Travel ink wells

In keeping with the theme of posting pics of pen-related items I thought today I'd take a look at antique ink wells.   It's hard to believe that at one time there weren't even fountain pens with cartridges or bladders for ink.  When people traveled and had need of writing instruments, they had a variety of options for pens.  Ink wells were another matter.   I've seen ones made of wood, metal, and of course glass.   Those are great if the writer was going to be in one place but what happened if you wanted to take that grand tour of Europe or the countryside?  Enter the traveling inkwell.   Rubber probably wasn't discovered until the 1800's so cork was most likely the best method to keep ink from spilling.   However,  I've seen quite a few writing slopes with huge ink stains so I know whatever was used wasn't foolproof.  
These little guys are probably from the late 1800's or early 1900s since they have little latches and springs in the lids. 

All of them contain tiny glass bottles which look to be handblown. On a few I added a new rubber sealer and have carried these with me. They've worked splendidly. The only drawback being the bottle openings are so small only a straight holder can fit.   I've been cross-practicing with straight holders for pointed pen work though.   Nothing says you can't use them and for a long time that's all penmen had.  Not sure when obliques were invented.
The small black container on the far left holds matches.  The only thing I can figure on that is it was used to heat up sealing wax or remove the factory oil from new nibs.  Or perhaps something completely unrelated to writing.   Who can know?   Any ideas?

These last two I've singled out are very interesting.   Notice in the first picture most of these have one lid and once it's opened you have access to the ink.  The close up of the last two shows they had an additional lid that's spring-loaded to further prevent spills.   I think that's pretty darn ingenious.    I'm no expert and bought these things because I liked them and found them interesting.   If anyone has any ideas on how old they are, I'd love to know.  Their value doesn't matter either.  It's neat to have this tangible link to a much slower time.   Cheers!

A wee bit o' practice and some quilling

The mother of one of our Scribes passed away recently and I wanted to make a card instead of buying one.  What better way to use some recently acquired skills right?  

I had to cut the green paper as I'm out of official green quilling paper but I like the way my little butterfly and flower came out.   I'm not sure why I chose to do a flower and butterfly but aren't butterfly's a symbol of sorts for the resurrection? 

Another friend's granddaughter recently had surgery and I thought I'd do a little get well soon card for her.

For this I thought fringed flowers would be more upbeat and cute.

So...envies done and time to head to the post office!

A good website

While doing some searching the other day, I don't remember what now, I found this website and wanted to share.  http://www.calligraphy-skills.com/index.html   
It's especially upbeat and I enjoyed the link on Celtic Knotwork on the left-hand column.   This is something I've always found fascinating for some reason.  Is it the eternal nature of the 'ribbons'?  The intricate designs?   The playful way plants and animals are incorporated throughout many motifs?   I can't answer that.  Perhaps it's all of the above.  
We attended a Highland Festival just this past weekend and there were tons of knotworks to be seen on everything from jewelry and eating utensils to paintings and gift cards.  
I may try to create my own at some point using some of the suggestions and perhaps a book or two from her links.  
Hope you like this site as much as I did. 

My pen collection

I decided to take a bit more time to take care of other things and since none of it (unfortunately) involved calligraphy, there was nothing to write about.  Why go off-topic eh?
I have more alligators nipping at my heels right now so it's not likely I'll get any decent practice in over the next few days.   I did, however, get the opportunity to clean out some of my desk drawers, ran across my antique pen collection and thought, wow...I've spent a lot of money on some interesting items!   Why not post some pics of them?   So, here we go. 

From top to bottom is my bone, Stanhope lens dip pen; a delicate MOP carved pen that will hold a modern nib; a small wooden dip pen (crowquill?); my Aiken-Lambert retractable; and a MOP souvenir from the alligator farm in St. Augustine, which is still there.
The Stanhope lens is interesting.   Look at about the middle of the pen and try to find what looks like a small round dot.  That's the lens.   This pen is a souvenir also from a church in Canada, St. Anne de Beaupre.   When someone looks in to the lens they would see pictures of other things, usually related to that location.  I have seen these though with naughty pictures.   Popular in the late 1800s, it was quite a novelty and to me, still is.   They pop up from time to time on places like eBay and in antique stores.   Because the lens is so small many people don't have a clue as to what they are and sometimes you can get a real deal on them. 
This is only a portion of ones I've collected.   I'll post other pictures of pen-related items another time.  My rule of thumb is whatever I find I have to be able to use it.  I'm not a collector that just has a ton of space for things so all of my pens have been used and obviously can hold modern nibs.   How fun is it to think where this pen has been, who has held it, and that it is still servicable today???

