Vellum & Gothic Cursive Retreat Registration Logo
  • The Artful Journal by Janet Takahashi Masthead

  • May 22 - 25, 2025
    Nazareth Retreat Center
    Grand Prairie, Texas

    Get ready for 3 and a half days of an unforgettable, In-Person, hands-on experience in this immersive calligraphy retreat and step into the fascinating world of writing on animal skin—known as parchment or vellum where we'll unlock the secrets of the stunning Gothic Cursive hand.

    We’ll dive into vellum history and preparation basics for a delightful lettering canvas, mastering the techniques to tailor it perfectly for your calligraphy.

    You’ll also study Cheryl’s elegant and flowing Gothic Cursive, a hand that invites bold, expressive writing. We'll incorporate the vellum, cursive, and your other favorite writing styles to create a beautifully unique, guided-by-chance book that’s all your own!

  • Artwork by Janet Takahashi

  •  Vellum might seem intimidating because of its cost, but Cheryl teaches how using vellum is a game-changer!

    Unlike paper, vellum boasts a durable, reusable surface that erases with ease, allowing you to start fresh or create a palimpsest, where the traces of past letters subtly peek through your new creation, adding layers of depth and intrigue to your work.

    Cheryl, with years of experience in both historic and modern vellum techniques, will guide you through this fusion of tradition and innovation. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for this incredible material—and the skills to make it a part of your creative journey!

    Writing on Vellum with Cheryl Jacobsen

  • Cheryl’s Gothic Cursive
    A blackletter hand, like Textura, prides itself on its upright demeanor and slow, steady movement, but Gothic Cursive is more laid back (literally), fast and free flowing.

    We will talk about various historical and modern examples, then get step by step instruction and feedback on the Gothic Cursive hand Cheryl has developed over time.

    Join her in this retreat workshop to learn this fun and floridly expressive hand.

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  • REQUIRED SUPPLIES

    • 1 full calfskin* already prepared for writing on both sides for our project.
    • Speedball C-2 nib or (Left-handed) C-2 nib to start with AND your favorite smaller broad-edged nibs.
    • Nib holder(s)
    • Other favorite writing tools
    • Grid pad or practice paper
    • Writing fluid - Jet Black Gouache (Winsor & Newton), Walnut ink, colored gouache.
    • Sandpaper** - A sheet each of 200 grit and 400 grit. (Provided by host; TXLAC)
    • Gum Sandarac
    • HB pencil (& sharpener) or Mechanical pencil
    • Ruler
    • X-acto® knife and blades
    • Scissors (to cut vellum)
    • Basic calligraphy stuff
    • Paper towels
    • Water cup
    • Paint palette for gouache
    • Ink containers
    • White eraser
    • Gold - If you like putting gold on things bring some gold leaf and size.

  • *CONVENIENT GROUP ORDER
    Get your prepared calfskin vellum with our group order from Pergamena.net, (a US company with 5 centuries of animal skin experience), who has agreed to ship all preordered skins directly to the retreat venue for free (normal shipping for one skin is $18). The calf skins Pergamena is providing us is between 6 to 7 sq ft, prepared on both sides.

    Cheryl will be able to work with you on any calf skin, no matter what size if you already have a skin. if you have any questions about your skin, please contact Cheryl here.

    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
    ORDER BY May 1, 2025 and get $100 toward Calf Skin Vellum    .
    Discount is taken on Group Order Form.
    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    **Texas Lettering Arts Council is providing the sandpaper and an additional piece of unprepared vellum for each participant to learn the vellum preparation process in this workshop.

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  • VENUE & ACCOMMODATIONS
    Nazareth Retreat Center
    1814 Egyptian Way
    Grand Prairie, TX 75050

    Located in a peaceful setting, this non-smoking facility with comfortable accommodations and home-cooked meals is conveniently located on 25 acres within 7 miles of both DFW and Dallas Love Field airports.

    The Center is located adjacent to the convent (and home) of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Nazareth Retreat Center is sponsored and operated by the Sisters and features beautifully landscaped grounds including a private lake, patios and sitting areas.

    Homecooked meals are served buffet-style.

