← Find Your Calligraphy Path

Explore what comes next

Build confidence, broaden your toolkit and try new styles

Once the basic strokes feel familiar, the right next step is usually not more of everything. It is a thoughtful upgrade, a new script, or a material that opens a fresh creative direction.

Jane recommends

Choose one change at a time. A different nib may teach you more about pressure; a better holder may improve comfort; a new ink or script may renew your enthusiasm for practice.

Review the essentials Return to the beginner guide whenever you want a dependable basic setup. View beginner guidance → Ready for specialist materials? Explore professional and decorative tools for more advanced projects. Explore specialist tools →

Helpful guidance

What to consider

Improve comfort and control A holder that suits your hand can make longer practice sessions more comfortable and consistent.

Consider balance, grip diameter and the angle at which the nib meets the paper. An upgrade should solve a real issue—comfort, control or compatibility—rather than simply replacing a tool that already works well.

Learn from different nibs Trying nibs with different flexibility and sharpness teaches you how materials influence your lettering.

Compare nibs deliberately. Notice how quickly they open under pressure, how fine the hairlines are, and whether the point catches on your preferred paper. Keep notes so you can choose confidently for future work.

Introduce colour and decorative effects Coloured inks, metallics and gouache expand what you can create.

Test decorative materials before using them on finished work. Learn how dilution, mixing, nib preparation and paper choice affect flow and opacity. Small experiments prevent disappointment on important pieces.

Explore another script A second style can strengthen your understanding of rhythm, proportion and spacing.

Choose a script that genuinely interests you and use suitable tools for it. Pointed-pen, broad-edge and brush styles each require different movements, and learning those differences makes you a more adaptable calligrapher.

Selected for this stage

Your Next Pen Holder Upgrade

Comfortable, well-made holders for improving control and enjoying longer practice sessions.

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Bortoletti Goldini wooden pen holder with bronze detail

Bortoletti Goldini wooden pen holder with bronze detail 2

Calligraphy Pen Holders & Rests

Bortoletti Goldoni wooden pen holder with bronze detail

£22.75

Bortoletti Goldoni wooden pen holder with bronze detail is a refined desk accessory made from solid beech wood and hand-chiselled bronze. Decorative, practical, and full of Venetian character, it is designed to display Bortoletti glass and wooden calligraphy pens beautifully on the desk, in the study, or in the office.

Faliero feather pen holder by Bortoletti in wood and bronze

Faliero feather pen holder by Bortoletti in wood and bronze 2

Calligraphy Pen Holders & Rests

Bortoletti Faliero desk feather pen holder

£22.75

Bortoletti Faliero desk feather pen holder is a refined desk accessory made from solid beech wood and hand-chiselled bronze, created especially for displaying a feather pen with elegance. Handcrafted in Venice, it is a decorative and practical addition to the desk, study, or office, and a distinctive gift for lovers of traditional writing accessories.

Bortoletti Marcello desk pen holder in wood and bronze

Calligraphy Pen Holders & Rests

Bortoletti Marcello wooden pen holder with bronze detail

£45.00

Bortoletti Marcello wooden pen holder with bronze detail is a refined desk accessory made from solid beech wood and hand-chiselled bronze. Decorative, practical, and full of Venetian character, it is a stylish way to display a favourite pen on the desk, in the study, or in the office.

Bortoletti Moro wooden pen holder with bronze detail

Bortoletti Moro wooden pen holder with bronze detail 2

Calligraphy Pen Holders & Rests

Bortoletti Moro wooden pen holder with bronze detail

£50.00

Bortoletti Moro wooden pen holder with bronze detail is a refined desk accessory made from solid beech wood and hand-chiselled bronze. Designed to hold a wooden pen or feather pen, it is a decorative and practical addition to the desk, study, or writing space.

Bortoletti Candiano bronze pen holder

Bortoletti Candiano bronze pen holder 2

Calligraphy Pen Holders & Rests

Bortoletti Candiano bronze pen holder

£7.50

Bortoletti Candiano bronze pen holder is a refined desk accessory handcrafted in bronze using the traditional lost wax casting technique. Decorative, practical, and full of Venetian character, it is an elegant pen rest for moments of pause and a distinctive addition to the home or office desk.