Posting to be light.

Goin' out of town.   A short trip and one not disposed to calligraphy practice.   I really want me one of those flexible nib fountain pens.   Even if it's not as flexible as a normal dip nib, it would be better than nothing.   Namiki makes one, the Falcon I think, that's supposed to be good.  But it's too pricey for me right now.  There's another one that's much less expensive and gets good reviews but for the life of me I can't find the link.  Thought I saved that.   HELP!  
A member of the OP group did send me a link to a wonderful website that has a ton of tools and gadgets that are of use to calligraphers.   It's called American Science & Surplus .   I had a good time the other night trolling through the pages of information and they do send a free catalog upon request.  I still like having a real catalog although I'm afraid those will be a thing of the past one day.
I'll be back Sunday though and ready to sling some ink! 

Done

I'm pretty pleased with the way this turned out for a first project.   There are mistakes and weirdness, expecially in the writing but it was great practice, and good for an extended project that meant I had to stay focused on learning some new skills.  This pic is the best I could get but--the colors aren't right and I couldn't get the color to be true no matter what setting I put my camera on.  Oh well, you get the gist.   Now, back to practicing my numbers....

I'm a dolt...again

So glad I wasn't super wound up about my trial run project because....I misspelled a word on it.  DUH.
I have another one, bigger and a better size drying now so perhaps THAT will be the one.  I'm just glad hubby noticed before I started attaching all those flowers.  
I hope to be almost finished tomorrow with the bulk of this piece so I can see if it'll be worth it to try for the main event.   Finger's crossed!

**For the backstory on the picture, see here.here.  Too funny.

The Flex Shaft Tool Holder

What a nightmare.   I'm dying to get started with my Dremel but I can't.  It would seem that if you use the Flex Shaft, the Dremel must be hanging in a vertical position.   There was one of those little square, yellow pieces of paper in the package that said so.   Problem:  you can't buy the Flex Shaft Tool Holder in the US anymore...at all.   I've called Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace.  I've searched online.  Called Dremel finally and was told they discontinued the item.  So even though the packaging has an information panel inside the package for this item, you can't get it. 
I can understand companies have to discontinue items all the time that don't sell well enough to justify the resources.   But dammit...have something else that can replace it!!!!   The better mousetrap so to speak.  Or something.  Dremel lady was sweet and politely informed me that 'most people just hang theirs from a nail at their workbench'.   Well that's dandy if I had a workbench.  But what if I get decent at this and want to travel with my tools and do engraving somewhere else?   She suggested I check across the pond, which is what I did and found a company that will ship to the US. Believe it or not, many companies I found would not.   It'll still take about two weeks for it to arrive so I must wait.  GRRRRRRRRRR  

In the meantime, I'll practice and play with the Dremel on other tasks to get the feel of it.  Bummer eh?

Trial run

After taking the weekend off to run errands and paint some in the house, things got back to normal today.  I had the opportunity to start work on the paint/calligraphy/quilling project and here's the progress thus far:

This was the first attempt with the Pebo.  There are some blobs but the good thing about Pebeo is you can remove the resist prior to painting so it doesn't ruin your piece.  I did do a watercolor wash with the cheap paints seen in the pic.  They were just too light and once the resist was rubbed off it was difficult to see the saying.  Round two...

After the resist is rubbed off

and with some flowers placed across the piece.   I want to make some more flowers, different kinds before I start affixing any flowers to the paper.  I couldn't stand it though and had to see how what I've done so far looked. 

And lastly, a close up of how the writing after the Pebeo has been removed.   I kinda messed up the 'F' but this is a trial so I'm not going to get wound up over that starting loop. 

