Scriptorium Rules: Find a good place to work - where the light is good and the table or desk is the right height. Set up your desk so that it can stay set up - or so that everything is at hand and it will only take a few minutes to set up. Rule up four folios (double spread sheets) on both sides. The size should match the nib # thta you are most comfortable with: e.g. A3 folded in half to A4 for 5mm x height If you use a much smaller nib e.g. Wm.M#5you can have a smaller … [Read more...]
Life Blood of Calligraphy – Scriptorium 2
I spoke about writing every day last week and I promised to show my way of ruling up.For continuous writing to make it meaningful, rule up pages for a book and copy from some beautiful prose.Use good quality paper of about 120 - 150gsm. Arches, Zerkall are great. I like Zerkall-wavy smooth. These are my preparation instructions for my students: 1) Work on A3 folded to A4.2) Rule up as follows: margins: 2cm at the top, 3cm on the outsides, 15mm on the insides and 4cm at the bottom. That is a … [Read more...]
Life Blood of Calligraphy – Scriptorium
Imagine a Scriptorium in the cloisters of an old monastery with the monks each quietly working away at his manuscript, which is why I call on-going practise "Scriptorium". (Did you see "The Name of the Rose" with Sean Connery - the scriptorium and manuscripts were enough to convert anyone to calligraphy?) Set up your scriptorium and discipline yourself to write for 10 minutes a day, maximum 15; not counting ruling up. If you get carried away and do three hours you won't want to do any … [Read more...]