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Calligraphy for Beginners: Hand Lettering Made Easy Using Faux Calligraphy
Would you like to learn calligraphy or hand lettering the easy way? Calligraphy is a hobby that can bring you so much joy, but it can also be very frustrating to learn in the beginning.
I know from experience. In the summer of 2016, I decided to learn hand lettering to create coloring pages for my book, Broken Crayons Still Color. I watched every video I could find and tried all the recommended techniques. However, no matter what I did, even with the best of pens, my lettering looked horrible.
Let's admit it: Learning calligraphy is not as easy as some of the artists online make it look.
And I was frustrated.
I continued my research and discovered faux calligraphy. I decided to use it, along with block lettering, to create my hand-drawn coloring pages.
What is Faux Calligraphy?
It's fake calligraphy. In my opinion, it is the easiest way to get started. You can achieve a beautiful outcome almost right away, even with your own handwriting.
In this book, Calligraphy for Beginners, I will walk you through the steps of how to get started as well as the mistakes to avoid.
In calligraphy, your letters will have thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes. With faux calligraphy, you simply add the thickness to your downstrokes after you write the letters. It's a three-step process you'll learn in chapter three.
Traditional calligraphy and brush lettering require months of consistent practice to train your hand and develop the muscle memory required to achieve the thick and thin strokes.
Even after years of practice, I continue to improve every day. And, honestly, I notice the difference in my lettering if I don't practice consistently for several weeks.
Therefore, if you want to achieve a beautiful outcome right away or need to use lettering for a project immediately (like I did), faux calligraphy is a great way to get started.
It's a fun way to add text to coloring pages and create beautiful artwork, hand-lettered cards, bookmarks, and so much more.
Bonus: As a bonus to this book, you get free access to my faux calligraphy online class ($39 value). To make it as easy as possible for you, I filmed a video demonstrating every letter in the alphabet. Plus, you can download my practice sheets to print off for reference and blank practice sheets for your own lettering.
Click the buy button and let's get started!
I know from experience. In the summer of 2016, I decided to learn hand lettering to create coloring pages for my book, Broken Crayons Still Color. I watched every video I could find and tried all the recommended techniques. However, no matter what I did, even with the best of pens, my lettering looked horrible.
Let's admit it: Learning calligraphy is not as easy as some of the artists online make it look.
And I was frustrated.
I continued my research and discovered faux calligraphy. I decided to use it, along with block lettering, to create my hand-drawn coloring pages.
What is Faux Calligraphy?
It's fake calligraphy. In my opinion, it is the easiest way to get started. You can achieve a beautiful outcome almost right away, even with your own handwriting.
In this book, Calligraphy for Beginners, I will walk you through the steps of how to get started as well as the mistakes to avoid.
In calligraphy, your letters will have thick downstrokes and thin upstrokes. With faux calligraphy, you simply add the thickness to your downstrokes after you write the letters. It's a three-step process you'll learn in chapter three.
Traditional calligraphy and brush lettering require months of consistent practice to train your hand and develop the muscle memory required to achieve the thick and thin strokes.
Even after years of practice, I continue to improve every day. And, honestly, I notice the difference in my lettering if I don't practice consistently for several weeks.
Therefore, if you want to achieve a beautiful outcome right away or need to use lettering for a project immediately (like I did), faux calligraphy is a great way to get started.
It's a fun way to add text to coloring pages and create beautiful artwork, hand-lettered cards, bookmarks, and so much more.
Bonus: As a bonus to this book, you get free access to my faux calligraphy online class ($39 value). To make it as easy as possible for you, I filmed a video demonstrating every letter in the alphabet. Plus, you can download my practice sheets to print off for reference and blank practice sheets for your own lettering.
Click the buy button and let's get started!
- GenresNonfictionArtSelf Help
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2018
About the author
Shelley Hitz
79 books237 followersShelley Hitz is an author of over 50 books. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.
She is also the owner of ChristianBookAcademy.com where she helps pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs get published and market their books.
Shelley's openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.
==> Connect with Shelley online at her website, www.ShelleyHitz.com.
She is also the owner of ChristianBookAcademy.com where she helps pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs get published and market their books.
