The Inkspots guild is presenting a new program in which we invite one of our own teaching members to teach a course or class just for guild members. We plan to offer more classes as long as there is interest.

Beginner Copperplate-style Course

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 comprehensive beginner five-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. Uppercase letters (majuscules) and numerals will be introduced later, again with the practical application of addressing envelopes. 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. 

Meeting Dates

Saturdays

September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 12

We will meet in-person for the Sept 14 and the Oct 5 classes only. The remaining three classes will be on Zoom utilizing video and close-up document camera. 

Saturday, Sept 14, 2024, 10am-1pm

Meridian Technical Charter High School

3800 N. Locust Grove Road

Meridian, ID 83646

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

Zoom sessions will be Saturdays at 10am-1pm also. Some of these may be recorded for later watching. In addition, there will be a weekly Open Studio time via Zoom set by the instructor.  Students can pop in and ask questions in between the Saturday lessons. 

We will use Padlet as our home for all class notes, recordings, bonus material, and instructor input. All posts of your homework will receive comprehensive, individual feedback. 

Our second in-person meeting is to ensure your tools are working properly and to answer any hands-on questions you may have. Additional materials will be handed out at this meeting.

Materials Included

Pen holder, nib(s), walnut ink and container, custom practice paper pad with printed guidelines, sponge for holding ink container, pipette, stirrer, all handouts and their pdfs.  The only item you need to bring to the first class is a pencil box or a small rigid container to store your supplies. Your pen/nib and the container of prepared ink need protection :)

Open to Inkspots Guild members only            Become a Member

Tuition: $100 

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