Making and using quill pens
Quill pens (pens made from real bird quills) were the main type of writing instrument from the 6th to 19th century, but are no longer commonly commercially available - nor are the skills to make them taught. However, they provide a smooth, easy writing experience, are much cheaper than metal-nibbed pens, and allow the user to choose exactly the style of tip he/she needs. Learn to make the same writing instrument as the Framers of the Constitution, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens! Draw like Leonardo da Vinci! Use ink that will never fade or wash away! Once you learn to make and use quill pens, you'll be hooked!
The event facilitator will bring a big bag of feathers, some India ink, and a few penknives for attendees to learn how to make quill pens of their own. The knives will be SHARP, so no one under 18, please! It would be helpful for attendees to bring their own pocketknives, india ink bottles, and smooth paper if they have it, so there will be enough to go around.
details
- when: saturday, may 29th, 2010, from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
- to attend: Please see the info page for more information on attending any of the workshops at the 2010 Boston Skillshare.
- facilitated by: Dan Yavuzkurt
lesson plan
I will show participants how to safely make quill pens from turkey feathers, first making and using my own, then allowing them to try their hand at making their own. I'll instruct them on how to make the cuts without cutting themselves, and how to use the pens with ink on paper (and how to avoid making blots, and how to soak them up when they happen). If there's time I can also instruct them in basic calligraphy with wide nibbed pens.
facilitator experience
Making quill pens for own use in drawing and writing since spring 2009. It's not that hard, it just takes a little practice (and a sharp knife!)
intended audience
Anyone who wants to learn to make quill pens, as well as how to write and draw with them.
other resources suggested by the facilitator
http://www.flick.com/~liralen/quills/quills.html
http://medievalwriting.50megs.com/tools/quill.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1wyYh97LDk