Workshops
Shown below is a list of the upcoming workshops to be held throughout this year,
all of which are suitable for everyone and all levels of expertise.
Perfect for everyone to begin their calligraphic journey while catering for all calligraphers looking to improve their skills.
See further down for more information on 4 of our upcoming workshops with links to access online forms to make your bookings.
2026 UPCOMING WORKSHOP DATES
All Workshops to be held at Primrose Park unless otherwise stated.
Saturday 16th May 10am to 4pm. Italics Script Revisited
Saturday 27th June. 10am to 4pm. Gothic Script
Saturday 18th July. 10am to 4pm. Embossing
Saturday 15th August. 10am to 4pm. Copperplate Script
Saturday 17th October. 10am to 4pm. Colour
Sunday 22nd November. 10am to 4pm. Letters in Nature
Italics Script Revisited
Held at Primrose Park, Matora Lane in Cremorne on Saturday 16th May, 2026. 10am to 4pm.
Starting from scratch for beginners or revision for those who simply want more practise
The Italic hand is probably one of the most versatile scripts available to today’s calligrapher, and although its roots are solidly based in the 16thC it sits very comfortable with us in the 21stC and can be used for any occasion, formal, informal, whether the words are funny, sad, or serious. You name it and Italic will be able to cover it.
For new or beginning students this workshop will focus on correct letter shapes along with correct spacing both between letters and actual words, along with the usual boring stuff you need to know about when starting to learn something new! You will be under no pressure to work faster than you are comfortable with.
For students wanting to brush up on some rusty skills, you will have the option of trying one or two of the many Italic variations.
Bring your usual calligraphy kit, along with your favourite chisel edge pens, ink or paint of your choice, paper towel or rag for clean-up and reasonable quality practice paper of A3 or A4 size, a small nylon brush for loading ink onto your pen, plus one or two small quotes.
To Book this Italics Script Workshop,
please CLICK HERE
Gothic Script
Gothic Workshop with Valerie Keevers
Workshop held at Primrose Park, Cremorne.
When: Saturday 27th June 2026.
Time: 10am to 4pm.
Cost: Members $80, Non-members $100.
Book and pay using the website workshop e-form or contact the booking officer at workshops@asoc.org.au
This is the one script that most people recognise as ‘Calligraphy’.
Gothic writing of the 14-16th century developed in Germany is tall and angular, it has a vertical effect not horizontal and is heavy and dark on the page
Old English or English Black Letter is the colloquial term for Gothic used in Tudor England because of the trade between the two countries.
In all versions of Gothic, the characteristics are the same, upright with the least amount of inter-word and interlineal space. It is a rhythmic letterform easier to master than it looks with most of the letters being formed using straight strokes of the chisel pen. To soften the blackness and heaviness the capitals were round, open and decorated with thorns, fine lines and diamond shaped dots.
A beautiful formal script, it can be adapted to today’s more modern styles.
Requirements:
- William Mitchell No.2, or 1.5 nib and holder. Ink or paint.
- Parallel Pen 2.4mm and cartridge or ink. (optional)
- Ruler, pencil, eraser.
- Short quote.
- A4 or smallish piece of watercolour paper. (optional).
To Book the Gothic Script Workshop,
please CLICK HERE
Embossing
Hand Embossing Workshop
– A one day workshop with Shas Baker
Saturday, 18 July 2026
10am to 4pm at Primrose Park
$80 members $100 non-members
Embossing by hand is a skill for all to learn. It is a process that creates a raised design or pattern on a surface by pressing into a template, adding texture, depth, and a tactile element.
It transforms a flat surface into a dimensional artwork, where your design is raised from the paper, catching light and shadow enhancing the visual appeal.
We will create our own hand cut template designs, working with paper and embossing tools.
It can be a lovely complimentary component to your calligraphic artworks.
In the workshop we will cut simple letter designs into card and clear acetate sheets and produce an emboss and deboss design on hot pressed water colour paper.
I will also provide a small printing press to explore the results from working with a press compared to hand embossing.
Materials list
- Hot pressed water colour paper 220gsm &300gsm
- A sheet of clear thick acetate to make the template
- A back board of a drawing pad or grey board to make a template.
- A scalpel
- Fine sandpaper
- Embossing tools
- Tracing paper
- Pencil & rubber for drawing Simple letters designs.
Tutor will provide handouts for these.
Perhaps some calligraphy works on the cutting room floor!
Copperplate Script
Mastering Copperplate
– A one day workshopat Primrose Park with Jane Kent.
Saturday 15th August, 10am to 4pm
$80 members $100 non-members
This workshop is one for beginners and continuers.
It is for all those who would love to master the use of the flexible pointed nib.
The classic Copperplate or Roundhand is a beautiful rhythmical hand that exudes grace.
The workshop aims to give you a good grounding in the stroke sequences and tips for mastering the finer points of the use the pointed nib. The style is widely used for invitations, name cards and personalised invitations.
Worksheets for the lowercase and capitals, along with letterform samples will be supplied as well as line sheets. Ink and nibs will be supplied for a small fee and an oblique pen holder if you need one.
To book this workshop, please
