What is an illuminated letter?
-In medieval times "illuminating" meant to decorate with colors. 
-An illuminated initial is an enlarged and decorated capital letter and is often the first letter of a section of text in medieval manuscripts.  They vary from the simple pen-and-ink drawn letter to the most elaborate letter painted with colors and gold or silver leaf. 
-Text and illumination complemented each other in medieval manuscripts and were related or sharply contrasted.

Class Format:
-Judy will share a 10-12 minute art history slide presentation about the steps to produce an illuminated manuscript, images of medieval lettering, and her personal photos of illuminated manuscripts that are housed in Ponferrada, Spain, and the Book of Kells in Dublin, Ireland. 

-A whole group discussion on what each learner will include in their large, modern version of an illuminated letter will take place.  We will share our hobbies and favorite things and begin to imagine how to fit those things into a fancy and enlarged block or bubble letter of their first initial. 

-Students will use multi-colored markers and colored pencils to make one illuminated letter. 

-At the conclusion of class, students will have the opportunity to share their modern version of medieval art.

*If you would like to student and parent reactions to this class, please see the reviews on the same class for the 7-11 age group (link below).  

November 30, 2021 
Great class! My daughters enjoyed making these beautiful illuminated letters! I love how the teacher gave just the right amount of history and background for the learners. The project made learning fun.

September 10, 2021 
Ms. Judy was so nice and did a great short lesson on illuminated letters. This is a perfect class to go with your medieval studies and bring history to life a little more.  

Link to the class for ages 7-11:  https://outschool.com/classes/fancy-lettering-modern-medieval-illuminated-letters-24OIxaUX?usid=dNC7E9pS&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link