I'm thinking of getting back "in" to calligraphy. I've done it off and on for 40+ years.

I have a rotring set, a sheaffer set, two osmiroid sets and I'd like to set myself up to begin again.

Do any of you recommend a writing desk or stand? I've always just used the kitchen table before, but, then, I've never gotten terribly good, either.

Am I just trying to persuade myself to buy something else?

If a stand/box is suggested - any idea where I could purchase one? I googled but seemed to find only old English antiques which look wonderful but cost like the dickens (as my grandmother would say).

Thanks!

Drafting table. Not cheap, but worth it. And definitely better than the kitchen table, or a desk. The kitchen table is going to be needed for other things every few hours, and both the kitchen table and the writing desk are flat. You need to have an inclined surface to work on, and it needs to be BIG.

A drafting table would be the best solution; cheap ones can be had for around $110 online and they go straight up from there. If one has enough space, they're wonderful. I have one that was absconded by my wife - we use it for a wide variety of crafts.

Another route is the Herman Miller Scooter Stand (http://tinyurl.com/5w8uc7). It's not as big as a drafting table, but a lot more space friendly and can used in a lot more places. I've got one of these, too, and love it.

Thanks to Whosyerbob for the link to the Scooter Stand -- I have to get one of those.

Peter

You should definitely have your own desk or area where you write regularly. A flat surface isn't nearly as useful as a slanted surface. A drafting table is great, a small drafting board with its own support also works. So does a couple of books under a clipboard, in a pinch. Main thing is to have those wonderful pens of yours at hand, ready to go, and to work regularly at improving your hand. Even 20 minutes a day will help.

Best of luck to you,

Local artsy craftsy stores (Michele's, A.C. Moore) often have drafting tables/boards if you don't want to wait for an online order.

You can find writing stands at disability/ back aid type shops. I improvise using an empty lever-arch file which provides a good angle.

How about DIY? It will only cost you around 20USD.

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Yeah, that's a great solution! Might try and find one of those myself.

Wow. it is great!

How wonderfully simple! Did you design that yourself or are there plans available?

I relish the idea of using a table that was created by the very hands writing letters on said table, versus some computer designed commercial product.

I like the box idea. One could esely adapt the design so the box could also house some paper and a few pens.


Cool idea.





....Stani