How to Make a Feather into a Pen

Quill pens were popular writing instruments prior to the mid-1800s. Goose or turkey quills were often used because they have a thicker shaft than chicken feathers. To write, the user dipped the cut end into ink. You can make a feather into a pen to create your own mock quill pen, or if you would like to experience what it was like to write with an authentic quill pen, you can do that too.

Things You'll Need

• Ballpoint pen
• Feather
• Glue
• Knife
• Ink for dipping

Instructions

Mock Feather Pen

1. 

   Unscrew the ballpoint pen. Remove the pen tip and ink tube.

2. 

   Cut the end of the feather's shaft so that it's straight across.

3. 

   Insert the ink tube up the shaft of the feather. Push it up the shaft until the pen tip is at the cut end. If necessary, slit the upper portion of the shaft to make way for the tube to go all the way in.

4. 

   Cover any cut area with glue to seal it. Glue below the pen tip, securing the feather to the pen tip.

Authentic Quill Pen

1. Choose a feather with a long, wide, undamaged or unbent shaft.

2. Cut the end of the feather's tip at an angle. Don't cut too much off the end. You want a long shaft, as it will be trimmed again and again.

3. Dip the cut end into ink. Trim the tip every few pages and plan to use several feathers for a lengthy composition.

Tips & Warnings

• Authentic ink-dipping feather pens can stain fingertips with ink. Mock feather pens are less messy.

Resources

• Source for Dipping Ink