Bortoletti Barbarigo bronze pen holder

Bortoletti Barbarigo bronze pen holder 2

Calligraphy Pen Holders & Rests

Bortoletti Barbarigo bronze pen holder

£20.00

Bortoletti Barbarigo bronze pen holder is a refined desk accessory handcrafted in bronze using the traditional lost wax casting technique. Designed as a wide horizontal pen rest for moments of pause, it is an elegant choice for calligraphy lovers, desk display, and heritage-inspired gift giving.

Bortoletti Cal40 hand-chiselled glass and bronze inkwell with pen rest

Bortoletti Cal40 hand-chiselled glass and bronze inkwell with pen rest 2

Bortoletti Handmade Inkwells

Bortoletti Hand-Chiselled Glass & Bronze Inkwell - Cal40

£60.00

Bortoletti Hand-Chiselled Glass & Bronze Inkwell Cal40 is a beautifully crafted Italian inkwell featuring finely worked bronze detailing and a traditional glass reservoir. Designed with Bortoletti’s signature front pen rest, this elegant desk accessory combines function and artistry, making it ideal for calligraphers, collectors and luxury gift buyers.

Bortoletti Cal65 Marco Polo glass and bronze inkwell with pen holder

Bortoletti Cal65 Marco Polo glass and bronze inkwell with pen holder 2

Bortoletti Handmade Inkwells

Bortoletti Marco Polo Glass & Bronze Inkwell Cal65

£42.00

Bortoletti Marco Polo Glass & Bronze Inkwell Cal65 is a flagship Venetian inkwell featuring an integrated bronze pen holder cast into the decorative design. With a generous 50ml capacity and refined craftsmanship, it combines practical calligraphy use with timeless desk elegance.

Selected for this stage

Explore Different Nib Characteristics

Compare flexibility, sharpness and responsiveness to discover which nibs best suit your hand.

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William Mitchell multi-purpose nib holder

William Mitchell multi-purpose nib holder 2

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

William Mitchell multi-purpose nib holder

by William Mitchell (Calligraphy) Ltd

£3.50

The William Mitchell multi-purpose nib holder is a simple, practical calligraphy pen holder designed to fit your favourite fine-point or chisel nib, making it a useful everyday tool for a wide range of lettering styles.

Speedball Oblique Nib Holder

Speedball Oblique Nib Holder 2

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Speedball Oblique Nib Holder – Calligraphy Pen

£4.25

Speedball Oblique Nib Holder is a comfortable, easy-to-use calligraphy pen holder designed for pointed pen lettering. The angled flange helps position your nib for smoother strokes and a consistent slant—ideal for Copperplate, Spencerian and modern calligraphy.

Speedball Nib Holder

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Speedball Nib Holder

£3.50

The Speedball pen holder is designed to hold your favourite fine-point or chisel nib. You can use this basic nib holder for all types of calligraphy.

Manuscript Victoriana collector’s round hand set N46011

Manuscript Victoriana collector’s round hand set N46011 2

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript Victoriana collector’s round hand set – N46011

£45.00

The Manuscript Victoriana collector’s round hand set – N46011 is a beautifully presented Heritage Collection set with 10 genuine D. Leonardt & Co round hand nibs, a nut-brown wooden nib holder, and an ink reservoir. Designed and made in Britain, it is an elegant choice for broad-edge calligraphy, formal scripts, and thoughtful creative gifting.

Manuscript Victoriana nib collection set N46031 presentation box

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript Victoriana nib collection – set N46031

£38.00

The Manuscript Victoriana nib collection – set N46031 is a beautifully presented set of 10 genuine D. Leonardt & Co nibs, housed in an elegant drawer-style box with foil-blocked Victoriana detailing. Made in Britain, this versatile collection is ideal for calligraphy, drawing, illustration, collecting, and thoughtful creative gifting.

