Introduction to Copperplate Calligraphy with Laura Di Piazza Fall 2025

$170.00
sold out

In this intensive weekend workshop we will learn and practice copperplate calligraphy. 

Copperplate, a pointed-pen hand, was developed in 16th century England and has retained its popularity since. A variation of copperplate calligraphy can be seen in the body of the US Declaration of Independence. 

We will work with an oblique pen holder, pointed pen nib, ink, t-square, and practice paper with slant lines. Our main focus will be applying varying amounts of pressure to our pens to produce thick (shaded) and thin (hairline) strokes and we’ll learn how each letter and digit are constructed; stroke by stroke. We will begin our practice with minuscule letters on day 1 and majuscule letters on day 2. Letters will be grouped according to similar letterforms and not alphabetically. Feel free to bring in your favorite quote and/or project ideas for practice and/or discussion.

This class is open to beginners as well as calligraphers looking for a refresher. 

Dates: Saturday & Sunday October 4–5, 2025
Time: 10am - 3pm (New York Time)
Price: $170 ($150 + $20 supplies)
Member Price: $130
Max Enrollment: 15 students
Location: SVA Annex, 214 E. 21st Street, Room TBD

In an effort to reduce waste (shipping & packaging materials) the instructor will bring in all supplies needed for this class and the materials fee will be included in the class tuition.

Skills + Techniques

  • Letter with varying amounts of pressure to produce hairline and bold strokes

  • Learn and practice the construction of copperplate letterforms stroke by stroke

  • Learn how to letter using a pointed pen nib, oblique pen holder, and ink 

  • Instruction on how to create copperplate guidelines to assist in keeping your lettering uniform and straight

Waitlist signups will be notified in order if a space becomes available.

In this intensive weekend workshop we will learn and practice copperplate calligraphy. 

Copperplate, a pointed-pen hand, was developed in 16th century England and has retained its popularity since. A variation of copperplate calligraphy can be seen in the body of the US Declaration of Independence. 

We will work with an oblique pen holder, pointed pen nib, ink, t-square, and practice paper with slant lines. Our main focus will be applying varying amounts of pressure to our pens to produce thick (shaded) and thin (hairline) strokes and we’ll learn how each letter and digit are constructed; stroke by stroke. We will begin our practice with minuscule letters on day 1 and majuscule letters on day 2. Letters will be grouped according to similar letterforms and not alphabetically. Feel free to bring in your favorite quote and/or project ideas for practice and/or discussion.

This class is open to beginners as well as calligraphers looking for a refresher. 

Dates: Saturday & Sunday October 4–5, 2025
Time: 10am - 3pm (New York Time)
Price: $170 ($150 + $20 supplies)
Member Price: $130
Max Enrollment: 15 students
Location: SVA Annex, 214 E. 21st Street, Room TBD

In an effort to reduce waste (shipping & packaging materials) the instructor will bring in all supplies needed for this class and the materials fee will be included in the class tuition.

Skills + Techniques

  • Letter with varying amounts of pressure to produce hairline and bold strokes

  • Learn and practice the construction of copperplate letterforms stroke by stroke

  • Learn how to letter using a pointed pen nib, oblique pen holder, and ink 

  • Instruction on how to create copperplate guidelines to assist in keeping your lettering uniform and straight

 

Please note that registration will open on September 1st and close on October 1st, 2025.

Cancellation policy: Cancellations are allowed at any time, however refunds will only be issued if there is a waitlisted student who will fill your place.
Sickness: If you are registered and need to miss one class due to sickness (we’d rather you stay home and rest!), you are welcome to sit in a future session of the same workshop as we will repeat these introductory classes.
Member pricing: Please use the code sent to your email at checkout. Can’t find it? Check out anyway and email us and we will refund the difference.

About the Instructor:

Laura Di Piazza is a professional calligrapher, with over 25 years of experience, providing high quality hand-lettered calligraphy services for events and custom lettering design for reproduction.

Laura holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard College and teaches calligraphy at many institutions, including Dartmouth College and Society of Scribes NYC. Laura started Calligraphy Arts in 1999 and has loved working with many amazing art directors, event professionals, private clients, and students.