Images courtesy of Let’s Shape Our Creativity

As a writer, I had never thought about the visual art related to writing until I attended the “Let’s Shape Our Creativity” workshop with Sammie on calligraphy. This experience allowed me to learn about and engage with this new visual art form. The term “calligraphy” derives from the Greek words for “beauty” (kallos) and “to write” (graphein). I believe this fun fact encapsulates what calligraphy is: the art of creating beauty by giving form to signs in an expressive and harmonious way.

“Let’s Shape Our Creativity” (LSOC) is a community interest company (CIC) founded by Emma McEwan. The company aims to provide accessible arts and crafts activities to the local community to improve mental health and well-being. Sammie Lister, who led Wednesday’s calligraphy session, has conducted many workshops within the Wigan Borough, exploring the benefits of art on mental health.

LSOC has commissioned Gina and Sammie’s Design Studio, which Sammie runs with her business partner Gina Askey, to deliver future workshops. Sammie and Gina also run workshops through their design studio, so please check them out if you can. I will leave the links to their socials at the bottom of the blog.

Wednesday’s workshop was held at the Wiend Bar in Wigan, a lovely hidden gem in the town centre. Upon entering, I immediately noticed its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a creative session. Although I was nervous about how a calligraphy session would work, I approached it with an open mind.

Sammie opened the session by introducing herself and sharing a bit about calligraphy. She explained that calligraphy can be challenging for beginners but reassured us by admitting that even after seven years of practice, she still finds it difficult at times. This reminder helped ease our hesitations.

Sammie kindly created booklets—pink, her favourite colour—with guides to help us practice our letter formation. We didn’t dive straight into using ink; instead, we returned to basics with pencils. Pencils are great for beginners, as they provide more confidence when forming letters for the first time. Once we felt comfortable, we progressed to fine liners and, if we were feeling daring, to ink.

It took me a while to feel comfortable using the ink, but eventually, towards the end of the session, I felt ready. Although it took some time to get the hang of forming the letters, I soon found it to have meditative qualities. Like meditation, calligraphy keeps you focused on the moment and the action at hand, helping you stay present. At that moment, all I concentrated on was forming the lines of the letters. I can see how calligraphy can benefit mental health, as it grounds us and provides a focus that eases the anxieties of life. All my worries seemed to fade away.

At the end of the session, I felt proud of myself for completing an activity I had never tried before. I think it’s wonderful that LSOC and Sammie are holding workshops like this across the Wigan Borough, as they provide people with opportunities to improve their mental health and well-being. Often, we get caught up in our own lives and the lives of others, forgetting to take time for ourselves. For me, participating in workshops such as calligraphy or any art-based activity allows me to take a break and be present.

Let’s Shape Our Creativity has a range of upcoming workshops within the Wigan Borough for both adults and children. You can find the details and book your session through their social media links below. Sammie’s warm and lovely personality made me feel at ease and excited to learn a skill I never thought I’d try. I highly recommend the workshops run by LSC and Sammie; they allow you to discover your inner self and learn something new. What’s not to like!

Let’s Shape Our Creativity

Discover our range of upcoming workshops for adults and children in the Wigan Borough. For more details and to book your session, visit our social media pages:

• Facebook: Let’s Shape Our Creativity’s Facebook
• Website: Let’s Shape Our Creativity’s Website

Gina and Sammie Design Studio

Discover our range of upcoming workshops for adults and children in the Wigan Borough. For more details and to book your session, visit our social media pages:

• Facebook: Gina and Sammie Design Studio Facebook
• Instagram: @ginaandsammiedesignstudio