Q&A for How to Write With a Feather Quill

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  • Question
    How do I make my feather quill writing more elegant?
    Swetha Shenoy
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Swetha Shenoy is a Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist based in New Jersey. She is the founder of The Paisley Corner, a creative hub that provides art workshops & team-building activities for individuals and corporate teams alike. Swetha created The Paisley Corner to spread the joy of creating through her art workshops. She teaches multiple lettering techniques, including hand lettering, brush lettering, and watercolor lettering. Since founding The Paisley Corner 5 years ago, she has taught 2500+ students (adults and kids) at over 200 workshops. Notable corporate clients include Adobe, Shapeways, Rituals, Confetti, MixLife & the New York tri-state area public libraries. Prior to her career as an artist and small business owner, Swetha worked as a Software Engineer at multiple companies. She received a BS in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University and a MS in Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago.
    Modern Calligraphy & Watercolor Artist
    Expert Answer
    First, start by finding a style that you like. Look on Pinterest or find worksheets that showcase styles you want to embody. Practice regularly and incorporate the elements from different styles to create your own unique approach. Remember to be patient with the process, as your initial attempts might not meet your expectations. Lastly, embrace your writing imperfections and persist through consistent practice, as dedication and repetition will help you improve your feather-quill writing skills over time.
  • Question
    What happens if I blot my paper on accident?
    Community Answer
    If you are just learning and you only have thin paper on hand, lay a sheet under the one you are writing on. It will soak up excess ink.
  • Question
    How do I replace the nibs?
    Community Answer
    Metal nibs should come out of the shaft by simply pulling at them with a little force. Make sure you don't bend the nib in the process, though.
  • Question
    What is the nib of a quill?
    Community Answer
    The nib is the very tip, the part you write with.
  • Question
    How do I make a feather quill?
    Community Answer
    With a blade, cut the underside of the nib at an angle. Then, take the stuff up inside of the feather and get it out. After that, take the blade and put a slit in it. If you need to, sharpen it up a bit, so you can make a fine tip.
  • Question
    How do I buy a feather quill and how much money is it?
    Community Answer
    You can buy them online and they range in price from $8 dollars to over $40 dollars.
  • Question
    When I put my metal bib on paper after dipping, it just spews out lots of ink, ruining my writing! What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If the nib is in good condition it shouldn't do this, I would recommend getting a new nib for the pen.
  • Question
    How do I keep the ink from dripping out?
    Community Answer
    This should not happen if a quill is in good shape. If it's a natural quill, adjust it. If it has a metal nib, something's wrong and you need to replace it.
  • Question
    Why do I need to finish the paper off with sand after writing with a feather quill?
    Community Answer
    It absorbs any excess ink on the page so it doesn't smear your writing, and so you can be sure nothing will happen to the ink when you turn the page.
  • Question
    Can I use watercolor paper?
    Community Answer
    Watercolor paper should be fine because of its thickness. Just don’t press too hard.
  • Question
    What is sealing wax, and how do you use it?
    Community Answer
    Sealing wax is a wax candle used to seal envelopes. To use it, light it, let some wax drip onto the envelope, then place a wax stamp that usually comes with the wax on it for two or three seconds.
  • Question
    Are there cases that can protect a feather quill so I can carry it with me without breaking it?
    Community Answer
    Many good quality quills come with a box or case in which to store it. If not, some tissue paper or bubble wrap in a cardboard box should do.
  • Question
    How do I fill the quill with ink so I can write with it?
    Stefania
    Community Answer
    You don't fill the quill up with ink. You dip the nib into the ink fully and then get the extra ink off of the nib to write with it.
  • Question
    Should I write on both sides of the page when writing with a feather quill?
    Community Answer
    No, you shouldn't.
  • Question
    How do I insert the nib into the feather? I looked all over and couldn't find an answer.
    Community Answer
    It might depend on your pen. If you are making your own pen, then you would carve the inside of your pen out to insert it. If you are using a metal nib, then you can just twist or pull your current nib out and twist or push your new nib in.
  • Question
    Why does my feather quill ink only write two letters at a time?
    Community Answer
    You may be pressing too hard, however it could also be that the nib needs to be fixed/adjusted, or replaced, depending on the type of quill you're using.
  • Question
    What kind of ink should I use for a feather quill?
    Community Answer
    Try India ink or calligraphy ink. It really depends on personal preference.
  • Question
    What's the best place to buy a feather quill?
    Community Answer
    Amazon is great; they have a range from kiddie quill pens to adult proper writing pens.
  • Question
    Is it possible to create the same effect with a fountain pen?
    Community Answer
    Fountain pens will make it a bit lighter in color and a bit wider.Try the thinnest fountain pen you can find.
  • Question
    When writing with a feather quill, how do you make thicker lines?
    Community Answer
    Apply more pressure to the paper to achiever thicker lines. However, do not apply too much, as intense pressure may damage the nib.
  • Question
    How do I keep my feather quill from spoiling?
    Community Answer
    Don't use too much pressure and store it in a secure container. If you can, cut the quill shape out of two pieces of Styrofoam and store it in there when not in use.
  • Question
    Are there any inkwells which will help prevent accidentally tipping over the ink?
    Community Answer
    The heavier the ink well, the less likely it is to tip, and a broad bottom will also help. I'd recommend trying to fine some broad bottomed glass ink wells as they're less likely to tip. Just be careful while moving them around, since they're a fair bit more delicate.
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