Workshops

Workshops are a great place to:

Workshop sign-ups may be announced by e-mail ot sign-up sheets may be sent with the Handscrit newsletter. If you have questions or desire to sign up, please contact workshop chair, Mary Lee Heald mlheald2000@yahoo.com.

• Learn new techniques in calligraphy, book arts, and related subjects from our local guild teachers, national and international teachers and master calligraphers.
• Find out what great tools and supplies your fellow calligraphers use and learn about new tools on the market.
• Get to know other guild members that you may not have met or may have
  seen and not have had a chance to get to know.

1. All workshops are filled first with members, then non-members if there is room.



2. Each workshop is filled on a first-check-received basis, according to the sign-up date. The workshop fee is payable in full at time of sign-up and will be deposited into the Houston Calligraphy Guild account on the workshop date.  No one who has enrolled and paid for a workshop will receive a refund unless that spot is filled from a waiting list.  If there is no waiting list, the spot may be filled by a friend; otherwise, the fee will be forfeited (extenuating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis).  If the spot is filled three days before the workshop, the fee will be returned after the workshop occurs.  No money will be held for future workshops.



3. A member hosting a workshop instructor shall be entitled to take only that workshop at no charge and will not be counted if the number of participants is limited.  Hosting responsibilities include transportation to and from the airport, to and from the workshop location, lodging, food, and in general, all of the instructor’s needs while in Houston for the allocated workshop.



4. Only the workshop chairperson or a designated substitute of prior notification to guild members should be contacted concerning enrollment or cancellation.



5. At least three (3) workshops will be held during the Houston Calligraphy Guild normal September through May operating year.  Other workshops may be scheduled as approved by the Workshop Chair and the Houston Calligraphy Guild Board of Directors.



6. Detailed supply lists will be posted on this website prior to each workshop and may be included in the Handscrit and/or e-mailed to the workshop participants. The list may include the term “basic supplies” which means those items that are essential for most workshops but not listed each time.



7. The following are extensive lists of basic and optional supplies that include most items that might be used in a workshop, compiled by Jo Guffey.

Pencils - hard and soft
Small Pencil Sharpener
Eraser - Pentel Click, Hyperaser, Kneaded, Magic Rub
Fine Point pens - Micron 005, Pilot PS500, Pitt, Tech Liner, Sharpie Fine
Drafting, Watercolor, or Painter's Tape
Small roll scotch tape or wonder tape (sticks to itself)
Ruler (cork backed steel) or T-Square
Penholders
Assortment of nibs
Ink (unless specific brand and color are on instructor's list)
Small brush for loading ink on nib
Writing board if preferred
Glue Stick or Adhesive roller
Scissors
Bone Folder with good tip for scoring
Small water container
Small container Distilled Water
Pipette or medicine dropper for using water
Paper towel, rags, Handi-wipes, Baby wipes
Notepaper or pad for notes
Xacto Knife and new blade
Cutting mat
Lighweight plastic sheet (approximately 1 yd.) to cover workspace
Separate paper carrier with paper

The following "Optional" items may not be needed in a workshop but if so (and are not on the instructor's list) are well worth packing in your supplies. As you attend workshops, you will develop your own lists of tools that you think are necessary:

Layout and Tracing Paper
Colored Pencils, Watercolor, Gouache, Gel Pens (when not included on instructor's supply list)
Peerless Watercolor sheets or Watercolor pencils take up little space
Waterbrush
Rubber Cement Pick-up
Portable light - Ott or other
Camera
Chair cushion
Sweater or long sleeved shirt if you are cold natured
Apron
Hand & Tool cleaner - Masters soap, Hand Sanitizer (wipes can be used)
Waxed Paper - cut in squares and put in Ziplock bag
Can or Jar Opener - Magic Grip for stubborn lids or containers
Clips
Toothpicks & Popsicle sticks - small amount in small containers
Hole Punch or Japanese Drill Punch
Small sewing kit with embroidery thread & bookbinder needle

Tip: As you attend workshops and decide what kinds of tools you desire to have, you will also gain knowledge about the ideal supply carrier to fit your needs, from a toolbox to a roomy art carrier.  A good tip is to pack supplies in small containers for easy handling, dividing large amounts when possible to take only a small portion to workshops. These small containers can be refilled right after a workshop, repacked in your carrier, and your basic supplies will be ready for the next workshop.  Keep an inventory of these supplies and add to or delete as you personalize them for your own needs.

Final Tip: Most workshop locations have parking just outside or very near the door and a Toolkit and First Aid Kit in your automobile trunk can hold additional supplies that you just may need every now and then and do not want to add to your basic supplies. For instance, an extension cord and adapter from a Toolkit might be needed if you are using anything electrical, or a pair of tweezers, Q-Tips, plastic gloves, or a razor blade from a First Aid Kit could come in handy.