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 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. Here’s how to create fake calligraphy:

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.

You will get the font for free by joining our exclusive freebies page called the Archive. Click the image above to join and download the fancy font.

I’d love to show you more tools, tricks and techniques for improving your handwriting and developing your lettering style. The Simplified Penmanship online class is offered quarterly and makes penmanship fun! Learn more HERE.