Bespoke Calligraphy Poem Gifts handmade in the UK

Modern calligraphy poem written by hand with rose illustration

Some words deserve to be kept forever.

A favourite poem, an extract from a special book that shaped someone’s life, a song lyric that brings back a moment in time - these are the words people return to again and again.

A handwritten calligraphy poem transforms the words that mean everything into a piece of art. Written carefully by hand with pen and ink, my calligraphy poems are meant to be displayed and treasured. Framed on the wall or given as a special gift, a calligraphy poem becomes something to treasure for years.

I write bespoke calligraphy poems in my studio on the edge of the Lake District and send them safely to homes throughout the UK.


Flowing modern calligraphy commission of Still I Rise - a poem by Maya Angelou. Written with dip pen and ink by Claire at By Moon and Tide Calligraphy north west UK

A meaningful gift for the most important occasions in life

Many of the poems I write are commissioned as thoughtful gifts.
People often ask me to create calligraphy pieces for:

• milestone birthdays
• wedding anniversaries
• christenings
• favourite childhood poems
• extracts from books
• song lyrics with special meaning
• poems written by family members

Your words, beautifully written by hand

Every calligraphy poem I create is written individually using traditional dip pen calligraphy.

Unlike printed artwork, no two pieces are ever identical. Each letter is shaped slowly and carefully, creating an artwork that feels meaningful and personal.

My signature calligraphy has a flowing modern style which is elegant, legible, and timeless.

Your poem will be written on fine art paper in a range of colours, with ink choices including classic black, soft greys, warm sepia tones, or colours of your choice. I mix inks in my studio, so if you’d love a soft olive green, a dusky blue or muted charcoal - even a rainbow of different ink colours - colourful inks are what I do!

My customers often ask me to frame their calligraphy so it can be displayed immediately. I always have natural, bare oak frames in stock, and work with UK based framers if your poem commission needs a bespoke frame - these are perfect for the grace and elegance of calligraphy.


Adding illustration or gold leaf

Illustrated calligraphy poem in a modern script handwritten with dip pen and ink by Claire at By Moon and Tide, illustrated with green and 23 carat gold leaves

If you’d like me to create something extra special, I can elevate your calligraphy poem with artistic details.

These may include:

• a single illuminated letter in 23 carat gold leaf
• delicate botanical illustrations
• simple floral borders
• seasonal flowers or foliage
• subtle decorative flourishes

These details turn a handwritten poem into a true piece of calligraphic art.

Birth month flowers are popular for calligraphy birthday gifts, while an anniversary poem could feature flowers from a couple’s wedding bouquet, seasonal flowers or floral patterns in a favourite colour.

A favourite commission from 2025 was for a lady called Ruth. She asked me to write a short calligraphy piece in a rainbow of colours. For the floral illustration, Ruth showed me her Mum’s favourite garden flowers - I even painted her Mum’s favourite and very recognisable vase, with all of those flowers, beneath the calligraphy!


How to Commission a Calligraphy Poem

Ordering a poem in calligraphy is simple.

First of all, please email me:

• the poem or text you would like written
• the occasion for the gift, and the date you’ll need it by
• any ideas or references for colours or style

From there I can suggest layout ideas, paper colours and finishing touches.

Once we’ve agreed the details for your commission, I’ll reserve time in my studio calendar to create your piece.

Payment is taken when booking, before I begin work on your commission.

Calligraphy poem in a modern script, hand written and framed in a narrow oak frame. By Claire at By Moon and Tide Calligraphy Cumbria UK

Calligraphy Poem Pricing

Pricing depends mainly on the length of the poem, as longer pieces take more time to write.

Pricing for handwritten calligraphy poems in a modern, flowing style:

41–75 words - £75
76–100 words - £120
101–150 words - £180
151–200 words - £250
201–250 words - £290
251–300 words - £330
301–350 words - £370

Optional additions:

• Gold leaf initial letter - £15
• Illustrated border - from £40

Framing can also be arranged, starting at around £50, if you would like to receive your calligraphy ready to display.

Traditional blackletter calligraphy poem with a red rose border illustration and gold leaf detail, made in the UK

How long does a calligraphy poem take?

Many calligraphy poems can be completed within one to three weeks.

If you have a specific date in mind - a birthday or anniversary for example - just let me know when you enquire and I will always try my best to achieve your dates for delivery.

Delivery within the UK is fully tracked, and your calligraphy artwork will be very carefully packaged so it arrives safely.

Personal, helpful service above all

Most people have never commissioned calligraphy before, so I’m here to help with any questions you might have.

Part of my job is to make the process straightforward and enjoyable. If you’re unsure about paper colours, framing, or the best way to present your poem, I’m always happy to offer advice.

I’ve been writing calligraphy professionally since 2005 and have created hundreds of personalised pieces for customers across the UK and worldwide.

Calligraphy poem handwritten in italic script with pink and gold border illustration and gold leaf

Enquire about a calligraphy poem

If you would like to commission a handwritten poem in calligraphy, I would love to hear from you.

Please feel free to get in touch with your poem, your ideas, or simply a question about the process.

Together we can create a beautiful keepsake gift for a very special person in your life.