Intoduction to the Calligraphy Fountain Pen

by admin on May 13, 2010

Calligraphy

Calligraphy – “The art or skill of producing beautiful or artistic handwriting”. Using a calligraphy fountain pen is essential in producing your beautiful pieces of art.

This particular fountain pen consists of multiple parts, such as, the nib, ink reservoir and handle. The handle is also known as the main body of the pen.

What Are They Made Of

These particular fountain pens can be made of glass, plastic, wood or bone. The wooden calligraphy fountain pen can be very unique with its elaborate carving designs.

The wood models are also long lasting, all around, popular pieces of choice.

Plastic calligraphy fountain pens are recommended for beginners. They are reasonably priced, come standard in features and have a great feel. Bone models, although beautiful, are harder to find, due to ivory gathering being inhumane.

With glass calligraphy fountain pens your looking at works of art, each perfectly unique and original.

Choose from vibrant colors, designs, patterns or solids and have complete control with their firm grips.

Calligraphy Fountain Pen Choice

When choosing the right calligraphy fountain pen make sure the grip on the handle, (the part you hold) fits well in your hand and is comfortable.

Writing with an improper pen, for your particular grip comfort, can affect your calligraphy outcome.

Calligraphy fountain pens can be slight or broad, so make sure the fit is right for your hand type. The rubber or cork grips will give enhanced control, allowing for more accurate calligraphy writing.

What Is A Nib

An essential element of the calligraphy fountain pen is the nib. The nibs function is to aid in the creation of lines on the paper.

Nibs can come in metal or plastic and can have fine tips or wide tips.

Fine tips would be used in creating thin lines and wide tips would create a thicker striped line. Plastic nibs allow for smoother movement on paper and are preferred by many, but metal nibs are noted to be more durable.

Nibs And Ink

Attached to the nib is a detachable reservoir with ink allowing easy changes to be made.

Ink can be changed to your liking, just by rinsing off older ink and replacing it with a different color. There are some pens that do have an interchangeable ink cartridge cased within the body of the pen.

When cleaning calligraphy fountain pens or nibs never use soap, just use water. Wash the nibs before use, to get the most out of them and to remove the factory coating.

The factory coating protects the nibs from rusting but should be washed off before use.

Calligraphy is an art form and as such, will take practice. Enjoy the process, learn as you go and remember to have fun.