Introduction to Calligraphy Supplies and Techniques with Rajiv Surendra and Mike Ward (Spencerian)

[@soulence2845]

My seventeen year old son now has a framed photo of Rajiv on his desk as a joke because I talk about how much Rajiv teaches me.

[@thinkuthink]

Epic. 💓

[@mbtvalli]

That’s great😂

[@kalayne6713]

I want to introduce my home-schooled teenage grandson to Rajiv. My lad has no male role model. I can think of no one better than Rajiv. But I have no idea where to start. I will go back through the archives for inspiration. If my boy doesn't show interest, I sure will be having fun.

[@Englishroserebecca]

Oh wow here we are again. Thanks to you Rajiv I now write with a fountain pen and use sealing wax. Then I bought a desk and a chair and a nice lamp. 😂 Now it looks like I’ll be learning calligraphy 😂. I go thrifting for old china and ironstone now. My husband complains and I say it’s Rajivs fault.

[@rajivsurendra]

I'll take the blame.

[@FunnyMemo]

Lol, I don't have a husband anymore so.... no guilt about my thrifting or Rajiv hobbies. Gotta love it.

[@carolynthompson6518]

@@FunnyMemo. Me either. Solo freedom is amazing. I’ve bought a pen and now I realise I need a few $1000 more of equipment lol.

[@tamiz8895]

And your life has to be better for it ❤

[@barbiec4312]

Yep, Rajiv is everybody’s boyfriend 😅

[@janelte]

"Flourish away!" could be a motto for Rajiv's well-lived life. Refine, then flourish ...

[@poshashford]

true

[@elizabethglenbentley7882]

Great beginning lesson.😅

[@craftingday352]

On you next videos, please show us how to play a piece with a harmonica, how to eat fashionably on the go (New York style), how to thoroughly take a bath (with scrub day), make homemade sorbet, hike a trail in an Edwardian fashion, open a bottle and drink wine or scotch like a civilized person.

[@marionopisso212]

When Mike mentioned that when writing, place your stationery paper on leather for ease of movemen, it instantly brought to mind secretaire desks with their drop down fronts which often include a leather piece that I thought was a decoration, or a protection of the wood surface. Now I know better! Thanks!

[@janelte]

Small correction: the walnut ink is actually made from the husks that encase the walnut shell. These are green and fuzzy on the tree, and if you have ever walked through them when the nuts fall, you will see how easily they stain everything brown. I use them to dye felt and wool. Lovely, inforrnative video as always. Thank you.

[@AmazingJane137]

I was wondering of the other ink is from oak galls.

[@evlentina_calligraphy]

Я пробовала такие сварить, но наверно рано сняла или долго лежали, в любом случае, ничего не вышло) в этом году попробую повторить ещё раз

[@hoedown175]

I love that Rajiv asked Mike to write names other than popular Western names

[@Allan-cl8ie]

Do they write Western names in Sri Lanka?

[@londongael414]

@@Allan-cl8ie I'd imagine so - everyone gets everywhere.

[@cynthiakammann7368]

Thank you! Born in the USA in 1950, we still practiced penmanship in school. We used lined paper with rows of dashed lines between solid lines. I'm sure you know the paper I'm trying to describe. Years later, teaching my son, my handwriting had become so bad (hurriedly taking notes in college really destroyed it; followed by email) that I couldn't remember how to properly form certain letters and I had to get a book from the library and practice. Now in my seventies life has slowed down and I find myself enjoying writing letters. People really pay attention when a handwritten letter shows up in the mailbox. This video was such a treat. Watching the two of you geek on the materials, body position, etc., had me mesmerized. Thank you.

[@amorris89]

At first I was thinking an hour about calligraphy, I don't know.. but I quickly got sucked in and was actually gasping at the beautiful penmanship. Now I need to learn calligraphy! Rajiv's enthusiasm is truly infectious.

