3 Tips when Writing on Textured Paper
Feb 07, 2023
If you've been on Instagram long enough, you probably came across gorgeous handmade paper. There's just something about seeing calligraphy written on slightly textured paper. I enjoy incorporating it whenever I can - towards workshop placecards, cards, envelopes, etc.
However, you may quickly realize that writing on textured paper is not as easy as it looks.
Here are 3 tips to make this experience more enjoyable:
- Check your nib. Generally, I like to use a nib with a sturdy tip. Nothing too sharp or too flexible. I avoid nibs like Hunt 101 but gravitate towards nibs like Nikko G or Gillott 404. I find that the more flexible the tip is, the harder it is to control on the upstrokes, especially against all the fiber on the paper! Make sure to experiment with a couple of nibs on a scrap paper before you write on your final paper.
- Check your ink. Do a scribble on your paper and see if your ink is flowing easily from your nib. Sometimes the ink that worked well on smooth paper won't be the same when you switch paper. I keep my ink in dinky dip jars and if I feel that the ink doesn't flow well, I will add a couple of drops of water using my water dropper bottle, mix, and try again! It will make a world of difference.
- Check your nib angle. Last but not least, you want to make sure the angle of your nib to paper is not held too high. Lowering the angle will help with the upstrokes and prevent the tines from catching on the fibers. With holder that have a fixed metal flange, I will hold the pen slightly back to lower the angle of the nib. However, if you have a penholder like Tom's Studio Pens, their metal flange is also adjustable! You can watch a video of me writing with a Tom's Studio penholder HERE π«ΆπΌ
If you're in search for a new penholder this year, make sure to use code LOGOSCALLIGRAPHY to save an additional 10% off when you check out on orders over 30£. Enjoy!