I love to write. You all know that already. Anywhere anyhow. So does Olivia. We love having pens and paper around to write on and with. There is an abundance of notebooks and stationery all over the house. I know we are moving to a more digital and online presence, especially with the vast array of apps available for our smartphones, but for me, you just can’t beat a good old pen and paper notebook.

That is why I wanted to be involved in the very first World Calligraphy day. My handwriting isn’t always the best or the neatest so trying my hand at some calligraphy seemed like a really good challenge and what better time to try it out than for World Calligraphy Day on Wednesday 16th August 2017.

After taking part in a poetry campaign earlier in the year, I already own a beautiful gold plated quill and some ink. I really struggled to use it. Olivia, however, loves writing with it and has since used all the ink. Maybe I need to start with something easier to practise my writing with.

World Calligraphy Day with Manuscript. 

World Calligraphy Day is being launched by the Manuscript Pen Company who have been at the forefront of pen manufacturing and design since 1856 in the UK. World Calligraphy day is a celebration of all the progress and developments made over the years.

Despite the new digital age, creative penmanship is still loved and practised all over the world by artists, amateurs and beginners all over the world and I for one would love to learn some new skills to help me add some design and flair to my many, many notebooks and planners I use day to day. Like this gorgeous leather bound notebook, I received for my birthday. It is just screaming out for me to practise my calligraphy skills and host my words upon its pages.

Practising my Calligraphy

To help me get in some writing practice and experiment with some new calligraphy styles for my planners, Manuscript sent me some of their best writing sets including The Beginners Calligraphy Set, A Modern Calligraphy Set and Double Tip Markers. If these would liven up my blank pages, nothing would!

It’s safe to say I maybe need a little more practice with my writing. I have not written with a proper fountain pen since school, it takes some getting used to writing with them again. Following the guide sheet that came with one of the pen sets, I attempted to write some notes in my planner. It didn’t really go well and I ended up going freestyle. Maybe I need to try with a left handed set!

Olivia fared much better and is loving copying the writing and she is getting better and better as she practises. I think this may be her new favourite thing. As I write this up she has taken over my desk to write some more. Including to let me know how much she loves her new bedroom we have spent all weekend decorating!

Getting Involved in World Calligraphy Day 2017.

To celebrate the very First World Calligraphy Day, Manuscript are hosting events and workshops around the world. This includes bringing the celebrations to the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter at the Pen Museum. This free event is being held from 11 am to 4 pm and is open to everyone. You can join Manuscript along with Joyce Lee of Artsynibs, Alice Mazilli of Ampersand Alice, Artist, Designer and Letterer Rob Draper, Traditional Calligrapher Stephen Duckett, Contemporary Calligrapher Sandro Bonomo, Handwriting Specialist Sandra Grayson and many others.

If you would like to practise your calligraphy skills then you can download this free sheet to help you on your way.

*DISCLAIMER: I WAS SUPPLIED WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED ITEMS TO JOIN IN AND CELEBRATE WORLD CALLIGRAPHY DAY WITH MANUSCRIPT*