Author Topic: Learning Spencerian - Resources  (Read 12954 times)

Offline Estefa

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Learning Spencerian - Resources
« on: January 30, 2014, 04:08:58 AM »
Hi Nora, thanks, I am really glad you like my review ;)! I f you want to learn the basics, I really recommend these little copybooks

http://www.amazon.fr/Spencerian-Penmanship-Copybooks-Platt-Spencer/dp/0880620951/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391071983&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=spenverian
with that:
http://www.amazon.fr/Spencerian-System-Practical-Penmanship-Spencer/dp/088062082X/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391071983&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=spenverian

but I would also look at the resources at Iampeth – for it took me ages to find out, that equally important like the letterforms, maybe even more, is to make proper warm-ups and ovals to get a feeling for Spencerian! But I guess there are much more experienced people in the Forum who could give you more detailed advice ;)

And I really love this book by Michael Sull "Learning to Write Spencerian" which as far as I know you can only buy in the States:

http://www.johnnealbooks.com/prod_detail_list/s?keyword=Learning+to+Write+Spencerian%2FSull

He shows and explains very thoroughly and nicely the more fancy variants of Sp.

I know that you can find similar hand books on Iampeth, but I like also to have a book and not only an online reference for learning. And I can't print everything out!

But you seem to be super busy – good for you ;)!!

Ah – one more thing that Barbara mentioned, and that I find quite important to keep in mind, is that Sp. is not an alphabet but a writing system – what makes these warm-ups and drills so important – the different movements and principles need to become part of the "muscle memory".

Not that I am close to that … I think I find just these humble miniscules so difficult.
Stefanie :: Website :: Blog :: Instagram

Offline Nice Plume

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2014, 07:14:57 AM »
I just read your response Stefanie, Oh thanks a lot for all your links !! I will definitly go on ! Thanks, thanks, thanks !!!!XO nora

Offline Estefa

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2014, 07:20:56 AM »
And again you're welcome ;)
Stefanie :: Website :: Blog :: Instagram

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2014, 03:50:45 PM »
Thank you for sharing these. I learned from Michael Sull's book. There is also now a DVD I believe.

Another great resource is the Ames Compendium:

Ames Guide to Self Instruction

And this one:

Sykes Manual of Penmanship
Warm Regards,
Erica
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Offline Estefa

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2014, 05:19:33 PM »
I also love the Ames Guide – these drawings of the writings positions are soo cute! And lots of good advice regarding writing position etc. The page with the writing / reading faults is also very nice – helps still today to avoid some mistakes.

Also in this book are the first movement exercises I found (and tried to replicate).

Thanks for the other link, Erica! I need to check this out when I have time :)
Stefanie :: Website :: Blog :: Instagram

Offline Martín

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2014, 08:07:57 AM »
I used Bloser & Lupfer's book on OP when starting out, and it was a great guide... You can download the PDF from IAMPETH, or browse it online on the Zanerian site here: http://www.zanerian.com/OrnScript.html
« Last Edit: January 31, 2014, 11:50:09 AM by Erica McPhee »

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2014, 11:51:46 AM »
Good resource! I adjusted the link to IAMPETH so we aren't expanding their bandwith.  ;) Thank you Martin!
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Erica
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Offline Linda Y.

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2014, 12:45:46 PM »
Re: the Ames guide - it makes me smile to see that a WHOLE GROSS (that's 144) of Gillott 303 and Spencerian nibs were $1.25 :o

Offline Martín

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2014, 01:40:53 AM »
Re: the Ames guide - it makes me smile to see that a WHOLE GROSS (that's 144) of Gillott 303 and Spencerian nibs were $1.25 :o

That's probably around 30 dollars worth of "today money", adjusting for inflation. If you go to Ebay, you can often find nibs by the gross for significantly less than that. Granted, not 303s or Spencerian N.1s, but excellent nibs, nonetheless.

   8)
« Last Edit: February 05, 2014, 01:45:28 AM by Martín »

Offline Erica McPhee

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #9 on: February 05, 2014, 11:07:45 AM »
I bought a gross of vintage Hunt 56's for a little under $100 10 years ago and that was a steal!  ;D
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Erica
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Offline vince

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #10 on: February 05, 2014, 08:04:21 PM »
Thanks for your advices concerning the books Estefa, greatly appreciated!
Vincent Tantardini, UI/UX designer. I love letters.
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Offline Estefa

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Re: Learning Spencerian - Resources
« Reply #11 on: February 05, 2014, 10:43:22 PM »
You are welcome ;)!
Stefanie :: Website :: Blog :: Instagram