No Thicks, No Thins: Monoline Romans with a Speedball B Nib with Margie Zaums

Name: No Thicks, No Thins: Monoline Romans with a Speedball B Nib with Margie Zaums
Start: 2026-04-18T09:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-18T15:30:00-04:00
Location: Marywood University

Schedule

Sat Apr 18 2026 at 09:00 am to 03:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Marywood University | Scranton, PA

Location: Insalaco Building for the Arts; Room 336A, 3rd Floor, Marywood U, Scranton, PA
Cost: $60.00/Member; $75.00/Non-Member
WORKSHOPS REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
To Register: Email our President Stephanie Cavallaro at [email protected]

Description:
The day will begin with a brief review of the proportions of Roman Majuscules then move on to writing these letters with a Speedball B-1 nib. The rounded tip of the B nib differs from a broad edged nib in that it creates monoline strokes. The thickness of the line is the same no matter which direction the nib travels, thus there is no need to be concerned with pen angle.
As time allows, we’ll talk about ways to bring life to our writing by experimenting with different x-heights, freeing letters from a common base line, and having some letters share a common stroke. All levels of experience are welcome but it’s better if you are comfortable using a dip pen and ink.
Materials:
Each participant will receive one Speedball B-1 nib, compliments of Stephanie Cavallaro who donated them to the Guild.
You Need to Bring:
• Pen holder
• Practice paper through which you can see guidelines
Borden & Riley Marker Layout is a good choice.
• Non waterproof ink (Higgins Eternal or any ink that doesn’t bleed on the paper you’ll use)
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Small container for water
• Colored pencils if you already have them
• Easel or lap board if you use one
• Very short quote or a meaningful word or two
• Your own lunch and beverage (there will be a ½-hour lunch break)

About the Instructor:
Margie Zaums first learned calligraphy when she studied for her degree in art education at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pa. She also earned a Masters in Art Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She has attended several international conferences and many workshops and courses offered by well-known calligraphers, including Sheila Waters. A free-lance calligrapher for many years, Margie has taught calligraphy courses and workshops for a variety of groups--including our own guild--at Marywood University for non-credit adult enrichment, and for graduate and undergraduate credit in Marywood’s Department of Art. Her work has been displayed in juried exhibits at two of the international conferences and one of those pieces was included in the book Writing Beyond Words.