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.
Have you always dreamed of writing, but never dared to take the plunge? Do you think you don't have the talent or inspiration to do so? Think again! Writing is an art accessible to everyone, and a writing workshop can help you unleash your creativity and build your confidence.
Why join a writing workshop?
Writing can seem intimidating, especially when comparing yourself to established authors. Yet, writing is, above all, a means of personal expression, allowing you to bring your ideas and emotions to life. A writing workshop offers a supportive environment to explore this path, alongside other passionate writers.
Developing your writing skills
In a workshop, you'll benefit from the guidance of an experienced instructor, who will help you perfect your writing style and technique. You'll learn how to structure your texts, refine your writing style, and find the right rhythm and words. The exercises will help you gain fluency and confidence.
Finding your inspiration
One of the main challenges of calligraphy is overcoming moments of inspiration loss. In a workshop, you'll be stimulated by suggestions and exchanges with other participants. You'll discover new sources of inspiration and learn to draw on your experiences and imagination.
Share and exchange
Calligraphy can be a solitary pursuit, but a workshop will allow you to step outside your comfort zone. You'll be able to receive feedback and encouragement. These moments of exchange are invaluable for progressing and gaining perspective on your work.
How does a Calligraphy workshop take place?
Writing workshops come in different formats, but generally follow a similar structure. Here's what to expect during your first session.
Warm-up and exercises
Each session often begins with flexibility exercises designed to get you moving. The facilitator will suggest a theme, a constraint, or a trigger (an image, an object, a word, etc.), and you'll have a few minutes to write a short text. These exercises allow you to get started and exercise your imagination.
Readings and sharing
Next comes the long-awaited moment: the reading of your texts. Each in turn, you will read aloud what you have written. The facilitator and the other participants will react kindly, providing constructive feedback. This is an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on your work and to enrich each other.
Advice and further study
After the readings, the facilitator will share their expertise to help you progress. They can offer suggestions for improvement, advise you on writing techniques, or suggest additional exercises. These discussions will allow you to refine your style and authorial voice.
Free time for writing
Finally, the session often ends with free writing time, where you can expand on a text you've started or begin a new one. The facilitator remains on hand to guide you and answer your questions.
Where can I find a writing workshop?
Are you convinced and ready to give it a try? Good news: writing workshops are popping up everywhere. You'll find them in bookstores, media libraries, cultural associations, and even cafes.
At Hieroglyphes, our workshop specializing in the creative arts, we regularly organize calligraphy workshops led by established authors. This is the perfect opportunity for you to discover writing in a warm and welcoming environment.
So don't hesitate, join us for a calligraphy session! You'll see, calligraphy can become a real source of pleasure and personal fulfillment.
For 340 years, Maison Herbin has been perpetuating the art of crafting exceptional inks. To celebrate this anniversary, the legendary brand is offering a unique ink, "Rouge 1670," which will delight calligraphy and fountain pen enthusiasts.
The fascinating history of Maison Herbin
Founded in 1670 in Paris, a stone's throw from the towers of Notre-Dame, the Herbin Company has survived the centuries to become a world leader in the production of quality inks. Napoleon Bonaparte and his son, the King of Rome, were already using these renowned inks during the First Empire.
During the 19th century, Herbin participated in major international exhibitions, such as the one in London in 1823, where the company received medals for the exceptional quality of its inks and waxes. Today, Herbin inks are still recognized worldwide for their unique expertise.
An exceptional ink for the brand's 340th anniversary
To celebrate this historic anniversary, Herbin has designed a specially dedicated ink: "Rouge 1670" ink. Packaged in a 50 ml glass bottle, this ink is ideal for all uses: dip pen, fountain pen, quill pen, reed pen, or brush.
The bottle's cap is covered with red sealing wax, and a "1670" wax seal decorates each copy, for a touch of authenticity and nobility. Made in France, this ink is a true tribute to the history of Maison Herbin.
The secrets of making "Red 1670" ink
Like all Herbin inks, "Rouge 1670" ink is the result of ancestral know-how and an exceptional demand for quality. To reveal all its richness, a few simple steps are necessary.
First, it is recommended to "warm" the bottle by squeezing it between your hands. This will help bring out the shimmering glitter that gives this ink its unique appearance.
Next, it's best to quickly use a pipette to collect the ink. This will prevent the glitter from settling at the bottom of the bottle and help maintain a consistent density throughout the writing process.
Finally, it is important to never mix this "Red 1670" ink with any other ink, in order to preserve all its properties. And if you don't use your pen for a few days, remember to empty it, clean the converter and add fresh ink.
An ink with multiple uses
Thanks to its exceptional formulation, Herbin's "Rouge 1670" ink can be used with a wide variety of writing instruments. Whether it's a dip pen, fountain pen, quill pen, or even a reed pen or brush, this ink will adapt to all your needs.
Ideal for calligraphy, it will bring your most beautiful creations to life, with its deep red and sparkling glitter. But it will be just as effective for everyday use, in your correspondence or personal notes.
An ink that makes you dream
Beyond its technical qualities, Herbin's "Rouge 1670" ink has something magical about it. It embodies the history and expertise of an exceptional company that has survived the centuries to perpetuate the art of writing.
By choosing this ink, you become the custodian of a unique heritage. Each stroke of the pen, each letter written, becomes a link to this long tradition of prestigious ink. A way to give your writing a historical and emotional dimension.
So don't hesitate any longer, let yourself be tempted by Herbin's "Rouge 1670" ink. A gem of history not to be missed to celebrate the 340th anniversary of this legendary house in style.
Parchment Making Techniques - Art on Demand - 2013
Presentation of parchment manufacturing techniques by Jean-Pierre and Anne-Marie NICOLINI: defurring (removing hairs), fleshing (removing residues), framing, backing (putting chalk on the surface of the skin), sanding and final cutting.
Final creations are then presented: a “volumen” (roll of parchment), a “codex” (book), an “antiphonary” (score of Gregorian chant) and even parchment lampshades!