Calligraphy means beautiful writing and is an ancient art.

The history of calligraphy dates back to the Stone Age. Around 2,500BC the first real writing known as cuneiform, was invented in Mesopotamia. Using a wedge shaped tool, marks were etched into clay making the marks, which represented the sounds of the words. In 1,500BC the Chinese developed a script consisting of more than 1,500 characters representing an idea rather than a sound or letter. In 1,000BC the Phoenicians created an alphabet of 22 letters. In about 500BC the Greeks adapted this calligraphy alphabet also adding a,e,i,o. During the 1st Century AD the Ancient Romans adapted the Greek alphabet to produce their own 23 capital letters. This was the beginning of the calligraphy alphabet as we know it today. Between the 1st and 10th century AD the J, U and W were added making the 26 letter alphabet.

The monks started using a calligraphy style known as the uncial (un~shull) to write the religious books in the 6th century AD. The Gothic style emerged during the 13th to the 15th century AD when the letters where drawn narrower to fit more letters on a line. The Gothic style was difficult to master and toward the end of the 1400's Italics was developed. In 1450 the printing press hand written calligraphy lost its popularity. Edward Johnston revived the art of calligraphy around 1900 creating a calligraphy alphabet based on the 10th century manuscript known today as Foundational calligraphy.

Even with all the technology available today calligraphy is still practiced by many.

Today, you can find calligraphy alphabet stamps in most craft stores. But even though calligraphy takes alot of practice, everyone can learn the true art of calligraphy. This is a great way to create inexpensive handwritten wedding invitations, wedding announcements, birth announcement and baby shower announcements. The list goes on and on you can also use the calligraphy to personalize your scrapbooks.

Here is a sample sheet, which you can use to practice the basic calligraphy alphabet.

But first things first, you need to remember the following:

Information about uncial calligraphy alphabet

Read this article on calligraphy pens

More calligraphy alphabet facts

Like most things the more you practice the better you will become at creating a calligraphy alphabet