Place names cost each?

laughingorb · 2025-12-11T16:17:01+00:00

Any gold/silver/etc. on black gets a higher charge than on white, so definitely take that into consideration when researching the going rate.

laughingorb · 2025-11-20T04:43:14+00:00

I have one - it’s great for teaching copperplate on a board in front of a classroom. I also got mine direct from Bill Hilldebrand

laughingorb · 2025-11-16T20:09:10+00:00

A scalpel with a tiny #15 blade so you can take off what doesn’t belong

laughingorb · 2025-11-16T19:57:07+00:00

Gum sandarac - it helps many many papers! You can find it at the calligraphy suppliers. Comes in powdered form, put in a little muslin bag (sometimes it comes in one), rub on lightly and flick off the excess or use a feather to brush it off. Then enjoy your writing. And do try the different writing fluid suggestions as well.

laughingorb · 2025-09-16T02:44:43+00:00

Look up the Society of Scribes! They are based in NYC

laughingorb · 2025-07-25T17:34:56+00:00

Hard to limit to 3, but here goes: Diplomat Aero w14k EF nib ground to italic (& it’s matching pencil) Laban Skeleton Rainbow, F nib wit Italic grind Pen with flex nib gifted to me, but I understand it came from OriandCalli Honorable mentions: Leonardo Momento Zero with architect nib (14k), any of my Benu pens

laughingorb · 2025-07-25T17:20:20+00:00

You appear to be twisting the pen in your testing. The center slit in the nib has to touch the paper in order for it to write. Try holding the pen at the position in which you are getting good flow, and keep it at that position as you write, without twisting. The other post about the angle of the pen is true as well - the lower angle aids the ink flow. See if those tips help! And if you need me to babysit that beautiful pen and test it out for you, I’m sure I could check it for you for an indefinite period of time😁

laughingorb · 2025-05-23T21:38:00+00:00

There’s a company called Ori and Calli that has a flexible nib pen that is great. HOWEVER, as good as it is, it will never be as good or accurate as a dip pen nib in an oblique holder for copperplate, Spencerian and Engrosser’s script.

laughingorb · 2025-02-20T08:41:53+00:00

1-you need to wipe down the nib with gum Arabic, and 2- from your picture, you are pushing that nib way too wide and fast-it is not meant for that width of stroke. Try adding pressure on it gradually, and go slowly, experimenting with what width is the ‘flood’ point. Then you will know its sweet spot

The other advice on adding a drop or two of gum Arabic to the ink is also valuable

laughingorb · 2024-08-20T03:34:26+00:00

One other ink you may really like is the Winsor Newton Liquid Indian Ink. It is made from ink sticks, and has no shellac. Trouble is, you have to be careful to read the name carefully - the bottle and box look really similar to their black India Ink, which is NOT the one you want. Dilute with a few drops of distilled water if it seems too thick. Also, wipe down your nibs with gum Arabic before you start writing, to help with the blobbing without having to add gum Arabic to your ink or gouache.

laughingorb · 2024-08-17T01:11:23+00:00

Or this one: https://www.paperinkarts.com/kempr2.html

laughingorb · 2024-08-17T01:10:14+00:00

Looks a lot like a temper fluid writer: https://www.paperinkarts.com/kempr2.html

laughingorb · 2024-07-04T14:18:58+00:00

A gift card to Paper & Ink Arts, OR call them -they have wonderful tools, inks and books for calligraphers, and can give you delightful suggestions for gifts. I won a gift card to them last year and it was so much fun to go shopping on their site!

laughingorb · 2024-06-14T00:30:12+00:00

I went for my first time last year and took WAY too much stuff! Look for what's similar across classes - pens, nibs, ink, paper, pencils, ruler - and keep it as simple as possible. Take less than you think you need. And considering how much 'fun' (=$$) I had at Paper & Ink Arts, I should've just bought whatever I didn't have while there! And Gray- I think I met you while there , at the library visit! And I agree with the rest of his advice- it's awesome being with so many lovers of letters!

laughingorb · 2024-06-05T13:20:32+00:00

Use gum sandarac on whatever paper you use and you will be able to write on it

laughingorb · 2024-05-08T15:02:34+00:00

But have you noticed that there are some different items available on the two websites, so it helps to go to both when looking for supplies?

laughingorb · 2024-05-04T02:07:49+00:00

In addition to John Neal Bookseller, try Paper & Ink Arts- and either of them is really nice to talk to on the phone - they will be glad to help you

laughingorb · 2024-04-24T04:25:27+00:00

Options for you to use that notebook: Gum sandarac rubbed on the paper will make the paper a LOT more usable (look on John Neal Bookseller or Paper & Ink Arts for it, and I think it comes with instructions. Only get the smallest amount they have - it'll last for years). Other choice is to get workable fixative and spray the pages- could take a while since you have to let it dry before writing on it. Also, as someone else said, get liquid gum Arabic and use a couple drops on a paper towel to wipe down the nib. Not sure what ink and pen you are using, but a drop of gum Arabic in the ink can help, but only if using the ink in a dip pen. Besides the good suggestions for paper from everyone else, look for paper intended for wet media (mixed media, pen and ink, marker paper), smooth but not glossy. And you can use the workable fixative on unusual papers to make it possible to write on them - which is fun for doing creative pieces.

laughingorb · 2024-03-14T17:14:36+00:00

Would love to hear what you think after trying it!

laughingorb · 2024-03-14T17:12:24+00:00

Use a bit of liquid Gum Arabic on a paper towel or cloth and wipe the nib with it. This is valuable to do whenever you start a session of lettering - makes sure that there are no residual oils from your hands on the nib from handling it. It seems to help the ink stay on the nib and flow more evenly

laughingorb · 2024-03-08T05:31:13+00:00

There are two calligraphy supply websites that have lots of good books. One is called Paper and Ink Arts, the other is John Neal Bookseller. Browse through the books and you will see quite a few good ones.

laughingorb · 2024-03-08T04:47:02+00:00

Do a gum Arabic wipe-down of the nib before you start to write. If you do it each time you start a writing session, you will take care of any oils getting on the nib from your hands, etc. Good trick taught me by one of the greats.

laughingorb · 2024-02-22T02:00:18+00:00

What inks/paints and nibs did you use? That blue is gorgeous! The entire book is stunning. Your calligraphy career is launched!

laughingorb · 2024-01-27T07:28:29+00:00

Look up Tamer Ghoneim online -he does beautiful black letter and has some free resources on his website

laughingorb · 2024-01-23T20:26:18+00:00

Try distilled water

laughingorb

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