The glass pen: a magical tool to enhance your writing You've probably seen this strange glass instrument, halfway between a pen and a magic wand... Perhaps you've seen it in a stationery store? In any case, if you're intrigued, this article is for you. What is a glass nib? Contrary to popular belief, the glass pen is not a fragile object intended solely for collectors. It is a versatile writing tool, made from blown glass. Its tip is formed from a set of glass threads, often twisted, between which the ink rises by capillarity. This type of pen would have been particularly fashionable in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. As always, choosing the right, quality materials is essential to successfully learning glass nib calligraphy. There are many different shapes of glass nibs, but this usually doesn't change the tip shape. Choose the one that appeals to you best in terms of design! Make sure you choose a fairly fluid ink that doesn't dry out too quickly. Personally, I prefer fountain pen inks (I really like those from Jacques Herbin) or watercolor inks (like Colorex). Finally, I advise you to use a very smooth paper, which will allow the nib to glide comfortably and will not absorb too much of your ink. How does a glass pen work? The principle of these glass pens is to capture the ink in their small "grooves", which allows you to write several lines without having to refill. Its use is very simple: Gently dip the nib into the ink Remove excess ink from the rim of the inkwell Write! Don't hesitate to draw lines and oval shapes to warm up and get used to the instrument. ✉️ Once finished, clean the nib in cold or lukewarm water and store it in its case or in a pot, point upwards, to avoid damaging it. The advantages and disadvantages of the glass pen The +: A beautiful and decorative design Pleasant to use, fluid and light Good writing autonomy between two soaks The −: Hard tip: no thick or thin strokes (monoline or false calligraphy) Fragility of glass: be careful of shocks or falls When to use a glass nib? Its use is varied. Personally, I use it for: ✍️ Write an elegant handwritten letter 🎁 Create a card with illustrations 💼 Create personalized labels or place cards A poetic, practical and inspiring tool, ideal for anyone who wants to restore meaning to the act of writing. To explore our selection of glass nibs, handcrafted inks, and premium papers: 🔗 Hieroglyphes.fr ✨ Enhance your words with a gesture from yesteryear.