Everything You Need for a Calligraphy Set

Everything You Need for a Calligraphy Set

Calligraphy is an art form that combines skilled penmanship with artistic expression, and having the right tools can make all the difference in your creative journey. Whether you're a seasoned calligrapher or just starting, Blesket Canada offers a wide range of high-quality supplies to enhance your writing experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need for a complete calligraphy set:

Calligraphy Pens/Nib Holders

Calligraphy pens or nib holders are essential tools that securely hold the nib while writing, and they come in various styles and materials to suit different preferences and techniques. At Blesket Canada, we offer a curated selection of pens and nib holders for all levels.

Calligraphy Pens

• ​​Lamy Joy Calligraphy Fountain Pen: A sleek and stylish fountain pen designed specifically for calligraphy, offering smooth ink flow and precise control for beautiful letterforms.
• J Herbin Round Glass Dip Pen (7 inches): A handcrafted glass dip pen that adds elegance to your writing experience, perfect for creating delicate and intricate calligraphy.
• Platinum Desk Pen: A practical and reliable pen designed for everyday calligraphy, with a fine nib that provides consistent, crisp lines.
• Kaweco SPECIAL Dip Pen: A premium dip pen made from durable materials, offering a classic design with a modern edge for versatile calligraphy styles.
• Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen India Ink Calligraphy Colour Set of 4: A set of vibrant, India ink calligraphy pens, ideal for adding color and creativity to your projects with rich, long-lasting pigments.
• Pilot V Super Colour Bullet Tip: A bold and versatile calligraphy pen with a bullet tip, perfect for creating thick, expressive strokes and impactful designs.
• Pilot Parallel Pen: A unique and innovative pen that allows for seamless color blending and sharp, clean lines, making it a favorite among calligraphers for both traditional and experimental styles.

Nib Holders

• Brause Calligraphy Drawing and Writing Set: This set includes two assorted nibs and a wooden nib holder, perfect for those who appreciate traditional, ergonomic designs that provide comfort during long writing sessions.
• Brause Calligraphy Penholder Natural Wood: A timeless wooden pen holder that offers both durability and elegance, ideal for classic calligraphy styles.
• J Herbin Nib-Holder and Drawing Nib: A versatile option that combines the finesse of a nib holder with the precision needed for detailed drawing and calligraphy work.
• Kakimori Nib Holder - Aluminium: A sleek and modern metal pen holder, providing durable and precise control for those who prefer a contemporary touch.
• J Herbin Speedball Oblique Nib-Holder Plastic: An adjustable plastic holder, perfect for accommodating different nib sizes and angles, ensuring flexibility in your calligraphy practice.

Explore our collection to find the nib holder that suits your style and enhances your writing flow.

Nibs

The nib is the heart of any calligraphy pen, playing a crucial role in determining the style, thickness, and flow of your writing. At Blesket Canada, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality nibs to suit various calligraphy techniques and preferences:

• Brause Calligraphy 6 Nib Set: This comprehensive set includes a variety of nibs, each designed for different writing styles. From fine, detailed lines to broad, sweeping strokes, this set offers flexibility and precision for every calligrapher.
• Brause Hatat Calligraphy Nibs: Known for their exceptional quality, these nibs are perfect for creating sharp, precise lines, making them ideal for Hebrew calligraphy and other scripts that require detailed attention to form.
• Faber-Castell Grip Fountain Pen Calligraphy Nibs: These nibs are specifically designed for Faber-Castell Grip fountain pens, offering a comfortable grip and smooth ink flow. Available in different widths, they allow for a range of styles, from delicate flourishes to bold, expressive lettering.

Types of nibs:

• Italic Nibs: Perfect for creating elegant, angled letterforms. These nibs have a chiseled edge that produces thick downstrokes and thin horizontal strokes, ideal for scripts like Italic or Gothic.
• Roundhand Nibs: These nibs offer a smooth, rounded tip, making them versatile for various calligraphy styles. They provide consistent ink flow and are great for beginners and experienced calligraphers alike.
• Pointed Nibs: Designed for scripts like Copperplate or Spencerian, pointed nibs allow for intricate, delicate lines. They are flexible, enabling you to create fine hairlines and bold strokes with varying pressure.
• Broad-Edge Nibs: These nibs have a wider tip, perfect for creating bold, dramatic letters. They are commonly used for traditional calligraphy styles like Blackletter and Uncial.

Whether you're looking to create sharp, precise lines or bold, expressive strokes, Blesket Canada has the perfect nib to elevate your calligraphy. Explore our collection to find the nib that complements your style and enhances your creative work.

Inks

The choice of ink plays a vital role in the quality and longevity of your calligraphy work. While it might seem like any ink would suffice, calligraphy inks are specially formulated for use with dip pens, nibs, and nib holders, and they differ significantly from regular fountain pen inks.

