Ann Balaam Miller Calligraphy

From The Library Of... A brief history of the ex libris, or bookplate.

Check out my new Getting Inky post for the week of November 2, with my thoughts, and a little history, on the ex-libris, or bookplate.
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The Signature Graphic A chop is a graphic authentication, a paw mark, thumbprint, a maker's mark.

This week's "Getting Inky" post is about authenticity and how we claim ownership of what we have written or made. Our signature. Our mark.

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The new "Getting Inky" blog is up! I share a few tips for the holiday season as it looms large on the horizon. The image shown is a piece of DIY wrapping paper. Let's enjoy making it our own and sharing more of ourselves!
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The Writing Ceremony As in any formal ceremony, personal grace is revealed in the act of writing.

This week's "Getting Inky" is posted! I talk about what goes on before the pen hits the page, the preparation we go through in order to write formally, and the benefit and dignity of writing. Just shedding some light on the process!
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Writing on the Grid Sometimes we use the grid, sometimes we avoid it, but we're always are aware of it.

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So You Want To Learn Calligraphy? Why would (or should) a non-artist sign up for a calligraphy class?

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Deadline Oct 1: Designing with Runes Last call for my Norse Runes class!

If you're interested in calligraphy, you should be reading my Getting Inky blogpost every week, with my thoughts and tips on the processes of art. It's free. Learn the many nuances of text art with me.

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The Chopstick Technique To reveal the inner dance, nothing fancy is required.

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Letter Arts Review Magazine A magazine for the international lettering arts community.

You should know about Letter Arts Review if you don’t already have a subscription! Just getting the word out, in my latest "Getting Inky" issue, to everyone who loves letters and the art and act of making them. Join the visual conversation.
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A great visit this morning from delegates at the 'Craft, Texture, & Aesthetics of Letter Forms' conference, to visit our Historical Printing Room & see a range of materials from our collection, including John Baskerville specimens, the Kelmscott Chaucer, & woodblocks & designs by Reynolds Stone!

Bound & Lettered Magazine A crafty magazine for the lettering and book arts community.

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Left-handed calligraphers Tips and tricks for lefties with a desire to inscribe.

This week's "Getting Inky" is posted, with tips for left-handed calligraphers. Angles, inclines, and other practical concerns, and maybe some new information.
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Calligraphy Design and Norse Runes After 2,000 years, the geometric forms and rich symbolism of Elder Futhark runes continue to shape modern life—from Bluetooth logos to contemporary magic. This course explores the history of Norse run...

continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/libe...

My new "Getting Inky" post is up, welcoming you to join in our study of calligraphy design and Norse runes starting October 1 at Stanford Continuing Studies. Is it about Vikings? Magic? Weird symbols? Find out! Get your hand on the page and I'll share my information with you!

Substack link in bio.

Calligraphy Design and Norse Runes is open for registration. This Stanford Continuing Studies class starts October 1, 2025; read more about it at pennib.com/teaching. Download a syllabus and supplies list from the registration page and sign up now!

continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/libe...

What to write? Are you full of words, or just marks?

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Follow the Breath, II The bellows stokes the fire.

New Getting Inky post is up, talking about line quality in drawing and writing, and more!

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Ann Balaam Miller | Penflora Designs Freehand Lettering for Social Events

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Hi friends, especially you Peninsula locals!
I'm partnering with Melissa Olson at her wonderful floral and gift shop Penflora in Burlingame this month. A two hour workshop will provide you with what you need to get your social calligraphy in order!

Vacation Time! What happens to your pursuit of letters when you're outside of your zip code?

This week's Getting Inky blogpost is up! One way to stack up memories when out of town is to capture letters, numerals, and signs. Keep your journal close at hand and draw new shapes or capture them digitally, adding to the pleasure of walking about.
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Freehand Lettering for Social Events Whenever you put pen to paper, it's serious, no matter how much fun it is.

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Texting in an Ancient Language Studying a new script is a delight for the virtual traveler.

Check out this week's Getting Inky blog; always on Mondays. Today I look at the benefits of studying an ancient script, how to write it, use it to design something new, and generally improve your calligraphic skills while enjoying the day.

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The Rabbit Hole of Calligraphy My favorite bullet points about the importance of studying organized handwriting.

This week's Getting Inky blogpost is up! Many reasons why you should study handlettering!

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Antoni Tàpies and Calligraphy The art of Antoni Tàpies connects us with our deepest roots.

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Kalligraphia 2025 Exhibit Friends of Calligraphy celebrates their 50th Anniversary!

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The Beckoning Litho Stone Early work on limestone creates a permanent longing.

My weekly Getting Inky blog is posted! This time I talk about my early work in lithography.
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A Connecting Hub The study of calligraphy ties the proverbial room together.

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Weaving, a Theme Warp and weft, a reliable scheme!

Check out my new Getting Inky blogpost, discussing the idea of warp and weft as factors in artwork and design.

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Talking about NOTAN The ancient design principle of dark and light.

Check out my new Getting Inky post, where I talk about Notan, the ancient dark-light principle of design.
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Break On Through From here to where?

My Getting Inky post is up for the week. Enjoy some tips on picking up the pencil and drawing until it digs in.
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Summer Calligraphy Online! Study lettering, design, and calligraphy with me in July/August 2025!

Registration opens for Art 50 today, May 19! The link to join my 6-week class is in the Getting Inky post (link in bio).

It's a comprehensive overview of what you need to begin serious calligraphy study with a deep focus on design. Don't wait too long!

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