Calligraphy Supplies for Beginners
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So excited that you’re giving calligraphy a try! Whether you attended one of our calligraphy workshops and you’re looking to extend your education or you’re brand new to the art, we’d love to get you jump started with some of our favorite beginner calligraphy tools and supplies. Let us know what worked best for you!
Calligraphy Pens
Beginner Calligraphy Nibs
Nikko G - This is everyone’s go-to beginner pen. It’s easy to start with because it’s flexible but not too flexible that you’ll get your nib snagged on the paper all the time. Also LOVE that it’s readily available on Amazon and pretty cheap!
Beginner Pen Holders
Straight Pen Holder - Pen holders can get pretty fancy when it comes to calligraphy. But here are some good starter options that are a perfect fit for the Nikko G nib you’ll be starting out with.
Oblique Pen Holder - the Oblique Pen gets your nib more parallel to the paper, making it easier to flourish and embellish letters like I’m sure you’ve seen all over Pinterest and Instagram.
Calligraphy Paper
Canson XL Watercolor Paper - This is a pretty thick paper that works well with calligraphy nibs and watercolor hand lettering.
Borden + Riley Layout Paper - A semi-transculent calligraphy paper, this is great for practicing your lettering or calligraphy styles.
Canson XL Marker Paper - Similar to the one above, this is also a great semi-translucent paper for practicing, spot calligraphy, or pretty much anything!
Calligraphy Ink
Sumi Ink - Tried and true, the OG if you will of the calligraphy world. This is the most standard black calligraphy ink that pretty much everyone uses to this day. It comes in larger quantities and works well with a variety of papers since it’s water based.
Dr. Ph Martin’s Bleed Proof White - This is a great option for hand lettering and calligraphy alike. It’s nice and thick so it works beautifully on dark colored envelopes, providing the perfect pop of bright white to make your calligraphy stand out.
Dr. Ph Martin’s Gold Ink - From the Iridescent Series, the Copperplate Gold ink is my ride or die for wedding calligraphy. You have to shake it a bit because it likes to get separated, but it provides a very versatile yellow-gold ink.