Category Archives: Current

April 23rd Meeting (In-Person): Ruling Pen Rules! with Emmanuel Buron

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Exploring the Ruling Pen: A Calligraphic Adventure
April 23, 2025 | 7:30-9:00pm

Location: Peace Church 659 E 52nd Ave E, Vancouver, BC V5X 1G8

RULING PEN RULES!

Join us for “Exploring the Ruling Pen: A Calligraphic Adventure,” an interactive session designed for all skill levels to tap into their artistic side. Discover the versatility of the ruling pen, originally used for drawing lines, now a tool for creating diverse lettering styles.

Participants will discover the different types of vintage ruling pens and learn fundamental techniques, including proper pen grip and arm movements, to enhance their writing quality. The session includes exercises for pen control, expressive strokes, and insights on ink and paper choices. No prior experience is needed—just bring your passion for calligraphy and unleash your creativity

RULING PEN RULES!

March 26, 2025 Program (In-Person): Folk Art and More! with Violet Smythe

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Folk Art and More! Pilot Parallel Pen Session With Violet Smythe

March 26, 2025  7:00-9:00pm Pacific
Location: Peace Church, 659 52 AVE E, Vancouver, BC V5X 1G8

**The link to the recording of Violet’s presentation, handout and demo sheets are available in the Members-only section as of March 28th, 2025 for a limited period.**

PROGRAM INFORMATION

In this fun session you will learn about pen manipulation and stroke work with a Folk
Art, Valentine and Floral theme in mind. The tool of choice… the Pilot Parallel Pen. The unique nib was designed specifically for calligraphy and lettering practice. The design allows the user to create thin lines or very thick strokes with just a flick of the wrist, and is the perfect tool not just for calligraphy but design work as well.

Are you new to the Westcoast Calligraphy Society? We warmly invite guests to attend one of our in-person meetings for a complimentary first visit! To ensure we’re prepared to welcome you, please email our membership chair in advance: membership@westcoastcalligraphy.com

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

  • 6.0mm Pilot Parallel pen (or 4.5mm or 3.8mm)
  • Layout paper that takes your favourite ink (Violet will be working with a variety of inks including fountain pen ink)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Compass
  • Watercolour
  • White gouache
  • Palette
  • Brush for loading
  • Water container
  • Paper towels

OPTIONAL

  • Cardstock and/or watercolour paper

HANDOUTS

  • The handouts for the session has been emailed to members and is also available for download in the members-only section of the website.

February 26, 2025 Program (via Zoom): Let’s Get Knotty! with Valerie Akkerman

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Let’s Get Knotty! with Valerie Akkerman

February 26, 2025  7:00-9:00pm Pacific
The recording is available on the Members-Only page until April 28th, 2025.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

In this class, we will discover the intricacies and versatility of the Celtic Knot. We will start with the basics of knot construction, progress through more complex traditional design, and then finish with techniques to incorporate these skills into modern freeform shapes. As time allows, we will also briefly cover various ways to embellish and colour your designs.

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

  • Mechanical pencil
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Graph paper
  • Sketch paper or printer paper
  • Fine-liner (Valerie uses Micron)

OPTIONAL TOOLS
Compass, Protractor or similar circle maker

Note: Valerie will be covering several ways to create knots, so you might get to use some other things in your studio! One of the nice things about Zoom meetings.

December 7th – Christmas Tea Social 2024

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Save the date for our Christmas Tea Social:
10:00am – 12:00pm
December 7, 2024
Location: Peace Church
Christmas Social 2024 - December 7th

Click the image to view the full size.

If you wish to participate in the optional Christmas Card Exchange, you may please sign up here by November 15, 2024.

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with fellow calligraphy enthusiasts, share your love of lettering, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the holidays. 

We look forward to celebrating with you all!

 

November 27, 2024 Zoom Meeting

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Please join us for our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at 6:45pm, followed by our program:

The Grid Game with Cindy Haller: VIA ZOOM

Cindy explores a variety of grid options to organize and group elements in a design for calligraphers. Whether the design is broadside or holiday card, Cindy provides time-tested solutions with historical references, along with reminders of the elements and principles of design. If time permits, a simple celtic knot may be incorporated into the program.

The Grid Game with Cindy Haller

November Meeting – The Grid Game with Cindy Haller

Basic Supplies: 

  • Pencil, Eraser, 12” ruler, 12 inch 45/90 Triangle 
  • Grid paper – suggestion: 8 squares/inch 
  • Layout paper thin enough to see guidelines underneath 
  • Two paper clips to clip layout paper to grid handouts 

Optional materials to Follow Along: 

  • Light pad 
  • Square template w/multiple square openings 
  • Colored pencils, regular or water soluble with a water brush 
  • Black Micron pen – 01, 02 or 03 
  • Colored gel pens 

October 23, 2024 Program: Hands-On Watermedia Workshop w/ Holbein, Legion Paper and General Pencil

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Postponed from September, this meeting is for members only**. The Holbein, Legion Paper, & General Pencil Brand Ambassador Workshop is a hands-on workshop for artists of all levels and experience from beginner to professional. Along with the instructor, these guided workshops are a learning experience where attendees have the opportunity to experiment with and learn about many different materials. This Watermedia Workshop will focus on Holbein Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic Gouache, and Watercolor Mediums, as well as Legion’s Stonehenge Aqua and Yupo papers, and an assortment of General Pencil materials.

All Materials are provided!

What will you need to bring?

  • water container, paper towels, small palette for mixing
  • brushes – for watercolour media – 1 round and 1 flat; 1 brush for acrylic gouache – either flat or round, your choice, but note that you should not use your watercolour brushes for acrylics and vise versa
  • your choice of calligraphy pens/dip pens, like pointed pen, broad edge, etc.

**Your registration from the September meeting has been transferred to this meeting.

Library Opens 7 pm
Meeting starts 7:30 pm