Calligraphy Gift Guide: Updated
It’s that time of year! A few years back I wrote a blog post (here) with a gift roundup for calligraphers. I felt it necessary to update that list this year because three years have passed and my favorite items have grown!
Building upon that previous list, here are some great gift ideas for that budding or experienced creative in your life - 2019 edition.
FOR THE CONTINUOUS LEARNER:
Left to Right.
Copperplate Beginner Workbook — I recently came across this workbook. A fellow Texan and calligrapher Sara Richardson offers a complete look at the basics of copperplate and how to refine each letter form to perfection. This book is wonderfully done and I really enjoy her approach to teaching calligraphy. A great beginner book and reference for established calligraphers alike. Link
Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy Beginner Kit - For the absolute beginner, this is my go-to reference. Eleanor Winters’ breakdown of each letter is an invaluable tool for establishing excellent habits in early. This kit is from Paper Ink Arts and comes with a nice oblique pen and ink. Link
Modern Calligraphy by Molly Suber Thorpe — This was one of the first books (along with Eleanor Winters above) that I ever purchased when I set out to teach myself pointed pen. It’s a great reference and I think she expounds on several items that I haven’t seen in many books. Link
FOR THE ARTIST’S DESK
Left to right.
Trinket Dish. I LOVE trinket dishes. I have several sprawled around my house and few on my desk. It holds nibs not in use, ink bottles, my tea bags….you name it. Link
Leather Artist Kit. My brother in laws gave me this leather artist’s kit from Saint Signora a few years back. It is so pretty and supple. A wonderful gift for any artist, not just calligrapher. Link
Ziller Ink. Fun colored ink! I love practicing in colors other than black. It makes those drills ever slightly more exciting. Ziller ink is a nice ink to choose from, but paper ink arts has quite a few to snag for your artist’s collection. Link
Ferris Wheel “Junior Scribe” Stationery Kit. While this is not technically pointed pen ink, their presentation is BEAUTIFUL. This little “junior scribe” kit offers your artist gorgeous Ferris Wheel Press ink and pen. I’d say that’s an upgrade in correspondence!
(I have this on my Christmas wish list…hint hint Josh….) Link
French Handmade Paper Notebook. This is a french handmade paper notebook from Saint Signora. I’ve used some of their single sheets in the past and it is lovely. I am practically DROOLING over these notebooks. They have several colors but this deep navy blue caught my eye. Link
Custom Oblique Pen Holder. Also on my wish list/birthday list/ everything list — a custom pen holder from Lindsay Hook. I love this snakewood, but she has a several other woods to choose from. I’m saving those pennies to have one made. Link
AND FOR EVERYTHING ELSE IN BETWEEN
Left to right.
Do it for the Process.This shirt is from one of my favorite artists, Emily Jeffords. Sometimes, you practice for the process of growing. A wonderful reminder. Her shop has several beautiful prints as well if you’re looking to support an artist and collect some art. Link
Embroidery. included this embroidery kit because it is SO GOOD to take a break and learn another skill. I feel like I am a better artist when I give my mind a break from one discipline and open it up to another. Link
Mug. Women empower other women mug. Link