Messages

1

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Beyond Paper

« on: January 06, 2019, 06:07:44 PM »

There’s always parchment and vellum: not the modern paper finish but the treated skins of sheep and calves.

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Everyday Handwriting | Penmanship / Re: Flex fountain pen

« on: August 04, 2018, 08:01:04 PM »

I’ve collected a large handful of 19th-Century gold nibs and have dropped them (well, had them expertly and expensively dropped) into slightly less-vintage fountain pens. If you’re careful matching nib size and cap length, you can make yourself a pretty swell writing experience.

3

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Painful Penman's Thumb

« on: July 11, 2018, 06:42:16 PM »

My thumb started clicking when I flexed it, and Google called it 'Trigger finger'. I wrapped a silicone pad around the stylus I use at work, which helped a bit, but what really help was a visit to a hand surgeon, who put a shot of cortisone into the joint. It took about two weeks for the problem to clear up.

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Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Fountain pens

« on: May 20, 2018, 12:34:45 PM »

Lucky you...those things are treasures. Especially ones with flexy nibs.

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Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Johnston's Semi-Formal Script

« on: May 17, 2018, 10:45:17 PM »

It’s also harder than it looks to write consistently.

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Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Johnston's Semi-Formal Script

« on: May 11, 2018, 09:16:18 PM »

Exactly. He would create those big initials of the recipient and use his semi-formal script for the actual letter. It has a charming effect.

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Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Johnston's Semi-Formal Script

« on: May 09, 2018, 07:24:08 PM »

I've been looking at several of Edward Johnston's books lately, and I've been charmed by the spiky script he used in his initialed letters and called hes "semi-formal script."
Did he ever do an alphabet of them, or any systematic specimens?

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Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Fountain Pen Recommendation

« on: March 31, 2018, 03:05:53 PM »

I’ve mostly collected vintage pens, and I’ve just gotten a Wahl Doric back from the shop. It’s got a medium Adjustable nib that I’m finding very compatable with my handwriting, which is highly influenced by Secretary Hand.
Mabie Todds and Watermans also have lovely medium and broad nibs and are worth seeking out.

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Open Flourish | General Discussion / Re: Magna Carta discussion

« on: March 11, 2018, 03:08:36 PM »

It looks like a court or chancery hand, which survived in the English law courts while it devolved into Secretary Hand in the fifteenth century.