Interested in learning calligraphy?
Check out the list below for my favorite calligraphy supplies and grab your free download!
If you're interested in learning calligraphy, it's important that you have the right supplies before you begin. Today, I want to share with you my absolute favorite supplies that I use for all of my calligraphy projects. I've also added a few additional supplies at the end that I use regularly, but aren't must-haves when you're just starting out.
BORDEN & RILEY PARIS PAPER
The paper pad that I use the most in my calligraphy business is definitely the Borden & Riley Paris Paper. When I was first learning calligraphy, this paper helped me take a huge step forward in getting the hang of writing calligraphy - it is so smooth, so my nibs never get caught on the paper, and the ink doesn't bleed at all, which is a huge plus!
HP 32LB PREMIUM LASERJET PAPER
If you're looking for more loose leaf paper, which I also use on the daily, I recommend HP's 32lb Premium Laserjet Paper. Like the Borden & Riley paper, it is super smooth and doesn't bleed. And since it is loose leaf paper, it is so easy to grab a few sheets rather than tearing the nicer paper out of the Borden and Riley paper pad.
SUMI INK
I highly recommend basic black sumi ink for calligraphy beginners, especially this sumi ink. It is a beautiful black ink that flows super smoothly, and it has a beautiful sheen to it once it dries.
DR. PH MARTIN'S COPPERPLATE GOLD INK
If you ever need gold ink, I can't recommend Dr. Ph Martin's Copperplate Gold ink enough. It works well on any nib and paper, and it is just so beautiful.
DR. PH MARTIN'S BLEED PROOF WHITE INK
Dr. Ph Martin's is also my go-to brand for white ink. Their Bleed Proof White ink is simply the best. It comes in small glass jar, and to make it workable for calligraphy, you have to take some of the ink out of the jar and put it in a separate container, add water and mix until it is the consistency of regular ink and flows easily off of your nib.
DINKY DIPS
Now, you will need something to put your ink into. I recommend these dinky dip ink holders! (following this link, it's the third one from the top)
SPEEDBALL STRAIGHT & OBLIQUE PEN HOLDER
For your first pen holders, I would recommend starting with the affordable option of Speedball holders. They are simple, plain black holders that have always been my go-to.
ASH BUSH PEN HOLDERS
If you're looking for more personalized, attractive pen holders, I highly recommend checking out Ashley Bush's Etsy shop, where she sells custom and premade pen holders. They are absolutely stunning!
GILLOTT 404
A very flexible nib that creates gorgeous swells and hairlines - my absolutely #1 favorite!
BLUE PUMPKIN
My second favorite nib would be the Blue Pumpkin - it also creates beautiful swells and hairlines, but is a little bit less flexible than the Gillott 404.
NIKKO G & ZEBRA G
The Nikko G and Zebra G nibs are best for when you are first starting to learn calligraphy, as they have less flexibility than the two mentioned above. It's important to learn to control your movements before you start working with more flexible nibs, and these are what I recommend to my first-time calligraphy students.
LIGHTPAD
An absolute essential for tracing over your pencil lines or following a guide for envelope calligraphy - I seriously use this almost constantly!
SLIDER WRITER
An excellent addition to your calligraphy supplies if you're writing on darker paper and need to write in a straight line, or if you prefer not to have to erase your pencil lines. An absolute must-have for me!
CANON SCANNER
When you start digitizing your calligraphy, you'll need a scanner to get the best, most crisp image of your calligraphy. This Canon scanner is the best I've found!
There you have it - the list of my favorite calligraphy supplies that I use on the regular for my calligraphy projects. Don't forget to sign up below to receive this list of supplies sent straight to your email! And FYI - it has fun watercolor illustrations on it :)
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