Jim Bennett

Calligraphy, the art of beautiful lettering, comes in many forms and styles. When writing in calligraphy, you can use the delicate curlicues of Copperplate, as Regency ladies did, or choose the more forceful and just as intricate Blackletter style. You can even choose a plain, Roman style — or something in between.

The pens you use to make beautiful calligraphy aren't at all complicated. Their basic design is simple, efficient, and centuries old. A good pen delivers the ink in an even flow and should make it easy for you to create strokes. The pen should glide smoothly on the surface of the paper. This list should help get you better acquainted with your calligraphy pens: Nib: This is the part of the pen that everyone else refers to as the pen point.

After you've assembled your pen, but before you begin doing calligraphy, you must get the pen to write. A unique problem for fountain pens, you will likely encounter some ink-flow issues when writing, especially when using a new cartridge or pen. If you are using a cartridge pen, it's entirely normal for the pen to refuse to write immediately.

Markers are great when time, not quality, is a consideration in your calligraphic work. You wouldn't want to use a marker to letter a certificate, but a marker would be perfect for small tasks such as writing a note to a friend or co-worker or posting a reminder to yourself or for family members. Markers are also excellent for children.

Calligraphy is beautiful, artistic handwriting, but that handwriting can be artistic and beautiful in a variety of different ways. Calligraphy can be ornate or bold, delicate or forceful. The following samples offer a glimpse of the varieties available. Italic or Chancery: Blackletter: Roman: Bookhand or Foun