MANUSCRIPT: First Ever World Calligraphy Day 2017 + GIVEAWAY!

This year marks the first ever World Calligraphy Day on Wednesday 16th August 2017 launched by Manuscript Pen Company. There are going to be many events and workshops taking place around the world, but mainly at the Pen Museum in Birmingham. Since around Christmas time I have been trying to teach myself the art of calligraphy, as it is a skill that I would love to acquire. I think my love for calligraphy started when it came to planning my wedding over 3 years ago, with so many table plans/place cards/menus/invitations using it beautifully. But when it came to trying it for myself I quickly learnt how tricky it is, spending hours watching and replaying videos on how to write the alphabet in calligraphy.

Calligraphy and hand lettering is at the centre of what Manuscript do and as the art has become very popular over the past few years they are encouraging everyone to try it for themselves. My husband gave me the Manuscript Calligraphy Compendium Fountain Pen Set for Christmas after I had been expressing how much I'd love to be able to do it myself, which is why since then I had been taking some precious 'me time' to teach myself. I certainly haven't mastered it, but have really enjoyed having a go and trying to learn a new skill. 

I was kindly sent the Compact Callicreative Duotips by Manuscript and have been practising my calligraphy skills in readiness for World Calligraphy Day. It's been so much fun playing around with colour, especially as the pens are so easy to use for a beginner like me. No chance of ink getting everywhere or spilling!

I've even had a go at creating my own birthday cards using my beginners version of calligraphy. What do you think?

You can join Manuscript Pen Company to celebrate the art of calligraphy and hand lettering in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. At the Pen Museum there is a chance to discover the history behind the art, as well learn from the experts in designated workshops and demonstrations. There will be an array of different writing instruments for you to try out, which is ideal if you're new to calligraphy and want to find the pen for you. The event is free (11am-4pm on 16th August) so well worth going to if you live in the local area or planning a visit to Birmingham. 

Below are some details for the workshops going on during the day:

12pm – 12.30pm – Handwriting Workshop  for children with Alice Mazilli of Ampersand Alice

1pm – 1.30pm – Modern Calligraphy for Beginners with Artsynibs

2pm – 2.30pm – Hand Lettering Work Shop with Rob Draper

3pm – 3.30pm – Traditional Calligraphy Workshop with Stephen Duckett

If you can't make it to the Pen Museum then you can still take part in World Calligraphy Day by using the hashtag #WorldCalligraphyDay and #ManuscriptWCD - there will be lots of activities and competitions going on all over social media, so get involved!

I've also been pinning away with loads of calligraphy and hand lettering inspiration if you want to have a go yourself - click here to see the board.

I have teamed up with Manuscript to offer one lucky person a chance to win a Manuscript Modern Calligraphy Set and a pack of Calligraphy Creative Duo Tips Marker Pens! This prize is just what you need if you're looking at starting to learn calligraphy or simply want to give it a go.

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions - UK only I'm afraid. There is one winner. When the winner is announced I will email them and they'll have 24 hours to respond. In the case that a response isn't received within 24 hours another winner will be picked. I will pass the winner's details on the PR company, who will send out the prize directly.

Have you ever given calligraphy a go before?

Feel free to leave a comment - I love reading every single one :)

Helen x