calligraphy - what kind of paper?

[craftyteaspoon]

I finally have a set of real calligraphy nibs & ink (instead of markers with a calligraphy tip) and I'd like to begin practising. any suggestions on paper? I'm not sure if regular copy type paper is ok to learn on (it's cheap) or if I should use a better type.

thanks for any input

[Momofoneson]

Parchment paper isn't too expensive. I always used that.

[kiddielitter]

I practice on grid paper (I think the brand is Bienfang). I write each word (of a quote or whatever) until I have it the way I like, then I cut out the word and play around with the layout of the quote on another sheet of paper. Once I get it looking the way I want, I tape it all down. Then I put it on my light table, put a good sheet of parchment on top and use the mock up as a guide for my finished piece. I learned to do it this way at an art studio, and it's great because you always have a mock up to work from, which allows you the ability to play around with different layouts, inks, papers, etc. Plus, if you make a mistake, you always have a good starting point with your mock up.

HTH!
Marcy

[Faereygirl]

I practice on grid or lined (like elementary style) paper and then use parchment on nice things. Real, handmade parchment is so spendy, but I got a gorgeous piece on vacation last year....yummy!

[craftyteaspoon]

Thanks! Marcy that is a great idea. Off to find that kind of paper or some kind of grid paper.

[leney]

I use to use erasable typing paper. I don't know if they even make it anymore. I love how transparent it is. I can draw my lines on other paper and use a light table to do my calligraphy on. I have a really amazing light table. My dad made me one. He took an under the counter light and built a box around it. It is sloped
at an angle and he put an 1/4" thick acrylic "glass" on top. Hope you find something tHat works for you! GOOD LUCK!!

[snowyowl]

In most of the classes I've taken, the teachers like the Kodak brand of copy paper.