil for
stunning effects on cards and art work. This highly experimental class will cover
innovative techniques for applying metal to paper. Some media include acrylic gel
medium, PVA glue, acrylic gloss medium, and lots of new ideas to try. Participants
will use a wide range of papers, including dark papers, to maximize contrast.
Students will complete a sample book of all the techniques tried in class.
b l a c k  a n d  w h i t e
Spacing can be one of the most challenging and overlooked concepts in
calligraphy.  The main focus of this class will be to explore the spaces inside
and around letters (counter-spaces) and their relationships to each other in a
composition.  Positive and negative space will also be analyzed. A secondary
aspect of this class is to use only black and white to explore the possibilities of
lettering on black paper with different kinds of white.   
n e u l a n d  w i t h  t h e  p a r a l l e l  p e n
Discover the bold simplicity of this style designed by Rudolf Koch after WWI. Two
characteristics unique to the parallel pen make it an ideal tool for this hand: the ease
of pen manipulation and its ability to create thin lines using the corner of the nib.  
Both a stroked and drawn version of Neuland will be covered in class exercises. In
addition, the class includes instruction and practice on using gouache and other
media in the pen's barrel, instead of cartridge ink.
p a i n t i n g  w i t h  p e a r l - e x
b o t a n i c a l   i l l u s t r a t i o n   f o r   c a l l i g r a p h e r s
The class will begin with pencil drawings of live plants and flowers.  Students will learn
sketching techniques along with the anatomy of plant parts.  Students will then
progress to pen and ink drawings, and to tinting those drawings with watercolor.  
Historical examples of lettering will be analyzed and adapted to finish the illustrations.
a l p h a b e t  s o u p    
Lettering for Journals and Scrapbooks
Drama, mystery, excitement -- all of these effects can be achieved using black
paper to letter on.   The class will begin by exploring the way black paper affects
the color wheel.  Using gouache, students will mix a full spectrum of colors, and 12
shades of gray, always keeping in mind that these colors can be used for lettering.
 Ruling lines, erasing lines and other tips on how to use black paper for a finished
piece will be covered.  Colored pencils, bleach, pearl-ex, and other experimental
media will be explored.  At the end of class, students will compile a booklet of their
samples for future reference, as well as a finished calligraphic piece.
u p p e r c a s e  i m m e r s i o n
Color can set the tone of a work from across a room before the first words of the text
are read by the viewer. This workshop has two goals: to give calligraphers a complete
understanding of color theory and to inspire them to use color creatively in their work. It
is for the calligrapher who feels confused about how color theory works.  Basic color
theory will be covered through controlled exercises in mixing colors of gouache.
Students will explore various color combinations keeping in mind appropriate
calligraphic applications. Attention will be given to exploring how different colors appear
on different colors of paper, as well as in different kinds of light. In-class projects
include designing a color wheel and reference chart, working with colored writing fluids,
colored papers, and creating a color journal.
The goal of this workshop is to explore the incredibly versatile medium of mica powders,
specifically Pearl-ex.  The student will learn to use a variety of applications on a broad
range of supports. The class will cover lettering with pearl-ex, painting techniques, and
stamping techniques using a watermark pad.  Other uses including paste-paper,
polymer clay stamping, and faux gilding will be explored.  Special emphasis will be
placed on choosing compatible paper types for both lettering and painting.
t r a n s f e r  t e c h n i q u e s
Add greater dimension to your art by learning this versatile technique. Transfers can
be made using acrylic medium, acetone, ink jet transparencies, packing tape, even
gin! This workshop will cover these techniques and more, including transferring onto
fabric, tumbled marble tile and paper.
Learn several simple alphabets that will enhance your journaling and scrap booking.  
This class will supply you with exemplars of alphabets and techniques for learning how to
copy any style of lettering.  Choosing the right pen, ink, and paper will be covered.  Also
covered in class: how to use a broad-edged calligraphy marker, brush marker and
monoline pen, such as Pigma Micron, for detailing. For classes that span more than 2
hours, the parallel pen will be demonstrated and used for lettering and creating border
decorations.  All levels welcome.
W O R K S H O P S