Set of 10 fine-point calligraphy nibs by Bortoletti

Set of 10 fine-point calligraphy nibs by Bortoletti 2

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Bortoletti set of 10 vintage calligraphy nibs

£20.00

Bortoletti set of 10 vintage calligraphy nibs includes ten fine-point calligraphy nibs designed to fit all Bortoletti pens. Ideal for elegant handwriting, traditional calligraphy practice, and expressive ink work, this versatile set is a practical choice for anyone who enjoys the beauty and rhythm of dip pen writing.

Manuscript set of Leonardt copperplate nibs for dip pen calligraphy

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript set of Leonardt copperplate nibs

£6.50

The Manuscript set of Leonardt copperplate nibs includes three popular nib styles for traditional pointed-pen calligraphy: Crown, Point Extra Fine, and Shorthand. Made in the UK, this practical nib set is ideal for learning, practising, and refining copperplate and fine script work with a dip pen.

Manuscript round hand nibs set 1 with sizes 1, 2 and 3

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript round hand nibs – set 1

£6.50

Manuscript round hand nibs – set 1 includes three steel nibs in sizes 1, 2 and 3, each fitted with a reservoir for longer writing between dips. Made in the UK, this practical set is ideal for learning, practising, and refining traditional round hand calligraphy with a dip pen.

Manuscript round hand nibs set 2 with sizes 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript round hand nibs – set 2

£6.50

Manuscript round hand nibs – set 2 includes three steel nibs in sizes 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5, each fitted with a reservoir for longer writing between dips. Made in the UK, this practical set is ideal for learning, practising, and refining traditional round hand calligraphy with a dip pen.

Manuscript round hand nibs set 3 with sizes 0, 4 and 6

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript round hand nibs – set 3

£6.50

Manuscript round hand nibs – set 3 includes three steel nibs in sizes 0, 4 and 6, each fitted with a reservoir for longer writing between dips. Made in the UK, this practical set is ideal for learning, practising, and refining traditional round hand calligraphy with a dip pen.

Manuscript left-handed Leonardt round hand nib set for dip pen calligraphy

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript left-handed Leonardt round hand nibs

£6.50

Manuscript left-handed Leonardt round hand nibs include a set of three different sizes for traditional broad-edge calligraphy with a dip pen. Made in the UK, this practical nib set is ideal for left-handed calligraphers who want better stroke control for learning, practising, and refining formal lettering styles.

Manuscript Shadow nibs set of 3 for decorative calligraphy

Nibs, holders and reservoirs

Manuscript Shadow nibs – set of 3

£6.50

Manuscript Shadow nibs – set of 3 are speciality dip-pen nibs designed to create a bold ribbon-like stroke with a fine offset shadow line for added depth and drama. Made in the UK, this decorative nib set is ideal for titles, borders, illuminated initials, place cards, certificates, and creative display lettering.

Selected for this stage

Colour, Metallic and Decorative Inks

Materials for adding personality, contrast and special finishes to your lettering.

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Coliro "Treasure Hunt" grey-gold pearlcolor

Coliro "Treasure Hunt" grey-gold pearlcolor 2

New

Coliro Pearlcolor refills

Coliro "Treasure Hunt" pearlcolor refill

£4.25

Hidden golden treasure Add an intriguing metallic glow to your creative work with Coliro "Treasure Hunt" pearlcolor refill, a super-shiny grey-gold inspired by hidden treasures and mystical adventures. Its unusual balance of cool grey and warm gold creates a striking sheen for calligraphy, illustration, and decorative details.

Coliro "Summer Vibes" pearlcolor set in metal box with cardboard sleeve

Coliro "Summer Vibes" pearlcolor set in metal box with cardboard sleeve 2

Coliro Pearl Sets

Coliro "Summer Vibes" pearlcolor set

£26.00

Sunshine in every stroke Coliro "Summer Vibes" pearlcolor set is a limited edition collection of bright, shimmering and glittering shades designed to bring holiday colour and poolside energy to your creative work. Featuring "Happy Hour", "Sunset", "Watermelon", "Mojito", "Palm Leaf" and "Pool Day", this vibrant set is perfect for cheerful calligraphy,...

