How to Use a Speedball Calligraphy Pen Holder

The ancient art of calligraphy

The Roman alphabet, introduced to Western civilization around 600 BCE, was the first set of letter forms used by stone carvers and painters to embellish the Roman imperial and noble monuments and homes with a decorative, uniform text style. During the Dark Ages, calligraphy was preserved by monks and scribes, who modified the Roman lettering to use flourishes and cursive connections between the letters. Today regarded as elegant and beautiful, calligraphy is frequently used for formal invitations, academic degrees, business certificates or governmental documents. Use a special nib and a Speedball pen holder to write in a calligraphic lettering style.

Things You'll Need

• Calligraphy nib
• Blotter pad
• 1/2 cup room temperature water

Instructions

1. 

   Choose a snug-fitting nib

   Select a nib that is designed to fit your Speedball calligraphy pen holder. While all the Speedball "C-series" nibs will fit the pen holder, you can also choose a different manufacturer's nib if its girth and bow match the pen holder.

2. Insert the nib into the pen holder housing mechanism, rounded edge first. Apply firm, gentle pressure as you insert the nib, but do not force it into the housing or you may break or bend it, or have trouble removing it later when you want to change it.

3. Dip the nib point down into the ink just deep enough for the ink to fill the nib reservoir. Avoid inking the pen holder's housing mechanism.

4. Transfer the pen holder to your writing hand and touch the nib to the blotter pad to start the flow of ink from the nib reservoir.

5. 

   Practice the strokes and re-ink often

   Write several letters with each inking of your nib. Use even strokes and light pressure, and re-dip the nib into the ink to refill the reservoir when the ink thins out or trails off. Repeat this until you finish your calligraphy project.

6. Dip the nib into the water and swirl it gently to dislodge any remaining ink.

7. Wipe the nib and pen holder with a dry paper towel to prevent rusting or clogging and then store them in a dry, warm place.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically dip the nib into water as you write to clear the nib reservoir completely, particularly if you are using pigmented inks. This will prevent smudging or blotching when you create wide or long strokes on the page.

References

• The Calligraphy Pen: Calligraphy Pen Nibs
• The Calligraphy Pen: The Importance of the Pen Holder
• Art History Guide: Calligraphy History and Techniques

Resources

• The Calligraphy Pen: What to Expect in a Caligraphy Set