Curving Calligraphy

crayola supplies

Color Changeables™ Markers
Construction Paper

household supplies

none

Why

Explore the beauty of Arabic. Try your hand at calligraphy to better understand Islamic traditions.

Steps

1. Calligraphy is one of the three elements in Islamic art.
2. Find out more about Arabic calligraphy. You will learn that the shape of the letters changes depending upon their position in the word. Some letters share the same shape but the number and placement of accompanying dots change with the meaning. Some letters or words are written close together, some are drawn out, some are angular, and others curve. The more you study this calligraphy, the more knowledge is revealed.
3. On paper, experiment with Arabic letters and words using Crayola Color Changeables™ Markers. Try variations. You could draw a large letter or outline of a picture, such as a person praying, and then fill the design with writing. Some letters form a picture or design. With Changeables, you can add design elements by changing the colors of the writing, creating another layer of illustration and expression.

When & Where

"Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful art. I enjoy exploring it with my children."
- Nurhan A., father of 12- and 14- year-olds.

"Adding an exploration of alphabets deepened our understanding of several cultures and beliefs around the world."
- Robin H., mentor/tutor.

Interesting Info

More than 5,000 years ago a system of wedge-shaped marks was developed in Sumeria (now southern Iraq). These notations represented words or sounds, an alphabet, and replaced picture writing in some areas.