My first published attempt at Spencerian

[tiffanyhenschel]

I've been playing around with Spencerian off and on but finally decided to get serious about practicing using YouTube videos and Michael Sull's materials.

I know my slant isn't consistent, and I need to practice more ovals using whole arm movement so the flow will be smoother. In addition, my transitions from capitals to lower case are awkward.

Share your photos, too, and we can learn together.

[manoeuver]

well, I'd say that's a fantastic start.

[RuiFromUK]

It is an excellent start and wish you all the best in practicing this beautiful hand.

[tiffanyhenschel]

Rui and Manoeuver, thank you. At this point, I feel like the first grader who brings home writing from school and is proud of the results, but when looking back a few years later sees how unrefined and childish it actually was. We have to start somewhere, though, and all the videos on the internet won't make my writing any better.

I should clarify. That is certainly NOT one of Michael Sull's oblique holders. That is a cheap plastic thing I bought from the art store to see if I was actually going to stick with this.

[AndyT]

That is good Tiffany, it's sort of the exact opposite of my Spencerian (which is much more orthodox and a lot less confident-looking). Excellent work. What nib are you using?

[gbryal]

Since you asked for criticism; if it's for publication you must be careful of "typoes" "typos". "ways" doesn't require an apostrophe, and the quote is by Caroline Lake Ingalls with two Ls.

Your hand though, it looks great.

[tiffanyhenschel]

That is good Tiffany, it's sort of the exact opposite of my Spencerian (which is much more orthodox and a lot less confident-looking). Excellent work. What nib are you using?

Here is my totally honest, completely stupid confession. I don't know what nib it is. I bought it last September from Pendemonium at the Dallas show, put it in the holder and played with it for a couple of days, and then left it sitting until this week. I had rinsed and wiped the nib, but there must be some ink gluing it into the plastic flange because I can't get it out now. I can decipher a No.3, but that's it. Yes. I've learned my lesson!

[tiffanyhenschel]

Since you asked for criticism; if it's for publication you must be careful of "typoes". "ways" doesn't require an apostrophe, and the quote is by Caroline Lake Ingalls with two Ls.

Your hand though, it looks great.

You are right. I should have caught those. I know better. I have written that quote a dozen times over the years and have never done that before.

[gbryal]

I believe you . Isn't it always the way?

[Robert]

I am impressed! You mentioned that you have been practicing "off and on" - - do tell: how long to this point? Again, impressive work, TH.

[tiffanyhenschel]

I am impressed! You mentioned that you have been practicing "off and on" - - do tell: how long to this point? Again, impressive work, TH.

That's hard to pinpoint. I've always written in cursive, so I wasn't starting at the bottom, but my penmanship had deteriorated over the years. Last September I picked up Sull's American Cursive book to brush up on proper letter forms. I bought the Spencerian materials at the same time but didn't start practicing "Spencerian" rather than regular cursive until this Monday. I started seriously using the dip pen on Monday, too.

I have used flexible fountain pen nibs for a couple of years, so that isn't completely new either. I do understand now how even a vintage FP nib doesn't have the flex and snap back of a dip nib.

[tiffanyhenschel]

[caribbean_skye]

<snip>That's hard to pinpoint. I've always written in cursive, so I wasn't starting at the bottom, but my penmanship had deteriorated over the years....

It should be noted that Tiffany has lovely penmanship. I wish mine on my best day looks half as good as hers.

[tiffanyhenschel]

It should be noted that Tiffany has lovely penmanship. I wish mine on my best day looks half as good as hers.

You are too kind, Lesley. Thanks, though.

[AndyT]

... I had rinsed and wiped the nib, but there must be some ink gluing it into the plastic flange because I can't get it out now.

Oh, it'll probably let go if you're determined ... it might put up a prolonged fight if you've been using India ink though. Usually a pair of pliers comes into play in my case.

I like that capital G in the new photo, very swish!

[caribbean_skye]

It should be noted that Tiffany has lovely penmanship. I wish mine on my best day looks half as good as hers.

You are too kind, Lesley. Thanks, though.

Nothing but the truth

[tiffanyhenschel]

[klpeabody]

Wow, Tiffany! These samples are excellent. Thanks for being so brave as to share with us.

[john]

Excellent penmanship. I wish I can write like yours.

[tiffanyhenschel]

I need to work on my "p," "w," and controlling the shading. It's also missing something. It doesn't have that Spencerian look. Help??

By the way, Andy, I have been working on cleaning and identifying the nib. I think it's a Spencerian No. 3. I have some Nikko and Zebra Gs on the way, as well as a better holder.