NEW FORMAT: Intro to Illumination
6 evenings: Tuesdays
Nov 3, 10, 17; Dec 1, 8, 15, 2026
7:00 to 9:00 pm EST
Live online instruction via Zoom. Classes will be recorded.
This is a fully revised class introducing the concept of illumination, decorated letters and borders. This is a nuts-and-bolts class on illumination. If you’ve always admired illuminated pages and never thought you could create one, this class is for you.
We will focus on the tools of the trade, building understanding and proficiency, moving through a series of exercises gaining in complexity over the six classes. Students are taught the ‘how’ so they can apply these skills to whatever style of illumination they want to create.
Some of the subjects we explore:
Proper equipment and set-up
Versals (Large decorated letters)
Gouache (an opaque watercolor)
Drawing with pointed nibs
Shading
Creating a border
Creating creatures
Correcting mistakes
Knotted designs
Homework is designed to practice these skills leading students to be able to look at historical examples and create their own interpretation of a design.
Returning Students: This is a new Intro to Illumination class with new examples, a handout packet of 50 pages with technical information and examples. Taking this class would be a wonderful way to build on your skills with a new set of resources and design concepts.
SUPPLY LIST:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13L3vtNmUIY0nTylBEkf4dPGwgN88bqm8MKzkN1uB2O4/edit?usp=sharing
To purchase this class and supplies there are three options. If anything is confusing, please call: 860-550-3002
Packets will be shipped Oct 15th.
OPTION 1: CLASS and HANDOUTS ONLY
Handouts will be provided digitally to students. Student will acquire necessary supplies, links and resources are available on the Google doc listed above.
Class fee and handout packet: $165 + $28 + $12 shipping Total: $205
OPTION 2: CLASS & ALL SUPPLIES
Includes everything needed for the 6 week class
Class fee $165, Supplies and packet of handouts $125; Shipping $20
To Purchase Class and All Supplies: $310
OPTION 3: CLASS & MIXED SUPPLY PACKET
If you have some supplies, but need others, purchase the Option 1 Class, then order needed supplies or handouts from Debby.
Class fee and handout packet: $165 + $28 + $12 shipping Total: $205
For option 3, supply order and handouts will be handled separately from Class. Copy the order form at the supply link above, identify the items you need, email me a copy and I will invoice you for what supplies you need. Payment for the supplies can be made with credit card, Venmo, PayPal or check.
TO REGISTER
Payment options include Venmo, Paypal, check and Etsy.
PayPal: Send money to calligraphydebby@icloud.com The account will come up as Calligraphy Design Studio. Add a note that clarifies Illumination.
Credit Card: I can email you an invoice that allows you to pay with a credit card even if you don’t have a PayPal account.
Venmo: Debby-Calligraphy. Last 4 digits of cell: 3002
Add a note that clarifies Illumination.
Check: Payable to: Debby Reelitz
Mail to: 24 Silkey Road, North Granby CT 06060
Add a note that clarifies Illumination
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Please contact me before registering to determine shipping logistics, cost, timing, etc. Etsy tacks on considerable fees for international purchases so we work to avoid those.
ONLINE INFORMATION
The class will be recorded and made available to students.
TIME: Each 2-hour class is a diverse combination of learning about the art of illumination, learning skills, seeing samples, student lettering and creating projects. There will also be an assignment each week to practice the skill that was introduced. This return to illumination is a great way to create the fine motor skills necessary for illumination.
Each class also builds on the class before and does not repeat the same information.
QUESTIONS
Happy to answer:
860-550-3002 calligraphydebby@icloud.com
Feedback from New Illumination Class
New Illumination class first presented as a weekend workshop to Mysticalligraphers October 2025.
Primary Goal of this Class
The biggest goal of this class is that you will learn the skills and techniques of Illumination, so they can create a design that is relevant to YOU. If you want to recreate historical designs, great, you’ll know how to do that. If you want to celebrate your heritage and create a design that honors that heritage, wonderful. If you want to create a special project for a friend, you will know HOW to go through the steps to create a piece. This is not just a class where we mimic an example. We learn how to step by step create a design relevant to you. Below are some samples.
Student: A sample of where a student took the illumination skills and principles and applied them to the Adinkra symbols from Ghana.
Here a historical gryphon has been combined with a lovely diaper pattern, creating a creating a new piece.
Work by CL
“I have taken many classes from Debby and the Illumination class was one of my favorites. We learned many techniques and explored the history of how the illuminations were created. I took inspiration for this illuminated “C” from a 15th century French manuscript. I love the illuminators’ use of animals, birds, fish and mythical creatures. Some of them are proof that the monks and scribes had quite the sense of humor! You will enjoy this class!” – Pat
By Eunice Carwile
Wendy-Marie: I was so inspired by Debby’s class on Illumination that I made this as a birthday gift for a friend, using all the techniques and samples she shared with us.”