How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

[bqbowden]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

I purchased a set of books, which were copies of the original writing books used in the classrooms. If I remember, I will go back and look for them. I got them and started working on my penmanship, since I seemed to be writing so many orders at the time. I do agree that it takes a lot of practice.

You must remember, that 150 years ago, everyone (well, everyone who was taught to read and write) was taught proper penmanship just as we teach our kids today to write and type.

This being said, I think I will pull out my books and start over again. There is something to be said about writing letters instead of typing on the keyboard - it makes things more personal and thoughtful. Hmmm ...

[civilwarcaptain]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

I second Rob's advice. On ink, I would add that while my first choice is McCaffery's oak gall, my second is Higgins Calligraphy, which is waterproof (the Higgins "Eternal" is not).

Where do you buy these inks? I am also interested in learning the "art"

[Nevada Bugler]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

'course, if you're left handed and really want to throw folks for a loop, try writing 'mirror image' writing with calligraphy! It keeps your hands clean, and looks really interesting. I discovered this as I am left handed and have two left handed kids. One of them naturally writes using 'mirror' writing and I was curious to see if I could do the same. It turns out to be easier (after a few minutes) than regular writing. If you're left handed, give it a try!

[Virginia Mescher]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

Where do you buy these inks? I am also interested in learning the "art"

You can purchase Higgins Eternal at most craft stores like Michaels. The more expensive calligraphy inks may be purchased at John Neal Bookseller at http://www.johnnealbooks.com/ or Paper and Ink Arts at http://www.paperinkarts.com/.

Keep in mind if your intention is learning how to write in a period style, you would use ink and pens like those used in the period, not those used today for modern calligraphy art. You really don't need a waterproof ink, which usually has shellac in it. It will gum up your pen if you don't clean the pen during and after each use.

Use period handwriting manuals rather than modern calligraphy books to learn how to write in the Spencerian manner and one will have a more accurate learning experience.

[lisa]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

Discovered this site on Specerian handwriting.

http://www.spencerian.com/index.html

They also offer a catalog of products to aid in lessons.

http://www.spencerian.com/images/spenceriancatalog2007.pdf

Additionally, they offer workshops teaching the methods.

Regards,

[Dreamer42]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

I would underscore Rob's comments. I teach High School Art, and I am constantly telling my students to get the idea of "writing" out of their minds and to think of it (calligraphy)as "drawing" letters - that is, that there are steps/stages to writing parts of each letter, depending on the font style. Now, writng with a pointed nib is different in that you do not ALWAYS have to pull the pen towards you, as in calligraphy writing. Like was said, practice, practice, practice. May I suggest practice Os, straight verticle lines, and bending more at the wrist, rather than just using the fingers. Have fun!

- Jay Reid
Dreamer42

[Drygoods]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

but if you're older, shouldn't you learn to write copperplate? Isn't that what was taught in schools much earlier?

[Rob]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

But if you're older, shouldn't you learn to write copperplate?

I'm guessing that anyone much older than a teen-ager would have been taught that way. Perhaps schools in some areas taught Spencerian earlier than others.

Ref. http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ead.php?t=1593

[1stMaine]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

For what it's worth,

With all the emphasis we deem needed for an authentic impression, it might be that we should learn to use period terms for the instruments as well. Pen, instead of "nib" and handle for the shaft which holds it.

Additionally, an ink eraser would seem to be in order, (with a whet stone somewhere in the desk to keep it sharpened0, and a pen wiper. Many travelling desk sets and writing kits contained pen wipers made from layers of cloth, with one end either sewn across the top to hold them all together, of held together with a small horn or shell button sewn through the laters. These cloth patches were often simple squares, but I have also seen round ones, rectangular ones, etc, of all sorts of colors. These were usually made up from cloth scraps and were used to wipe the pens clean between uses, or as ink built up.

respects,

[Rob]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

You're right - if memory serves me, the nib is the "pen", and the handle is the "pen holder". Needless to say, these terms can cause confusion among the uninitiated.

I use scraps of material torn from a cotton shirt to wipe the pen. Gun-cleaning patches (not the polyester type, of course) work as well. Wet with spit, wipe well, and you are good to go.

[1stMaine]

Re: How to write with nib pens & bottled ink

For those who haven't seen one, here is a link to some period ink erasers. The one at the top of the page is, I would say, the most common type. It is often mistaken for a cuticle knife or a scalpel.

http://www.tias.com/8600/InventoryPage/1536748/1.html

Although of a later period, the pen wiper below is indicative of how fancy these things could get..

http://www.gtj.org.uk/en/item1/20663

Respects,