A living list of calligraphy resources
Picking up the pen for the first time can be daunting when you’re not sure what a nib is, how gum arabic is supposed to work, or why certain papers just don’t like ink. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve assembled this curated list of calligraphy resources. Before jumping in, please review our Advertising disclosure.
Supplies
We have had pleasant experiences purchasing from the following companies and would recommend each highly. Customer service, selection, and shipping should be equally excellent.
Practice Materials
Here are a few free files that I use for my practice. Make sure you print them on ink-friendly paper.
Recommended Books
“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” – Mark Twain
- The Zanerian Manual
- An Elegant Hand
- Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy
- The Universal Penman
- Layout and Design For Calligraphers
- The Art & Craft of Hand Lettering
- Written Letters
Pen Tools
- Yoke Pen Co Bail Making Pliers
- Yoke Pen Co Duckbill Pliers
- 3mm/5mm Bail Making Pliers
- Brass Shears
- .010 Sheet Brass
Pen Makers
Each of these makers has a magnificent ability to bring solid shape to ideas about what a writing tool should look like and, more importantly, how it should function.
Penmanship Blogs
Friendly Businesses
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