What to expect from one of my workshops

I have a bumper list of workshops coming up that will keep me busy right up to the summer.

I’ve even got some penciled in for the autumn!

I also have some amazing new images from a recent workshop I did at the Customs House in South Shields, taken by Corrina Atkinson Photography.

It’s the first time I’ve had professional shots of me running a workshop, so I thought I’d put them to good use and write a blog about what to expect when you sign up for one of my workshops.

 

I run a range of different sessions, which I’ve outlined below, but at each one you can be sure of a warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, good company and the chance to discover an enjoyable new skill.

There’s also usually coffee and cake, or tea and biscuits – or both!

If you’d like to read more from a participant’s point of view, there’s a lovely guest post from Michelle Nicol, who joined us at the Customs House, on the blog here.

 

Drop-in sessions

These are very much a taster session and I have mostly been asked to run them for the Cultural Spring as part of their consultation events.

I bring a bit of everything along and let people have a go for as little or a long as they want.

 

Workshops

These are the sessions I tend to hold the most and I’m always on the lookout for new venues!

They tend to last around three hours and in that time I’ll run through the basics of a particular calligraphy script, mixing demonstrations with one-to-one support and self-led practice.

It gives beginners an introduction to calligraphy and they can practice at home, or sign up for further workshops.

 

 

 

 

Courses

I started running 10-week courses for the Cultural Spring in Autumn 2015.

When the first phase of the programme came to an end, my class wanted to stay together, so we found a venue and now meet once a week, during school term time, at the Westoe Crown Community Hub in South Shields.

We focus on a particular calligraphy script each term, but with 20 hours in total, we have more time to study and perfect it.

We usually have some sort of project to work towards, such as a hand-lettered quote.

I’m hoping that another calligraphy course will feature in the second phase of the Cultural Spring project.

In the meantime, there are a couple of spots available for the next term at Westoe Crown Community Hub, starting in September 2017.

 

Private sessions

I’m always happy to chat to groups and organisations who are interested in doing a workshop at a time and place to suit them.

 

Equipment and materials

I provide a set of worksheets to each participant relating to the calligraphy style being taught.

You will also be provided with a calligraphy pen and ink.

If it’s a calligraphy script that requires a broad-edged pen, it will be a beginner’s cartridge pen set from Manuscript Pen Company, or a dip pen, nib and ink.

A dip pen, nib and ink will be provided for styles that require a pointed nib, such as copperplate.

Pencils and rulers will also be on hand, as well as a variety of paper – thinner stock for practising and thicker stock for any ‘final pieces’ people may wish to work on.

The paper and worksheets will all be beautifully packaged in a coral envelope so you can keep everything together.

 

 

 

 

After-care

I love to hear from people who have taken part in workshops and hopefully I’ll see them again!

Social media is a great way to share your progress and keep track of my workshops.

It’s also a good way to ask for tips and advice – along with e-mail, or just picking up the phone.

I also leave people with a list of useful websites, blogs and resources.

I can’t be held liable for future pen and ink addictions though!