I am always on the lookout for affordable gifts, and have wistfully thought it would be great to know how to do calligraphy. I have been the recipient of some calligraphy pieces, and they are treasured. The words to great hymns, bible verses, or sayings all provide perfect gifts when written beautifully and framed. The problem is how do you go about becoming a calligrapher? What equipment do you need and where do you even begin? Well, I recommend getting the Walter Foster kit, Calligraphy. It comes with a project book, a pad of practice paper, a pack of nicer paper, and the pens and ink necessary to do calligraphy. When they say complete, they mean it.

The project book includes basic instructions on loading the pen with ink, an introduction to the angles for the pen, the strokes to get started and different alphabets. Each type of alphabet shows practice strokes, what angle to use, and the number and direction for the strokes for each letter. The alphabets included are Roman, Chancery Cursive, Uncial, Black Letter, and Batarde. There is a special section on writing numerals, plus pages dedicated to style. The examples shown emphasize the endless creative options that are available once you are proficient in this art.

The kit is recommended for students twelve years and older. It would make an excellent art class for high school students and parents to work through together.

Walter Foster has several kits that are available for all ages. I appreciate the supplies they provide and their clear instructions. You can find their kits on the website.

I am confident that with the help of the Walter Foster Calligraphy kit, and a lot of practice, members of the Wheeler family could expand their artistic expertise and maybe even help the annual, "What do we get Gram for Christmas?" question. We are looking forward to learning together.



-- Product Review by: Diane Wheeler, Senior Staff Writer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine