The Art & Craft of Hand Lettering: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration
Practice, practice, practice. As with any skill, that's the key to becoming proficient at calligraphy, an ancient art that is rapidly disappearing as computers create fancy script with the click of a keystroke. Cicale, who holds degrees in graphic design and printmaking, guides beginners in developing lettering skills, and then explains how to apply what they have learned to projects that enrich and beautify everyday life-- from decorating maps and lettering invitations and mailboxes to creating gorgeous wall hangings. Most of the book is devoted to instructional details, and Cicale is meticulous as she describes the calligrapher's basic tools and discusses techniques, first considering Roman capitals, and later explaining formation of elegant manuscript letters and contemporary adaptations. The rich explanatory text is printed in inconveniently small type, but the lettering examples are large and plentiful, and Cicale's measured approach will encourage calligraphy novices (especially those with some art background), as will the exquisite design of the book itself.Stephanie ZvirinCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.