Ink It Right: Dip Pen Nib Techniques and Tips

[@kbaxterpackwood]

Add distilled water only, otherwise your ink can grow mold. If it's alcohol based ink add either rubbing alcohol or vodka to the ink.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Good to know! Thank you!! 🥰

[@kbaxterpackwood]

@@2lilowlsstudio you're welcome!

[@deannabates1575]

I have a glass dip pen that has grooves like your brass nib. I got mine in a stationary box several years ago, but they aren’t very expensive on Amazon. Might be a good alternative for those who can’t get the brass nib.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have a glass nib… 1st time I got it out to use it I promptly chipped it. So I didn’t like it at all 😂

[@maryloucacciatore4936]

I have the glass nib as well…

[@sueridder4691]

Thanks for this informative video! I have been very curious about dip pens. I don’t have one…yet. 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@sueridder4691 Glad it was helpful!! 😊

[@joanwiggins5704]

I have a glass pen and like it a lot. But it does not work with metallic ink. I use the Kakimori for that. Glass pen does work with non-metallic acrylic ink, though, which is pretty cool.

[@sasha6908]

Recently got into dip pens for drawing! This was very helpful and I really like your voice, very soothing and calm!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you! 🥰

[@mariemargueritebrickner7631]

Thank you for explaining the nibs and techniques! Been trying to figure out how to use this technique and which supplies to buy!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!! 🥰

[@Angie_978]

I got the Kakimori brass nib and holder a few months ago and I love love love it. I've only used it with watercolor paint and it definitely takes a bit of practice to get the consistency right.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It is still my favorite!! I use it just about everyday! 😊

[@arlenemurphy804]

Angie, I just ordered one too for my watercolors. So excited😁😁😁😁

[@Lainers2000]

Thank you for the informative video, Denise. You are always worth watching.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@jacquelinefranjul3016]

You have such a lovely and sweet energy. Blessed be your year. Im glad to have found your channel, its so comforting and informative.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@CMac-me2tp]

Good morning Denise. Thank you for creating this video and sharing your useful information on dip pens, that brass pen is on my wish list. Have a wonderful day!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!! 🥰

[@jodinicholas890]

This was super helpful. Thank you. I watch every single tutorial or play session you put out.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!! 🥰

[@artlightlife]

Your tip to wash new nibs with toothaste just made my day! I am struggling no more - thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad that helped!! 😊

[@arlenemurphy804]

Denise, you sold me on the Japanese brass nib… can’t wait to get it.❤️❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love mine! 😊

[@arlenemurphy804]

@@2lilowlsstudio I know, you have breakfast and lunch with me. Love all of your videos

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@arlenemurphy804🥰🥰🥰

[@CastleMc]

Until fountain pens were invented, people used dip pens for every form of handwriting and illustration/mark making, and many artists, architects, etc. still use them. Yes, it is easier to draw circles with the brass nib because of its shape, but you can certainly draw circles-and every other form-with dip nibs. There is a whole world of brands and types of dip nibs of various materials and shapes. I particularly like flexible nibs, which allow you to vary the line width. The common Crow Quill nibs are an example. Many vintage dip nibs-often made of gold-are flexible and will write for a long time. I have a mid 20th century German dip pen with a flexible steel nib that writes almost an entire 8.5 x 11 page from one dip. I found it at an antique shop- which is a good place to find old dip pens and old fountain pens-which often have good nibs and can be used as dip pens. As long as you don't put India or Acrylic ink into the body, you can also use modern fountain pens as dip nibs and they will write longer marks than the average inexpensive modern dip nib.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great info! Thank you!! 🥰

[@chrislora8255]

Thank you for a very helpful, clear overview of dip pens. I have glass dip pens that I occasionally use, and they write quite a bit and also make curves.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I had a glass dip pen too… 1st time I tried it - I chipped the point… so I decided I didn’t like it 😂… Thank you! 🥰

[@hrt2art]

