January Learning | Calligraphy & Learning


You many remember from this post that I was going to have a year worth of learning and growing and it started in January with Lettering & Calligraphy. It’s no secret that I love pens, markers, stationary, so when I tried calligraphy before my wedding in an effort to possibly address our invites myself, I was surprised that it didn’t come that easily to me. I thought because I had pretty nice handwriting it would be easy to learn, it wasn’t! When I was in elementary school and learning how to write in cursive, I would come home and practice for hours and loved it. Oddly enough, I think my penmanship is one of my best qualities – kidding 😂!! 



After purchasing this book and this set of pens, I was ready to start my January challenge. The book was broken out in different calligraphy and lettering styles. Some pretty basic and it felt a little elementary to be practicing the alphabet, but then we got into the meatier letters and I finally understood the art behind calligraphy. I would set aside about 20 minutes every night for the first few weeks of January after I put Sophia down to unwind and practice. More than learning these new lettering styles, it was nice to have that time to really zone out and take some time out for myself – if nothing else it was very therapeutic. 




The outcome, well I’m not going to be starting an Etsy lettering shop anytime soon! Was it neat to learn something by basically teaching myself, absolutely, but I do think that practicing these lettering skills is key. I think I’ve learned that there are a few styles of lettering that I’m good at, but the true art of calligraphy is just not in my wheelhouse. I’ll definitely be able to make really fun boards for Sophia’s first day of school or even birthday posters, but as for doing things on the regular – it takes too much of my time because if it’s not exactly how I want it to look, I’m going to have to start over. 







How do you feel about calligraphy? Is it a talent you have or something you leave to others?


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19 Comments

  1. Andrea Nine
    February 5, 2020 / 12:10 pm

    I’m so proud of you! I learned calligraphy in six grade and have never stopped using it at times. It’s so beautiful to see pretty handwriting. Have a beautiful day!

  2. R's Rue
    February 5, 2020 / 1:07 pm

    Great job Biana.

  3. Beautifully Candid
    February 5, 2020 / 2:53 pm

    You are doing awesome! This is such a cool idea and your writing is going to look amazing. Sierra Beautifully Candid

  4. Brianne
    February 5, 2020 / 3:02 pm

    That kind of makes me want to try to learn it! Great job!

  5. Lisa
    February 5, 2020 / 3:36 pm

    I've done calligraphy for years, but there's a big difference in it and the lettering that's so popular now. You are right! It's hard and takes time…and when you're a perfectionist, it can drive you crazy. Good job teaching yourself a new skill! XO

  6. Nina
    February 5, 2020 / 3:48 pm

    Calligraphy is not my thing , especially in English , since this is my forth language , but you have done a great job with it.

    ninakobi.com

  7. Lindsay's Sweet World
    February 5, 2020 / 4:52 pm

    I just love how you're doing your goals for this year… it's so different and fun to follow along. I've never tried calligraphy but I'd love to… it would probably help with my chalkboard designs at least!

    I'm reeeeaaaally interested in this celery juicing you're doing this month. I've been seeing so many people doing this recently and I can't wait to hear what you think.

  8. ALLIE NYC
    February 5, 2020 / 4:54 pm

    Wow what a fun hobby to have. You are good at this. I would never be able to do this. I almost got left behind in grade school b/c my handwriting was so bad and still is. I am not a crafty person lol. That is why I stick to computers and digital photography.

    Allie of
    allienyc.com

  9. Rebecca Jo
    February 5, 2020 / 4:59 pm

    I think the cool think about handlettering is everyone has their own style… it doesnt have to be like everyone elses… & its all about practice. Handletter EVERYTHING you can – do it at least once a day – if its a quote or a song lyric – something to keep you going. I bought a package of card stock 4×6 cards & used those to practice on – so if you do like it, you can frame it 🙂

  10. Karly @ What Karly Said
    February 5, 2020 / 5:16 pm

    I think your lettering looks great! If nothing else, it's a great way to unwind and take some time for yourself.

    Karly
    whatkarlysaid.com

  11. Girl Meets Bow
    February 5, 2020 / 6:43 pm

    I love that you're challenging yourself to learn something new! I got a hand lettering book a few months ago but have yet to sit down and open it up. Maybe after the wedding when I have some more time!

  12. Missy
    February 5, 2020 / 10:49 pm

    This is awesome! I need to try this out. I think my handwriting is one of my better qualities as well, but can't do fun lettering easy!

  13. Shannon Jenkins
    February 6, 2020 / 4:12 am

    I love that you are learning something every month! I have been wanting to learn calligraphy!

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

  14. Nadine
    February 6, 2020 / 1:42 pm

    I love that you are learning all these new skills! Such a great way to invest in yourself! I know I would be awful at calligraphy. My handwriting is less than stellar and I don't have the patience. I would love to work on photoshop and other technical skills this year and really need to carve out some time.

  15. Elise Von E
    February 6, 2020 / 3:20 pm

    WOW, this s fantastic! I love all of your monthly goals.
    My regular handwriting is atrocious, I would be terrible at calligraphy!

    xx, Elise
    sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

  16. Sparkles and Lattes
    February 6, 2020 / 4:39 pm

    I remember learning calligraphy when I was younger. I would love to learn it again!

  17. julie @ jewelswandering.com
    February 6, 2020 / 10:18 pm

    I love that you're doing this!!! I'd be interested in trying calligraphy, but I think I'd suck at it. HA It's so important to keep learning at our age, it's so easy to let it slide but I do find myself to be happier when I am trying to learn something…! Good luck and can't wait to hear how the year goes!! And what you end up sticking with!!

  18. Carly
    February 7, 2020 / 12:11 am

    This is so fun & I can't wait to see your other months. When I tried to get into bullet journaling I wanted to be able to do fun lettering, but I have the worst handwriting, so it should have been no surprise I was NOT good at lettering. Your letters look so good!

  19. sara [at] journey of doing
    February 8, 2020 / 5:06 pm

    That's so fun!!! I'm glad you tried it – but I agree, it seems like something you would have to practice a LOT to get really good at. I love this idea of focusing on something for a month, too. I think I need to try and come up with a list like you. One of the things my PT wants me to do is find more things that I can enjoy doing to free up my mind from just work.