how to create fake calligraphy
I have always loved beautiful calligraphy.
Years ago, my former boss brought me back a calligraphy pen and ink from her trip to Italy. I was so excited to try it out and figured it would be super easy to turn my handwriting into calligraphy with just the flick of a nib {that’s the technical term for the metal pieces that go in the pens – not to be confused with my go-to treat, the twizzler nib}.
It didn’t go so well.
Then I met Lindsay {of Lindsay Letters – who created that fabulous O Holy Night print and will be debuting a new LOVE print here on the blog in just a few days} and figured since she is a pro, she could surely give some pointers and it wouldn’t be too hard.
Again, the pen and ink proved too complicated for my impatient hands {have you ever tried it? the ink sure does splatter!}
I have yet to learn how to use a real calligraphy pen {although it is on my list of skills to master someday} and have just stuck with my fake calligraphy technique. I thought I’d share it with you today.
First, choose a good fine tip ink pen.
I usually like these pilot precise extra fine pens the best, but just bought the foray stylemark at the office store and it’s a good one too.
Now, write your letter. You can do it in pencil first if you prefer, or just freehand.
To give your letter the calligraphy look, you will need to make all of the down strokes thicker and filled in {as if you were writing with an angled calligraphy pen}.
Every time your pen stroke goes downward {as seen with the arrows above}, just draw a close line and fill it in.
See how easy it is?
Here’s another example. I wrote the word love in cursive:
then filled in the down strokes:
Doesn’t it look fancy? You can transform your handwriting to make it look like calligraphy very simply and easily with just a few extra pen strokes.
If you would like a faster way to make fancy handwriting, I have created a new font for you using my own fake calligraphy.
Isn’t it cute?!! You get a full alphabet with lots of extra symbols, doodles and words.
Now its even easier to fake calligraphy.
Purchase the new fancy font by clicking the button below.



















Roni
Love this! I will be using this for crafts and doodles — practice makes perfect. Thank you for sharing this.
Margaret
Now that’s a smart idea!
Concerned
The blogger who runs acharmingoccasionblog is getting tons of traction on a recent post of her that looks eerily similar to yours. Kind of odd that her post is almost identical! Just letting you know.
emily
Unfortunately this happens all too often – when someone’s work is copied and not linked to the original source. I certainly did not make up ‘fake calligraphy’ and so I can not take full credit for the technique, although I will say that this post is original to me. Thank you for the heads up and while it frustrates me, I realize that there is little I can do about it.
mace
that is very weird because i was just on that website and it is identical
Brittany
Awesome ! I have been trying to figure out how to do this for years! Thanks so much for the great tutorial !!
Lacey Parsons
i also want to know how to access the rest of the characters.. i can only figure out the regular characters like the question mark. please let us know how to access them. Thanks!
Iman
Hello, I just bought your font. I love it! But I dont know how to access all the extra symbols, doodles and words from microsoft word. Any help?
Dusty Tingstrom
You know, I began practicing the Old English alphabet (using nibs categorized as “brush”) when I was in grade school. Now I can knock it out anywhere-with calligraphy nibs, felt tip calligraphy markers or with a regular pen. Your down stroke technique is basically how I fake it too when my tool lacks a flat edge.
Well, I wanted to share this. All calligraphy tools are not created equal. Not by a long shot. I have never met a self contained, cartridge or ink well draw, instrument that was worth a darn. Cost a fortune and never work for me. When I was a girl, I collected a lot of supplies from all over. (There used to be stationers.) Now I buy nips from my art supply store, and one at a time.
So consider:
Few calligraphers get it right all of the time.
and
the most important thing for doing calligraphy: , good pen tip
the most important thing for doing professional calligraphy: extra blanks
simple diy chalkboard | Jones Design Company | stylish custom designs for life
[...] the perfect spot to doodle, jot done notes and practice my fake calligraphy. Posted by emily | 0 comments Click here to cancel [...]
Bee
Hello,
I purchased the pens and have been practicing because I have a basic knowledge after taking personal calligraphy lessons. I was wondering if you have some practice sheets that I could get from you?
Bee
Jean
I love fonts and when I tried to learn calligraphy I found it to be too regimented for me. I now wing it and do my own fake calligraphy too….so nice to find a kindred spirit!
Gina Soddy
Hi Emily!
I’m sure you hear ALL DAY how much everyone loves you and your creativity. Well, add me to the masses.
I absolutely adore your ideas, ambition and all of your TUTORIALS!!! I love trying (ok, telling myself I’m going to try) your ideas.
That being said, I purchased your wonderful Fancy Font and I adore it. I simply have 1 request: Pretty please…is it at all possible to fix the S? The top is cut off and it makes me CRAZY. Lol! I know, I know…it’s just a silly little thing but I find myself not using it for things if I can’t manually correct the missing piece. If you’ve already done this, or can, please email me the link or download.
Thank You!!!
<3 Gina
Lucky Red Hen
Simple and CUTE! I’m always looking for ways to embellish my correspondence (yes, I actually MAIL through the post office… it’s a dying art)! Thanks for the tutorial
Allison
Love this! I am using this to address my wedding invitations,and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten on it already! So worth the time and practice. It’s beautiful
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Deb
Go online and find a free tutorial on how to do calligraphy. It is so much easier than “faking it” and faster. And did I mention it is fun. All you have to master is how to hold the pen right and if you can do all these steps to fake it then you can learn how to hold the pen right.
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Susan Jackson
I just found your website and love it. You are so talented.
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Christina
I’ve been doing this for years and years, just for fun! Nice little tutorial for those who haven’t discovered it yet.
michelle
hi! do you sell your cursive font? i absolutely love it.
Korrine
I had about 6 weeks of calligraphy instruction in 6th grade, and promptly forgot everything!
I know at this point in life, I don’t have the time for “real” calligraphy, and your fake calligraphy tutorial is so clear and helpful. Thank you for posting!