Shelley's openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.
==> Connect with Shelley online at her website, www.ShelleyHitz.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 5, 2018
Far more than just a lettering book
I am a beginner when it comes to lettering and discovered that "Calligraphy for Beginners" is far more than just a lettering book. Shelley Hitz explains clearly the individual steps that are needed to create "faux calligraphy", far better than many internet sites or books that I consulted. Even so the book is short and easy to understand and contains also real-life examples by other artists.
Furthermore, the book is accomagnied by free access to Shelley's faux calligraphy online class with the accompagning videos and practice sheets as well as free access to her bonus library. I found the book and online course an extremly valuable tool to improve my letter writing skills.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by theauthor free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
I am a beginner when it comes to lettering and discovered that "Calligraphy for Beginners" is far more than just a lettering book. Shelley Hitz explains clearly the individual steps that are needed to create "faux calligraphy", far better than many internet sites or books that I consulted. Even so the book is short and easy to understand and contains also real-life examples by other artists.
Furthermore, the book is accomagnied by free access to Shelley's faux calligraphy online class with the accompagning videos and practice sheets as well as free access to her bonus library. I found the book and online course an extremly valuable tool to improve my letter writing skills.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by theauthor free of charge. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
July 7, 2018
I’ve see a LOT of “how to” books on lettering and calligraphy on the market. Let’s face it, it’s a popular topic. It’s beautiful, low tech and personal. But it’s also super daunting if you’re not even sure what an ascender is. You’ll know that and more after you read Shelley Hitz’s book Calligraphy for Beginners.
If you’re the type of person who researches ad nauseam BEFORE you purchase anything STOP RIGHT NOW. Get Shelley’s book and be done with that uber time wasting because then you can use that time to relish finding a lettering “how to” for real people from those who are just curious to those who plan to bring in the bucks from their efforts in the future.
Shelley’s seven chapters cover supplies, the history of the mechanics of lettering and other very specific topics. You don’t drown in them because she’s excellent at sharing what you need to know, explaining it, giving you an example and moving to the next step – all without you feeling rushed or going, “What did she mean by that?”
The accompanying video training really works for me because I need to do more than read about “how to” … I need to see it.
For perfectionists out there she even includes a list of the top 7 mistakes to avoid in the wonderful world of your lettering adventure.
She encourages reader to start with a process she calls “faux calligraphy” and encourages readers by reminding them starting with your own handwriting is a great place to start!
Shelley does not overwhelm readers with myriad supply needs so cost doesn’t have to be a speed bump or prevent them from beginning. With links to practice sheets, it’s all there.
My biggest “ah ha” moment was realizing that I was making the process complicated and that with Shelley’s help, I could practice and grow in my own hand lettering, feel successful and even have the courage to share it with others!
I highly recommend Calligraphy for Beginners. I think you will, too, after getting it and using it!
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
If you’re the type of person who researches ad nauseam BEFORE you purchase anything STOP RIGHT NOW. Get Shelley’s book and be done with that uber time wasting because then you can use that time to relish finding a lettering “how to” for real people from those who are just curious to those who plan to bring in the bucks from their efforts in the future.
Shelley’s seven chapters cover supplies, the history of the mechanics of lettering and other very specific topics. You don’t drown in them because she’s excellent at sharing what you need to know, explaining it, giving you an example and moving to the next step – all without you feeling rushed or going, “What did she mean by that?”
The accompanying video training really works for me because I need to do more than read about “how to” … I need to see it.
For perfectionists out there she even includes a list of the top 7 mistakes to avoid in the wonderful world of your lettering adventure.
She encourages reader to start with a process she calls “faux calligraphy” and encourages readers by reminding them starting with your own handwriting is a great place to start!
Shelley does not overwhelm readers with myriad supply needs so cost doesn’t have to be a speed bump or prevent them from beginning. With links to practice sheets, it’s all there.
My biggest “ah ha” moment was realizing that I was making the process complicated and that with Shelley’s help, I could practice and grow in my own hand lettering, feel successful and even have the courage to share it with others!
I highly recommend Calligraphy for Beginners. I think you will, too, after getting it and using it!
