How To Make a Balsa Wood Pen

Different calligraphy implements make different marks.

According to calligraphy expert Lisa Engelbrecht, a balsa wood pen is a pen with a balsa wood nib that you use for calligraphy and other decorative art work. You can produce a fluent and graceful line with a balsa wood pen, partly on account of the special qualities of balsa wood. It's particularly effective when you use a different colored ink on every edge of the nib.

Things You'll Need

• Old paint brush
• Saw
• Balsa
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Saw the head off an old paint brush so you are left with just the handle.

2. Cut a piece of rectangular balsa wood, to the thickness of nib you require, and 1 1/2 inches in length.

3. Saw a 3/4 inch notch at the top of the handle to accommodate the balsa wood nib.

4. Squeeze wood glue into the notch and insert your balsa wood nib. Allow this to dry.

5. Dip the edge of the nib in water briefly, then into your ink and your balsa wood pen is ready to use.

References

• "Modern Mark Making: From Classical Calligraphy to Hip Hand-Lettering"; Lisa Engelbrecht; 2008