Ouch, My Wrist Hurts

[ac12]

I know. I'm a mess!

 

Hang in there.

 

In college I wrote with a TIGHT grip. And I wondered why my hand cramped so much.

As I had mentioned, I had to couple learning to use a light grip with learning to write with my arm rather than my fingers. A light grip would not let me write with my fingers, so I had to learn to write with my arm.

This took me quite a while (3 months) to retrain my muscles, and even longer before it really became natural.

Hang in there, and you will get there.

 

ps. my cursive/script handwriting before this was REALLY REALLY BAD. I would print, so that I could read my own writing.

Edited December 24, 2014 by ac12

[AnneHW]

Hang in there.

 

In college I wrote with a TIGHT grip. And I wondered why my hand cramped so much.

As I had mentioned, I had to couple learning to use a light grip with learning to write with my arm rather than my fingers. A light grip would not let me write with my fingers, so I had to learn to write with my arm.

This took me quite a while (3 months) to retrain my muscles, and even longer before it really became natural.

Hang in there, and you will get there.

 

ps. my cursive/script handwriting before this was REALLY REALLY BAD. I would print, so that I could read my own writing.

 

This is so encouraging. I haven't had much time to practice since I posted this, but yesterday I took a little time to hold my pen and make some circles, loops and a few letters. I concentrated on keeping my grip light, as well as all the other suggestions here (posture, etc.). I know I'll get it, but it sure is hard to change that darn muscle memory! Kind of reminds me of learning a new dance step and how clumsy it can feel at first. But with some practice, suddenly you're doing it and it's easy!

 

It's Christmas Eve, and whether or not you celebrate the holiday for itself, I hope everyone is happy, healthy and with people (or pets) they love!

[AnneHW]

 

 

 

Yes, Ken is our Master Penman and I've learned much from his books that I have, and from his posts. Very glad you found his materials helpful.

 

And you, too, made the trip to visit Brian and Lisa at their store! We were there in mid-May. Wow, you saw my writing there! That was so kind of them - I made a few "signs" for their new store around when they first opened, and when there Lisa and Brian brought us over to the register and asked if I noticed anything interesting. I about fell over! I was truly surprised and humbled.

 

 

 

 

I was looking back through this thread and at the images you posted, Hugh. I agree, Ken is a Master, but I think I'd put you on that level, as well. Most of the time, I'm using my iPad. The images are, obviously, smaller; so seeing your handwriting/calligraphy on my computer makes a big difference. Your work is beautiful. That's what I'm talking about! I can enjoy all kinds of handwriting, it doesn't have to be "perfect." However, to be able to create what you are showing here takes skill and, I know, practice. (Although, if you're showing anything from when you first started, it looks like you were already good.)

 

Thank you for sharing!

[Tasmith]

A little practice every day goes a long way. I try to practice at least 1/2 hour a day. On the days I can't practice 1/2 hour, I'll spend at least a few minutes doing some warm ups on any piece of paper that is handy and maybe an alphabet or two and some words or sentences.

Edited December 24, 2014 by Tasmith

[AnneHW]

A little practice every day goes a long way. I try to practice at least 1/2 hour a day. On the days I can't practice 1/2 hour, I'll spend at least a few minutes doing some warm ups on any piece of paper that is handy and maybe an alphabet or two and some words or sentences.

That's a good idea and a reasonable amount of time. I got the Spencerian Penmanship books for Christmas and I'm going to make my husband grow a mustache and wear a suit with a bow tie so he can stand next to me and tap my hand with a ruler when I start to slouch and hold my pen incorrectly!

[TheRealScubaSteve]

That's a good idea and a reasonable amount of time. I got the Spencerian Penmanship books for Christmas and I'm going to make my husband grow a mustache and wear a suit with a bow tie so he can stand next to me and tap my hand with a ruler when I start to slouch and hold my pen incorrectly!

 

Make sure you have a safe word.

[AnneHW]

Make sure you have a safe word.

You are funny!!!

[AnneHW]

I have to tell you guys that my husband and I made the trek to Anderson Pens today. That's a 3-hour drive each way, and it was so worth it! We got to meet Lisa and she was wonderful. Besides that, what a store! How on earth did we get so fortunate to have something like that within driving distance, and other fortunate thing is it's not too close to be "dangerous!"

 

Hugh, I made sure I saw your gorgeous calligraphy!!! Oh my are you talented! If I can get to be half as good as that I'll think I'm great!

 

We were in there for an hour and Lisa could not have been nicer or more helpful. Honestly, if you are visiting Wisconsin (our summers are beautiful) and have a chance to visit Appleton, you won't be disappointed. I've never seen anything like it!

[Tasmith]

Awesome! Did you find a pen that you like?

[hughdrbf]

I have Ken's book Italic Variations, and it is always opened for reference when I practice. I also bought his DVD, Calligraphy by Ken Fraser, great seeing him write the letters. It's one thing to read about calligraphy, and another to see how the letters are actually formed.

 

+ 1

 

Ken's Italic Variations was the first that I began learning italic from, and it helped tremendously. I revisit it every few months to refocus and get back to the basics.

 

Hugh

[hughdrbf]

 

ps. my cursive/script handwriting before this was REALLY REALLY BAD. I would print, so that I could read my own writing.

 

Same with me.

 

Thanks to more than 30 years of keyboarding I could not read my cursive writing so I fell toward block printing as a way out.

 

Hugh

[hughdrbf]

I have to tell you guys that my husband and I made the trek to Anderson Pens today. That's a 3-hour drive each way, and it was so worth it! We got to meet Lisa and she was wonderful. Besides that, what a store! How on earth did we get so fortunate to have something like that within driving distance, and other fortunate thing is it's not too close to be "dangerous!"