[@stormeliz7406]

Yeah! Just what our family needed. Because of Rajiv, I gave penmanship books for Christmas!!

[@Eizengoldt]

Children are starving in Africa and you’re out here spending money on calligraphy

[@Rosecu1010]

Thanks for this. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in this ❤

[@glorbnorgaborg37yearsago10]

@@Eizengoldt that is a good point. I recommend you to donate or volunteer in helping children in Africa. I recommend Gift of the Givers.

[@borge2014]

Thanks for introducing Mike to us, he's a delightful teacher I can see, and what a talent he is. Rajiv you are spreading joy, always.

[@georgelaginya6773]

When he shows the golden snitch holder, the sound out of Rajiv is so funny! Exactly what we all probably sounded like!☺️

[@borednow]

hahahahahha

[@a.b.creator]

34:33 this is exactly what I was taught in 1982 by my 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Lykens. Exactly to the tee what you said Rajiv. Our handwriting was our pride and yes, we only wrote or called on landlines.

[@froodoftheforest]

'A bump of walnut crystals' had me in absolute stitches. God, I love your channel.

[@anna-elisabethbender3123]

How nice! This brought back memories. In my country, Germany, we learned the old letters from second grade on. Of course not in the perfection shown here, but also with feather and ink. We were taught, because we still had millions of books with the old letters, and today, more than 60 years later, I read them as easily as Latin letters. What I saw here, makes me feel like picking up on writing again. Thank you both, this was fun!

[@londongael414]

Intrigued by the instruction on my German (as a foreign language) exams, which said, sternly "Do NOT use German script", I taught myself to do just that, from a handwritten alphabet in the back of an old dictionary. The examiners needn't have worried - we'd never even seen it! It lends itself to calligraphy, and helped to calm down my chaotic left-handed scrawl. I still find it very useful for writing things down that I do not want others to read!

[@anna-elisabethbender3123]

@@londongael414 "...I do not want others to read..." That's a good use, isn't it. I am glad to be able to read it, because it opens a world of old literature and family documents, I couldn't read otherwise.

[@yettawat1564]

Mike's voice and cadence TOTALLY reminds me of Matthew Broderick 😀. Another great episode. I was into calligraphy as a young teen. This has inspired me to dabble in it again. 🌺

[@wanderlust4evr995]

You are spot on!❤

[@FairnessFobe]

Me too. My start began with lessons based on the printing in the Book of Kells.

[@steffi8142]

Me of Jared Harris :D

[@FairnessFobe]

When I started school in the 1950's we began writing with state boards using a slate 'stylus'. We then moved onto chalk. After a year we went to paper & pencil. It was all printing still at this stage. We were only 5 years old. Even now I can write better using pencil & paper, stylishly. We moved on to running, joined up writing using very crude metal nibs jammed into a wooden stick holder. It was messy, because the ink was mixed, every writing practice day, by the boys of the class using water & ink powder. They always came back to class with ink on themselves that lasted for days! We had to learn "copy book" writing it was a simplified Copperplate version. It was hard, but eventually it became easier. I went into high school, in year 12, using a fountain pen. Which was lovely. In the 1960's Biro pens arrived & everyone's writing went bad. But I still write letters by hand & I love doing it. The more flourishing the better! I really enjoyed this video. I have never heard of the Spencerian style, but it is satisfying watching it happen on paper. I receive handwritten letters from Americans, none of the writers write in the Spencerian style!! I should add I was born & raised in Australia.

[@issyness8658]

I’ve been writing with a Fountain pen for about 65 years…. It’s closest to a paint brush… I LOVE to write…. Leave it to Rajiv to make it even more special!! I too have a framed pic of Rajiv on my desk… in his beautiful wool suit, vest and tie! Love love love you Rajiv! You are such an inspiration!

[@nicoleinfante2276]

Yes! The video I've been waiting for! One of my favorite videos of the many favorites I have of yours, Rajiv. Thank you!