Black Metal Palette Box for 22 Coliro Pearlcolors

Black Metal Palette Box for 22 Coliro Pearlcolors 2

Coliro Empty Palette Boxes & Mixing Pans

Coliro Metal Palette Box – Black – Holds 22 Pearlcolor Pans

£6.00

Spacious black metal palette box for 22 Coliro Pearlcolors. Features a clear lid and space for name stickers, perfect for organizing larger collections.

Coliro "Atlantis" blue pearlcolor with golden glitter

Coliro "Atlantis" blue pearlcolor with golden glitter 2

New

Coliro Pearlcolor refills

Coliro "Atlantis" pearlcolor refill

£4.25

Ocean treasure shimmer Bring magical underwater colour to your creative work with Coliro "Atlantis" pearlcolor refill, a captivating blue scattered with fine golden glitter. Its luminous ocean-inspired colour and sparkling gold particles create an enchanting finish for calligraphy, illustration, and decorative details.

Coliro "Bling" pearlcolor set in metal box

Coliro "Bling" pearlcolor set in metal box 2

Coliro Pearl Sets

Coliro "Bling" pearlcolor set

£26.00

Shine with every stroke Coliro "Bling" pearlcolor set is a jewel-inspired collection of six sparkling shades chosen for bold metallic shine and elegant creative detail. Presented in a metal box, it includes "Golden Topaz", "Pink Diamond", "Amethyst", "Emerald", "Sapphire" and "Opal", making it a beautiful choice for calligraphy, illustration and...

Purple Palette Box for 6 Coliro Pearlcolors

Purple Palette Box for 6 Coliro Pearlcolors 2

Coliro Empty Palette Boxes & Mixing Pans

Coliro Metal Palette Box – Purple – Holds 6 Pearlcolor Pans

£3.00

Compact and stylish purple Coliro palette box for 6 Pearlcolors. Features a clear lid to view colours and a dedicated space for name stickers.

Coliro "Purrlcolors" pearlcolor set in metal box with cardboard sleeve

Coliro "Purrlcolors" pearlcolor set in metal box with cardboard sleeve 2

Coliro Pearl Sets

Coliro "Purrlcolors" pearlcolor set

£26.00

Berry shimmer magic Coliro "Purrlcolors" pearlcolor set is a playful collection of six exclusive berry-toned shades created for cat lovers and creative minds alike. Featuring "Purrfect Day", "Meowgenta", "Velvet Paw", "Clawberry", "Purrple Reign" and "Nine Lives", this charming set offers everything from soft shimmer to metallic shine and mega sparkle,...

Coliro "Getaway" pearlcolors for calligraphy and illustration

Coliro "Getaway" pearlcolors for calligraphy and illustration 2

Coliro Pearl Sets

Coliro "Getaway" pearlcolor set

£26.00

Coliro "Getaway" pearlcolor set is a travel-inspired collection designed to bring a sense of escape and colour to your creative work. Presented in a purple metal case, it includes six shimmering shades - "Inca Gold", "Spellbound", "Golden Meadow", "Burgundy", "Black Currant" and "Cosmic Purple" - ideal for decorative calligraphy, illustration and luminous...

Coliro "Vibrant" pearlcolor set in metal box

Coliro "Vibrant" pearlcolor set in metal box 2

Coliro Pearl Sets

Coliro "Vibrant" pearlcolor set

£26.00

Bold colour energy Coliro "Vibrant" pearlcolor set is a brilliant six-colour palette created for bright, confident artwork with exceptional metallic shimmer. Presented in a metal box, it includes "Vibrant Yellow", "Vibrant Orange", "Vibrant Pink", "Vibrant Purple", "Vibrant Blue" and "Vibrant Green", making it ideal for eye-catching calligraphy,...