Thanks, Denise, I just purchased one of the brass conical dip pens. Having never really used a dip pen, I needed this info.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you! 🥰

[@yvonnequezada8683]

Thank you Denise for another exceptional informative video. I hope to purchase one soon. I always look forward to your videos. Have a great weekend! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad it was helpful! Thank you!! 🥰

[@PaulaMion]

I still really love my ruling pens. I have the same Kuretake nibs and love them too but I find the ruling pens seem a little easier to use. OH I found a double ruling pen that was used for rail road tracks...lol It's really cool!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oooh! I haven’t seen a double ruling pen! Cool! 😊

[@kymcrowart7876]

Thanks Denise. I definitely had to clean my brass nib with the toothpaste when I first got it. And every time you use it and clean it with water it gets better.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That ink getting thick was. new to me... but glad I figure out that thinning it out worked so well! 😊

[@machelleshappyhobbies4977]

I appreciate all of the information. I don't have patience for using dip pens. I use a tiny brush with ink. For dots with ink, I use dotting tools. Hope you have a great weekend.😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I was using fineline applicators on some projects coming up. I loved using those! 😊

[@poke_n_around]

So helpful Denise. I think the brass nib is worth the investment. Just have to save my pennies. If it’s something is worth it, it’s worth saving and waiting for ❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That is my very favorite tool. It was totally worth it for me. I use it all the time! 😊

[@patsiehopkins7881]

Thank you! I appreciate this video so much. The brass nib is on my wish list!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Denise, great info. I have a glass dip pen that the grooves swirl from the tip and as long as my ink is very fluid it draws great circles.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Wonderful! 🥰

[@isisvanzonneveld7096]

Thank you for the tips very helpful once again, love your video's whether they are tutorial or just fun❣

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad you like them! Thank you! 🥰

[@SuAndFox]

I've found that if I swoosh the bottle gently to avoid the bubbles that occur when you give the bottle a good shake, that also helps to avoid the stop-start of ink flow down the brass nib as well as that top layer of ink drying quicker in the bottle. I might be imagining it, but it's been working for me 😆

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@cherrycato1940]

Extremely helpful Denise….thank you very much. Loving you’re videos and your personality . much 💜 from New Zealand 🌟🍒

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@jordancompton4354]

Great information and demo! As a note, the metal dip pens typically used for Calligraphy will hold a lot more ink if you dip deep enough to cover the slots or holes. More ink = more letters or mark making. That said, up-strokes are less smooth bc the nib points can't splay to allow ink to flow. I plan to purchase a barrel nib like yours for circles... as soon as they're back in stock! Thanks again!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip!! Thank you!! 🥰

[@alineroberts]

My gosh...all these nibs made me remember my Esterbrook pen - with the flexible nib that would show the difference between a thin line and a dark one, depending on how much you pressed on the nib - for Pitman shorthand. A longgggg time ago.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That’s so cool! I always thought shorthand might be fun to learn! ☺️

[@TammieWardArt]

Fabulous video. I have a number of these but not the brass tip one, but it might be fun to get one. Hope you have a fabulous weekend ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! You too! 🥰

[@michellespohrer6395]

Very helpful, Denise. Thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@trinapatterson8872]

Thank you for the great explanation…. Like always you really do pay for what you get

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are welcome! 😊

[@kellybeale1895]

Your the best!! Ty for all the great information ❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@JoneJohnson-h1i]

Thanks. I was having trouble with my new kakamori dip pen and gold mica dip. Besides breaking it in by using it for a bit-I think my new ink came too thick for its first use which seems strange because it was sealed. I think I will try adding a little water and see if I can get it to work and not just blob a splat of ink.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Hope that helps! Some people just never love it. I have tried to show other ways to use the ink in lots of videos too so you can have some other choices if you end up not loving the dip pen. One of my favorite of the other options is the fine line applicators. I put the ink in the bottle and spread it with the tip where I want it. FINELINE APPLICATORS 2/PKG - amzn.to/44Ims5j

[@pamsims3436]

