Join our Craftcare Wellness Series:
Modern Calligraphy
Workshop Wellness SeriesCalligraphy
Overview:
In this beginner Craftcare Wellness Workshop Series, we will guide you through the fundamentals of modern calligraphy while practicing The Five Elements of Craftcare. The repetitive motions of calligraphic writing are excellent for getting into the flow, de-stressing, and improving cognitive capabilities.
Your JamMaster will teach you the techniques of pointed pen calligraphy and guide you through exercises to enhance your skills. This workshop series will focus solely on pointed pen (also called dip pen) calligraphy for you to develop a solid formal introduction and understanding of the tools used in calligraphy.
You will learn how to prep a pen and nib for first-time use, properly hold and use a straight pen holder, and techniques for writing the entire upper and lowercase Latin alphabet. Each 1-hour session will allow attendees to learn techniques and ask questions while giving them the freedom to complete tasks at their own pace. With regular workshop attendance and practice between the classes, expect to complete two different sentences or sayings for a greeting card or poster, socialize and develop wellness skills that last a lifetime.
Enjoy creating in a friendly, low-pressure setting. Learn new techniques or build on earlier skills and feel confident. It’s about the process, not perfection!
The one-time flat-fee includes:
- A series of four virtual live sessions, meeting synchronously
- Mental wellness monitoring (self-report tracking)
- Private Slack group with students and JamMaster (teacher)
- Plant photo reference and guide
- How-to instructions
- Access to recordings of virtual sessions for asynchronous learning
Supply Kit:
- Guidebook with Practice Sheets PDF
- Straight Pen Holder
- 2x Nikko G
- Black Sumi Ink
- Screw Top Dinky Dip
- Rhodia Dot Paper
- Pencil
- 4x greeting cards
- 4x envelopes
- 6″ metal ruler
- 1x reusable CraftJam canvas pouch
Our Method
Feeling social?
Ask questions, share your project and get help if you’re stuck.We offer four live stream sessions with your JamMaster, which allows for conversation and questions. You will see the JamMaster, a closeup of their hands, and the other attendees.
We also offer regular 15 minute practice sessions where you can learn calligraphy and get your regular brain exercise with your peers.
Prefer working alone?
Or missed a session? Learn asynchronously.Watch recorded sessions and check out technique videos and illustrations. All anytime, on-demand.
Every attendee will have access to a private Slack channel to ask questions and share progress or inspirations asynchronously.
Craftcare Wellness Tracking: Before and after each session we’ll send an automated message asking you to rate how you’re feeling. We help you to track the positive impact crafting can have on you.
Meet your JamMaster Jess
About Jess
Jessica Griscti (the c is silent) is a designer/calligrapher who is equally excited by her new sewing machine, Yves Klein Blue accessories, and chocolate-chip cookies. She is based in New York, where she will never leave because the bagels are garbage everywhere else. Jess is at her happiest elbow deep in a new creative pursuit. Her greatest joy lies in proving that it’s better to make something yourself than buy it from a store, even if it’s more expensive in the end.
Jess is an alumna of Parsons School of Design, where she majored in communication design, writing and How to Take the Best Instagram Picture of Her Cat, who is named after a typeface. Her work revolves around excellent letters, clear communication, and snark.
Calligraphy Series Timeline
October 8 Session # 1
- Intro to modern calligraphy
- Warm-up exercise
- Prepping a nib and pen for first-time use
- Learning how to hold the pen
- Practicing the eight basic strokes and the beginning of the lowercase alphabet
Homework
- Two pages of practice:
- 1 page of the eight basic strokes,
- 1 page of various words that can be written with the letters we’ve already learned
- ex: in, min, mini, mum, muni, uni, minimum, any combination of nonsense words or the “n-string” n i n m n u n i n m n u n
October 15 Session # 2
- Complete the lowercase alphabet
- Review and practice connecting letters
Homework
- Three pages of practice:
- One page of “n-strings” n a n b n c n d n e n f ….
- Two pages of words using the lower case
October 22 Session # 3
- Learn the uppercase alphabet
- Learn tips and tricks for various types of ink and paper
Homework
- Four pages of practice, using the entire alphabet
October 29 Session # 4
- Review
- Make greeting cards and matching envelopes
FAQ
Who should attend this workshop?
This workshop is for absolute beginners or anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of calligraphy and is curious about exercising self-care and socializing through crafting.
What is the time commitment for this series?
We recommend spending about 2 hours per week: one-hour attending and one-hour practicing.
I can not attend all the synchronous workshops. Can I still take this series?
If you’re missing a live-stream session, watch the recordings to keep up.
Do I need to buy any materials for this series?
No. You have the option to purchase a craft kit with your workshop ticket. The kit includes all the necessary tools and materials to complete your project.
How do I get feedback and support if I’m having trouble?
You can ask your JamMaster (instructor) during the live-stream class, your peers during check-in sessions, or text us asynchronously in our private Slack channel.
How long after the series will I have access to the video content?
You will have access to the series for a month after the workshop ended.
What’s included in the price?
- A series of four 1-hour virtual live-stream Workshop sessions, meeting synchronously.
- Optional practice/meetup sessions among Jammers, virtual or in-person, depending on location.
- Mental wellness monitoring (self-reported)
- Private Slack group with students and JamMaster (teacher)
- PDF pattern
- How-to instructions
- Access to recordings of virtual sessions for asynchronous learning
- Option to buy: A complete Craft Supply Kit + US shipping (international pricing upon request)
Craft Supply Kit (free US shipping):
- Guidebook with Practice Sheets PDF
- Straight Pen Holder
- 2x Nikko G
- Black Sumi Ink
- Screw Top Dinky Dip
- Pencil
- Rhodia Dot Paper
- 4x greeting cards
- 4x envelopes
- 1x reusable CraftJam canvas pouch