Copperplate Calligraphy
With Janet Murata
The Calligrapher’s Guild of Manitoba is pleased to host a Copperplate workshop with Janet Murata.
This workshop is suitable for those who have no previous experience with Copperplate, as well as those who would like to review the script’s fundamentals or dive deeper into the intricacies of this historic hand. In this five-hour workshop, with two follow-up gatherings online, the basic strokes for the upper and lower case letters will be covered in detail. We will be connecting letters, writing words and phrases, and looking at how the majuscules (capitals) align with the minuscules (lower case) letters. Janet will share her techniques and a few tricks for writing with even spacing and consistency. As a final project, we will create a small piece of frameable artwork that could serve as a unique gift for a friend (or kept !).
Bring your curiosity, your favorite pointed pen supplies, and paper for a day of learning, exploration, and creating beautiful lettering !
This workshop will consist of one in-person classroom day and two Zoom follow-up sessions to allow for practice time and an in-depth study of this elegant script.
Workshop Schedule
1 Day Workshop – In Person
Saturday March 1st, 2025
10:00AM – 3:00PM
Follow up – Zoom Session
Wednesday March 5th, 2025
1:30PM – 3:00PM
Follow up – Zoom Session
Wednesday March 12, 2025
1:30PM – 3:00PM
Recordings of the Zoom follow up sessions will be made available to students for a three-month period following the workshop.
Recommended Supply List
Participants are asked to bring the following supplies with them to class on March 1st, 2025. Should you have difficulty locating these supplies, please consult our Resources webpage or contact us.
- Calligraphy Ink – examples: Walnut ink, Sumi ink, Speedball calligraphy Ink
- Pen holder – straight or oblique
- Nib – Nikko G, Hunt 22, or other another medium flex nib
- Paper – Canson Pro Marker Layout paper or similar semi-translucent paper
- Paper towel or reusable towel
- Small jar/container for water
- 2 Paper clips
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Washi tape or low tack tape (we can share if you don’t have any)
- Colored pens to take notes – a different color than your ink
- Class handouts
- Please do not forget to bring a lunch !
Note: If your nib is brand new, it will need to be prepared for use before the class. You can wipe it with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol, wash it with toothpaste or stick it into a potato for a few minutes to remove the manufacturer’s protective oil coating. Test if it is ready for use by dipping it in ink. If the ink completely coats the nib and adheres to it, it is ready.
About Janet
Janet is a professional calligrapher/artist and small business owner based in Winnipeg, MB. Under her brand name Michiko Craft, she provides custom calligraphy services and has completed numerous commissioned works. In 2024, Janet served as a Maker-in-Residence for the Winnipeg Public Library, teaching drop-in crafting and calligraphy sessions as well as more formal calligraphy classes. She has previously taught calligraphy with the Manitoba Crafts Museum as well as the Calligraphers’ Guild of Manitoba. Janet lives and works in Treaty 1 territory.
Calligraphers' Guild of Manitoba 