Hello from Chicago!

[xuanle]

I recently joined and am interested in learning the basics of calligraphy for an upcoming project: baby shower invitations! Any recommendations for reading materials and supplies for beginners would be especially helpful.

[Erica McPhee]

Welcome! That sounds like a fun project. I would suggest starting with these:

Beginner Supplies List

Then the tutorials: Pointed Pen Nirvana Board

And this is how to create an invitation using Photoshop: Preparing Invitation for Printing

I hope that helps! Good luck with the invitations. 

[joi]

welcome!!!

[xuanle]

Question on invitations:

Any suggestions on baby shower invitation formatting and design on 5x7 flat cards?

I like the look of calligraphy in black ink on luxe cream cardstock, but I want to avoid the invites looking too plain and/or like a formal letter.

[Linda Y.]

Welcome to Flourish xuanle!

I'd suggest looking in Pinterest and see what catches your eye - color schemes, layouts, text, style, etc.

[Erica McPhee]

Black on luxe cream is beautiful but doesn't say baby to me. I would consider using a soft color. You can still use the crème paper and it doesn't have to be a blue or pink pastel. You could use a soft gray or beige or sage or ... it can still look sophisticated and say baby.