[@moonbeet]

Mike is adorable and super talented. Rajiv and Mike, you are both so inspiring.

[@myrradine]

What a joy it is to wake up to a new Rajiv video! After watching your last video on calligraphy, I ordered a calligraphy set and the penmanship manual. Now with this wonderfully detailed video, I can’t wait to begin! Thank you, Rajiv and Mike.❤

[@coldundertow]

You inspired me to learn from cleaning my sink (better 😜) to wanting to learn calligraphy. I've never spent an hour with such focus and joy on a KZbin video like this one! Thank you!

[@ladyjonjon]

I have never tried calligraphy, and arrived here after quite 'randomly' looking for basic calligraphy videos. I can't stop watching the timeless quality of Rajiv and Mike. How meditative and lovely. I'm feeling a little Bob Ross meets 1950s history teacher slash craftsman polymath time-warped into a 21st c NY vintage retro apartment - with it's own other ether. Thank you from retrieving my mind from the gutter of our sometimes terrifying times. :)

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

Two craftsmen sitting together enjoying themselves having a session of calligraphy! I love it - especially because Rajiv is so enthusiastic and engaged. It's a beautiful thing. 🥰🥰 Oh, to be there with them! 🤗🤗 Thanks for the tips! Love the beautifully handcarved pens - they're gorgeous! 💐🙏🏽❤️

[@janeeberly4289]

I was so delighted to receive a beautiful postcard from you Rajiv. The letter "J" in my name was just as esquitely done as Mikes. Thank you

[@jennifermatsuda4424]

These videos are somewhere between Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross and I’m loving them❤

[@avivat3010]

Thank you so much for the detailed descriptions! I've always wondered why my pens didn't work! Now I know and I have the option to start a new practice without being frustrated. Thanks to the web and sites such as both of yours, this information is readily available. I love listening to discussions of your passions, Rajiv and those you share with friends. Thank you, Mike and Rajiv.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching!

[@barbmormile4806]

I'm left handed and had a horrible time when attending my calligraphy class in Art College. Many years later I found out there were right slanted nibs. But not at the time I was in school in 1960. I have a stack of hand written letters from all my family members.... great great-grandmother, aunts, cousins during war time and hard times. They have all come to life with such history when I read them. ❤

[@i123456987654]

It’s very mathematical…this is why I love calligraphy and art in general…there’s math everywhere if you look at the proportions

[@yettawat1564]

Yes!

[@kathymilicicreative8724]

What a treat to see you both together! Two talented gems of humanity!

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching, Kathy!

[@Delala]

Right away you can tell from Mike’s posture he’s a dancer 😁 absolutely love both of your enthusiasm!! I learned a lot, thank you so much! ❤

[@fifteenthfret]

I wished for some conversation about we left handed souls. I happen to have a great “regular” handwriting for a lefty, but ask any of us, and the enemy is the dreaded smudge. I assume that we would need to acquire a pen with the flange on the opposite side? As always, Rajiv, a worthwhile and beautiful topic. Thank you!

[@TheUbiquitrix]

I agree. I was disappointed that there wasn’t anything for left handers.

[@londongael414]

I think you can get such pens, but the alphabet itself is designed for right handers, like most things. Not saying it's impossible, but it is a challenge.

[@fifteenthfret]

@@londongael414 Don’t we know it…

[@londongael414]

@@fifteenthfret Sigh...chuckle!

[@carloocampo6100]

Love Mike! So honored to have been one of his student in his workshop here in Manila. His artistry is just impeccable.

[@lyndaster46]

The most delightful guest yet!! Wonderful video, thank you Mr. Rajiv.

[@martifinan998]

Before even watching, I have to tell you how terrifically exciting it is to watch you pursue this particular passion (and with your friend, which is one of my favorite ways to make things). I first 'found' you on HGTV when looking up lettering. I have to say, it is so rare to stumble across someone who both shares some of my delights and sublimely articulates them.

