Cari Ferraro

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of The Complete Book of Calligraphy & Lettering: A comprehensive guide to more than 100 traditional calligraphy and hand-lettering techniques. The book begins with a short overview of calligraphy, and then is split into three main parts; Traditional Calligraphy, Modern Hand Lettering and Creative Lettering Projects.

The first part, Traditional Calligraphy, has five chapters, and is fantastic. Chapter 1 deals with the tools and materials needed, how to set up a work area, how to get started and then moves on to the parts of the letters and how to prepare the paper correctly. Chapter 2 discusses the various basic calligraphy styles, while chapter 3 shows a variety of traditional alphabets. Chapter 4 is all about illuminated calligraphy, both the supplies needed and techniques used, and even has information on colour theory. Chapter 5 deals with contemporary calligraphy and highlights the different fundamentals and techniques used in more modern lettering.

Part 2, Modern Hand Lettering, is split into the following three chapters; Flourishes and Embellishments, Illustrated by Hand, and Chalk Lettering.

Part 3, Creative Lettering Projects, is by far the shortest part of the book and contains three different projects to tackle. Starting with making personalised journal covers, moving on to making quotable art, and finally an idea for calligraphied place settings.

The first part of the book is tremendous, and easily my favourite part. With so much good information for beginners, I think the book is worth buying for the first five chapters alone. The second part is also interesting and has lots of helpful information, but I didn’t think the projects in the third part lived up to the rest of the book. However, my lack of enthusiasm for the projects didn’t detract from the rest of the book which is very good. I will be adding this one to my shelf.… (altro)

This book is wonderful, it has a just the right amount of information about how to start your journey. As most books, it begins by explaining tools and materials. It goes a bit deeper into how to set up your pen, paper and working area and then explains basic calligraphy styles (sans serif, chancery cursive, roman, flourishes, etc) and traditional alphabets. Then there’s a whole chapter on illuminated calligraphy.

The book is divided into 3 parts, first one is traditional and contemporary calligraphy, which includes what I previously mentioned plus plenty of tips, examples, different approaches and lots of alphabets. Then it moves into modern hand lettering. Lettering illustrations and chalk lettering are the main focus and, must say, this is one of the best books I’ve seen that makes it approachable for beginners without skimming off important information. The third and last part “creative lettering projects” is quite short, but the projects are really nice and you get even more tips from them.

This is indeed a complete guide to old and new techniques, with clear explanations, step by step instructions and color images to get you inspired and ready to give it a try. What I liked the most about this book is that it goes beyond general explanations; it deepens on those aspects that need extra consideration for newbies yet keeps things simple and relevant. There wasn’t a single moment I felt overwhelmed by the content. Totally recommend it.… (altro)

Hundreds of ideas, practice pages, techniques and tools that if used will allow the reader to create beautiful script on paper, in booklets, on chalkboards or just about anywhere. I would love to add this book to my library!

*I learned a trick to put two pencils together to assist in drawing letters to later illuminate with color.
*I learned that to “charge” a calligraphy pen one with an eyedropper or brush rather than dripping then dropping on the paper
*I decided that I want to try some of the techniques and perhaps make then decorate a chalkboard

I believe this book would be of interest for anyone wanting to make an interesting menu on chalkboards and for anyone who wants to dabble in various types of lettering that is or is not calligraphy. Some of the ideas for embellishing were superb and ideas I had not thought of. Creating patterns and how to transfer them carefully to the page and all the terminology used along with tools and...well...this book has a plethora of ideas, tips and tricks that I am eager to implement!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing – Walter Foster for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (altro)

It was exactly like I imagined. Beautiful inside and out!
This is a great book if you are looking for instructions to begin in the world of drawing letters. The instructions are very simple and clear, and you will find a guide of materials with descriptions and how to use it.
One of the things that I most appreciate about this book , it's the fact that covers different styles of calligraphy, medieval and modern, and even artistic projects that involved lettering. Also, you will find some practice sheets in front of every lesson, and a lot of ideas and inspiration for your crafts.… (altro)