Calligraphy Next Steps - Uncial and Christmas Theme - Arnold Library - Adult Learning

Arnold Library, Nottingham

Key details

Date -
Sessions Mondays: 10am - 12pm
No. sessions 4
Venue Arnold Library, Nottingham
For ages 19+
Group size 5 - 12
Cost FREE - £21

About this course

This course is for learners who have already attended Calligraphy for Beginners. You will be taught the Uncial script and a range of Christmas ideas such as: card designs, menu and place cards. We will be using some simple colour washes and design ideas such as holly leaves. 


Please note that this course is not suitable for beginners. 


We use the Staedtler Calligraphy Markers (and not dip ink pens) which are easy to use for either right or left-handed writers. You’ll learn how to hold the pen to get the nib angle correct and basic exercises to help you achieve the Uncial Script. We will explore different designs for Christmas cards using the Foundational script and there’s plenty of individual demonstration and feedback from your tutor as well as worksheets to help you


By the end of the course, you will: 

Be able to draw the Uncial script and use it for designs for cards. You’ll be creating some Christmas card designs, envelope layouts, menus, and place cards. colour ideas. Your confidence will increase as we build on our technique week-by-week. 


Resources required by attendees: 

  • Clairefontaine Goldline Layout Pad, A4, 50 gsm, 80 Sheets – or equivalent (available at Arnold Library Shop). 
  • Staedtler 3002 C5 Calligraphy Markers - Assorted Colours (Pack of 5) these are available at Arnold Library Shop. 
  • Blank cards (4” x 6”) and envelopes (Boyes, The Range, WH Smith) 
  • Place Name Cards (Boyes, The Range, WH Smith) 
  • Pencil and eraser. 
  • 30cm (12 inch) ruler. 
  • Protractor. 
  • Wallet (A4) to keep your work in. 
  • Paperclips/bulldog clip or a clipboard. 

Suggested Reading for the course: 

Calligraphy in 24 One Hour Lessons by Veiko Kespersaks ISBN 9781844486137 

Start Calligraphy by Maureen Sullivan ISBN: 9781844486380 

DIY watercolor Christmas: easy painting ideas and techniques for cards, gifts and décor by Ingrid Sanchez ISBN 9781446308448 


Please note: there will not be a session running on 18th November.

Booking your place and fee information

If you are in receipt of certain benefits you will be offered the course for free, however if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on the course, please visit our webpage for further information  https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/funding-your-courses/

To secure your place on the course BOTH the following must be done:

  • Complete the EVENTBRITE BOOKING, AND
  • Complete our INSPIRE ONLINE ENROLMENT FORM for each person attending the course.

You should be redirected to the Inspire Online Enrolment Form after completing the Eventbrite booking.  If you are not redirected, please use the link supplied in the Eventbrite booking confirmation email.

To book and enrol on one of our courses, you must have been living in England and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years.

Some exceptions may apply if you are living in England with evidence of the right to remain and are from an EEU/EEAU country (completion of a questionnaire will be required).  As we no longer receive funding for our ESFA-funded courses for learners living in the devolved areas listed below, full cost fees would apply to these courses if you live in these areas:

  • Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield 
  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
  • Greater London
  • Greater Manchester
  • Liverpool City Region
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland
  • Tees Valley
  • West of England
  • West Midlands
  • West Yorkshire

Any questions?

Check the FAQs page, or get in touch:

Book online with Eventbrite

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