Thank you. This was what I needed

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it helped! 😊

[@ritademetzer807]

I just bought that green pen with all the extra nibs and have already discovered it won’t do circles and doesn’t last as long as your brass nib. Guess I’ll have to try and find that somewhere in Canada. Thanks for the demo. Very helpful.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@Patti5d]

Have you found the kakimori brass nib yet? Try one of the stationary online stores. Like endless pens or gold spot. I know one is in Canada but don’t recall which one. Maybe penchalet? I just ordered one from jetpens in California. Use a wet ink at first so it flows. These websites have tutorials to learn the do and don’t

[@Colleen1978]

Thanks! Very helpful information!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@biancathomas7934]

I've recently had a look online at the kakimori pens after watching some of your previous videos. The lines they produce look amazing. I've added it to my Christmas wish list 😊 I'm hoping my hubby has spotted this one🤞 I watched a video from another artist the other day using the architectural pens as a means for using masking fluid. It seemed a more accurate process than using a brush and easily more cleanable. I wasn't sure until your video today what the tool was that she had used. Very serendipitous that you showed this tool as well. I love watching your videos. 💚

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad it was helpful! Thank you!! 🥰

[@debbieekes5718]

Very helpful tutorial. Thank you.❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@yovamccoy2806]

This is an extremely helpful video.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@jlm517rocks]

a big help...picked up a couple of tachikawa pens & nibs, a Windsor Newton calligraphy inks set for sketching, and ii can't get any of it to work...perhaps cleaning the nibs will help, & a lot more practice, but the inks may have been the wrong choice for the pointy nibs vs their drawing inks.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Might be the oil on the nibs. And some practice too. The dip pens are fun when you get the hang of it. 😊

[@ZadenZane]

I always pour my dipping inks into tiny 15ml (half ounce) bottles. I keep them just under half full which is optimum dipping depth. I first started to do this after buying an acrylic ink set with droppers in the lids which is totally non dipping friendly but I wouldn't live without them now. They make perfect inkwells and the ink never gets much of a chance to gloop up. I got them from Amazon by the way, £15 for a set of 12 so probably just under $20

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have some of those little bottles for pigments. I'll have to get them out! Thank you! 🥰

[@ingelagoransson3560]

Thank you so MUCH for this video! :) Now I know a lot more than yesterday, when I was searching for dip pens 😂 I was so wondering about that one with the screw on it. I only have 2 glass dip pens, and they hold the ink well but are so thin and I broke the tip of one this morning when cleaning it off. And they are scratchy as well, because the tip is so thin. But they were cheap. 🤭Have a good weekend. See you next time!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I had a glass one too... but the first time I tried it I broke the tip too... so I decided I didn't like those 😂

[@kl-br6bh]

Sister, I had to chuckle when you pulled out that tin chuck full of nibs. I know a fellow addict when I see one. 😂 Love your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha!! Right? Thank you!! 🥰

[@jacquelineremus8674]

Thanks for the info! Great stuff

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@maestra730]

great explanation! thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@maryn2519]

So the Kakimori brass nib needs the Kakimori holder but the Kakimori traditional nib does not? The Kakimori traditional nib will fit in a standard holder? Thank you for your channel!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Correct. My Kakimori traditional nib fits my other holders. That brass nib is a hard circle base and doesn’t fit my other holders. I had to get that kakimori holder.

[@clc3897]

Thank you for elaborating on your response to my question on your previous video. The Kakimori brass nib is an amazing tool. I’m now considering getting the regular Kakimori nib, as well as an array of vintage nibs I saw on the Saint Luis Art Supply online shop. I have an art project I’m planning to do that will involve script writing so they will all be put to good use. I’m curious if you have any ink recommendations. I would like something that will be bullet proof against water and fading.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I use black magic India ink with mine and like it a lot. It doesn’t smudge when dry. I don’t know if it is lightfast or not. You might search archival inks. 😊

[@elizabethtrumble]

Great information and explanation of dip pens. It's a great introduction. I have been using dip pens for 40+ years for Calligraphy. (You know, back when Dinosaurs still roamed the earth, LOL) I am excited to use them now in a new way for my art. Thank you! 💜💜💜

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You’ll love using them for your art! 🥰

[@coraspierts1207]

Denise, can the Kakimori brass nib also be used on canvas over acrylic paint?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You could try it - but I’m not sure a dip pen would really work on that canvas texture very well. You might try a cheap dip pen first before you invest in the kakimori one.

