This week we concentrated on the transition from double pencil alphabets
to using dip pens, fountain pens and marker pens, using at first the widest nib in our kit.
If using a dip pen, first we need to remove the thin protective lacquer coating by running the nib through a flame just for a second or two, then a dip in water; or dip in boiling water and then dry with a cloth before applying the reservoir which slides under the nib to within about 1/16″ (2mm) of the tip. I was intrigued to find that the ink converter on the Manuscript cartridge pen does not fit the length of the barrel. I shall be looking into this.
A few tries to get the ink flowing, adjustments to reservoirs, inky fingers and smudged paper, then using the more closely lined guideline sheet to gauge the x height needed for the size of nib chosen and that is the next stage of the journey started. All that is needed now, as before, is Practice, Practice, Practice, on which subject I shall point you to one of my earlier posts, Positive Practice.
We did not delve too deeply into layout this week but in the next session we shall be looking at the easiest ways of judging how to fit the printed copy onto our shiny new page at the first attempt, after writing out just one line on a piece of scrap paper.
Looking forward to seeing you all again next week.
’til then PPP.
Keep watching this space.
BILL'S SPACE 
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