 

Hugh, I made sure I saw your gorgeous calligraphy!!! Oh my are you talented! If I can get to be half as good as that I'll think I'm great!

 

We were in there for an hour and Lisa could not have been nicer or more helpful. Honestly, if you are visiting Wisconsin (our summers are beautiful) and have a chance to visit Appleton, you won't be disappointed. I've never seen anything like it!

 

Anne, that's fantastic! Dangerous is right - of course, in the best ways. I often tease Brian and Lisa that they are my "pen pushers". Of course I've willingly already got my wallet out

 

Thank you for your compliment! You are much too kind.

 

Enjoy your haul, and post a picture so we can see what you got!

 

 

Hugh

[linearM]

I was doing some browsing and found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Danitrio-Dani-Cum-Laude-Cellulloid-Fountain-Pen-M-Nib-/231414605732?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e162a7a4. They wanted $89 + $5 shipping. It looked like the larger Cum Laude because of the shape of the section. Thought I'd get back to you in case you might still be looking.

[AnneHW]

I was doing some browsing and found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Danitrio-Dani-Cum-Laude-Cellulloid-Fountain-Pen-M-Nib-/231414605732?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e162a7a4. They wanted $89 + $5 shipping. It looked like the larger Cum Laude because of the shape of the section. Thought I'd get back to you in case you might still be looking.

You are so nice to think of me! What a beautiful pen!! I see there are 13 others looking at it, too. I'm tempted, but I have to wait. I'm wondering if Anderson Pens carries this model because that would be a great way for me to try it out? Also, I got an art pencil for Christmas. It's a pretty wide wooden barrel that holds a long piece of lead. I tried using it for some of those warm-up exercises and it's much easier for me to hold in a relaxed manner, making me think you could be right about barrel size. I also read an article that suggests practicing with a pencil because it's easier to control.

 

Anyway, I've written down the name of this pen (Cum Laude) and I'm very interested. I really appreciate hearing from you, linear!

[mvarela]

Anne, you should look up the posts on the tripod grip. I had similar problems when I just started working on my penmanship. The grip you use is prone to make you over-grip, and that will cramp you fast.

 

Here's how I hold my pen, for reference:

 

http://i.imgur.com/wUIlk3i.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nMAzB7T.jpg

 

 

There is basically no pressure at all, the pen just rests on the fingers.

 

Hope it helps!

Best,

Martín

[AnneHW]

Anne, you should look up the posts on the tripod grip. I had similar problems when I just started working on my penmanship. The grip you use is prone to make you over-grip, and that will cramp you fast.

 

Here's how I hold my pen, for reference:

 

http://i.imgur.com/wUIlk3i.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nMAzB7T.jpg

 

 

There is basically no pressure at all, the pen just rests on the fingers.

 

Hope it helps!

Best,

Martín

Not only that, I can see that your penmanship is beautiful! I see what you're doing and I keep trying. I've got some books, too. I'll do fairly well on some practice pieces, like individual letters. But as soon as I try to write words. I find myself gripping AGAIN!

 

I know it has to be the way I'm moving my arm, as in, I'm not! I tend to move my wrist and I think that shifts my pen which means I have to hold on tighter. I feel frustrated with myself, but this is something I've done all my life, so I don't suppose I'm going to change it overnight.

 

I see what people are doing and I know it's not impossible for me to learn, but I feel like I need for someone to stand over me and physically adjust everything. Still, I do appreciate your photo, Martin. I will be looking at it for reference and one of these days I'm going to post a new thread called "I Finally Got It!"

[pmhudepo]

I like this thread about the tripod grip: The Classic Tripod Grip. Text, photos and diagrams, the works.

 

As far as movement exercises are concerned, I've really enjoyed Edward C. Mills' Modern Business Penmanship. I've downloaded a PDF from the IAMPETH website and put it on my iPad for reference during practice. They've changed their website recently and a PDF can now be found here.

 

I've also done a few exercises from the Palmer Method (after using Mills' book for a long while) and what struck me most was Palmer's emphasis on speed. Found that quite difficult at first, but speed does seem to help develop muscular movement and to prevent writing using only your fingers.

[ac12]

Anne,

Just start slow.

It WILL be frustrating, until you get the hang of it. It was for me.

Hold the pen "loose." Then keep your wrist still. Just move your forearm.

There is a muscle on the back of the forearm, just before the elbow. I rest my arm on that muscle, and push and pull on it, like a pivot point.

Just do loops, until you start to feel comfortable.

I also used WIDE ruled paper, so that my writing would not be cramped. I found the wider ruled paper easier to learn arm writing on.

 

gud luk

[mvarela]

 

Hold the pen "loose." Then keep your wrist still. Just move your forearm.

There is a muscle on the back of the forearm, just before the elbow. I rest my arm on that muscle, and push and pull on it, like a pivot point.

 

This is precisely how I do it, too. Just take your time and enjoy it, it'll become second nature in no time

[AnneHW]

I like this thread about the tripod grip: The Classic Tripod Grip. Text, photos and diagrams, the works.

 

As far as movement exercises are concerned, I've really enjoyed Edward C. Mills' Modern Business Penmanship. I've downloaded a PDF from the IAMPETH website and put it on my iPad for reference during practice. They've changed their website recently and a PDF can now be found here.

 

I've also done a few exercises from the Palmer Method (after using Mills' book for a long while) and what struck me most was Palmer's emphasis on speed. Found that quite difficult at first, but speed does seem to help develop muscular movement and to prevent writing using only your fingers.

Thank you for the links! I really do look at everything and I keep coming back to this thread.