    Private rooms include 2 single beds and a bathroom and complimentary WIFI internet (no television).

    Single-room occupancy is limited.

    Double-room occupancy rates require a roommate. If we are unable to pair you with another participant, OR you are not able to find a roommate, the Single-room rate applies.

    Please list roommate preference, (if applicable) on the sign up form.

  • IN-PERSON RETREAT FORMAT
    May 22 - 25, 2025

    Check-in Thursday; 5/22
    3:00pm - 5:00pm Central Time US

    The retreat officially begins with dinner, Thursday evening at 5:00pm followed by an evening session with introductions, retreat overview and first assignment.

    Each day thereafter begins with breakfast, morning session, lunch break, afternoon session, dinner, then continuing with an optional Open Studio time in the evening.
    Open Studio provides participants the opportunity to work on their lettering and design skills and receive one-on-one time with Cheryl.

    The final day, Sunday, May 25th, begins with an early morning session, brunch, then a final session and ends with clean up by 2-3:00pm.

    All registered participants receive a registration packet with additional details and email updates.

  • Snail mail indicia graphic by Angie Vangalis

    SNAIL MAIL BONUS
    Register online to secure your space. Send a hand-lettered, decorated envelope to qualify for our decorated lettering envelope contest with prizes by MAY 20, 2025 to qualify for the Creative Envelope Snail Mail Contest.
    Prizes will be awarded for participation and the most popular by vote of the class.

    CANCELLATION
    & REFUND POLICY
    There are no refunds for this in-person retreat unless, in the unlikely event this course is cancelled.

    All fees must be received within 5 days of registration or space is forfeited to waitlist recipients.

    If your plans change, a refund is only possible when there is someone on the waiting list who can fill your spot less $150 administration fee.

    Art supplies ordered after May 1, 2025 are not refundable.

    Seating is limited to 18 students on a first-paid-first-served basis.

  •  ABOUT CHERYL
    Cheryl Jacobsen for Texas Lettering Arts Council Retreat

    Cheryl Jacobsen is a calligrapher and an assemblage artist.

    She is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Iowa’s Center for the Book where she teaches a variety of classes including a history of western letterforms, and several in modern calligraphic hands.

    She was a visiting faculty member for the 2015 NEH Summer seminar The Materiality of Medieval Manuscripts: Interpretation through Production and is the author of “A Modern Scribes Views Scribes of the past” in Scraped, Stroked, and Bound: Materially Engaged Readings of Medieval manuscripts.

    Cheryl runs a freelance studio creating manuscript books, commercial lettering, documents, calligraphic and assemblage art. You can see some of her work at: Cheryljacobsen.com

  • REGISTER FOR VELLUM & GOTHIC CURSIVE

  • Both airports are about a 20 minute Uber ride to NRC. Participants are responsible for transportation to NRC. Please send your Arrival and Departure flight numbers, flight times and Airport to angie@txlac.org and we will do our best to pair you with another to share a ride.

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    SINGLE Occupancy Product Image
    SINGLE OccupancyIncludes classroom space, table and chair, shared instruction, community supplies, meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners and 1 brunch), coffee breaks and 3 nights overnight accommodations with a private bathroom - Single Occupancy availability is limited to 6 rooms on a first-paid-first-served basis. Save $30 processing fee with Check or Zelle® - $689.00
    $720.00
      
    DOUBLE Occupancy Product Image
    DOUBLE OccupancyIncludes classroom space, table and chair, shared instruction, community supplies, meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners and 1 brunch), coffee breaks and 3 nights overnight accommodations with a private bathroom - SHARED with another person - Double Occupancy availability is limited to 6 rooms on a first-paid-first-served basis. THIS RATE ONLY AVAILABLE WITH A ROOMMATE. Save $30 processing fee with Check or Zelle® - $589.00
    $620.00
      
    COMMUTER Product Image
    COMMUTERIncludes classroom space, table and chair, shared instruction, community supplies, meals (2 lunches, 3 dinners and 1 brunch) and coffee breaks. Save $30 processing fee with Check or Zelle® - $435.00
    $465.00
      
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