About Me
KARLA LIM, owner of Written Word Calligraphy and Design, author of Creative Calligraphy Made Easy
I’m Karla Lim, the founder of Written Word Calligraphy & Design, author of Creative Calligraphy Made Easy, and a calligraphy educator passionate about helping others learn and create with intention.
Written Word began as a love for lettering and illustration, and has grown into a space centered around three things: thoughtfully designed calligraphy tools, accessible online education, and a supportive creative community. Everything we offer is shaped by the belief that learning doesn’t need to be rushed - and that creativity can be both meaningful and grounding.
Art has always been a part of my life, but calligraphy became a particularly mindful practice for me - a way to slow down, connect, and find beauty in the simplest of forms. It’s a joy to now teach and share that practice with others around the world.
I live in Vancouver, Canada with my husband Clement and our two kids. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find us outdoors -exploring parks, going on small hikes, or with me running, writing, or creating something with my hands.
Story
The Story behind the name “Written Word”
As a follower of Christ, I’ve experienced profound meaning in dwelling in God’s Word. When I was young, I often found myself writing out Bible verses that spoke to me verses I would place on my walls as reminders of the lessons I was learning. When I started my calligraphy journey, it felt like an extension of what I was already doing. Calligraphy helped me slow down (10-20x slower), stay focused, and remain mindful in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
Those handwritten verses became anchors - quiet, daily reminders of truth.
One day, while driving to work, the name Written Word was impressed upon my heart. Immediately, I was reminded of a passage from 2 Timothy that had long stayed with me:
“There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.” — 2 Timothy 3:14–17 (The Message)
In that moment, I knew this wasn’t just a name, it was a calling.
My prayer is that I would use the gift of calligraphy to glorify God in all that I create, whether through writing Scripture, crafting meaningful tools, or teaching others to slow down and create with intention. Written Word exists as an invitation: to reflect, to be present, and to find beauty and purpose through the act of writing.
Modern Calligraphy Supplies and Tools
My love for design led to the creation of Written Word’s line of modern calligraphy tools - made to support learning through beauty, clarity, and function.
From beginner calligraphy starter kits to practice pads, handmade calligraphy pens, and modern inkwells, each tool is thoughtfully designed to make the learning process feel approachable and encouraging, especially in the early stages. My intention is always to remove friction and add beauty, so that you can focus on practice rather than perfection.
To complement our online calligraphy courses, we also offer printable digital calligraphy worksheets you can use at home, allowing you to continue learning at your own pace. We have them in our modern calligraphy styles, as well as select Scripture-based sets.
Everything we create is meant to support steady practice and invite a slower, more intentional way of learning calligraphy.
supplies
Online Calligraphy Courses
Written Word offers online calligraphy courses designed to support creatives at every stage, from first strokes to professional practice.
Our beginner courses focus on building strong foundations in modern calligraphy, helping students develop confidence and clarity as they learn the basics. For those with experience, our intermediate courses guide students in refining their skills and developing a personal calligraphy style.
Beyond lettering itself, we also offer specialized programs for calligraphers who want to expand their creative work. These include courses on designing wedding invitations from start to finish, as well as business-focused education for those interested in starting and growing a calligraphy business.
Each course is thoughtfully structured to provide clear instruction and practical guidance, allowing students to learn at their own pace and return to the material as needed.
Wax Seals: Designed for Ritual and Intention
Wax seals have long symbolized care, presence, and meaning. At Written Word, we reimagine this tradition through thoughtfully designed wax seals that feel both timeless and modern.
Our regular-sized wax seals are inspired by mid-century modern design, often featuring clean forms, botanical illustrations, and monogram-style motifs. Alongside these, we offer mini wax seal heads - smaller in scale, but just as intentional, designed for everyday use, layering, and subtle details.
To make the practice accessible, we also curate wax seal bundles that include the tools needed to begin: seals, wax, spoons, wax guns and wax stoves. These sets are created to remove guesswork and invite a slower, more enjoyable experience, whether you’re sealing letters, wrapping gifts, or marking meaningful moments.
Through each design and bundle, our hope is to offer objects that encourage care, presence, and a return to thoughtful details.
The Write Slowly Community
The Write Slowly Collective is a space for continued practice, reflection, and encouragement beyond individual courses.
Created for calligraphers who want to keep showing up to their craft, this community offers a gentle rhythm of practice through guided prompts, shared themes, and supportive connection. It’s a place to slow down, stay inspired, and remain connected to calligraphy without pressure or urgency.
Individualized feedback, ongoing guidance, and shared learning now live within the Write Slowly Collective - supporting members as they deepen their practice and grow at their own pace. Whether you’re returning to calligraphy after a course or simply looking for a steady creative rhythm, this is a space to practice slowly, together.
