Quill-style ink pens are a fun way to explore an older method of writing while creating beautiful calligraphy. These pens work very simply and are easy to make using household items. Here's a set of simple instructions.
Instructions
1. If you are using a feather, begin by cleaning it thoroughly, then strip the down from the bottom few inches of the feather's core. This will give you an area to grip while using the pen.
2. Use your blade to carefully cut away a piece of the pen's tip at an angle, leaving the cylinder longer on one side than on the other (the longer side will be the tip of the pen).
3. If necessary, carefully sharpen the tip side into a point. A small sharp pair of scissors may be better for this task than the blade used in step 2.
4. Make an incision from the tip of the pen up to where the cylinder shape resumes uncut. You may wish to lay the tip flat on a cutting board to make this process easier.
5. At the top of the incision you've just made, use the needle or seam ripper to poke a small hole. A seam ripper is a better choice for a pen that's made from thicker or tougher materials.
6. Dip the tip of your pen into ink in order to write. The cuts you've made in the tip will cause it to wick enough ink to write a couple of lines at a time.
