A calligraphy class seems like the perfect way to spend some quality time with your best girlfriends to me. As someone who once dabbled in the handwritten world, I’d love to take a class like this myself, and with LAURA HOOPER CALLIGRAPHY teaching her ways, well you really can’t go wrong. Just imagine how inspiring it would be!!
The written word is powerful for telling stories, sharing emotions and the passing down of history. All things that are central to the hearts of the ladies at RIVEROAKS CHARLESTON, so when the opportunity to host a LAURA HOOPER CALLIGRAPHY workshop arose, it seemed a natural fit. Laura is an expert in her honed craft. Her willingness to patiently share penmanship lessons with others is a thread in the renewal of this nearly lost art threatened by the digital world.
The inspiration for the overall styling of the workshop began with understanding the history of calligraphy. Knowing the influence of the written word and how that impacts our lives today can not be understated. However, the beauty of one’s penmanship has been nearly lost in modern times. Therefore, the styling details for the workshop by the RiverOaks team hopefully connected the attendee with being a part of beautifully continuing this practical art form. Drawing from the tools used, the coloUr of the India ink and the texture of paper used in ancient times the workshop atmosphere and story unfolded.
RIVEROAKS used this blue-black ink colour in the stripe table runners, slate boards and black rooster feathers and quills from the venue’s chickens. The idea of linen paper was brought in through the use of vintage French linens that were used on the European inspired food table and a soft fabric that created a canopy above the attendees. All were welcomed to their place setting with gold pumpkins personalised by LAURA. The colour gold reflected the metal nibs used today replacing quills and the pumpkins gave seasonal relevance in a subtle way. Along with a welcome bag of supplies gifted to each student by LAURA and put to use in the class the tedious lessons began under perfect skies. All who came were inspired by her encouraging instruction and the challenge that ééòPractice Makes Perfect.ééò
LAURA HOOPER CALLIGRAPHY is currently offering pointed-pen calligraphy WORKSHOPS around the US and even in Canada! The class covers the basics to get you started and then delves into a full Copperplate alphabet. Can’t make it to a class? Laura also offers these fabulous calligraphy STARTER KITS that ship worldwide!
Photography LAUREN JONAS / Venue, Design, Styling RIVEROAKS CHARLESTON / Calligraphy LAURA HOOPER CALLIGRAPHY / Striped Runners POTTERY BARN / Chairs and tablecloths SNYDER EVENTS / Welcome and food table vintage linens and lace CLIN D’OEIL MEUNLES, FLEA MARKETS / Pumpkin bread bags STEMPLEGRUSSE / European sourcing SIMONE GEBSATTEL & BARRETT CALDWELL