***Thank you Jennifer for the search suggestions.  I've got a couple of places bookmarked.  If this works out well I'll need plenty of sayings.   I have a few gardening friends that I'd like to make presents for this year.  :)



A prototype

I have this grand idea for a painting/quilling/calligraphy piece that's been bouncing around in my mind for a week now at least.   I haven't ordered the quilling paper for it yet because I'm not altogether sure how it will work out.  The plan now is to do a smaller piece to start with and see how it comes together. 
For that I need a short, simple saying that has something to do with flowers.  I know there are probably some websites out there that have those sorts of things but how do you search?  
Anyhoo, I'll get started on this next week and will post pics of the process.  Until then, I'll keep making some small quilled flowers and leaves so I'll have plenty to put on the piece once the paint is dry. 

Inspiration

I've received a few letters from some calligraphy friends and take a lot of inspiration from their styles.   I needed to get something in the mail to mom and love to introduce little things from their addresses. 
For this envie, I used Dr. Martin's Bleedproof white, a favorite among many calligraphers.  The paper is inexpensive cardstock from Michaels, cut and folded with the Enveloper.   I'm also trying to add additional flourishing too my capitals, bit by bit.   Hopefully as I get more comfortable with moving my pen further from the basic shape I can one day do some really fancy stuff.   I added some little gold streaks and gold dots with Finetec over and around the majascules of mom's name---which bled a bit so have to be careful about that in the future.
It's not a lot of bling but like I said, I prefer to take it slow and see what works.   It's very easy to get carried away then you'll have an unreadable mess.   And you don't want your beautiful envies to get in the dead letter bin!

My first hand-fringed flowers

I'm not sure yet how I will add this to a calligraphed piece but I feel comfortable with how this first attempt at a fringed flower turned out.   As info, I didn't use any official quilling paper for the petals.  I bought a pack of colored paper in primary colors from Walmart and cut some strips to 3/8s of an inch.  It worked out well I think and is a perfect, inexpensive way to practice.  I can use what's left for other projects so that's a win-win IMO. 
I'll cut some strips for shamrocks tomorrow just so I have enough for the time being.  A crappy economy forces you to think differently about things at times.  Besides, what did quillers do prior to the mass manufacture of quilling papers?  Kickin' it old school...that's me!

Time to think about St. Paddy's day cards

Now that Valentine's Day is behind me, the next big holiday is St. Patrick's Day.   I've been thinking of ways to combine quilling and calligraphy on some cards and have a few ideas.  I worked on one briefly today.  Didn't have much time to do a whole lot and I'm almost out of green paper anyway. 

For my first card I wanted to do a simple pot o' gold with some interesting glitter I found at Michaels. 
Gold lettering on a light green card with a simple black pot.   The second card I did a darker green background but the gold still doesn't show up as much as I'd like.  

The gold is the Finetec watercolors carried by both Paper and Ink Arts and John Neal Books.

I like the look but feel too much of the exploding gold glitter stuck to the glue pen streaks.  Makes it clumpier than I'd like but wouldn't it be nice to have that much gold????  

Another idea for a card has tiny shamrocks coming out of the pot interspersed with dots of gold.   Got to order more paper first.  :)

Update on the Versatip

In a previous post, I mentioned a new Dremel tool that I felt would be good to have as it has some useful attachments and it's cordless.   Alas...it's not meant to be.  This tool will only be available overseas.  Weird huh?   I contacted Dremel for more info and was told that the butane was the issue.  I guess people can walk around with butane lighters all day long but butane for a craft tool?   Government can't trust us with that!.  I'm not sure what they cost in the UK but they not only have their prices but also the value added tax which adds 20% to a commodity.  That will probably make it too expensive to order, especially once shipping is factored in. 
Sad huh?   Looked like a cool thing to have in our kits.

Dremel...

More issues.  I'll be glad when everything's ironed out and I can feel comfortable about writing on glass.   After reading the manuals and little pieced of paper companies stick inside tools--with all their warnings about this and that--I actually am scared to touch the darn thing.   Pieces flying off, keep hair pulled back, and no one mentioned the darn thing needs to dangle vertically for there to be no danger of the pieces coming unscrewed and flying off!!!    On the inside of the flex shaft packaging they have a tool holder that clamps on to the side of a table, reminds me of those things for IV bags.

