Your calligraphy lesson with Mrs Fogg begins…

Before we begin, please ensure you have chosen your complimentary drink from the Fogg’s Favourites section of the menu. A member of staff shall come to take your order shortly. Should you require further refreshment during your session, additional drinks may be purchased, and light nourishment can be found upon the Light Bites menu.

Once you are settled comfortably, follow my guidance at your own pace. Should your hand require a little extra direction, please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Before any calligraphy may be attempted, one must first ensure the nib is properly prepared.

Begin by checking that the nib is pushed firmly into the pen holder. Then, to prepare a new nib, dip it into the ink and gently wipe away the excess on a cloth. Repeat this a few times, until the ink coats the nib smoothly and evenly. Once the nib holds the ink without it gathering in beads, your pen is ready to begin.

A beautiful line begins with a well-held pen.

Keep the small vent hole facing upwards and hold the pen lightly with a relaxed hand. Lay it back at a 30 to 40° angle to the paper.

The diagonal guide lines on your practice sheet are there to help you angle your pen correctly, and achieve the classic calligraphy slant. Your nib should point in the direction of these lines, towards the QR code on the practice sheet. This is different to the way we angle a traditional writing pen so may feel awkward.

To help, rotate the paper until your hand and wrist feel comfortable while keeping the nib pointing towards the QR code. I demonstrate a right-handed position; the left-handed position is shown at the end of the video.

Look closely at the tip of the nib and you will see two tiny points called tines. As you press down, they separate. Light pressure creates a fine line, and more pressure opens them further, releasing more ink and creating a thicker line.

To load your pen, dip the nib until the vent hole sits just below the ink, then lightly drag it against the side of the inkpot to remove excess. The nib should hold enough ink to write smoothly without dripping or soaking the paper.

Place your practice sheets on the clipboard one at a time, so any enthusiastic blot that may occur does not mark the sheet beneath.

Suggested time spent on this section: 5 minutes

We shall begin, quite sensibly, with the simplest marks.

These basic strokes are the foundation of calligraphy: each letter is built from separate strokes rather than written in one continuous movement.

The secret lies in pressure. Apply a little more on downward strokes to open the tines and create a thicker line; lighten your hand on upward strokes for a finer line. Practise these first, keeping your nib pointing along the diagonal guidelines at the QR code.

The arrows show the direction of each stroke. Trace the pale grey examples, then try a few of your own. You can take your equipment home to continue practising, so there is no need to complete a full line of every character.

Each stroke and character is demonstrated in full, but you need not watch every video from beginning to end. Pause, skip or return to any shape that needs closer attention.

Suggested time spent on this section: 25 minutes

We may now combine our separate strokes into letters, though each stroke should still be made individually, lifting the nib between them. Move your whole hand and arm as needed, rather than relying only on your wrist and fingers.

Lowercase letters sit on the baseline, the lower of the two central horizontal guides, and are formed between this and the waistline above. Ascenders rise above the waistline, as in b, d, f, h, k, l and t; descenders fall below the baseline, as in g, j, p, q, y and z.

The arrows show the direction and order of each stroke. Remember to use slightly more pressure on downward strokes and a lighter touch on upward strokes to create the contrast between thick and fine lines.

Trace the pale grey examples, then try a few freehand. Continue in black ink for now. Once you have practised each letter a few times we shall move on to coloured inks and capitals.

Further letters are demonstrated in the videos below.

A small tip from the atelier: the tines of the nib are quite sharp, and may occasionally catch on the paper fibres. Should this happen, simply wipe the nib clean with the cloth provided, reload it with ink, and continue.

Once you feel comfortable with your practice so far, you may begin trying the coloured inks as you progress onto the upcoming practice sheets.

The coloured inks are a little thinner than the black ink, so take particular care not to overload the nib. Dip it gently, then draw the nib against the side of the pot to remove any excess before writing. If you would prefer to continue working only in black ink, that is perfectly acceptable too.

If you are changing from one colour to another, rinse your nib in the water pot and wipe it thoroughly with the cloth provided before reloading it with fresh ink. A clean nib will keep each colour clear and bright.

