The beginner's guide to calligraphy

The word calligraphy means "beautiful handwriting." But think of it more as drawing — one perfect character at a time. Here's how to get started.

• Select and download one of the many calligraphy alphabets available free online.
• Choose a forward-slanting alphabet or straight up and down.
• Don't mix styles or you'll lose the essential harmony that distinguishes calligraphy from individualized handwriting.
• Uniformity of size and style is more important than fancy flourishes.
• Practice copying letters over and over until you're confident enough to start writing freehand and creating your own work.

• A dip pen with a complete set of nibs is the choice of professionals.
• Cartridge calligraphy pens or calligraphy markers are less messy options for beginners.
• Doodle with your pens to get familiar with the nibs before you start using them.

• For the best results, use calligraphy paper with a weight of at least 90 gsm (grams per square metre).
• Stick to water-based, coloured calligraphy inks.
• You'll need a variety of inks and paper. Sepia ink on cream paper will give a historic look. Black or blue on white are classic and formal.

• Work on a slanted surface, such as a thick book or a board propped up with a length of wood.
• Use a piece of paper under your free hand to secure the sheet you're working on.

• Some templates break down all the strokes that make up each letter. Draw faint guidelines to help you to keep letters regular.
• Arrows indicate how to move your nib. Lift the nib at the end of the stroke.
• Complete an ascender, such as the top of an "f," with a second curving stroke. Then add the crossbar at the midpoint, or x-height.
• A broad, flat nib creates the distinctive thick and thin lines of calligraphy: thick when moving down and thin when writing across the page.
• Always keep the angle of the nib the same, usually pointing diagonally away from you to the left (if you're right-handed).
• Use a light pressure and lead the nib over the paper — don't push it or lean too hard.
• Perfect the individual strokes that build up into complete letters.
• Practice writing perfectly regular, parallel lines in all directions, then build on these to add curves.

Expressive, flowing handwriting in coloured ink will lend style and distinction to greetings cards and invitations. Practice consistently and, when you have the basics down, start to experiment with other styles.