There's a teensy problem though...you can't find them in the US anymore.  Or really anywhere else.   Found that bit of info out after finally calling Dremel when searches wouldn't turn up anything.   It didn't sell well so they discontinued it.  I can understand that, especially in this economy.   There are some cheaper after market ones to be found on eBay and Amazon but some of the reviews weren't good.   Dremel told me to search again in the UK and I might have luck with someone who will ship one here.   I did eventually find a source and my payment info went through.  I'm not hopeful for some reason.  I fully expect an email tomorrow saying they don't ship to the US.  :*(   
If I have to get one of the cheap ones I will but with all the other issues and safety concerns with this thing, I don't want the tool holding my tool to be flimsy!!!
To continue....

Some days you don't get beans done...

The stencil project didn't turn out as we'd hoped.  My experience with stencils is they are a hard plastic film, if you want to call it that, which you place over the wall, level it off, tape it down, then paint.  The stencil for Carmela's logo was this sticky, and very thin, film that was a bear to put on the wall.  
We get it up there, level it off, start removing the backing and one side caves to the other, sticking them both together.  The film was so delicate that trying to pull them apart just stretched the logo.  Carmela is working on another option but her grand opening is on Saturday.   What a nightmare!  The problem here is many walls in Florida, whether commercial or residential, have this orange peel texture.  That is not conducive to any type of lettering which is why I thought the stencil would be a good option.  I'm open to ideas.
Now...for something that may be on my wish list in the future.   Dremel has this cordless gadget that appears to only be available across the pond at the moment but promises to be an interesting addition to my other gadgets.   It's called the Versatip and it's butane powered.   It sounds like something that would be an asset for papercrafters. 

Portability of equipment is a big thing IMO and anything that can do many tasks efficiently and without cords is a plus. 

EEEEEEEEEEKKKKK Picked up my Dremel today!

I have two big things pressing on my time tomorrow (Monday) so I doubt I'll get to take my Dremel out and play a bit, but I will this week.  :)   I'm so excited about trying my hand at engraving.  I have a lot of things in the hopper later this week too but I am definitely going to sling some ink.  It's been too long and I'm itching to play with the Pebeo again.
I need to wrap up that stencil project though and will post a picture when I'm done.  

Does imagining count?

We make a big deal out of actual practice but what role does our imagination or letting ideas percolate in our brains play prior to even letting the pen or brush hit the paper?   I think a lot really.   I need an actual task to get some good practice in but what's going on upstairs in the time prior to sitting at the desk?  The mental gymnastics I do in the days or weeks before I get stated--especially after learning a new skill.  
For the last few days I've been thinking about St. Patrick's Day cards and designs that will combine calligraphy and quilling.   Then a bit of inspiration that was born out of a phrase we heard on House Hunters International.   It translated to something like "bit by bit a bird builds its nest".  
So...here's the idea.   A large sheet of hot press watercolor paper with shades of blue above--about 2/3s of the page, and the remaining third will be greens.  This is to represent the sky and a field in the distance.   I'll then probably need to seal the the paper with a spray so it'll take ink after when I write the phrase in French.  Once this is dry, I'll do a quilled grapevine with leaves and a bunch with a sitting on the nest on the branch, at a right angle on the lower right side.   I can see it in my mind now.  It's fabulous of course.  If only reality can equal what my mind wants it'll be a masterpiece!!  LOL  
But Snappy needs to slow down and do some actual planning outside of my head.  Especially with the the watercolor paint and ink situation.  So next week I'll take a scrap of hot press paper, slap some watercolor paint on it, let that dry and after covering half of it to prevent the spray from getting on the surface, spray with Kamar.  I want to do that to see if the sealer is really necessary and what it may do to the surface of the paper.  
If my test is successful, I'll make a full-sized sketch and proceed from there.   Could be interesting.
In the meantime, I'll order some quilling paper in shades of green and start my wearin' o' the green cards.  

Didn't do doodly squat today

And that reallly vexes me.  Not like I didn't take my little quilling kit with me with the hopes that I would get a few green open hearts done.  But nooooooooo....it was not to be.   The only thing truly productive I did was get my V-day cards in the mail.  
Sometime early next week I'll help a friend of a friend with a large stencil in her new shop.  That should be fun.   I hope it'll turn out well.  I didn't realize how huge the stencil she had made was/is.  It's not really calligraphy but everything provides a chance for learning so who knows? 
So next week, I'll turn my attention to St. Paddy's Day projects.   I have some ideas for cards that I'm itching to begin work on.   I think I'll take tomorrow off from blogging.  Hubby wants to go to Universal which will be fun but I won't get any practice in tomorrow. 
So...until I can hit a lick with some calligraphy, quilling, or engraving, I'll leave you with this cute picture from this website.

