The festive season is on the horizon, so there’s never been a better time to discover the art of calligraphy! Here we’ve pulled together five essential nuggets of wisdom to help you get started…

1 Practice Makes Perfect

From little acorns, oak trees go – as the saying goes – so master the art of calligraphy little and often. If you make a mistake, simply turn the page and start again.

2 Look for Inspiration

The internet is packed to the brim with tips, tutorials and projects to help spark your imagination. Head to our Pinterest board to get started – we also love this inspiring interview with author of Modern Calligraphy, Imogen Owen.

3 Try Out a Variety of Pens

From chalk markers to fine-nibbed pens, there’s an array of tools out there to suit every budding calligrapher. Test out a variety to ensure you’re using the right one for you. Keep a pot of water and a rag nearby to clean your nib, too.

4 Follow a Calligraphy Worksheet

Just like a handwriting worksheet from your school days, a calligraphy drill will enable you to follow the guidelines and finesse your letter style. Modern calligraphy blog, The Postman Knocks, has put together an array of free printables to get you started!

5 Relax and Enjoy Yourself!

When you’re concentrating on a brand-new craft, it’s quite common to find that your shoulders have risen up, and your wrists and arms are holding tension, which will affect the flow of your letters. Remember to take regular breaks and relax your posture.