Calligraphy Club runs once a month at the Little BIG House — and somehow, every session fills up almost as soon as bookings open.
Jess, a local artist and book designer, is the host behind one of the Little BIG House’s most popular creative gatherings.
Jess didn’t start out teaching calligraphy. She originally studied design at university and went on to spend six years designing books (everything from cookbooks to memoirs and tarot guides). In that time, she worked on more than 300 titles, helping shape how books look and feel on a shelf.
“Book cover design is almost like mini branding,” she told us. “You’re creating a visual identity for the book or even the author.”
During COVID, Jess left publishing to start her own creative business, Fleur & Fable, focusing on illustrated bookplates, stamps and paper goods, blending her love of books, history and illustration.
Around the same time, she began returning seriously to calligraphy, something she had practised for years but now wanted to explore more deeply. Her style draws on older artistic traditions (Art Nouveau, medieval imagery, and the golden age of illustration) influences you can sometimes see reflected in the graceful lettering she teaches.
Finding a Home at the Little BIG House
When Jess was looking for a place to run a free creative session, the Little BIG House felt like the right fit.
“I love the interior space — it’s such a vibe,” she said.
Participants often comment on the same thing. The dried flowers, the mural, and the warm atmosphere feel different from what people expect from a community venue.
More importantly, the space makes it possible for sessions like Calligraphy Club to exist, something Jess says would be difficult in a traditional commercial venue.
Why Calligraphy Club is Free
Jess chose to make Calligraphy Club free for a simple reason: she wanted it to be easy to try.
“I noticed people were curious about calligraphy, but buying all the tools can cost money,” she said. “I wanted a space where people could just put pen to paper and see if they like it.”
Many people who come along have received a calligraphy set as a gift or have always been curious but didn’t know where to start. The sessions give them a chance to experiment, ask questions, and learn at their own pace.
“Sessions fill up quickly because it’s free,” Jess said simply. “There’s no barrier to entry.”
But what keeps people coming back is something deeper than price. Jess has seen regular participants improve noticeably, sometimes after just a few sessions, a reminder that creativity grows best when it’s shared.
Calligraphy can be a solitary hobby, something people often try alone at home with online tutorials. But at the Little BIG House, it becomes something else: a shared learning experience.
People arrive as beginners and leave with new skills, new confidence, and often new connections.
That’s exactly what Jess hoped for.
And like many Little BIG stories, it all starts with someone willing to share what they love.
Here’s more about Jess:
1. I’ve been a Summer Hill local since
From 2017 I lived in an apartment off Smith St and then moved to Ashfield in 2020. In 2025 I came back to Summer Hill in the apartment below where I used to live! Life has a funny way of coming back around.
2. This community is special to me because
It's a vibrant community filled with a lot characters - from baristas who know your order to the magician at Andiamo's on a Thursday ...
3. My favourite thing about the Little BIG House is
It is the hub of the community. The volunteers are so happy to give back. It's wonderful to see the variety of events held like morning group yoga, walking groups, kids movie nights, improv classes, crafternoon, beer tasting... it's endless!
4. The event / program I’m running in the Little BIG House is
Calligraphy Club! It's a monthly meet up where people can have a taste of trying calligraphy for free. I provide all the materials so all you have to do is show up. I've met people from all sorts of creative backgrounds and love introducing new people to calligraphy. Every month there's a new calligraphy model/script to try. The one feedback I get often is that the hour goes by too fast!
5. I hope this event / program will make participants feel
Calligraphy is more accessible than you think and I hope it plants the seed for them to try calligraphy outside of the event.
6. The top thing on my bucket list is
Visiting major museums around the world. I love to travel for art and this year I'm going to Spain.
7. I’m most grateful for
A creative life.
8. The last Little BIG thing / action I did for someone else or received from someone was
I noticed a neighbour put in my bins from the curb so I wrote her a little note to say thanks and the next day she wrote back with a little gift! It's these little actions that make me love Summer Hill.