Learning Calligraphy with Wild Sea Calligraphy in Cornwall & Plymouth

If you’re looking for a super relaxing & creative activity (or for a rainy day!), a calligraphy workshop could be exactly what you need.

There’s something about slowly practicing beautiful lettering with a nib and ink that is extremely calming – it really brings you into the present moment, and time really ends up flying past when you get into the zone.

I’ve tried it a few times now with Lyndsey from Wild Sea Calligraphy (once at a yoga & calligraphy retreat, and once with one of her at-home kits) and each time I find myself learning something new and falling in love with making strokes on paper.

Why go on a calligraphy workshop?

Obviously going on a calligraphy workshop like this, especially with a couple of friends or family members (I went with my mum and sister), but there are lots of other benefits too:

Practice ‘mindfulness’

As I mentioned above, calligraphy is an extremely relaxing activity. Because you’re using your hands (and you’re not looking at a screen!) and focusing on precise strokes in front of you, it makes you feel really present and is a great form of meditation, especially once you get into the flow of it.

Therefore it’s a great way to combat stress if you’re feeling overwhelmed or overworked in certain areas of your life. With calligraphy you can take time just for you.

Use in creative projects or for personalised gifts

Coming away from a calligraphy workshop having learned new skills is great because you can then go on and use this for your own creative projects! I love the idea of creating your own personalised birthday cards or gifts, or it’s great for DIY wedding invites and decorations as well.

It makes a great rainy day activity

Let’s face it, in the South West we have our fair share of rainy days, even in summer! A calligraphy workshop is a great activity to book for a stormy or wet day, as it feels so cosy being indoors doing something creative on days like this.

Where can you learn calligraphy in Cornwall or Devon?

Lyndsey has been teaching calligraphy workshops in Cornwall and Devon over the last few years, and you’ll often find her running classes at places like Bedruthan hotel, for example.

However she has recently set up in a beautiful studio in Alma Yard in the heart of Plymouth where she runs small group workshops and private classes too! It’s a gorgeous little space, with parking nearby, so great for a day out.

What to expect from a Wild Sea Calligraphy workshop

My mum, sister and I visited Lyndsey at her new studio in Plymouth last week for a Beginner’s day workshop, from 10am ’til 2pm. She offers these longer workshops privately for team building groups, or events such as hen parties, and runs slightly shorter group workshops of around 2 hours long available to book/purchase tickets for on her website.

We arrived at the studio greeted by Lyndsey and a beautiful table spread with our own calligraphy kits, tea and pastries. She always puts so much care into presentation, and I always love her attention to detail – from her branded tissue paper & stamps in our kits/gift boxes, to the tasty (and very aesthetically pleasing!) infused water on the tables! She also makes a point of sourcing pastries and food from local bakeries and cafes too.

Our day started with an introduction to calligraphy and the best kit to get started with, and practicing our ‘drills’, strokes and the alphabet to get the hang of using the pointed nib and ink. Inside your calligraphy kit Lyndsey provides the ink, nib, nib holder, paper, and a workbook with different exercises and information to use during the session and to take home with you as well (+ a link to a training video to watch at home too which is super useful!).

We had a break for lunch, which was supplied by the amazing Honky Tonk Wine Library – a local deli / cafe /wine bar – who created the most incredible shared board for us! This was definitely the best food platter I’ve ever had; piled high with meats, cured fish, cheeses (including baked camembert with garlic – my fave!), bread, crackers, fruit, and the most delicious pork belly. Apparently they also do a fantastic brunch at their cafe, so I will definitely be heading straight there when I’m next in Plymouth!

After lunch Lyndsey showed us how to do entrance, exit and joining strokes to connect letters and write words, as well as use guidelines to create more even lettering too. My mum and sister had a great time as well and I think we are all excited to continue practicing at home now too!

Interested in joining a calligraphy workshop or booking a private class? Check out the Wild Sea Calligraphy website.

* We were invited along on a complimentary workshop in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own. I’ve known Lyndsey for a while and I love everything she does :)