Why Calligraphy Inks Are Different:

• Viscosity: Calligraphy inks are generally thicker and more viscous than fountain pen inks. This consistency allows for rich, saturated strokes that hold their shape and resist bleeding, making them ideal for the varied line thicknesses that calligraphy demands.
• Pigmentation: Calligraphy inks often contain more pigment, offering vibrant and deep colors that stand out on paper. This is crucial for creating bold and dramatic letterforms, especially in styles like Gothic or Italic scripts.
• Drying Time: Calligraphy inks are designed to dry slowly, giving you time to adjust your strokes and create smooth transitions. This slow drying time also helps to prevent clogging in the nib, ensuring a smooth writing experience.
• Non-Clogging Formulation: Unlike fountain pen inks, calligraphy inks are formulated to work with dip pens and nibs without causing clogs. Fountain pens have intricate feed mechanisms that can easily get clogged with the thicker, more pigmented calligraphy inks.

Using Fountain Pen Ink for Calligraphy:

While it is perfectly fine to use fountain pen ink for calligraphy, it’s important to note that it might not provide the same richness and flow as traditional calligraphy inks. Additionally, fountain pen ink is thinner and may not hold up well in broad strokes or on textured paper.

Important Caution: Traditional fountain pens can be damaged if calligraphy ink is used in them. The thicker, more pigmented calligraphy inks can clog the delicate feed system of a fountain pen, leading to poor performance and potential damage. Always use inks specifically designed for your pen type to ensure longevity and optimal performance.

Featured Inks at Blesket Canada:

• Octopus' Write & Draw Ink: A versatile ink perfect for both drawing and calligraphy, offering smooth flow and vibrant colors. It’s designed for use with dip pens and nib holders, providing consistent results without clogging.
• J. Herbin Ink - India/China Ink Black: Known for its deep, rich black color, this ink is ideal for creating sharp, bold letters. Its superior pigmentation ensures your work stands out, while its formulation prevents feathering and bleeding.
• Dominant Industry Ink: Available in a variety of finishes, from matte to shimmering metallics, this ink is perfect for adding a unique touch to your calligraphy. Its special formulation offers smooth flow and striking results, making it a favorite among professional calligraphers.

Whether you’re creating traditional calligraphy or exploring modern styles, Blesket Canada’s selection of inks offers the perfect solution for every project. Explore our range to find the ink that best suits your artistic vision and ensures your work remains vibrant and lasting.

Paper and Practice Pads

The quality of paper you use in calligraphy is just as important as the pen and ink. Good paper enhances the appearance of your work, prevents ink from bleeding or feathering, and provides a smooth surface for your nib to glide over. At Blesket Canada, we offer a selection of high-quality papers and practice pads designed specifically for calligraphy and lettering.

Why Paper Quality Matters:

• Smoothness: Calligraphy requires paper that allows your nib to move effortlessly across the surface. A smooth, finely textured paper ensures that your strokes are even and consistent, without any snags or interruptions.
• Absorption: The right paper absorbs ink just enough to prevent smudging, but not so much that it causes feathering or bleed-through. This balance is crucial for maintaining the crispness of your letters and the vibrancy of your ink.
• Guidelines and Grids: Practice pads with grids or lines are invaluable for maintaining consistency in letter size and spacing. They help guide your hand, making it easier to practice and perfect your technique.

Featured Papers and Practice Pads at Blesket Canada:

• SM-LT Stitched Calligraphy & Lettering Pad: This pad is designed with calligraphers in mind, featuring smooth, high-quality paper that supports clean, precise strokes. The stitched binding ensures durability, making it a reliable choice for both practice and finished work.
• Wearinggeul Impression Paper: A premium paper with a unique texture, perfect for creating elegant, tactile calligraphy pieces. Its surface provides just the right amount of resistance for controlled, deliberate strokes, making it ideal for special projects and formal lettering.
• Rhodia Head Stapled Grid Pad: Known for its exceptional quality, this pad features grid lines that help maintain consistent spacing and alignment in your work. The smooth, vellum-like surface is perfect for practicing intricate scripts or planning out complex designs.

Choosing the Right Paper for Your Project:

When selecting paper for your calligraphy, consider the type of ink you’re using, the style of lettering you plan to create, and whether the paper will be used for practice or final pieces. Blesket Canada’s range of calligraphy papers and practice pads offers options that cater to both beginners and seasoned calligraphers, ensuring you have the right tools to elevate your craft.

Explore our collection today and find the perfect paper to complement your calligraphy set. Whether you’re practicing your skills or creating a masterpiece, the right paper makes all the difference.

Find Quality Calligraphy Supplies at Blesket Canada

Whether crafting elegant wedding invitations, designing inspirational quotes, or simply exploring the art of calligraphy, Blesket Canada is your one-stop shop for premium calligraphy supplies. Browse our website to discover our full range of products and confidently unleash your creativity.