Coliro "Nine Lives" deep plum violet pearlcolor

Coliro "Nine Lives" deep plum violet pearlcolor 2

New

Coliro Pearlcolor refills

Coliro "Nine Lives" pearlcolor refill

£4.25

Deep plum elegance Add sophisticated depth to your creative palette with Coliro "Nine Lives" pearlcolor refill, an elegant dark plum violet with a beautifully soft sheen. Finished with a charming paw print on the surface, this rich shade is perfect for expressive calligraphy, refined accents, and luxurious decorative details. This Pearlcolor is also one...

Black Palette Box for 6 Coliro Pearlcolors

Black Palette Box for 6 Coliro Pearlcolors 2

Coliro Empty Palette Boxes & Mixing Pans

Coliro Metal Palette Box – Black – Holds 6 Pearlcolor Pans

£3.00

Sleek black Coliro metal palette box for 6 Pearlcolors. Features a clear lid and space for name stickers to keep your colours organized and accessible.

Metal box for 12 Coliro pearl colors

Metal box for 12 Coliro pearl colors 2

Coliro Empty Palette Boxes & Mixing Pans

Coliro Metal Palette Box – Holds 12 Pearlcolor Pans

£4.50

Use this metal box to create your own palette of twelve Coliro pearl colours from our shop. Useful for storing your mixing brush and a pen rest. The lid also acts as a palette mixing tray.

Selected for this stage

Better Practice Materials

Paper, guidelines and learning resources that support more precise, deliberate practice.

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Calligraphy Arts premium writing paper A4 210gsm

Calligraphy Arts premium writing paper A4 210gsm 2

Journals and Calligraphy Paper

Calligraphy Arts premium writing paper A4 210gsm

by Calligraphy Arts

£9.00

The Calligraphy Arts premium writing paper pad includes 25 sheets of ultra-smooth, acid-free 210gsm A4 paper, offering an excellent surface for calligraphy, creative lettering and polished finished pieces.

Seawhite bleed-proof marker pad 70gsm

Seawhite bleed-proof marker pad 70gsm 2

Journals and Calligraphy Paper

Seawhite bleed-proof layout marker pad 70gsm

by Seawhite of Brighton

£6.00

The Seawhite bleed-proof marker pad features 50 sheets of ultra-smooth 70gsm paper with a bright white finish, making it ideal for marker work, layout design, calligraphy planning and creative studio use.

Calligraphy Arts 50 sheets of tracing paper pad A4 60gsm

Journals and Calligraphy Paper

Calligraphy Arts tracing paper pad A4 60gsm

tracing-paper-pad

£10.50

The Calligraphy Arts tracing paper pad includes 50 sheets of high-quality acid-free A4 tracing paper, offering a smooth, strong and translucent surface for technical pens, markers, pencils and careful design work.

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Explore Another Calligraphy Style

Books, sets and specialist tools for branching into a new script or technique.

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4-week online evening calligraphy classes - November to December 2025

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4-week online evening calligraphy classes - September 2026

by Calligraphy Arts

online-evening-class-2026-september

£30.00

Online evening calligraphy classes – 7:00pm to 8:00pm – four week course Immerse yourself in the art of Calligraphy with our 4-week online course, running from 2nd September to 23rd September 2026 with live sessions held weekly on Zoom. Each class is carefully designed to build your skills, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your lettering...

Modern Calligraphy Taster - Online - 18th May 2025 (pm)

Workshops and Classes

Modern Calligraphy taster class online - 26th September 2026 am

by Calligraphy Arts

modern-calligraphy-taster-online-2026-09-26am

£25.00

Modern Calligraphy Taster Class Online - 26th September 2026 am Discover the art of Modern Calligraphy in our engaging Taster Session on 26th September 2026, from 10am to 12pm, hosted live on Zoom. Priced at just £25 per person, this session is tailored for beginners eager to learn the basics of Modern Calligraphy. You’ll explore essential techniques,...

