2018 Winter & Spring Classes

Interested in taking a calligraphy class in the Nashville, Tennessee area?  I have been teaching since 1990 and would welcome you to a class.  Class offerings, dates and descriptions are shown.  Please email if you have questions.  An email to rosespencalligraphy@gmail.com will get you signed up.  Credit card payments are welcome the first night of a class.

Copperplate One (for Beginners)  (January-February)

Tuesday Evenings for 6 weeks, 6:30-8:30, $200

• 1/9/2018
• 1/16/2018
• 1/23/2018
• 1/30/2018
• 2/6/2018
• 2/13/2018

Italic One (for Beginners) (January-February)

Thursday Evenings for 6 weeks, 6:30-8:30, $200

• 1/11/2018
• 1/18/2018
• 1/25/2018
• 2/1/2018
• 2/8/2018
• 2/15/2018

Copperplate Two (February-April)

Wednesday Evenings for 6 weeks, 6:30-8:30, $225

• 2/28/2018
• 3/7/2018
• 3/21/2018*
• 3/28/2018
• 4/4/2018
• 4/11/2018
• * skipped 3/14 because of my son’s spring break 🙂

Cursive  (February-April)

Thursday Evenings for 6 weeks, 6:30-8:30, $175

• 2/22/2018
• 3/1/2018
• 3/8/2018
• 3/22/2018*
• 4/5/2018*
• 4/12/2018
• * skipped 3/15 for spring break & 3/29 for Holy Week

Copperplate One (for beginners)  (April-May)

Tuesday Evenings for 6 weeks, 6:30-8:30, $200

• 4/24/2018
• 5/1/2018
• 5/8/2018
• 5/15/2018
• 5/22/2018
• 5/29/2018

Collection of 1-night projects (any skill level)
(April-May)

Thursday Evenings for 6 weeks, 6:30-8:30, $25 per night
sign up for just one, multiple or all classes, ages 3rd grade & up
Plan a night out with friends & walk away with something cool!

• 4/26/2018  Create a Handmade Book
• 5/1/2018    Create a story book of Heirloom Recipes
• 5/8/2018    Create Birthday Cards
• 5/15/2018  Create an Illuminated Letter
• 5/22/2018  Refresh you Cursive Handwriting
• 5/29/2018  Create a Tangle (zentangle ©)

Lettering Arts, calligraphy, writing – all of these words overlap when I teach calligraphy.  I am a patient but persistent teacher.  I teach lettering using a

project-based style.  I have found that practicing the new ‘hand’ is good but is better when the student immediately is able to use what they learn to create a bookmark, an ornament, an envelope or  a love letter.   I teach strong basics that are much better learned from a teacher than a book.  We use nibs and holders, archival inks, watercolor and classic lettering papers.  You will be exposed to many tools that are a part of this art.

Class Descriptions

• Copperplate One is for Beginner calligraphers, no experience necessary. You can compare it to cursive or script. It is written at a steep slant with flourishes and is generally known for it’s formal uses with weddings, state dinners and love letters. You will learn how to use a dip pen with bottled inks, various papers and basic tools. Homework includes projects like placecards, envelopes, weather grams and letter writing. My class fee includes all the supplies you will need. You will need to bring a bib apron starting the first class.
• Copperplate Two is for those students who have some copperplate calligraphy experience. I will go over all of the letterforms in the early classes. My ‘constructive comments’ on your lettering gets more specific to help you solidify your copperplate.  We also work more on design in this class.  We experiment with paper background techniques, inks, nibs, papers, and all the ways that these choices can enhance your lettering.  You are expected to bring the basic copperplate supplies with you.  All other supplies are provided for you.
• Cursive class is new in the list of offerings.  This class includes basic handwriting, good tools, and projects to encourage using cursive.  Techniques are included that helps to fix problems like tired hands, sore hands & necks, too hard a grip on pens and answering the question of why we need to write in cursive!  Depending on the age of the students, projects are designed to show how handwriting is used throughout the normal day.  If a class is needed for all kids, email me and we can talk about where and when a class could be taught.
• Italic One is for beginner italic students.  Italic uses a broad edged nib or pen.  We will use dip pens as well as cartridge Parallel Pens.   You will learn how to use a dip pen with bottled inks, various papers and basic tools. Homework includes projects like placecards, envelopes, weather grams and letter writing. My class fee includes all the supplies you will need. You will need to bring a bib apron starting the first class.
• Collection of 1-night Classes is a cool way to spend only one evening, being creative and learning a new skill.  With each class the student leaves with 1 or more cool finished projects.  Look for a future blog with example pictures of each of the projects.  Everyone cannot commit to a 6-week class so this is a good way to get your arts fix.  All supplies are included in the class fee.

Class Supplies

My class fees include the basic supplies needed for that class. Beginner classes include nibs, ink, nib holder, gum arabic, pad of paper and watercolor papers, portfolio for class work, special project papers and envelopes, ruler, eraser and a small pan to catch ink spills. You provide a bib apron and a commitment to practice so that you get the most that you can from the class. More advanced class supplies include a variety of watercolor papers, inks, gouache and watercolor paints, brushes and project materials like a small handmade book or accordion fold booklet for displaying your work.  While in my class, I refill ink bottles for you and help you to learn how to use and maintain your tools.

Cursive class supplies include basic soft touch pens, all kinds of paper, fun projects like journaling and depending the season of the year, creative projects for a dinner table.

Registration and Payments

Payments are due before or at the first class meeting.  Once you email me that you are interested in a specific class, I will provide you with payment options.

Class Size

My maximum class size is 10 with a minimum of 5.  If only 4 students sign up for a class, I will let you know and make any necessary refunds. If more than 10 sign up, I will work with you for a future class.

Teaching Venue

I have a teaching studio in my home in Hermitage, Tennessee.  Once you sign up for my class, my address and directions will be provided via email.

I am available to teach in your own setting:  a church, a school, a club, a community center, homeschool group… just email me and we will talk about it!