Booklist Review

An enthusiastic, engaged, and passionate instructor makes it easy to pick up a new hobby or craft. Such is the case with first-time author Chung, a former advertising professional who, after discovering the art of calligraphy just a few years ago, became a full-time blogger, teacher, and overall enthusiast for the art. She concentrates on two specific writing styles: copperplate, a sixteenth-century English round hand with thick strokes and delicate hairlines; and Spencerian, a more recent style with distinctive lowercase letters and wispy hairlines. Her tutorials feature everything beginners need to know, from pens and papers and the anatomy of a nib to practice-practice-practice, with photographs and step-by-step instructions. Two dozen creative projects follow, for a variety of calligraphy-embellished items that will change attitudes about how to use the art. Go beyond the traditional to select a birth-details photo mat, personalized kraft notebooks, or a vision board, all laid out with tips, suppliers, photographs, step-by-steps, and possible variations. How to keep penmanship alive and well in the twenty-first century.