@openinkstand / openinkstand.tumblr.com
Hope you all had a good Christmas and will have a Happy New Year!
Just a friendly reminder that this blog has moved to Wordpress, so please visit there and check out what you've been missing!
and more, of course. I miss you Tumblr guys! :(
Is winsor Newton silver ink always runny or is it just mine
Nope, that stuff is like soap water for me, too.
I was just curious as to how long you have been doing calligraphy? Also, how much does a painted pen usually cost? Thank you for answering, you're a wonderful inspiration to me!
Thank you! I have been writing for only about 3 years.. infantile compared to other calligraphers!The Painted Pens range from $150 to over $200, depending on how intricate the artwork is. These days they get pretty intricate indeed... thanks for asking!
How do you go about breaking in a new nib? And how do you know when it's broken in? Thanks!
A very common question, which I address at length in Tutorial #2 of my Pointed Pen 101. Hope it helps! :)
Monogram designs are now available in the art shop. Two or three letters. You can use them for weddings, events, personal branding or business, gifts, announcements, anything you want. They would look great letter pressed!
A custom dragon pen commissioned by a lady for her calligrapher mother. Since it was a custom pen and personal birthday gift, it was possible to write her name on it. After painting, the pen is sent off to Brian from Unique Obliques for lacquering and shipping, so the final product is much glossier and shinier than my pictures.
Hi Schin, just a couple questions :-) First, I'm wondering if you received my letter to initiate the "Annoy a Postman" project? (this is Mark Calhoun). Also, a question about the Crown Mill paper/envelopes; do you only recommend pure cotton or are the Vellum and Laid papers just as good for nib pen and fountain pen use? It seems most of their colored envelopes are "Laid" & I want to have some good material for colored inks. Finally, how do you like using the McCaffrey's white? (it looks great)!
Hello! First off, this is a super old question (it went into drafts instead of queue!) and by now you would have received your Annoy a Postman.. sorry! Anyway, I don’t really have much experience with Crown Mill paper other than the ones I have, which is a ‘cream’ paper. I don’t know much about cotton paper, vellum seems expensive, but I do know laid papers are very pretty, and quite nice to write on. I know that Michael Sull loves laid paper. As for the third question, I don’t particularly care for the Ivory ink, but the Bright White McCaffrey’s is pretty spectacular! My first bottle didn’t do very well and I had to do that frankenink if you remember, but the recent bottles are pretty great right out of the jar. I just wish they sell 4oz bottles of those because I go through em like water! One word of caution though, never shake the bottle or you'll end up with a mess. Just stir it with a coffee stirrer. Bleedproof white is still my most opaque go-to homie, but I gotta say I have been using the former a lot more these days..
Maybe some paper-knowledgable readers can chip in and give us a brief history of various papers?
A sample of my Fairytale script, for the whimsical and adventurous bride. Perfect for Christmas cards too!
Hey there! Are you the one behind the OpenInkstandStandCalligraphy youtube channel? If so, I absolutely love your work; I've never seen such nice penmanship. Your recent videos on copperplate have been extremely helpful, thank you so much.
Thank you! Yes that's me :) YouTube.com/Openinkstand I'll have more videos soon
I have been working on a series of videos called Pointed Pen Calligraphy 101, and it is aimed for complete beginners. There are five so far, and the topics touched are stuff like how to set the nib in an oblique holder, different kinds of paper, working environment, body and arm position, grip, drills etc. It's all very informal and chatty and general and I hope you will enjoy watching them. I am still trying to decide what script to actually demo, as there are so many youtube tutorials already on all kinds of scripts, but I don't want to jump into stuff like flourishing yet. Any ideas?
Writing a name in a flourished style.
A ton of regret never makes an ounce of difference. GRENVILLE KLEISER
You can watch me work on it from beginning to end here! The original art is available in the shop.
Hi Schin,I am a fan of your blog and check it nearly every day. Thank you so much for your hard work that genuinely inspires! I’m looking to start giving simple cards to my friends for their birthday’s and other occasions. Is there a folding card stock with matching envelopes that works for pointed pen that you prefer? I have shopped online, but was not sure there seemed to be so many choices, but pointed pen is rather specialized. Thank you! Kind regards, Jason
Hi Jason, thank you! I'm glad you like the blog.
Yes indeed some papers are not appropriate for pointed pen, and generally a good quality (expensive) paper tends to be okay. Of course I have not tried all the papers in the world, but if I need paper that I know for sure works, I usually buy from these sources: (not a guarantee it will all work!)
I hope this helps! Don't be disappointed if a set doesn't work out.. you can always return it or keep it for a non-calligraphy purpose. I have shelves and shelves of paper that didn't turn out right.. but once you find a set that works you hang on to it! Good luck!
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
I had to do three versions before coming up with one that looks the best. This one was my favorite.
Black on white place cards. Multipurpose for any event or occasion.
A letter to JP, remember she sent me a magic fish envelope? This is my reply, an orange goldfish! Hope she likes it!
Celebrity chefs! I was so happy to see these stamps, and couldn't wait to use them. I'm not a very good cook myself, even with recipe books, but I looove watching cooking shows and 'learning' their techniques. Then call for take out..
You can buy these lovely stamps in the USPS website.
Make Art! This 5x7in lettering art was made using dip nib and gold paint. The original art is for sale in the shop. Frame is optional, but I think it makes the art much prettier.
O, Time Be Kind Help this weary being To forget what is sad to remember Loose my loneliness, Ease my mind, While you eat my flesh.
Marilyn Monroe "Fragments"
This calligraphed portrait is made up of Marilyn's morose poems. Print available here.
This week's Mailbox Monday is full of hard hitters and jaw droppers. Sometimes I wonder how my postman feels when he sees these beauties, and am impressed he never feels the urge to steal them.. I would, if they weren't addressed to me!
This first one is from Dao Hoang, an amazing young penman from Vietnam. This guy is so passionate and is getting too good, man. Keep an eye on him and be inspired at his blog.
This gorgeous one is from Dominic J. from England. Check out the gorgeous ornaments and Italics (I think? Or uncial or something?), so ornate.
Last but not least, this beauty from Heather Held, a Master Penman herself. A most beautiful floral monogram.. I will treasure it forever!
Thanks for your letters! Keep em coming.
Schin Loong 631 N. Stephanie St. #510 Henderson Nevada 89014
