Happy Hand Lettering: Simple Calligraphy Techniques to Bring Your Words to Life

by Jen Wagner

Create a More Beautiful World with a Little Hand-Lettered Love!

Messages from your own hand are an intimate and powerful means of expression and communication. Happy Hand Lettering offers you instruction and encouragement to begin creating beautifully written words right away. From selecting the best tools and supplies, to forming your first simple letters, everything you need to begin your calligraphic journey is here.

   • Learn beginning-level techniques for brush lettering, nib lettering and modern lettering as you progress from strokes to letters and from words to phrases.
   • Discover ideas for using your new lettering skills in a practical way--envelopes, gift tags, decor and more.
   • Brush up on composition basics, typography terms and an exploration of a variety of mediums.
Enjoy the process of learning something new. Start crafting hopeful and happy messages today!

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Design

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2017

Reviews

[Nikolaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good place to start for absolute beginners (like me). It has insight on cursive, serif, and sans serif alphabets as well as the very basics of pen and brush lettering. I'd say it's a good primer to the topic for when you're first starting, but anyone beyond a beginner skill level probably won't gain much (if any) from this book.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book detailed three different types of hand lettering: printing with thin markers, cursive brush strokes with watercolour, and traditional calligraphy with ink and nibs.

I was hoping for more variety of alphabet style examples.

[Ching · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yup, definitely simple. And for beginners. If you're looking for new or different lettering styles and inspirations, this is not for you. If you have ZERO knowledge about modern lettering/typography, then maybe.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

J. Wagner has a knack for making her projects look so simple, and yet so elegant. Hopefully, I can emulate some of her lettering techniques for future handiwork, cards, and crafts.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide and inspo for beginners!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outlines the basics of three types of writing: pen nib and ink, watercolor and brush calligraphy, and fine tip/felt tip marker. Also includes basic pointers on font type and composing words/phrases, as well as project ideas. I played around with some of it but I’d need to purchase more specific supplies to really get the desired effect. I wish the book has included practice alphabets instead of making you go to her website and download them, though they are still free. I’d pick this book up again.

[Joy W]

Guess what I'm trying to learn?!