Suggested time spent on this section: 25 minutes

We may now proceed to uppercase letters – the grander companions to the lowercase forms you have just practised.

These also sit on the baseline, but rise to the upper ascender line, making them taller and more decorative. The letter Y is the exception, with its tail descending towards the lower descender line.

As before, follow the arrows for the order and direction of each stroke. Trace the pale grey examples first, then try your own freehand versions.

You will also find the ampersand, the elegant little character meaning ‘and’ – a useful flourish for cards, place names and invitations.

Further letters are demonstrated in the videos below.

A small tip from the atelier: clean your nib from time to time to prevent ink building up. Rinse it gently in the water pot, wipe it with the cloth provided, then reload with ink before continuing. A clean nib makes for a cleaner line.

Suggested time spent on this section: 8 minutes

We shall now give a little attention to numbers, which are most useful for dates, addresses and invitations.

Like the letters, numbers sit upon the baseline. However, they also rise above the waistline, though not quite as far as the upper ascender line.

As before, trace and practice some freehand characters before we move on to joining letters together.

Suggested time spent on this section: 12 minutes

We may now begin the delicate business of joining letters into words.

Letters are not simply rushed together as in ordinary handwriting. Each letter retains its own shape and structure, but the exit stroke of one letter should finish in a place where the next letter can join it naturally.

This joining point will change depending on the letters beside one another, so observe how each example connects.

On this sheet, you will find several common greetings. Begin by following the pale grey examples, then try writing the phrases yourself on a blank sheet, paying attention to the spacing and joins between each letter.

Suggested time spent on this section: 12 minutes

You may now try a little free practice, creating messages of your own.

It can help to write the individual letters first, then join them into a complete word below. Once you feel more confident, experiment with flourishes, lengthened strokes and a little personal character.

A small tip from the atelier: if your pen runs out of ink mid-letter, finish the stroke rather than stopping. Re-dip, then return to fill the missing section with a fresh stroke. An interrupted line can usually be persuaded back into elegance.

You are now ready to choose your three pieces.

Each card and postcard design is available either with a traceable message for guidance or left blank for a message of your own.

You may use black or coloured ink, though lighter colours may not fully cover the printed guide lines. Choose a darker shade if you would prefer them to be less visible.

Visit the card display and select the designs that best suit your occasion, recipient or fancy. Remember to take one envelope for each card.

Suggested time spent on this section: 15 minutes

Before working on your chosen cards or postcards, practise your message a few times on your practice sheets.

When ready, turn your card or postcard as you did your practice sheet to keep your nib pointing in the correct direction.

For help keeping your greeting straight, use a practice sheet as a baseline guide. Write along the line, then add any descenders afterwards, as shown in the demonstration.

Allow the ink to dry before placing your card in its envelope. You are also very welcome to take your cards home and complete them later, once inspiration, and a steady hand, have struck.

When your work is complete, you are welcome to take home your pen, nib and black ink pot, along with your practice sheets and three cards or postcards. Please let a member of staff know when you are ready to depart, and they will provide a pouch and bag so that your items may travel home safely.

Before packing your pen away, be sure to clean the nib thoroughly. Dried ink can damage the nib and may lead to rust if left for too long. At home, should any dried ink remain, a soft-bristled toothbrush works very well for gently removing it.

Proceed to the next step for a practice sheet download link and advice on materials for continuing your calligraphy work.

Thank you for joining me in the atelier. I hope you have enjoyed your first steps into the art of calligraphy, and that your newly trained hand will bring a little extra elegance to future notes, cards and correspondence.

Should you wish to continue practising at home, you may access a digital file of the practice sheets by clicking the button below, ready to print whenever inspiration calls.

Mrs Fogg’s Calligraphy Atelier – PRACTICE SHEETS DOWNLOAD

Do take care when choosing your paper, as not all is suitable for calligraphy. A smooth, good-quality, non-porous paper of around 120gsm is best. In the atelier, we have used Clairefontaine DCP 120gsm. For further supplies of ink, we recommend Higgins Eternal Black ink.

With practice, patience and a well-behaved nib, your hand shall only grow finer.

Most elegant regards,

Mrs Aouda Fogg