Create Calligraphy with a Normal Pen!
Anyone can create calligraphy with this easy "faux calligraphy" tutorial and any pen you have around!

Posted by Erin M. from Los Angeles, California, United States • Published 23rd June 2015 • See Erin M.'s 7 projects »

Step 1
Write what you want in cursive. You can do a pencil sketch if you feel you need to, first, or you can just start with the pen. Also, feel free to look up cursive/script fonts available online for some reference, that's how I started! On the black paper, I use the Dritz Quilting Soapstone Pencil that can be found on Amazon.com, this is my favorite for dark papers because it can be wiped away with a cloth--no erasing needed!
Step 2
This is what your first step will look like when using light paper and a pen. I use the smaller side of the ZIG Writer double sided pen, which can be found in most craft stores.
Step 3

Here's a video of the first step on black paper--I find watching videos always help when first learning something artistic!
Step 4
Next, you will want to create an outline for where your "downstrokes" will go. Thick downstrokes are what make calligraphy look like it does--downstrokes are just any place on a letter where your pen goes down when you write the letter. When you start, you may want to create an outline right after you create each letter to help you remember where your pen moves down.
Step 5

Now fill in your outlines. When doing this on black paper, you will want to press the pen very lightly to the paper and move it in circular motions until completely filled. When using the ZIG pen on light paper, it won't matter which way you do this.
Step 6
Wipe away the soapstone pencil and you're done!