My handwriting is variable at best. Kids are quick to tell me that their teacher would not approve of my scribbles. I think it stems from impatience; writing by hand feels so much slower than typing. Add to that the fact that much of the time I’m not really paying attention to the process itself, with only half an eye on the paper as I write, and it’s often illegible.
But I console myself with the fact that I can do better, when I slow down and really ‘try’. So, I set about to do exactly that.
Handwriting practice needn’t be the preserve of the primary school. A fresh piece of paper is pleasing at any age and there’s something a little magical about creating a ‘real thing’, rather than mere pixels on a screen.
If you’re setting intentions for the year ahead, what better time to commit those thoughts to paper?
Modern calligraphy is looser in its form, with fewer rules and requirements, making it a little less intimidating to have a go yourself.
Easy practise sheets are available to download from various places on the internet and you don’t even need a ‘special pen’. We chose brush pens, simply for the excuse to play with something new.
A few suggestions to get you started:
* Try to keep your hand still and instead move your arm. This helps you maintain one angle of pen to paper and creates more flow in your writing.
* Slow down!
* Draw yourself some guidelines. Horizontal lines are useful, of course, but slanting lines can also help you space and tilt your letters to look uniform.
* Gather a stack of scrap paper, so you can practice lots and make plenty of mistakes along the way.
We chose some favourite (brief!) quotes. You might like to try a favourite word or a promise you’re making to yourself for the year ahead. Pinned on a board or tucked away in your wallet, it serves as an everyday reminder of what’s important to you.
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