Self Made Craft

Calligraphy is a craft and an art form which involves writing letters and shapes that are visually attractive. Many people view calligraphy as a hobby but it can be taken to the next level and turned into a profession. One of the most important items in Chinese or Japanese calligraphy is the calligraphy brush itself and as with pens, there are many different variations.

When you choose a calligraphy brush it needs to be one that suits your style and meets all of your needs. Basically a calligraphy brush should have 4 main features;

A round body - A round body makes for comfortable, easy gripping right the way round the brush, which in turn makes it easier to control your strokesEven length hairs - The hairs within the brush need to all be of the same length, placed consistently along the brush, without any stray hairs sticking out randomly.Create a fine line - You should be able to use the brush to create a fine line, otherwise known as pointing, besides making thicker strokesCombination of hairs - Ideally a good brush should have a balance of soft and hard hairs which makes it easier for the calligraphist to create the shapes and curves of his letters and produce a high quality piece of art work.

There are several different types of hair that are widely used in a calligraphy brush. Goat's hair is white and highly absorbent, so is ideal for creating thick brush strokes. A lot of calligraphers like to use this brush when writing a standard script. Wolf's hair is brown and much stiffer than goat's hair. It's a type of brush that is useful for writing small script and very fine detailed work. Many calligraphers like to use a mixture of sheep and wolf hairs in their work. A good calligrapher likes to own as many brushes as he can, and the best way to find out what suits your particular style, is simply to experiment with different combinations.

Generally speaking calligraphy brushes are supplied sealed in glue which is to prevent damage to the brush head. The glue needs to be removed before using the brush and this can be done by gently dipping the brush into a jar of water or holding under a gentle stream of warm water.

Calligraphy brushes are delicate items and need to be handled and treated with care. A high quality brush can last a considerable time if looked after properly but if neglected, they can quickly lose their shape.

To look after your brushes properly you should always rinse them immediately after use, before they have a chance to dry out. Wipe off any excess paint with a lint free cloth before holding them under a gently running tap of lukewarm water. One of the main reasons that a brush will no longer form a fine line or point is a build up of paint residues in the base of the brush head and the metal strip or ferrule that holds the hairs in place.

You can wash your brushes with a mild soap, lathering the brush in the palm of your hand and then rinsing off. A larger brush may be easier to clean by rubbing the bristles gently between your thumb and index finger to help rinse it. Repeat this wash and rinse cycle until the water runs clear. Ensure that the base of the brush head is clean from any build up of paint. You may find that some inks stain the bristles, but don't worry, this won't affect the performance of your brush. Finally, reshape the brush head and dry the handle, and leave it standing in a holder to dry.

Always take the time to carefully wash your brushes once you have finished your work for the day. This ensures that they do the job which is required of them and you can produce some stunning pieces of art work.

Celia Harper has been writing calligraphy for over thirty years and maintains that anyone, male or female, young or old, can learn to calligraphy and enjoy the relaxation and satisfaction that this hobby affords. She has also put together a totally FREE e-book which is packed full of useful hints and tips to encourage the beginner to get started. Grab your free gift now.