Topics

1

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Alternative to dip pen

« on: September 10, 2021, 02:21:45 AM »

Just stumbled across a video about a fountain pen with dip pen characteristics.  Initial thought was along the lines of those Zebra G conversions, but the makers claim otherwise*



If these are truly non-corroding nib they may be a bit of a game changer for calligraphers on the hoof! 



*makers claims came from another site, same nib though -  https://www.bluedewpens.com/faqs
The makers (Bluedew) seem to be located in Singapore, but Aaron's pens (in the video) look to be in the US.  Not sure about this.

2

Kind Critique / Handwriting (not calligraphy)

« on: August 05, 2021, 04:58:39 AM »

Hadn't posted anything in a while. This is an example of my usual 'hand' for correspondence.  No particular style.

3

Open Flourish | General Discussion / A little light at a difficult time.

« on: March 24, 2020, 06:51:58 PM »

Just had my 55th birthday. Was very surprised and delighted to receive a handmade car from overseas. At first it stumped me as to who may have sent it, but...





It had to be from a member here!

Many thanks Diane, really made my day.

And so, into lockdown we go (in New Zealand).  I live alone most of the time (wife works in another town and is in essential services - Pharmacist).  Having no social or community support is going to be tough, and now being separated from work colleagues will add to the isolation.  Well, it's got to be done.

4

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Angle of pen to paper

« on: March 14, 2019, 08:06:24 PM »

I am a little confused (a common complaint as it is) with the angle of the pen point as it is presented to the paper.  Why? Because in quite a few videos of accomplished calligraphers the pen seems to be held nearly vertical to the paper, while a lot of books recommend a low angle.

Clearly there is something that I am missing here.

Perhaps the angle is irrelevant?

Wiser heads, please put me out of my misery.

5

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Collecting pen holders

« on: February 03, 2019, 04:40:36 AM »

This is an idle inquiry.

Do people collect pen holders (straight, oblique etc) with display only purposes in mind? Or do people who buy holders do so for the purpose of different types of calligraphy work as their primary aim?

Toward the end of last year I got a bit carried away and suddenly found myself with 11 or 12 holders! 

Finding that I lack any noticeable aptitude for the art of calligraphy - because I would rather write than draw (I know that is contentious  ) - I have begun to divest myself of these tools.  So far I've managed to give away two modern Curv-E holders, two vintage holders (strahms if I recall), and a four custom made straight holders.

I still have a few left.  A pair of Yoke pens, one by Brian Smith, a "blue whale" holder, a couple of holders from an enthusiast amateur maker, an ergonomic holder from Melanie of englishpencrafts, and the holder that every beginner has, the hourglass.

Perhaps over the year I can foist these on people, and although people are free to do what they want, it would slightly pain me if they ended up as safe queens - hence the original question here.

6

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Chic Obliques

« on: January 26, 2019, 12:15:51 AM »

This is a call for information.

Last year I tried out 2 oblique holders from Edward Curran of ChicOblique on Etsy.    As the holders did not really suit my hand size (I have enormous hands!) I ended up gifting the holders to two members of this forum.   My plan was to go for one of the longer models this year.  However,  I just looked today and Etsy tells me that ChicOblique no longer exists on the site.

Does anyone know if Edward has ceased trading, has moved his store elsewhere, or is going to continue on Etsy?

(I don't have an email address to ask him directly)

Cheers,

Dave

7

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Finding homes for obliques

« on: August 09, 2018, 08:03:50 AM »

Hi all,

I am going through an evaluation process right now that may lead me to divest myself of the oblique holders that I currently own.  This very small collection includes:

Two custom holders from Chris Yoke
One ergonomic holder from EnglishPenCrafts
One Curv-E from ChicObliques
One whale-tail ergonomic holder from AZWoodUA
Two enthusiast made holders.
One hourglass holder
One vintage Strahm holder
One possible replica of a Strahm holder
One custom holder from UniqueObliques

All are in either great condition, apart from the vintage ones that have obviously been used.

The question is whether to offer these for sale here; or if there is a another more appropriate venue (not eBay) maybe a member here could point me to it.

8

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Free Oblique holder

« on: June 07, 2018, 07:32:35 AM »

This is an oblique pen holder made by ChicObliques in the UK.  It is crafted from English Yew wood, and features a grip that is based on the Ransomerian planed surface grip.  It is one of the relatively new Curv-E holders.  It is beautifully crafted and polished.



As can be seen the holder is best suited for smaller to medium sized hands.  It measures about 135 mm  in length. The holder is currently fitted with a Gillott 404 as an example, it will take 303s, zebra Gs and Leonardt Prinicipal nibs.  The picture shows it alongside a Tachikawa holder that many should be familiar with (I hope) for scale.


So, I invite expressions of interest from people who may be able to use this.  If there are a few entries I will pick one randomly.

Postage anywhere is included in this offer.   The holder is completely free.

Please be aware, as noted above, that this holder will not easily suit someone with large hands. 

9

Coffee & Nib-bles / Shanghaied!

« on: February 26, 2018, 10:40:45 PM »

This beautiful lady recently agreed to wear a ring that I offered to her.   

We were married in Shanghai, her (and now my adopted) home city.

Just arrived home after a month in the city. Still a bit stunned really.   

10

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Searching for a specific nib

« on: October 06, 2017, 06:31:07 AM »

Hi folks,

I am looking for a source of the Brause 523 nib.  It's a three-tined nib.  I have one and I really quite like it for (fountain pen) ink testing and some braod edge calligraphy, but I cannot find any more.  Not looking for whole boxes or such, just 10-12 nibs.

If anyone has a lead on these and would like to share, please pm me.

cheers,

Dave

11

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Dark Envelopes

« on: August 01, 2017, 05:37:38 AM »

Hello?

What ink or paint would the experts here recommend for addressing a dark coloured envelope?

Please bear in mind that I will have to source via the internet in most cases.

Many thanks for your patience and help.

12

Technical Support & Feedback / Dropping membership

« on: July 22, 2017, 09:15:44 AM »

Is there a way of deleting one's account?

Thanks.

13

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Holder ID

« on: July 15, 2017, 06:46:22 PM »

Can anyone identify these holders?



They were sold as "vintage".

14

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Schin Loong - inspiration

« on: January 25, 2017, 12:38:14 AM »

Hello folks.

I've not been very productive or disciplined in my approach to improving my hand. There is a saying that states "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear".  For me that teacher, though she knows it not, is Schin Loong.

It is by watching her YouTube videos that I have been able to get some control over my everyday hand.  These videos are some of the best I have yet seen; so clear, and so easy to follow the elegant sweep of the pen.  There was much that I did not understand about the rhythm of writing. Now I have much clearer mind on the matter and feel more confident in executing my preferred forms.

Anyway, I wanted to take this opportunity to offer a sincere thank you to Schin Loong for making these videos available.  I cannot recommend them highly enough. 

15

Open Flourish | General Discussion / Somewhat embarrassed...

« on: January 15, 2017, 04:45:44 AM »

... I've mislaid my holder.  How on earth does that happen? I cannot find it anywhere.  I am sure I never took it out of the house - not the sort thing I would do really.

Stumped.