Messages

91

Tools & Supplies / Re: Transform a usable item into a more usable item

« on: July 02, 2014, 03:32:52 PM »

Before attempting cutting the back end off the Speedball plastic pen staff make sure you have another (open ended) pen staff that you can fall back on - just in case. And never purchase a closed end pen staff! If you would like one of my penstaff flyers I'll be happy to email one to you. As for my tips and tricks - I've written an article for the Fort Worth and Dallas Guild newsletters since 1994-5, and have used my 35+ years of applied calligraphy experience in these articles, plus gleaning from Bill Gray's Studio Tips…even have put these tips and tricks on a CD.
Harvey

92

Tools & Supplies / Re: GRINDING YOUR OWN CHINESE (JAPANESE) INK STICKS

« on: July 02, 2014, 03:19:29 PM »

To carry and fly with wet ink can be dangerous, but using the insulin rubber capped bottle (as mentioned at the beginning) is a 100% cure…ink will not spill, in an airtight container so will be preserved almost forever without evaporation - any liquid ink! This is a method I've tried and used and it works. Some of the simplest solutions can be the best remedies. CAUTION: Do not put any part of the ink stick or ink in your mouth to moisten - it may contain serpent venom as a binder!

93

Tools & Supplies / Transform a usable item into a more usable item

« on: July 01, 2014, 02:10:27 PM »

We have all used the plastic Speedball offset pen staff. Have too much nib sticking out the front? This makes control almost impossible, but this can be corrected. The reason too much nib sticks out the front is because the back end is closed off. Transform this holder into one that is much easier to use without a lot of trouble. With a hack saw or Dremel cutoff tool cut off the back end. You will find a loose small round plastic rod. This should be glued to the BOTTOM section with Crazy Glue or Gorilla Glue so that it seats firmly. You now have the perfect holder (without the back end) which will allow you to slide the nib into the holder as far as you want or need. I have done this many times and it works every time. One of these days Hunt-Speedball will do this for us - with this modification it really isn't a bad pen staff - in fact on the good side.
Harvey

94

Tools & Supplies / GRINDING YOUR OWN CHINESE (JAPANESE) INK STICKS

« on: July 01, 2014, 12:19:47 PM »

Has everyone ground their own Cinese or Japanese ink sticks? If not you are in for a real treat - sure we're all in a hurry, but this method will help slow you down and concentrate on the job at hand. Don't grind more than you need for the job at hand, as it won't have enough preservatives in it to last more than a few days. You can make more of it at a time if you store it in a rubber capped bottle (as insulin bottles), suck it up with a needle pointed syringe and insert it into the bottle. After a short time the bottle will have more air than it needs, but you can release the air by removing the plunger, inserting the needle into the bottle and let the excess air escape. Your ink will last indefinitely in these containers.

95

Tools & Supplies / Re: Phantom Liner - helpful or cumbersome?

« on: July 01, 2014, 12:06:04 PM »

I used mine often, even purchased a large size dark plastic to fit into the smaller unit, drew reverse angle slant lines for copperplate. Once you get used to it you'll love it. I even taped my unit down so that it wouldn't move when doing a job., but it has to setup perfectly or your lines will be slanted instead of perfectly horizontal.
PENSTAFF (HARVEY)

96

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Your favorite pointed nibs

« on: June 30, 2014, 07:32:42 PM »

What are your favorite pointed nibs?

97

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Some copperplate practice - criticism welcome!

« on: June 30, 2014, 07:18:25 PM »

Hi Martin, your work looks very nice - I would work on your between word spacing tho.

98

Copperplate, Engrosser's Script, Roundhand Calligraphy / Re: Should beginner's start with Copperplate?

« on: June 30, 2014, 07:01:25 PM »

In my personal opinion the pointed pen is not for beginners. I started with broad tip pen and grew to love the look of pointed pen scripts so much I had to try Copperplate. However, started out on my own it too two-three weeks to learn to hold the offset holder. Then I finally got a teacher thru the Fort Worth Guild - that's when things got easier.

99

Favorite Resources / VINTAGE NIBS AND HANDMADE WOODEN PENSTAFFS

« on: June 30, 2014, 11:45:54 AM »

Hi all, Am new to the Forum, but not to calligraphy. Have been actively associated with the Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas calligraphy guilds for many years, having been producing calligraphy on all levels for over 35+ years. Now that I am retired (and not writing any longer) I am selling my inventory of vintage nibs that I have collected for all these years - probably one of the largest collections of vintage nibs in the country, both pointed and broad tip all at reasonable prices. I also make handmade lightweight wooden pen staffs in 7 models, in both (painted) black and natural wood. Send me your preferences and if I am out I'll recommend a substitute for you.
penstaff (Harvey)

100

Tools & Supplies / vintage nibs and handmade wooden pen staffs

« on: June 30, 2014, 11:29:30 AM »

Hi all, am new to the Forum, but have practiced calligraphy for the past 35+ years on all levels and have collected probably one of the country's largest collection of vintage nibs. Now that I no longer write I have started selling my entire inventory at reasonable prices. I also make wooden handmade lightweight pen staffs - 7 different models in both black and natural wood. Let me know your desires and I'll check my inventory for you. You will be surprised - but remember these vintage nibs are becoming harder to come by and I may be out of your preferences - I will suggest a substitute.
 penstaff (Harvey)

101

General How To's & Projects / Re: Preparing Your Nib Properly by Schin!

« on: June 30, 2014, 11:01:10 AM »

Hi Schin, good article! Am enjoying your work. Just join the Forum yesterday and wanted to inform you of my vintage nibs. I have probably one of the largest collections of vintage nibs in the country…all at reasonble prices. let me know your preferences and and I'll check my inventory for you. No order too small (or large).
Harvey (penstaff)