Begin Your Calligraphy Journey with Confidence
Every expert was once a beginner.
The first beautiful letter. The first smooth stroke. The moment everything starts to click.
Award-winning Canadian calligrapher Janet Murata has introduced hundreds of students to the art of lettering with patience, warmth, and encouragement. Her classes are relaxed, approachable, and designed to help you build confidence from your very first pen stroke. Janet also believes that calligraphy is more than a skill — it's a way to slow down, be present, and reconnect with the simple joy of creating by hand.
Whether you're picking up a dip pen for the first time or looking for a creative evening of paper folding, Janet's workshops are the perfect place to begin.
Beginner Copperplate
Discover the Elegant Script Everyone Falls in Love With
Copperplate is one of the world's most admired calligraphy styles, known for its graceful curves and flowing rhythm.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, Janet will guide you step by step through the essential strokes, letterforms, and techniques that form the foundation of this timeless script. No previous experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to enjoy the process.
By the end of the day, you'll be writing words and phrases with confidence and understanding why so many artists spend a lifetime exploring Copperplate.
You'll Leave With- A solid foundation in Copperplate.
- Confidence using a pointed pen.
- Practice exercises to continue at home.
- A beautiful new creative skill you'll enjoy for years.
Beginner Blackletter
Bold, Beautiful, and Surprisingly Easy to Learn
Blackletter has an unmistakable presence.
Its dramatic forms have filled manuscripts, royal documents, and works of art for centuries, yet the fundamentals are wonderfully approachable when taught well.
Janet will introduce you to the basic strokes, pen angles, and letterforms that make Blackletter so distinctive. You'll discover that this historic script is both relaxing to practice and incredibly rewarding to master.
You'll Leave With- The fundamentals of Blackletter lettering.
- Confidence with the broad-edge pen.
- Practical exercises to continue developing your skills.
- A wonderful introduction to one of history's most iconic scripts.
Origami from Practice Pages
Turn Yesterday's Practice into Tomorrow's Masterpiece
What if those practice sheets you've filled with drills and exercises could become something beautiful?
Join Janet for one of Flourish's most joyful traditions as you transform discarded calligraphy practice pages into elegant origami creations. It's creative, sustainable, and a wonderful reminder that every stroke — even the imperfect ones — can become part of something beautiful.
You'll leave with unique folded paper art, new origami techniques, and perhaps a new way of looking at your own creative journey.
You'll Leave With- Beautiful origami creations made from your own practice pages.
- Simple folding techniques you can recreate at home.
- Creative ideas for repurposing your calligraphy practice.
- A smile — and probably a few new friends.
Included when you register for the festival — not sold separately.
Janet Murata
Janet Murata has a gift for making calligraphy feel welcoming. Her calm, encouraging teaching style helps students relax, enjoy the process, and discover that beautiful lettering is within everyone's reach.
She believes that slowing down to create something by hand is good for both the mind and the soul, and that philosophy shines through in every class she teaches.
Start where you are.
Try Beginner Copperplate, Beginner Blackletter, or dive into the full Flourish Festival experience — including a bonus evening of origami with Janet.
Register for a Taster Class » Register for Flourish Festival »