[@maryloucacciatore4936]

♥️ thank you

[@2lilowlsstudio]

🥰

[@dailydoseofpaper]

Have you ever tried a glass calligraphy pen? I think you might like it, it also has these grooves that contain the ink. 🍀💖

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yes, I have a glass one... first time I tried it - I chipped the tip. I don't like them 😂

[@dailydoseofpaper]

@@2lilowlsstudio oooh hahaha no no no i guess that's not your thing then! Love your videos!🍀💖

[@kl-br6bh]

I recently bought one. It seems to work great with the ink that came with it; not so well with other inks. Perhaps it's a consistency issue.

[@TracieWho]

Great info! Thank you for that. Someday I'll buy a Kakimori nib. In fact, I think I will make that a reward for myself for completing 2 months of no/low buy. I've been failing at that so maybe this will give me more incentive! My love of art supplies has outpaced my ability to use them up! Or even use them at all....sigh...Gouache is the only thing I really seem to use up these days and I am sure it's because of the small tubes they come in. haha

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Im obsessed with gouache lately… so I just got a few new colors yesterday. I’ll definitely be doing more projects with them! 😊

[@elizabethtrumble]

@@2lilowlsstudio I would absolutely love to learn more about Gouache! 💜💜💜

[@dusk3485]

Thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You're welcome! ☺️

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Good info. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome 😊

[@ohiokid7]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@CindyLejeune]

What was the name of the one that you can draw circles with? Thank you so much

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love this one: Kakimori Brass Nib - shop.stlartsupply.com/products/kakimori-brass-nib Kakimori pen holder - shop.stlartsupply.com/products/sakura-wood-pen-holder ... Some people love it, others hate it... it is my favorite dip pen and I have good luck doing the circles with it.

[@CindyLejeune]

@@2lilowlsstudio thank you i am so glad i found you

[@swl9270]

As a calligrapher, I’ve got my share of dip pens, but I’m considering a duck bill pen (apparently used in technical world) but carries the ink well. Anyone have any experience with them?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Looks interesting, but I've never tried one. 😊

[@swl9270]

@@2lilowlsstudio I assumed you had had experience with one from your college days. I think I will order one from Temu. Don’t judge me but I have to art on a budget.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@swl9270 I used rapidograph pens in school. They had more of a round pen type nib. Not the calligraphy nib of the duck bill pens. And googling duck bill pen on temu - looks like some are like the ruling pen. Those are ok and I show those in my video. So I’m not sure which you are referring to I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@swl9270]

Wait you showed what i was talking g about duck bill pen (the real name is architectural ruling pen). I didn’t have time to watch earlier and just scrolled thru quickly. Sorry and apparently can’t type worth Ridley wink without 🤓

[@elizabethtrumble]

@@2lilowlsstudio I loved my Rapidograph pens in Graphic Art School! I need to get those back out! Great reminder Denise! 💜💜💜

[@deborahbeatty]

Is there a different process with the glass nibs? Mine is like your first brass one with the grooves. I tried to use it and couldn’t get the ink flowing for a circle. I do wish you’d been using black ink or colored paper. A little hard to see what you’re drawing. ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I broke the glass nib I tried on the 1st try. So I decided I don’t like them. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@patti3d]

With a glass dip pen, occasionally turn the pen so you are using another part of the nib as the ink will still be on the different part of the nib. Use a light hand. (I know I am heavy handed and it works better when I am light handed) And sometimes the angle of how you are holding the pen needs to change. So try upright then at different angles. Use a water based ink for good flow. dip and swirl. to clean: dip and swirl in water and wipe dry with a clean towel.

