I’m back for the second part in my series about learning calligraphy. If you missed part one, go check that out too. I decided to try an online calligraphy course called “I Still Love Calligraphy, by Melissa Esplin.”
Once I had my supplies, I signed up for my online course, The course lasts 30 days. Once you have access there are several modules that Melissa takes you through. Each “lesson” includes a video and some follow-up reading about the skill you are learning. At the end of each lesson, you will find some homework assignments! Once completed, you submit your assignment to the gallery for Melissa to review. She will respond with comments, feedback etc. and you continue on the modules.
Here were my first attempts! (Don’t laugh)
I slowly started to get the hang of it as I went through the classes and videos in the class. Below are also some of my first assignments! Ha
Then I started to see real progress. Melissa gives you practice guides that you can trace to get the hang of shapes, spaces, etc. It helps a ton when you are starting out.
After you get through the letters, you move to words. You’d be surprised how hard it is! Even if you already have great handwriting. It’s definitely more like drawing than writing. So you have to make the switch in your mind.
Overall, I can tell you that I adored the class. I was pretty intimidated to start and thought that truthfully I would get no where. You need to put in the practice time, but you really can learn the basics in a month of working. I practiced about an average of 20-30 min per day. I can’t wait to take the class again to focus on the parts that I struggled with. Melissa had really great communication with me and I felt like it was very individualized. I highly recommend taking this class to anyone who has an interest in learning this amazing hobby.
Here is the site link again: I Sill Love Calligraphy
Love,
Rachel xo
Erin - Bakery Bingo says
Oh my gosh! I can't believe you wrote no laughing. So not needed. Your calligraphy is beautiful! I look forward to plenty of handwritten cards in my future from you 🙂
Melinda Ott says
That is some lovely writing!
marlynn says
WOW. Your first attempt is WAY better than probably my final attempts would be. Beautiful writing!!
OrangeMew says
This is so beautiful! I am always jealous of those who can do this type of gorgeous writing and can write their favorite quotes and poems on paper and frame them because as you said, it's become art!
Suzannah Hamlin Stanley says
Wow, those are beautiful!! I'm always so impressed by hand calligraphy but I guess it takes practice, like anything else. I did used to enjoy learning to write letters when I was a kid!
Your work is lovely!!
german in pdx says
Holy smokes, Rachel this is so impressive. Wow – probably not something for me since my handwriting is already terrible but since you said its more like drawing maybe, just maybe it would work for me. Great job – the pieces look so lovely! ~ Bea
Bee Talmadge says
OMG best idea ever! It's the perfect time of year to master a new talent, and your letters look great! I've always wondered–when you learn something like that, does it change your every day handwriting??
Ladies in Navy says
you are so good! awesome to see how successful a class like that can really be! 🙂 i spend most of my time with my regular pens writing this way now. 😀 it's an addiction!
ladies in navy