Getting Started
Hello & Welcome Back!
This post will cover some more basic things you need to know, as well as where to start! Let's begin by looking at the anatomy of the nib!There are six parts to the nib:
TIP
TINES
SHOULDER
VENT
IMPRINT
BASE
& BODY
Basically all you need to know in order to properly distribute th ink from your pen to the paper is what the vent is. The vent is the little opening that must be saturated with inl in order for it to flow correctly! Make sure not to let the ink touch the flange of the oblique pen as it will corrode it. This, along with the right amount of pressure at the right angle, allows for beautiful looped script! This little metal instrument can be used in oblique holders as well as straight. So far, I like using a straight pen better--not sure what this means.
It's important to understand how the nib works, so that you can write correctly and make them last as long as possible. Pressing too hard on the nib can damage it, making it harder for you to write!
I love these little diagrams from Laura Hopper's Calligraphy Starter Kit (visit my last post to see what this is!). Please pardon my re-illustration of them--they aren't as well done as the original!
1. This is the angle at which you should hold your pen! 45 degree angles people! Make sure to keep your pen flat on the page, not tilted to the left or to the right.
2. Tilt your pen to a 55 degree angle in order to make thicker downstrokes.
3. Rotate your paper in order to better accomplish italic script!
Now you can really get started. Wash your nib with soap and water, then pat it dry. Make some tea or light a candle, then sit down at a table with both feet on the floor and begin!
Start with upstrokes & downstrokes!
Remember: practice makes perfect!
Until next time!
xx,
MSA
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