Beginner Copperplate Class Starts Soon!

Beginner Copperplate-style Course

Part 1: minuscules

taught by D'Ann Zickau

If you have ever wanted to learn basic Copperplate calligraphy in a friendly and casual atmosphere, here's your chance! 

This beginner four-week class introduces a common style of Copperplate, not modern style without structure, but by traditional techniques and discipline to ground the student in the basics of pointed pen calligraphy.  Basic strokes and lowercase letters (minuscules) are introduced and practiced extensively with practical, easy homework projects. The final student project is a finished, frameable quote.  Fun facts, historical notes, design tips, encouragement, and a lot of inspirational ideas will be presented for the beginner calligrapher. 

I will use Padlet to keep all handouts and relevant information available to students, even after the course. 

Current Meeting Dates:

Fridays

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

May 9, 16, 23, 30,  2025

We will meet in-person only at D'Ann Zickau's home. Space is limited to 4 students. If there is a waiting list, another class will be scheduled.

Instruction includes demonstration and practice of all minuscule (lowercase) letters, numerals, practice tips, and homework assignments.  A simple, frameable quote will be our final project.

To receive comprehensive, individual feedback on practice work, students are encouraged to upload photos of their work to Padlet or by email. In-person feedback during class is available but limited due to class time.  We will use Padlet as our home for all class notes, recordings, bonus material, and instructor input. 

In addition to Friday class instruction and Padlet feedback, students can Zoom or email me anytime during the week to ask questions or watch a quick demo.

This class is designed to teach you the basics of a copperplate style of calligraphy and to encourage you as a serious student of the craft.

Note: This is Part 1 which teaches the beginning basics of calligraphy and only the minuscule letters.  Part 2 covers all the majuscules (uppercase) letters, numerals, simple flourishing, envelope addressing.  Part 2 will be offered if there is interest. All classes are 4 weeks each.

All materials will be given out on the first day, and we will learn how to mix the ink, prepare the nib and pen holder, sit with correct posture, and learn the basic strokes with accompanying worksheets and exemplars. 

Materials needed:

• A pencil box or a small rigid container to store your supplies. Your pen/nib and the container of prepared ink need protection
• Your favorite tush cush (chair pad) to raise you up a bit and to give you a bit of seated comfort. I have a few available, but bring yours if you have one you like.

Materials provided:

• Pen holder (please let instructor know if you are left-handed)
• Zebra G nib or alternate if needed, 
• Walnut ink and container, 
• Custom practice paper pad with printed guidelines, 
• Sponge for holding ink container
• Pipette
• Ink stir sticks
• All handouts and their pdfs

Open to current Inkspots Guild members only 

 Become a Member

Tuition: $75

A portion of each tuition fee goes back into our guild. This is another benefit of being an Inkspot!

May Inkspots Guild Meeting

Celtic Knots and Board Elections

May 15, 2025

6:30pm-8:30pm

College of Western Idaho

1360 Eagle Flight Way -  Room 1208

*ZOOM Option Available for Inkspots Members*

Join us as we learn about Celtic Knots.  We will see various inspirational ideas dating from the Medieval Era to common day uses of Celtic knots to enhance your calligraphic pieces.  We will then learn some basic knots and how to create and shade them.  We will be holding our annual elections for the Inkspots, so please come and vote before we take a break for the summer!

Supplies:

Pencil

Grid paper

Colored pencils for shading

Broad edged pen (optional) to write a quote with your knots