[@andreab4161]

Thank you, Mike and Rajiv. The two of you were SO ENJOYABLE to watch together. I really loved how your personalities played off each other. More, please! xo, from California.

[@knowledgeiskey1319]

hey ❤ I wanted to let you know that you and your philosophy have influenced me so much. i just realised the other day how massively it changed my life & im really grateful for it :) so thankyouu!

[@stevezytveld6585]

The joy of being a repincent of a leather blotter is beautiful to watch Mister Rajiv. Well done you two. Thanks for the lesson! - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@sandrabrown6326]

Beautiful Mike is so talented I have always been interested in calligraphy... Thank you for this. I hope there will be more sessions with Mike.

[@savitriwijesinghe3282]

Awesome Rajiv.The way Mike calligraphed Kalyani was marvellous it was so beautiful not to mention your aunt's long name which is very familiar to us in Sri Lanka. Its Mathivathani in Tamil.❤❤❤

[@savitriwijesinghe3282]

SORRY Rajiv is Mathankamalochini

[@Rose01bloom]

This has inspired me to adapt some of these techniques into my own handwriting. I'm now smiling down at copied vocabulary lists - the words are more legible, the letters more even and after an hour of writing there is no pain, no cramp!

[@gabriellavisani9642]

The incredulous "custom built as in YOU MADE IT" that you said about Mike Ward's bowler hat holder is how we all feel about you and your creations, Rajiv. The talent, dedication, energy, and fastidiousness that you (both) put in to creation is so captivating. Thank you for sharing it with us!!

[@maris6843]

Those pen holders are absolutely amazing. You did an incredible job on them Mike.

[@allysonwind6575]

As a kid I remember weeping over my penmanship work. Now I'm inspired to learn a more decorative style!

[@nancyguinn6550]

Mike, u r a wonderfully talented guy. Amazing accomplishments. Thank u for sharing this beautiful art of calligraphy. Rajiv, it was a great call to have Mike showcase this art form.

[@rozwalkerphotography]

Dearest, Rajiv and Mike. Thank you for a beautiful visual guide to writing formal lettering and the history lesson. I quickly looked up Marie Antoinette's marriage license!

[@LavenderandLinen]

When my oldest daughter was young I used these Spencerian Penmanship books simply to teach her cursive and to improve her penmanship. She improved exponentially however, we never did anything like this! I think I fell a little short! Lol. Just beautiful! And fascinating to watch! Thank you!

[@cadre500]

Wow! It is a pleasure to watch a highly skilled artist that loves to share what they do with others. Let alone two at the same time!

[@barefootedqueen710]

Perfect timing, as I am just about to order a kit on Amazon

[@stormeliz7406]

Fun! I ordered pencils and suggested Spencerian penmanship book. Rajiv is a treasure for us, isn't he?

[@liamurray5233]

Thanks!

[@PamelaTurner-vu8ve]

Beautiful. Thank you for keeping penmanship alive 🌹

[@FunnyMemo]

I have been wanting to try my hand at calligraphy and now I am even mire inspired. Thank you !!

[@evavillarreal9753]

Rajiv!!! Thank you so much for introducing so amazing souls like Mike. Congratulations for his work!!! Delightful video. I am so interested in all the topics that you have shared that I had forgotten that I discovered you because of calligraphy.. so thank you so much another demonstration of how gifted you are and how you get surrounded by beautiful and gifted people as Mike.

[@michelleilling5976]

Wow! I took one of Mike’s beginner tap workshop’s last year! This calligraphy is very cool! Small world

[@stumblealongwithme]

As someone who loves all things print and book related from binding to paper making this episode was a gift! Thank you for sharing, I've been looking into mimeographs and ink making recently and now I'm adding calligraphy to the list!

