Tag Archives: arts

Luton Calligraphy Workshops. Week 3

Posted on April 20, 2013 | 2 comments

This week we concentrated on the transition from double pencil alphabets

to using dip pens, fountain pens and marker pens, using at first the widest nib in our kit.

If using a dip pen, first we need to remove the thin protective lacquer coating by running the nib through a flame just for a second or two, then a dip in water; or dip in boiling water and then dry with a cloth before applying the reservoir which slides under the nib to within about 1/16″ (2mm) of the tip. I was intrigued to find that the ink converter on the Manuscript cartridge pen does not fit the length of the barrel. I shall be looking into this.

A few tries to get the ink flowing, adjustments to reservoirs, inky fingers and smudged paper, then using the more closely lined guideline sheet to gauge the x height needed for the size of nib chosen and that is the next stage of the journey started. All that is needed now, as before, is Practice, Practice, Practice, on which subject I shall point you to one of my earlier posts, Positive Practice.

We did not delve too deeply into layout this week but in the next session we shall be looking at the easiest ways of judging how to fit the printed copy onto our shiny new page at the first attempt, after writing out just one line on a piece of scrap paper.

Looking forward to seeing you all again next week.

’til then PPP.

Keep watching this space.

Link to week 4

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Posted in Art, Beginners, CALLIGRAPHY,CALLIGRAFFITI,LETTERING,HOW TO

Tagged arts, Beginners, Bill's Space, calligraphy, learn calligraphy, Luton, workshop

Meet Brother William in the Scriptorium at Bradwell Abbey.

Posted on September 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

This Sunday September 9th, 11am to 5 pm, come along to a Medieval Family Fun Day at Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes, where Gill and I will be hard at work in the scriptorium. We have been busying ourselves all this week making pretty bookmarks and cards on which to write Your name, or whatever else you would like, bamboo pens and double pencils for You to try, and getting together some original works, prints and doodles hoping that you will dig deep enough into your pockets to tempt me to throw off these monkish robes.

I am hoping to find time to give hourly demonstrations of double pencil alphabets. I shall be asking for donations for the Pilgrim Badges (above). These, plus ten percent of any profits I make on the day are earmarked for the upkeep and restoration / preservation of Saint Mary’s Chapel.

I shall look forward to seeing all my Fb friends and Bill’s Space visitors. Don’t hesitate to tap me on the shoulder and let me know you are there.

If you can’t make it, never mind, I shall post details and pics in the next week or so.

Cheers. Keep watching this space.

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Posted in CALLIGRAPHY,CALLIGRAFFITI,LETTERING,HOW TO

Tagged Archaeology, arts, Bradwell Abbey, calligradoodles, calligraphy, Milton Keynes, pilgrim badges, St Mary's Chapel

JEWELS. Another knot in my golden thread?

Posted on May 14, 2011 | 2 comments

Isn’t it strange, how sometimes, something catches the eye and demands your attention?

An unexpected treasure.

Walking through the shopping precinct in Houghton Regis, a small town between Luton and Dunstable, that Gill and I rarely visit, I noticed a shop window full of old reconditioned sewing machines. It was not the machinery that had attracted me but the various display cards that accompanied them which were all written in a very distinctive hand. Then I realised it was not just sewing machines for sale but a whole range of art and craft materials, and what scribe can stop themselves from entering what they see as an Aladdin’s cave?

Cutting a very long story short. I found that the cards in the window were written by Julie Kent, a co- student of the calligraphy class I had attended in Dunstable College, some thirty-ish years ago. Though we have both taught and practised our art in the same area for all this time, we had never come into contact again.

Now, it seems that Julie, in partnership with Les, runs this emporium as an outreach for a local church and offers facilities for children’s groups, various classes, arts/crafts, and yes you’ve guessed it, CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOPS .

Subsequently I have returned on two occasions during calligraphy sessions and having met the participants and seen some of their work, I must say I am impressed, not only with the standard of work achieved, but with the enthusiasm, commitment and friendliness of all involved, and the TEA! Hot, strong and sweet! Oh! and each time I have walked away with a bag full of goodies. Brand names at very reasonable prices. I can’t wait to get to grips with the Fabriano papers.

Some of the works created by Julie’s group.

On top of all this, Julie continues to take commissions. Not only for calligraphy but also her beautiful watercolour paintings.

Some of Julie’s pieces .

Congratulations to all you hard-working folk at JEWELS ARTS and CRAFTS CENTRE, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis. You are doing a wonderful job.

I hope you have enjoyed this foray into deepest Bedfordshire. I hope it will be a reminder to us all to keep our eyes open for those little gems that are literally on our doorsteps.

A link to my subsequent Calligraphy Workshop at Jewels.

Keep watching this space.

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Posted in Calligraphy Supplies., Education calligraphy lettering calligradoodles

Tagged arts, calligraphy practice, crafts, Education, Houghton Regis., Learning, lettering

Calligradoodles_0005 How to write an Italic alphabet with double pencil.

Posted on May 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

At long last the video to complement Richard’s worksheets.

Over all, I am quite pleased, apart from one or two wayward ascenders. Bear in mind that the x height here is one and a half inches ie five nib widths.

I have tried to give an indication of the rhythm generated by the italic script. Though the music is added after the video is published. it does seem to fit in quite nicely.

I hope you enjoy it and that it is some help.

Keep watching this space.

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Posted in ,calligraphy,calligraffiti,lettering, how to, calligradoodles, video

Tagged arts, calligradoodles, calligraphy, Italic, Latin alphabet, video

Calligraphy, Lettering featured in videos. Updated 15th October 2012

Posted on February 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

Regular visitors will be aware of the many videos and other educational tidbits that are hidden away in links here at Bill’s Space. Recently I have happened across a few that really deserve to be a feature in their own right, so every now and then I will post something that really ” gets me going ” as it were. This first one was pointed out to me by Angela, one of my Fb friends, herself a teacher, calligrapher, artist. Thanks Angela. This is a great example of the enthusiasm of the teacher which is obviously rubbing off on the children in this workshop.

This next, is an example of the plethora of videos produced by the BBC and freely distributed on YouTube.

I have recently posted links to BBC iPlayer videos and have been disappointed to hear that many non UK viewers were unable to see them. I am hoping that this one will open up new posibilities. See related videos.