I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2025
By and large, this book is an advert for the author's website and courses. I didn't do a deep dive into the resources she links to but I did download some. The beginners guide was simply the text in this book. The practice sheet might be useful. The videos are available on YouTube, without entering your email address (unlike the other items unfortunately, reinforcing the sense that this offer is de facto an advert).
However, the info she provided was decent - clear and concise, yet sufficiently detailed to support the creation of something attractive. I liked the troubleshooting, including the reminder to allow yourself to be a beginner, with all that entails. Not bad for a freebie.
The author's material does have a Christian slant; do bear this in mind.
However, the info she provided was decent - clear and concise, yet sufficiently detailed to support the creation of something attractive. I liked the troubleshooting, including the reminder to allow yourself to be a beginner, with all that entails. Not bad for a freebie.
The author's material does have a Christian slant; do bear this in mind.
June 23, 2018
Hand Lettering Made Easy — Even For This Novice!
Finally, a hand-lettering guide for those who've always wanted to try but didn't know where to begin. Right from the get-go, the author is quick to point out that fancy tools are not necessary (insert sigh of relief)! From that point forward, she makes learning easy and fun, starting with a brief but fascinating overview of modern calligraphy, emphasizing that calligraphy is NOT handwriting but an art form.
Next, she moves onto the steps for creating the alphabet using faux calligraphy techniques and even offers downloadable sheets to help you practice your new skills. The author follows this up with some common mistakes to keep in mind — which are very helpful at any stage — and tips for lettering a phrase and integrating faux calligraphy with your own handwriting.
I especially found the real-life examples inspiring — which offered a glimpse into fun projects I might just want to try a hand at in the (near) future, as well as next-steps and bonus resources.
Overall, there is A LOT packed into this little book — I highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying their hand at hand-lettering — Calligraphy for Beginners is a great place to start!
Finally, a hand-lettering guide for those who've always wanted to try but didn't know where to begin. Right from the get-go, the author is quick to point out that fancy tools are not necessary (insert sigh of relief)! From that point forward, she makes learning easy and fun, starting with a brief but fascinating overview of modern calligraphy, emphasizing that calligraphy is NOT handwriting but an art form.
Next, she moves onto the steps for creating the alphabet using faux calligraphy techniques and even offers downloadable sheets to help you practice your new skills. The author follows this up with some common mistakes to keep in mind — which are very helpful at any stage — and tips for lettering a phrase and integrating faux calligraphy with your own handwriting.
I especially found the real-life examples inspiring — which offered a glimpse into fun projects I might just want to try a hand at in the (near) future, as well as next-steps and bonus resources.
Overall, there is A LOT packed into this little book — I highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying their hand at hand-lettering — Calligraphy for Beginners is a great place to start!
July 3, 2018
If you've ever been interested in hand lettering and didn't know where to start, this is it! The format is simple and it gets you writing beautifully in no time. The pages are easy to follow. Lots of good info and content! You will find so many fun uses for faux calligraphy! Before long you'll be writing it everywhere! Wonderful book! I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2018
I have at least 12 different lettering books and this one is one of my favorites. Not only does Shelley offer a comprehensive lettering guide she also included videos and downloadable practice sheets. It just doesn’t get better than that. I highly recommend this book to anyone whether you are just starting out in your lettering journey or you are a seasoned letterer.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 20, 2018
If you're looking for a simple, yet practical guide to faux calligraphy lettering, this book is for you. Shelly Hitz keeps it easy and super fun to start your own lettering journey. It's filled with simple to follow tips and practices sheets for lettering. I love that it comes with encouragement to create no matter your age or stage of life. It also comes with access to a video lettering bonus course as well as some block lettering sheets. Much of what you need to get started on your lettering journey is in this book!
It's a quick read, but the lettering you can do can last a life time, and I love that. I find that I now letter something daily. It's become a personal practice. Thank you Shelley! You're book and courses are the reason I am able to create my own lettered art pieces and coloring pages. It's also beginning to open doors into other areas to share my art as a way of highlighting positive messages. *I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I think you'll find this book very helpful.
