In support of welcoming those new to calligraphy, here is a list of basic skills/beginner classes taught by CCC members in and around the Chicagoland area. 

Do you teach a beginner calligraphy class? Please use the link below to apply for a listing

Copperplate Script

Date: Thursdays, Sept. 3 to Sept. 24, 2026

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Location: Harper Professional Center - Schaumburg Campus, 650 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg

Instructor: Laurie Paolinetti

This beginner-friendly class will guide students through the basics of Copperplate script. It will start with an introduction to the essential tools & supplies, & then dive into writing. First, you will learn the basic strokes, followed by the complete lowercase & capital alphabets. Copperplate is known for its graceful slant, thin upstrokes, thick downstrokes, & its elegant appearance. Often used today for formal invitations & certificates, these decorative letters will have you captivated with calligraphy! All materials will be provided

Italic Calligraphy for Beginners

Dates: Thursdays, October 1 through October 22, 2026

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 North Knox, Chicago, IL 60630

Instructor: Lisa Kivland

Start your study of calligraphy with this introductory course on Italic writing. Italic is the calligraphic hand that most people think of when they hear the word calligraphy. Learn basic letter forms using broad-edged writing tools, namely the Pilot Parallel Pen and dip pens. Basic skills, including lettering, drawing guidelines, spacing, and design will be taught, as well as the myriad of applications to use with this beautiful hand!

A Beginner's Day of Calligraphy

Date: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027

Time: 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL

Instructors: Laurie Paolinetti & Lisa Kivland

Enjoy an afternoon exploring not one, but two scripts! One will be a pointed pen Copperplate, the other a broad pen Italic. You will be guided through the basic use of each tool, beginning strokes of each script, the formation of lowercase letters, & writing a few words. No need to purchase supplies - just bring yourself & a curiosity to learn calligraphy! Tools (pens, nibs, ink) will be provided for your use in class - not to take home. And a handout will be given for writing in class, which is yours to keep! All supplies will be provided.

Italic Calligraphy

Dates: Tuesdays, February 16 through March 9, 2027

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: Harper Professional Center, Schaumburg Campus, 650 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg

Instructor: Lisa Kivland

Start your study of calligraphy with this introductory course on Italic writing. Italic is the calligraphic hand that most people think of when they hear the word calligraphy. Learn basic letter forms using broad-edged writing tools, namely the Pilot Parallel Pen and dip pens. Basic skills, including lettering, drawing guidelines, spacing, and design will be taught, as well as the myriad of applications to use with this beautiful hand!

Copperplate Script

Date: Thursdays, Feb. 25 to March 18, 2027

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Location: Harper Professional Center, Schaumburg Campus, 650 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg

Instructor: Laurie Paolinetti

This beginner-friendly class will guide students through the basics of Copperplate script. It will start with an introduction to the essential tools & supplies, & then dive into writing. First, you will learn the basic strokes, followed by the complete lowercase & capital alphabets. Copperplate is known for its graceful slant, thin upstrokes, thick downstrokes, & its elegant appearance. Often used today for formal invitations & certificates, these decorative letters will have you captivated with calligraphy! All materials will be provided

Brush Pen Calligraphy

Date: Saturday, March 6, 2027

Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Location: Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL

Instructor: Laurie Paolinetti

Learn the basics of hand-lettering and calligraphy with a brush pen. This is a beginner-friendly class! We will first practice basic strokes to get adapted to the use of the pen, and then explore a beginner script alphabet. We will add script variations & flourishing as time allows. It is enjoyable for anyone wanting to add pizzazz to their envelopes, calligraphy, handmade cards, artwork, and so much more! Come prepared to have some fun playing with letters! All supplies will be provided.

Members Who Teach