Decorated Lettering - by Jan Pickett
Click to view affiliate link on Amazon:
I have been having the most fun working through this book. It has been giving me a wealth of great ideas for my art journal devoted to lettering. The pictures are gorgeous and fun.
I think the opening info on the basics is detailed enough to get a beginner started. Then there is specific instruction on both calligraphy and freestyle lettering. One chapter gives instruction/ductuses for calligraphic hands (Foundational, Roman caps, Uncials, Gothic, Italic, and Neuland). The next chapter delves into producing hand lettering, from more traditional letters like Versals to more free-style letters.
The next eleven chapters are devoted to how to further enliven your letters with embellishments ranging from watercolor to pastels to gold. It gives other ideas about playing with medium and material, including embossing, stamping, and using masking fluid. All the techniques and materials are pretty accessible.
The clear instructions make me feel I can try any and all of these fun and exciting techniques. It also encourages the reader to experiment and try one's own variations. Following the book's instruction boosts confidence to go on and try your own thing.