It's a quick read, but the lettering you can do can last a life time, and I love that. I find that I now letter something daily. It's become a personal practice. Thank you Shelley! You're book and courses are the reason I am able to create my own lettered art pieces and coloring pages. It's also beginning to open doors into other areas to share my art as a way of highlighting positive messages. *I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I think you'll find this book very helpful.
June 26, 2018
Great for beginners
I'm not an artist,but this inspirational book inspires me to try. Simple clear instructions, tons of resources and encouraging guidance. Love the examples of all we could with this new skill.
I'm not an artist,but this inspirational book inspires me to try. Simple clear instructions, tons of resources and encouraging guidance. Love the examples of all we could with this new skill.
June 26, 2018
Learn Faux Calligraphy Quickly
This book gives three easy steps to turn your hand written letters into artistic lettering. The author offers worksheets and on line classes to improve your skills. An interesting bonus is samples of Faux Calligraphy by different artists.
This book gives three easy steps to turn your hand written letters into artistic lettering. The author offers worksheets and on line classes to improve your skills. An interesting bonus is samples of Faux Calligraphy by different artists.
July 8, 2018
I was a little disappointed by the contents of the ebook 'Calligraphy for Beginners: Handlettering made Easy using Faux Calligraphy' as I was expecting a lot more instructions. There was only about one third of the ebook showing me how to do the calligraphy with the other two thirds in describing what I could do with the skills I had gained. And I wasn't very keen on how the author kept making reference to resources on her website e.g. the practice sheets. I would have preferred all the resources provided in one place.
Probably the two best parts of the book for me that raised the rating to three stars was explaining how to use lines on practice sheets; and how to do the strokes on the lettering. The video explained the lettering quite well as well.
I was provided the ebook by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Probably the two best parts of the book for me that raised the rating to three stars was explaining how to use lines on practice sheets; and how to do the strokes on the lettering. The video explained the lettering quite well as well.
I was provided the ebook by the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 30, 2019
Fire 🔥Reignited
I used to love calligraphy and watercolor art in middle and high school. ☺ However, I got married, had kids and unfortunately got divorced. Post-divorce , I have been rediscovering myself for the past 14 months. I got notification of this book as a result of reading Shelley's other book, 'Broken Crayons Still Color'. The minute I saw the cover, a fire reignited within my soul for hand lettering. After reading 📚 reading through the book, I'm overwhelmed with creative inspiration to follow-up on a childhood dream.😇 Thank you Shelley Hitz!!!!
I used to love calligraphy and watercolor art in middle and high school. ☺ However, I got married, had kids and unfortunately got divorced. Post-divorce , I have been rediscovering myself for the past 14 months. I got notification of this book as a result of reading Shelley's other book, 'Broken Crayons Still Color'. The minute I saw the cover, a fire reignited within my soul for hand lettering. After reading 📚 reading through the book, I'm overwhelmed with creative inspiration to follow-up on a childhood dream.😇 Thank you Shelley Hitz!!!!
July 11, 2018
A great book for someone who has been wanting to try calligraphy, but has also been intimidated by the complicated steps and expensive supplies. Shelley takes you step-by-step through the entire process, using a simple pen and showing you that it doesn't have to be so complicated. I love all the bonus material that comes with the book. I'm excited to use it all to continue my hand lettering journey. *I was provided with this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2018
A short, fun read, with clear and simple instructions for getting started in faux calligraphy. There are lots of pictures to help with the how-t0's and ideas for where this can go creatively.
I am not particularly artistic, but I enjoyed the book anyway. I am filing it away as information I might find useful later on. One just never knows how something like this might come in handy in the future!
I am not particularly artistic, but I enjoyed the book anyway. I am filing it away as information I might find useful later on. One just never knows how something like this might come in handy in the future!
December 5, 2019
I did not find this book to be helpful. She gave very little clear guidance or technical advice outside of the structure of how to make and understand a practice work sheet. She did briefly discuss upstrokes versus downstrokes but the entire book is a run on sentence. Summary: Calligraphy is hard, you can fake it by making an outline and then making some parts thicker.
August 1, 2018
It didn't have a lot of examples and it was really short.
It should have more examples and should be longer.