[@i123456987654]

This is why I love calligraphy and art because there are shapes everywhere like ovals

[@CaroleBoulware]

“Oh like a bump” HAD ME ON THE FLOOR

[@adventureswithatlas]

Yay! I just found a Calligraphy set secondhand. Can't wait to watch this when I have time.

[@carolynthompson6518]

Good luck 🤞

[@nekki_xt]

This video is so incredibly fantastic!! I'm not new to calligraphy at all, I've been self-teaching/practicing for quite a number of years now. But I have learned SO much from this video! Eternally grateful for you two, for making calligraphy so fun and informative! Thank you!!

[@tinajohnston2736]

My husbandand I converted to normal fountains pens 4 years ago for fun :) not yoru fancy ones but nonetheless it makes us happy and like putting on your good clothes makes us behave more formally with our penmanship. Thanks for another informative video! our whole family watches you!

[@biddydibdab9180]

From the first Rajiv video I watched, I’ve been mesmerized by your beautiful bracelets. I’d love to hear how they are made and their significance. This is a fascinating video for me since I love chalkboards (especially slate), chalk and beautiful writing styles. This video fits right in with that. What a multi-talented guest.

[@girirajasuta]

What a wonderful detailed tutorial, Rajiv! And Mike, your writing is simply stunningly beautiful!!

[@noralockspeed]

How can we ever thank you for sharing so much beauty all around us! Mike is an absolute professional and sharing knowledge is what our world currently needs the most. Deeply grateful and humbled by your extraordinary talents. Thank you even when it never feels like enough. ❤

[@aq9714]

I love watching you and love that I am home! I am going to look in my pen drawer to get out my antique nibs and pens.... OMGosh I have to prep my nibs! That was the issue!! I love this: 'Your voice on paper'.

[@gzisc]

Hi Rajiv, Love your KZbin channel. This one in particular takes me back to my days in art school, particularly my typography 1 letterform classes. We had to learn use many different fonts and pen nibs. They have been packed away for many years but I have alway continued to write with a fountain pen. It just feels special when I do. I now feel the need to dust off my old nibs and start to relearn some old skills. I love how you are always trying something new. Currently I've been doing a bit of pen & ink with watercolors and trying to teach myself spoon carving. Maybe my wife is correct when she says I have too many hobbies. Keep creating the great content! Love to see a video of you watercolor painting.

[@lonenugget4301]

I'm just amazed how that one little jar of walnut ink could possibly be a lifetime supply of ink. Really makes you think how wasteful we've become with all the disposable pens...and I could go on and on with all the other disposable things we use...

[@AnAxe-q7b]

Congratulations to both of you!❤

[@zacharyminton73]

This was one of my favorite videos you've done! Fascinating.

[@sonybluraydisk]

Wow, an hour of penmanship and calligraphy content. I'm gonna enjoy this one

[@Ron_Robertson]

That really was a wonderful demonstration with a true artisan.

[@DwarfDragonwulf]

Thoroughly enjoyable, as all of Rajiv's videos are, I've been doing calligraphy for a long time, but I've never used an oblique pen, might have to get one... I've recently been enjoying doing calligraphy with flat brushes, giving me a wider range of sizes, and a wider range of colours, because I can use inks or watercolours, or anything else that will flow...

[@jayantiiamonico6966]

Enjoyed this episode so much! Mike is a treasure and is so talented.

[@AmazingJane137]

I was taught to use a cut potato to clean a cast iron skillet before making pancakes. I think it would be the starch in the potato that would possibly absorb any oils.

[@jaw3299]

I would pay good money for more of this wholesome content. ❤ 🖋️

[@rajivsurendra]

gofund.me/6e15211d THANK YOU!

[@mentalmumma7128]

I am one to struggle with th being bad at things before I can get good. I have learned that having fun is the best way to overcome this and now I learn faster and genuinely enjoy the learning. What and inspiration Mike is as are you Rajiv. I want to give caligraphy another go with all the tips and nibs 🙃 you both shared. I was making all those rookie mistakes you mentioned haha.