Cute huh?

Finishing some V-day stuff

I found my Pepto-Bismol pink ink (gouache and Dr. Martins) and got my envelo-boxes addressed this afternoon.   Michaels had some pretty cardstock in a washed design that was quite nice.  Here are the results.

I have one more card to decorate if I need to but I'll get these posted tomorrow.    it'll then be time to start St. Paddy's cards!!!

One more

Had an idea today for a butter fly with heart-shaped wings.  This is what I came up with.   Wonder if he's thinking those hearts up? 

Almost done with the Valentine cards

I added some embellishments to the cards and am pretty much done with this first batch.  Perhaps tomorrow afternoon I'll start some more.  Today I worked on a bunch of shapes and have paper sized for more.  This is fun.  I only wish the little sparkly bits would show up better on pics.  C'est la vie.

More quilling and cards

Since I have a few extra cards just waiting for some embellishment, I thought I'd add some rose buds and flowers in honor of Valentine's Day.  While I was waiting to get my eyeglasses fixed I thought of a bouquet, some floating hearts, and a larger flower with hearts for petals would be nice.   Here are the results. 

I will add some gold flourishes I think, or maybe some glitter, but overall, I like where this is going. 

QUILLING!

Had a blast yesterday learning to quill.   It's a lot more involved than what I thought it would be.  The best tool that will help me is the quilling coach.  A small, clear and flat tool with a hole to insert the slotted tool in.  This helps when wrapping the paper around, keeping it even.  Roxy did a great job of putting kits together for everyone to take home.  

Here's a little Valentine's Day card I'm making.  I'll probably send this to mom.  You know mom's, even if it's flawed they love it.  :)   The card itself is gold.  Don't know why the color is so faded, it's the same card as those in the second pic.  GRRR!

I've got a bunch more of these cards done, now to get the flowers finished!

Had to post this quickly

To anyone out there who gets frustrated and thinks they should give up, I saw this on Facebook and had to share it.  It is so true.  Keep going, practice, and be critical but above all, keep going.

A day to play

I've been a good girl.  No practice so that's bad but I've been cleaning the house getting ready for guests.  Today we head to Universal!!   I'll be on the lookout for interesting letterforms to emulate but mostly to blow off steam and have a good time.   So...no posts until Monday.   I'm reminded of something I did this past summer while we were at Disney.  It is customary to leave a tip if your housekeeping staff did a good job and kept your room neat and well-supplied.  In addition to the tip, I wrote a little note since I had my calligraphy stuff with me (naturally).   I hope Diana liked it.  Have a great weekend!

It's FRIDAY and A virtual tour

So glad Friday's here.   It's going to be such a fun weekend with a trip to Universal and quilling on Sunday.   I even found all the pieces to my quilling kit so I'll have extras. 
On another note, there will be a calligraphy exhibition in Russia starting in November.   You can take a virtual tour here of the one from two years ago.   As to be expected, the works are amazing. 
Make sure your speakers are on...the music is beautiful.

Engraving on glass

No...I don't have an example but this is just something else that's intrigued me.  I think if I can find the appropriate tools I may give it a try.   I understand many use a Dremel with a flexible tip and that looks fine.  I've also seen another tool that reminds me of a dental instrument that could be even better.   Whatever, it has to be very fast.  This video is excellent for a starting point and this really looks like fun doesn't it?

I'm a dolt

It's almost a neurosis of mine that I have to get a picture of envies I do before I send them and today I forgot.  GRRRR   Eh....that's what happens when you get in a hurry.   However, this was especially egregious because it was the first time I used my Bill Lilly holder.    As expected, it felt comfortable and I didn't do half bad.   Just wish I had a record of my first attempt. 
I will say this: just like using a new nib, different paper, trying an ink, everything requires some adjustment.  I'm sure as I use it more I'll get my little pliers out and noodle with the angle of the flange.   It will be fun to see how the slimmer curve where my fingers go affects my writing.  Good times ahead!
Oh...and the picture above?  That's what the beautiful Stone Mountain in Georgia looked like early one morning last fall.  I was up there for a workshop with Heather Held.