My Favorite Handmade Calligraphy Supplies
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It’s the last weekend of the month, which means it’s time for my August favorites. This month, my favorites list compiles 10 amazing, handmade lettering tools, produced by artisans around the globe who all ship internationally.
It’s possible you’ve heard this adage: When you order from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance. Well, it is so true. I remember when I was starting out, I opened an Etsy shop to sell custom calligraphy rubber stamps. I genuinely didn’t know if I’d get even one order, but ever-so-slowly, they started coming in. Each and every order was thrilling. Even better than the income was the sense of validation. Each order from a stranger said, “I see what you’re doing, I like it, and it’s worth paying for.” (I bet lots of you reading this right now can relate!)
Every product below links to the maker’s own e-shop, where their profit is maximized and the accrual of sales will help them on that platform’s algorithm and SEO rankings. I think we can all agree that supporting small businesses is more important than ever!
In July, I shared a compilation of miscellaneous favorite calligraphy tools and books. You can also browse my archive of Favorite Things posts. Most of my newsletter content is exclusive to my subscribers, but I post my monthly favorites series here on my blog!
Personalized Wood & Resin Inkwells
Creative Ink Holders is based in Russia and ships around the globe. Their minimalist aesthetic really speaks to me! They make customizable ink holders in many sizes, shapes, and colors, but despite their name, they don’t just make inkwells. They also sell matching pen rests and gorgeous nib storage cases.
(Photo by @chloegraphia.)
Handmade Watercolor Palettes
Where do I begin with Greenleaf & Blueberry’s handmade watercolors? Based in Colorado, artisans Jess and Matt refer to themselves as “Artist & Chemist,” and they produce highly-pigmented paints in small batches from all-natural materials. Their travel palettes are especially beloved, and you can even get paint that comes in seashells. Their watercolor works beautifully with calligraphy pens, too!
“Drop” Carved Pen Holders
Based in Ukraine, AZ Wood produces hand-carved pen holders and pen stands in a dizzying array of shapes and designs. While all of them are very artful, some make more of a statement than others (like their whale-shaped holders!) These “drop” holders appeal to me most, though, because form really meets function here. Ergonomic holders like these aren’t for everyone, but lots of calligraphers love the feel of a fatter grip, especially those experiencing hand cramps or arthritis.
Glass Pen Rests & Paint Palettes
Svetlana Cheremisina of Vasuri Glass, based in Russia, creates colorful glass pen and brush rests in lots of lengths and shapes. She also makes glass paint palettes. Svetlana’s creations are so photogenic that it was almost impossible to choose just one photo to feature here!
Custom Carved Pen Holders
No two pens by Chicago-based Lindsey Hook are the same. Each one is hand-crafted to order from wood you get to pick out from her site. Shown here is an ergonomic, oblique holder in mint green spalted sycamore and spalted maple.
In addition to pen-making, Lindsey is also a very accomplished calligrapher!
Mediaeval Ink
London Pigment, as the name suggests, is based in London. Lucy Mayes mixes up these inks and powdered pigments from old recipes, using the authentic ingredients. The “Mediaeval Purple” pictured here actually contains rain water, wine, and clove oil in the ingredients list. How awesome is that?!
Paper Making Kits & Tutorials
Stephanie Hare is the paper fiber artist behind SHare Studios, based in Philadelphia, USA. In addition to producing beautiful handmade papers, she also handcrafts kits for making paper (and envelopes!). If you’re new to the art, you can buy a tutorial from her website, which includes access to a private Facebook group for added help.
Playful Folded Pens
Toronto-based Sarah Types is a lettering artist, Procreate brush designer, and folded pen maker. Her pens are limited editions and always very fun colors and patterns. If you’ve never tried your hand at folded pen calligraphy, it is so much fun, and I highly recommend it!
Sarah offers some great tutorial videos on her YouTube channel, not only for lettering, but for small businesses who use Etsy and print-on-demand services.
Mermaid Magic Metallic Ink
California-based Fox & Quills is known for their handmade inks. What makes theirs stand out from the crowd is their line of metallics, which are opaque and shimmering – perfect for writing on dark papers. Fox & Quills is careful to point out that “no mermaids were harmed” in the making of their brilliant blue Mermaid Magic ink!
Limited Edition Matte Black Pen
These new matte black pen holders were designed and produced by Pennsylvania-based calligrapher Ashley Bush and her husband. They are available in both oblique and straight styles, and engraved with a rose design of Ashley’s own creation. From what I hear, the obliques are almost sold out!
August Roundup
This month I released a number of new videos, lessons, and freebies. In case you missed them, here’s a quick roundup:
Calligraphy demonstration videos:
Live Procreate event replay:
How to Create a Flourished Calligraphy Composition in Procreate
This link leads to a page with a green "Watch replay" button. You will be asked to either enter your email address to be sent a watch link, or you can quickly enter the viewing room by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account.
Freebies:
Skillshare giveaway:
Get 2 months of unlimited Skillshare classes free
To celebrate hitting the milestone of one million minutes of watch time on my Skillshare channel, I gave away annual memberships to three of my followers. The giveaway has ended and the winners have been chosen, but I can still offer you two months of free Skillshare Premium membership through my teacher link. (This is for new Skillshare accounts only.)
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