Since it don't have more examples and because it was short I don't really care for it.
It should have more examples and should be longer.
Since it don't have more examples and because it was short I don't really care for it.
August 6, 2018
Great book. Easy instructions.
I really enjoyed this informative book. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their writing skills. It's easy and fast. Just takes practice.
I really enjoyed this informative book. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their writing skills. It's easy and fast. Just takes practice.
October 21, 2018
Ready, Set and GO!
This is precisely what I needed to get started! I have always been a doodler but this is moving me to create artwork instead of just doodling! Even with the practice it is under and hour, so GO!
This is precisely what I needed to get started! I have always been a doodler but this is moving me to create artwork instead of just doodling! Even with the practice it is under and hour, so GO!
November 6, 2018
More one big advert than anything useful
Mostly references to other resources or books. Very little information beyond do thicker downstrokes and thinner upstrokes and to fake it just thicken out the downstroke by going over it.
Mostly references to other resources or books. Very little information beyond do thicker downstrokes and thinner upstrokes and to fake it just thicken out the downstroke by going over it.
October 16, 2019
Great Starting Point
If your trying this style of writing out then this is a great book to start with. If I was starting out then I would start here, this will let you know if you want to go more deeper into this style of Calligraphy.
If your trying this style of writing out then this is a great book to start with. If I was starting out then I would start here, this will let you know if you want to go more deeper into this style of Calligraphy.
November 4, 2019
More like a marketing / promotional material
There was just one page with how to write letters in faux calligraphy. EVERY OTHER PAGE was about how there is so much info on her website blah blah.
There was just one page with how to write letters in faux calligraphy. EVERY OTHER PAGE was about how there is so much info on her website blah blah.
February 22, 2023
Decent book but nothing spectacular.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 3 only bc the book was put together well, even if the content inside wasn't as educational as was portrayed. The information is quite redundant and can be found all over pinterest and its many boards ... for FREE.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 3 only bc the book was put together well, even if the content inside wasn't as educational as was portrayed. The information is quite redundant and can be found all over pinterest and its many boards ... for FREE.
January 6, 2024
Good basics
Not quite as cut and dried as I expected. Focus on non cursive letters rather than handwriting but showed beauty examples of handwriting with minimal information on how to adjust. Could have explained tips, tricks and pitfalls with script
Not quite as cut and dried as I expected. Focus on non cursive letters rather than handwriting but showed beauty examples of handwriting with minimal information on how to adjust. Could have explained tips, tricks and pitfalls with script
July 3, 2018
A quick and easy start
The author takes what has appeared to be such a hard art and breaks it into easy steps. If you can print, you can do faux calligraphy.
The author takes what has appeared to be such a hard art and breaks it into easy steps. If you can print, you can do faux calligraphy.
July 11, 2018
Awesome resource for learning hand lettering. Also, there are great practice worksheets that are free to download.
July 12, 2018
Very quick results!
I love the instant gratification I get using Shelly's Faux Calligraphy! I am excited to continue to use all the help in this book to improve my hand lettering.
I love the instant gratification I get using Shelly's Faux Calligraphy! I am excited to continue to use all the help in this book to improve my hand lettering.
July 17, 2018
I must have needed to practice as I read, but I just wanted to know how to use calligraphy. It will benefit me more when I try it myself. Thanks anyway, Shelley.
August 15, 2018
Very interesting
Lots of helpful advice. And even links for freebies like practice pages and video classes that are worth your time.
Lots of helpful advice. And even links for freebies like practice pages and video classes that are worth your time.
October 15, 2018
great
excellent book informative plenty of help and guidance easy to follow ideal for beginners to advanced worth its
five stars
excellent book informative plenty of help and guidance easy to follow ideal for beginners to advanced worth its
five stars
March 22, 2019
Not a good book for beginners, gives no real help in learning calligraphy
December 26, 2019
Brilliant
I love this book. Shelley included awesome information & simple, easy to follow steps for lettering. Additional bonus resources & online courses are much appreciated.
I love this book. Shelley included awesome information & simple, easy to follow steps for lettering. Additional bonus resources & online courses are much appreciated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews