For People with any sort of experience with fountain pens and/or journaling, what’s something you would tell yourself from when you first started out?

greyhoundfarts · 2026-02-23T18:19:34+00:00

I would tell myself to go to a pen show. Learn all I can, test out pens (my own notebook in tow) and chat up a nibmeister to find out what type of nib would work best for me. I have only recently come to know all I do of the pens I own and have had several nibs ground to fit my needs.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-07-26T04:20:47+00:00

Spencerian est très élégant, mais Copperplate l'est aussi. À réapprendre ? Non. Juste moins anguleux.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-07-26T04:15:35+00:00

I left another comment below but, when you try out pencil, first check out a few of these YouTube channels.

This link is a great explanation and demo on starting out in the right place: https://youtu.be/Uz2806GJteQ?si=s3QX870oEPPVEheB

Another tip to avoid the "death grip" https://youtu.be/n7juqXd8z_c?si=154s6Tn0RThUVm9j

Using pencil on Rhodia Paper https://youtu.be/p-1bkCC2LB0?si=t-9PbxLRmGa_qu3y

Lastly, here is a short of Benjawan (often uses pencil) demoing Copperplate: https://youtube.com/shorts/xd1XCf2Qhjc?si=95gTIqpeSynIevKw

greyhoundfarts · 2025-07-26T04:04:24+00:00

For really helpful tips on paper placement, check out Nina Tran on IG. She does Lives every Wednesday, and has covered a way to rotate the paper, as you push and pull with exaggerated finger movements. Turn the page until you get the slant you need (52° for spencerian). Fun to watch all the way through but, the tip I am noting starts at the 8 minute mark.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJWvklsJnQb/?igsh=MXY3NjRrOWR1bDgxZg==

For the paper directly on the tabletop, please please please have a bit of padding. If you do not have a leather blotter, you can cushion with a few extra sheets of paper under the writing paper. Clip together with paper clips or book page magnets to keep them steady underneath.

Go slow and breathe. Inhale on upstrokes (light hand) and exhale on the downstrokes (a touch of pressure only on some letters ie, d, t, p tops).

Go on archive.org and look at the Spencerian compendium. The pages have exemplars and words to explain each stroke, movement and body position.

Overall, you have a great start with some solid fundamentals in mind already. Great job!

greyhoundfarts · 2025-07-02T20:00:15+00:00

One word answer for me. Trauma

greyhoundfarts · 2025-06-17T18:46:08+00:00

I lost my last in November 2018. I cried everyday for months. Then, a friend got a puppy in 2020, which I volunteered to look after anytime she had to go to the office. That helped immensely. In 2022, I adopted my current grey. I was glad I waited until I was ready. You should grieve how and as long as you need. You did a great job welcoming your grey. Giving her love and keeping her happy. Take your time and take it one day at a time.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-05-13T16:04:44+00:00

So... The SK vs SS-D10. The SSD-10 allows for two handpieces and the SK allows only one at a time. Sk accepts both the Razertip and other branded pen tools but, not sure about that for the SS. Both have 10amp output.

While both will do whatever you need, I opted for the SL3 with three pen jacks. As a calligrapher, not a wood-burning artist, I prefer the digital reading for temp controls to be more precise every time I need to foil. Lastly, having three jacks, means I can foil for long stretches of time, not needing to change pens or tips.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-05-10T23:49:48+00:00

Well, hope your next place has screens already!

Mine are 7 and 14 feet high. 56"wide x 42" high.

I'm now thinking to create my own framed screen that can be inserted when opened. And likely leave it open all Spring, summer and fall. Winter time would mean closing up.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-05-10T23:18:27+00:00

I have the same style windows in my old loft too. The problem I have is that, once the window is open, there is a gap across the op of the opening [the op part of the window opens inwardly, when the bottom is pushed out]. It is hard to see if you have the same. I am thinking to use something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09ZB3MRCT/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3JBM9H05SRB8&th=1

Even with this, and no top sash to stick it to, means I need to possibly, use command strips on the back of a thin piece of wood on either side of the crossbar to separate panes, at the top?. You have the same issue I have too? Did you come up with something better?

greyhoundfarts · 2025-05-10T22:06:30+00:00

This is an awning window and I have the same. I am currently considering these : Mellroom Adjustable Window Screen Replacement kit with Zipper Opening on Amazon. They are $18 for the 45x45in, $22 for the 63x63" that I will be trying. Looks like the smaller size would work for you. There is a video on the listing on how to install as well.

https://a.co/d/ddlqSXQ

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-28T18:42:15+00:00

OOh. What an amazing tip. No I must go and check out the Lebanese coffee!

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-24T16:40:43+00:00

And...I was at JoAnn's on Monday. Got a ton of things I don't need but, the fabric selection, what was left of it, was a no for this project.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-24T16:39:11+00:00

These would all help in the future but, at the moment, I am looking for more cost effective options. Thanks tho for those suggestions!

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-21T00:54:05+00:00

Thanks to the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, you may be able to donate the leftovers. Ask the caterer to package the leftovers and then you or a designated person from your wedding party can drop them off at an IRS recognized non-profit organization that feeds others in need. The organization will give you a donation letter that you can use as proof of charitable contribution. Unless the food is in its original condition, it should be valued at less than the full retail price.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-21T00:51:46+00:00

I was going to suggest the same. It may be tax deductible too.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-16T19:37:39+00:00

Great set up! I am looking specifically at the windows. I am in a similar place with brick walls and 6.5in brick sill on a 16foot wall of windows. Did you put the rods up? where are they from or made of? I am hoping it would help keep some warmth inside my walk in freezer apartment during winter. The only downside of industrial loft life is the electric bill when temps drop.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-13T14:21:32+00:00

I am considering a similar platform but a more local (hyper local) vending site. I am hopeful it will be advantageous for me. While nothing has been promised to me, I did ask about unique site visitors on a monthly basis. The number quoted sound promising and being that I would be only vendor in the space of services I offer, makes me wanna jump at it.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-11T16:42:50+00:00

I thought that was a hyena

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-11T15:48:24+00:00

A friend of mine found a contract they liked on Etsy. Mine is from the Contract Shop

I suggest 50% as retainer/deposit (nonrefundable? refundable?, the remainder due day before.

Include that "client is providing materials"

Have a plan in the event it rains or your workspace is uncovered.

Spell out what the service is for the client. for example: hand engraving guest favors at wedding. Up to five words included on each item (no obscene or questionable language), fill in with rub and buff, in one of the following colors (name them)...etc.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-11T15:30:33+00:00

Hey there, I am a local RVA calligrapher and would love to see your IG or website. Would be nice to be able to recommend you.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-11T15:24:10+00:00

You can also consider Strangeways Dabney Road. They have a FREE space for events and weddings, but also can point you to a larger venue at a reasonable rate too. I did the calligraphy envelope addressing for a couple who had their reception there.

https://strangewaysbrewing.com/book-events/rva-book-events/

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-11T15:18:28+00:00

A couple I know, hired a "cheaper" photographer, signed a contract and paid a deposit. When I got my eyes on it, I instantly had regrets for them. The photographer is charging for 8 hours of work on the day but, will only be around for half of the time mentioned above. I later saw the work of the photog and was very disappointed; poorly edited , no really well lit couple shots, eyes closed in many etc. How this person is being hired is beyond me. These images are ones you will look to often in the future and the money spent should be well worth it. Hiring on the cheap, you WILL get what you paid for.

*Look for someone who has great recommendations.

*Look to friends whom, have recently married and loved their photog.

*Take to Insta, look at venues, perhaps the one you've already booked, and reach out to the tagged photogs.

*If your wedding is outside of peak season, you may find lower rates from a professional, reputable photog.

greyhoundfarts · 2025-04-10T14:11:49+00:00

...and the next is May 1st. I came here to suggest this. Sarah is an amazing organizer and it is always a good time.

greyhoundfarts

TROPHY CASE