[@mollieleenhouts2455]

Hi Denise. I can't seem to locate the Kakimori brass nib dip pen on Amazon. Any suggestions as to where I can buy one? Thanks so much!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I link them below the video. If sold out, you might need to google for more sources near you. I’ve never seen them on Amazon. 😊

[@patti3d]

I just ordered mine from Jetpens located in California. Goldspot Pens was sold out and so was Endless Pens. I think SaInt Luis art supply was sold out also. Especially the brass nib. Amazon does not have it. But 10 months later you probably already found one! hopefully.

[@jasonballinger3549]

I bought one of the Kakimori pens (for circles) but it didn’t work as well with that gold ink like it does when yiu use it … and hints … does it need to be worked in or something?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Did you clean the manufacturing oils off the nib when you got it? I did that with some tooth paste. Other than that - I didn’t do anything special - it just worked. Sometimes my ink gets thick from leaving the lid off when I use it - so I add a little water to thin it back down.

[@jasonballinger3549]

Found instructions that said to keep using it and it takes the coating off .... I like toothpaste idea though ... thanks for the hints 🙂

[@raheelazam6385]

Hi beautiful awesome work💜❤💜❤💜❤💜❤💛👏💛👏💜👏💜💖💜💖💖💜💖💞

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Every time you talk about the Kakimori nib I add it to my wish list. But damn it's expensive if not in the US! I did try doing circles with my dip pens and wondered why it didn't really work. Now I know. And reading comments I now know what it didn't work with my glass pen either. Well...I guess the Kakimori goes back onto my wish list LOL.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have a project coming out in an upcoming video using fineline applicators with the fine tip. Those are pretty cheap and I loved using them. You might look at those too! 😊

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

@@2lilowlsstudio Thanks - looking forward to it!

[@ginainfantino411]

Thank you! I have been so curious about your dip pens! Very informative!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you! 🥰

[@pedigit]

Thanks for sharing. On your paper it looks like they all don‘t work well.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Definitely depends on your paper and the ink you choose to use. I was demonstrating the gold ink to give people other choices beyond my favorite expensive brass nib (something I had people ask every time I used it) and give them an idea how they would work on my paper I usually use to save them buying the ones that might not work as well for them.

[@GigisART]

The nibs need to be dipped further into the ink. It holds more ink than think. The calligraphy pens were the predecessor to the fountain pen. Then came the ball point.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Anyone else have anxiety watching you pull and push nibs roughly out of the holders…. over the top of your OPEN INK BOTTLE! 😂 Least it wasn’t black… I’m so paranoid about spilling my black… ‘cos I can’t even fill my FPs without getting it EVERYWHERE even though I’m so careful … I certainly can’t trust myself to leave the top off anything 😂

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha! I'm so clumsy too... I have had many ink accidents. I try to be more careful.. but when I'm filming on camera... some of that goes out the door... too much to think about and film at the same time. 😁

[@SLMPetersen]

Rubbing alcohol is also great for soaking and cleaning pen nibs.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! Thank you! ☺️

[@treacleization]

I can’t get on with glass or other dip pens, is it because I’m left handed, the nibs seem to work against the paper, I remember this from school, couldn’t get left handed ones then like you can now 🤔😂🤣

[@2lilowlsstudio]

🤗🤗🤗

[@lindakuck5981]

Can you clean the nib with alcohol? Thanks for the tutorial very informative 😊❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I've never used alcohol on mine... just toothpaste and water.

[@roscmon]

It's hard to see the ink and what kind of lines it made on the paper. Maybe yellow wasn't the best color to show what the nibs can do.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Sorry! I was specifically testing out the gold ink everyone loves that I use and how the different pens work vs the expensive one I love. 😊

[@NickiGibson-h9u]

A darker colour ink would have been more helpful in this demonstration - but very informative video

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Next time! Thank you! 🥰