To Do

This page is to help me keep track of what I'd like to add to this blog... If there's something you'd like to see, let me know.


Future Lesson Posts:

One of the primary reasons I started this blog was to have a central location for my "lesson" articles. I periodically teach classes at events, and wanted a place to send students to where they could learn at their own pace. I've completed a lot of what I intended to, but I continually think of additional subjects:

1. Done on 12/26/13! How to use an AMES lettering guide. I've been asked to include a video as well...
2. Done on 11/17/14! Setting up a writing slope.
3. Revisit my gothic ductus and compare to the method in the model book of Gregorius Bock. (added 8/4/15)
4. Add a ductus for gothic capital letters (requested). (added 8/4/15)
5. How to size text & fit it into a given space.
6. Tips for left-handed calligraphers.
7. Hand analysis - compare & contrast multiple versions of scripts to learn & show how different scribes added their own personal touches.
8. Tips on the secretary hands.
9. Paper care and preparation.
10. Parchment care and preparation.
11. Nib care & maintenance.
12. Cutting quills. (added 8/4/15)

My own education & experimentation:

I'm continually working to improve my own knowledge and skill. Here are some of the many subjects on my personal "to do" list.

1. Period tools & materials:
• Working with real parchment, and perhaps learning how to make it. 
• 8/4/2015: I've completed several scrolls on real parchment now, and I love using it. Looking at the amount of work that goes into making it, that seems unlikely.
• Using & making iron gall or other period ink.
• 8/4/2015: I've been using Iron Gall ink for a while now. Love it. I have the supplies to make my own, but haven't yet.
• Experimentation started 12/29/13. Using & making quill pens.
• 8/4/2015: I'm getting very comfortable cutting and using quills. Almost to the preference of metal nibs. Cutting them is still a little hit or miss, and I can't tell if that's due to natural variation in the feathers or my technique. I plan on writing up a detailed page on how to cut quills at some point, but it will likely still be a while.
2. Period language:
• Abbreviations, symbols and ligatures. Learning when and how were they used.
3. Calligraphy:
• Cadels, flourishes and other pen-based decorations.
• 8/4/2015: As evidenced by my work on the Estrella War Gift Scroll, Bronwen's Laurel, and Frasier's Master of Defense, I'm becoming much more proficient at this.
• Knotwork & curved calligraphy.
• Better reproduction of period hands.
• Use guidelines in a period way at least once
• 8/4/2015: Done! I scored guidelines into the parchment and floated my lettering between the guides on Astryda's Laurel.
4. Period Knowledge:
• A better understanding of the history of calligraphy.
• Knowledge of period calligraphers and their styles.
• Knowledge of period scribe's tools.
• 8/4/2015: Added in response to my curiosity and research surrounding what tools period scribes used to draw ink guidelines.
5. Illumination:
• Marginalia.
• Rubrication.
• Versals.