[@sharonferris9343]

Prehaps my favourite video ever .I am inspired to put ink to paper ,thank you both.

[@mysteriousu5528]

This video blew my mind. Thank you Rajiv and wonderful Mike to explain all the important details behind the art of Spencerian writing. I also write stylishly sometimes but never had a clue about the proportions of spacing, shading etc. I still can't decipher Mike's letter 'M'😥. Instead of leather as a supportive base, can I use sewing measurement pad? Also, how often you let the nib touch the ink? Is it an intuitive learning? I loved Mike writing Kalyani. That was perfection to the core. Thanks guys once again for taking the time to do a video on this art of calligraphy.

[@gomargarita]

Of all your videos, this one is the best ! Gorgeous, generous, technical. Wow! Thanks so much Rajiv and Mike. ❤

[@redcyan77]

Galls on an oak tree, at least, are a very interesting protective measure against the gall wasp. The symbiotic relationship means the tree also creates the gall which protects the wasp larvae. I learned about this during my foray into natural dying and the beauty of the tannins found in oak galls.

[@Eversew139]

Rahjiv and Mike were totally geeking out. Love to see it. Two very talented artisans.

[@Cyriljayant]

Glad to see your demo in Spencerian. Mike is a grand master in OP & Calligraphy. Thank you for this video .

[@a.b.creator]

What a Joy this video is !

[@DLRTraynorCoberly]

Y’all have to collaborate again!

[@auntiemame7076]

Adore this man. And the thoughtful and deliberate way he lives his life. Thank you for letting us join you on the journey.

[@jeansunderland6115]

Beautiful! Talent and dedication and love at its best! Thank you for sharing!

[@joannmaryvarghese6519]

Wow! What a splendid primer to the Spencerian script!

[@freedomwalkerpeace3727]

I've learned so much watching this video. I used to practice calligraphy as a teen and I miss doing this style of writing. I still have my original holder. Today I'm purchasing walnut crystal and a nib.

[@NameLikeNobodyElse]

Where are you shopping?

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Rajiv, that was so interesting!

[@AmyAnnetteHenion]

I joined IAMPETH last year and I’m hoping to attend the conference for the first time this summer. Thanks for this intro to help me prepare!

[@bettenotap4791]

I really enjoyed this! Mike was really in his element, he seemed very relaxed and totally indulged us. I checked out his website and his Instagram, very nice, so so cool! Well done presentation Rajiv, thanks for the intro.

[@V1t0rSn]

It's amazingly enjoyable this handwriting contents, truly inspiring and pleasant to watch 😍

[@doyeworrell1680]

Good penmanship definitely 👍 needs to be taught today. I throughly enjoyed this video, if I received a letter like this, I would treasure it forever.

[@lauriegills773]

My curiosity has been peaked!! ✍️❤

[@MsMe-pk7td]

BIG APPLAUSE 👏👏👏 Most seriously Raj and Mike that was most excellent and quite educational as well was entertaining. If the 2 of you are single you should be together. Seems like you might be the perfect couple!!!! FLOURISH AWAY guys. Words to live by!

[@iamfilipinas]

Your videos bring me so much joy! ❤

[@DJKBrooklyn]

What a delight to watch this.

[@livi7327]

I love Spencerian. Thank you, Rajiv! ❤

[@zanbudd]

I understand the leather inserts on old writing desks now - and why I keep a good sized piece of cardboard for writing ✍🏻🙏🏼🦋

[@flatcreek4665]

Fascinating video! I am inspired to try this art form now. Thank you both.

[@margaretsamplerlover]

I'm still watching. But I had to point out that in knitting as well, saliva is important for something called spit splicing -- where you are joining one end of a yarn to another. So fascinating! I'm enjoying this a lot!

[@bettenotap4791]

My mom taught me to use saliva on a small blood stain with a cold water rinse in an emergency.