4-week online evening calligraphy classes - November to December 2025

Home

4-week online evening calligraphy classes - Sept-Oct 2026

by Calligraphy Arts

online-evening-class-2026-sept-oct

£30.00

Online evening calligraphy classes – 7:00pm to 8:00pm – four week course Immerse yourself in the art of Calligraphy with our 4-week online course, running from 30th September to 21st October 2026 with live sessions held weekly on Zoom. Each class is carefully designed to build your skills, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your lettering...

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 17th August 2025

Workshops and Classes

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 12th September 2026

by Calligraphy Arts

anything-goes-calligraphy-12-09-2026

£65.00

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 12th September 2026 (10am - 4pm) Explore your creativity in our Anything Goes Calligraphy Class on 12th September 2026 at Calligraphy Arts HQ, Leicester Forest East. This class is perfect for those who want to experiment with a variety of calligraphy styles, tools, techniques, and even gold leaf embellishments in a...

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 17th August 2025

Workshops and Classes

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 18th October 2026

by Calligraphy Arts

anything-goes-calligraphy-18-10-2026

£65.00

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 18th October 2026 (10am - 4pm) Explore your creativity in our Anything Goes Calligraphy Class on 18th October 2026 at Calligraphy Arts HQ, Leicester Forest East. This class is perfect for those who want to experiment with a variety of calligraphy styles, tools, techniques, and even gold leaf embellishments in a fun...

Buy Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes - online class new ideas for 2026

Buy Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes - online class new ideas for 2026 2

Workshops and Classes

Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes - Online - 24th October 2026 (am)

by Calligraphy Arts

christmas-calligraphy-flourishes-online-2026-10-24am

£25.00

Fun Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes - Online 10am - 12pm An exciting online workshop for anyone wanting to move on their modern & copperplate work or for complete beginners who don’t want to start with traditional calligraphy. Learn calligraphy flourishes in our comfortable home surroundings in Leicester. Who is this course for? This course is...

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 17th August 2025

Workshops and Classes

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 7th November 2026

by Calligraphy Arts

anything-goes-calligraphy-07-11-2026

£65.00

Anything Goes Calligraphy Class - 7th November 2026 (10am - 4pm) Explore your creativity in our Anything Goes Calligraphy Class on 7th November 2026 at Calligraphy Arts HQ, Leicester Forest East. This class is perfect for those who want to experiment with a variety of calligraphy styles, tools, techniques, and even gold leaf embellishments in a fun...

Christmas fun calligraphy flourishes 2025

Christmas fun calligraphy flourishes 2025 2

Workshops and Classes

Fun Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes Workshop – 14th Nov 2026 (am)

by Calligraphy Arts

xmas-calligraphy-flourishes-2026-11-14am

£35.00

Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes in Leicester Forest East 10am - 12pm Join our festive Fun Christmas Calligraphy Flourishes Workshop on 14th November 2026 at Calligraphy Arts HQ in Leicester Forest East. Suitable for all skill levels, this hands-on class will guide you through creating beautiful holiday flourishes with confidence. Limited to just 8...

Modern Calligraphy Taster - Online - 18th May 2025 (pm)

Workshops and Classes

Modern Calligraphy taster class online - 24th October 2026 pm

by Calligraphy Arts

modern-calligraphy-taster-online-2026-10-24pm

£25.00

Modern Calligraphy Taster Class Online - 24th October 2026 pm Discover the art of Modern Calligraphy in our engaging Taster Session on 24th October 2026, from 1pm to 3pm, hosted live on Zoom. Priced at just £25 per person, this session is tailored for beginners eager to learn the basics of Modern Calligraphy. You’ll explore essential techniques,...

4-week online evening calligraphy classes - November to December 2025

Workshops and Classes

4-week online evening calligraphy classes - Oct-Nov 2026

by Calligraphy Arts

online-evening-class-2026-oct-nov

£30.00

Online evening calligraphy classes – 7:00pm to 8:00pm – four week course Immerse yourself in the art of Calligraphy with our 4-week online course, running from 28th October to 18th November 2026 with live sessions held weekly on Zoom. Each class is carefully designed to build your skills, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your lettering...