As Christmas is fast approaching (it’s likely too late for this guide, but I don’t care – I want to put this together anyway), I thought I would post the ultimate gift guide for calligraphers, beginners and calligraphy enthusiasts. I’m always scouring the web for interesting things, I may as well share with you my favorite items along with a few that are on my wishlist as well!
For the beginning calligrapher:
- My calligraphy class! :) I’m not above tooting my own horn, but we give a rad gift kit that has all the basics + they’d get 1-on-1 coaching to learn calligraphy the right way.
- leak-proof containers – or any type of container for nibs, ink etc.
- nib cleaners – for cleaning your nibs without all the lint getting stuck between the tines
- brush markers – great for practice on the go
- white chalk pencil – marking out grid lines on darker papers
- see-through ruler with metal edge – for drawing guides and for use with an X-acto
- glitter glue – adding a special touch
For the intermediate/advanced calligrapher:
- a fountain pen – Noodler’s ahab/creaper are great flex pens at an affordable price. Be sure to use with fountain pen ink!
- Desiderata fountain pen – hand-turned fountain pen that can be used with a steel flex nib like the Nikko G (see Schin’s review here)
- A custom turned pen – I have a growing collection of them. Nothing quite like writing pretty letters with a gorgeous pen. Here are my favorite makers: Salvador Mendez | Yoke Pen Company | Unique Obliques | Erika Paulsen
- finetec metallics palette – add a touch of gold to everything
- gouache paints – write in a rainbow of colors
- Fancy paper – Clairefontaine triomphe and Rhodia are favorites of mine
BOOKS!!
Grow your library with these must-haves:
- An Elegant Hand
- Scripts
- Modern Calligraphy
- Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy
- Ornate Pictoral Calligraphy
Art!
Everyone loves pretty letters. Grow your art collection from one of these fabulous artists:
Check out my pin board for more calligraphy-related giftable items.
Melissa, you are so thoughtful to include me on your list of artists. Thank you! I hope you and your sweet family enjoy the Christmas season. xo, Holly
Melissa! Wow! I love your blog and I am honored that you would include me in your list of “fabulous artists” Thank you so much! I am looking forward to seeing you at the IAMPETH conference next month!
[…] limit on what you can spend on calligraphy materials. But that’s a different post (here is a gift guide for splurging) for a different time. But when it comes to just starting out, these materials […]
[…] Good grief the year is flying by so quickly. I’ve been meaning to write the reprise to my first gift guide for over a year now. Here it is. If you’ve got a calligraphy/letter lover in your family, […]