Cola Pens – what can you do with them

Beginners are very welcome to most of my classes. Many people attending a calligraphy class are trying it for the first time and it never hurts to be a beginner for a while, even when you have done a calligraphy class. Try a beginners class again to refine your letters. In an introductory calligraphy class, you will learn the foundational strokes and simple letterforms step by step before moving into words and small creative projects.

Beginners should look for classes that cover basic strokes and letterforms given by calligraphers. Options include classes at local art studios, community colleges, and online platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and YouTube. Searching for calligraphy classes near me or caligraphy workshops will help you to find local options.

It’s always better to sit with a calligrapher if you can.  Seeing the pen in action and tweaking your individual attempts goes so much quicker in person.

Sometimes there is no distinction!

A calligraphy workshop usually focuses on learning a specific technique or script in a structured way. A workshop is normally more intense.

A calligraphy class or gathering may be more relaxed and creative, allowing participants to explore making cards, journal pages, or small artworks while learning techniques.

I always supply everything in my beginner classes.  Buy as little as possible if you ae starting out.  See my link on basic supplies here:

https://leesetteturner.com/faq-items/what-to-pack-or-bring-to-a-calligraphy-class

A starter calligraphy kit may typically include a dip pen holder, a selection of nibs (broad-edge for Gothic or Italic styles, pointed for Copperplate), ink, and practice paper. Brush pens like the Tombow Fudenosuke or Pentel are a popular beginner alternative. Search terms like calligraphy pens, caligraphy set, or calligraphy supplies for beginners will find good starter kits online. Don’t go crazy and buy until you are sure this is what you want to do!

In all my classes, I will show you exactly what you need and why. Each class gives a list of the supplies or materials which may be needed or recommended. Don’t fall into the trap of buying lots of equipment you don’t need or will never use.  It’s expensive.  In lots of my beginners classes, I supply all the equipment so that you can try out without having to buy anything.  I also try and curate exactly what you need to help you through this.

Normal calligraphy equipment

“Normal” doesn’t mean professional or expensive. It means familiar.

In calligraphy, familiar tools help you settle faster, listen better, and focus on the marks rather than the equipment. If something more specific is needed, it’s normally named clearly, otherwise, your usual tools are enough.

Basics

• Pencil HB, B. or a propelling pencil
• Ruler
• Paper (bond for layout, paper of your choice or that specified for the workshop)
• Small cloth or wipes for spills
• Apron
• Eraser
• Fine liner
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Bone folder
• Old brush(es) for mixing, loading
• Add a small mixing container (if taking paint to mix)
• A container for water

Paper

• Layout paper
• Good paper for a final piece

Pens

Depending on the workshop, choose one (if it is a workshop where you are working on expression you may want to choose more than one in each group) Sometimes it is useful to have. A few sizes

Pen holder and a few nibs for:

• Pointed pen
• Broad pen: One or two broad‑edge nibs (any size you enjoy)
• Pilot parallel if you have

Brushes

• Pointed brush
• Broad brush
• Loading brush, inexpensive (if you are using gouache or watercolour to write with, you may want to have. a loading brush)

Ink/gouache

This will depend on your preference, or what is specified.  If nothing is specified take black.

If colour will be used, don’t take more than 3 colours, unless specified

Ink (can always decant a small quantity into a leakproof bottle)

Paints: gouache, watercolour or acrylic (3 colours)

Optional Tools

Packing these will depend on your style and also the workshop you will attend, and your personal preference

• Fineliner (black)
• Gel pens (metallics, black, white gold, if you have)
• Wider instruments
• Cola/ folded pen
• Ruling pen
• Foam brush
• Balsa wood
• Carpenter’s pencils
• Additional nibs you enjoy

Less is sometimes more!

A good beginners class will get you to learn the basics. With 15–20 minutes of daily practice, most beginners can internalise letterforms within 2–4 weeks. A confident, consistent style typically develops over 6–12 months. Styles like Copperplate and Spencerian have a steeper learning curve, while brush calligraphy is generally more accessible for beginners.