Would you enjoy adding life and color to your handwriting? Join us on Saturday, April 5th at the East Liberty branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to learn Calligraphy-Style Magic Marker Lettering. You’ll receive a kit that includes a handful of markers that you will learn to write with and then use to add embellishments to your writing. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create personalized lettering to enhance everything from day-to-day writing to celebrating special events.

The instructor, calligrapher Karen Nordstrom Roberts, will guide you through the basic strokes that combine to make bouncy, joyful letters with pointed brush markers. The markers have blend-able ink that can be used to create ombre effects, and then we will learn how to create drop shadows and decorations on the letters. You can use this technique to write names on cards, make signs, write out quotes, make journal entries, or doodle for a creative, fun way to meditate.

No experience is necessary to learn magic marker lettering. The kit we’ll provide will allow you to go home with two blend-able markers, a drop shadow marker, and a blending tool. You’ll also receive two types of paper, a handout of sample writing, and list of recommended resources and where to buy them.

Event Highlights:

• Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

• Time: 1 pm to 4 pm

• Location: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, East Liberty Branch, 130 S. Whitfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

• Instructor: Karen Nordstrom Roberts

Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early! We’ll socialize with light bites at the beginning of the event and during break time.

Know Before You Go:

·      The building is fully ADA-compliant, including restrooms, and an elevator services all floors.

·      Bus routes 71A, 71B, 71C, 74, 75, 77, 82, 86, 87, 88, 89 reach the library.

·      There is a large metered parking lot behind the library on Tamello Way, and metered on-street parking on S. Whitfield Street. Bike spots are also available.

·      Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free snack options will be available.

Instructor:

Our instructor, Karen Nordstrom Roberts, is president of the Calligraphy Guild Pittsburgh. She began studying calligraphy 30 years ago and has taught at several locations in the Pittsburgh region and online via Zoom. She enjoys contemporary lettering with pointed pens, broad-edge pens, and brush markers. However, she also especially enjoys creating historic lettering and medieval illuminated letters working with gouache, gold gilding, and vellum. She loves sharing the spark of learning hand lettering with others who love words and letters.