Both beginners and those who already have training in calligraphy will find valuable instruction and inspiration in this book. The author presents 30 modern alphabet designs appropriate for a wide range of events, from formal italic script for traditional weddings to spooky letterheads for Halloween party invitations. Aspiring calligraphers learn how to plan, measure, and lay out their project, and then execute it to professional standards. Instructions for creating cards, invitations, name place cards, and party favors for special celebratory events include: LIWeddings: Traditional, Seaside, Medieval, and Rococo LIHolidays: Christmas, Valentineas Day, and Halloween LI Birthdays: Juvenile, Young Adult, and Masculine LIOther Milestones: Birth Announcements, Anniversaries, Graduation, and more In addition to lettering, the author instructs on paper folding variations, paper layering, bordering, embossing, and other decorative techniques. She also advises on choosing paper stock, hand-addressing large quantities, and choosing envelope sizes appropriate for mailing. More than 450 color illustrations.