Ink It Right: Dip Pen Nib Techniques and Tips

🖋️ Dive into the world of dip pens with me in this informative video! Discover different types of pen nibs, and how they work, and gain valuable tips for using them effectively. I'll also share best practices for keeping your pens clean and your ink flowing smoothly. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this guide will help you master the art of dip pens. Watch now and unlock a new level of creativity! ✒️🎨 #ArtTutorial #DipPens #creativetips
*Supplies I'm using in class:
(Some of the links are affiliate links. If you use my link, I get a small commission, which will go toward my art supplies and to support this channel! I appreciate your support 🥰)
Kakimori Brass Nib - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Kakimori pen holder - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Kuretake GOLD MICA Ink - amzn.to/3oG04dt
Kakimori Pen Nib - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Biitfuu Calligraphy Oblique Nib Pen - amzn.to/3YLdjHM
30 Pcs Stainless Steel Dip Pens Nibs Set - amzn.to/3qwZ38T
*My very favorite supplies that I might mention in every video:
*You can check out all the art classes I have for you on Skillshare here: www.skillshare.com/en/r/user/... (Affiliate link)
*Check out my Amazon Store for more goodies: www.amazon.com/shop/2lilowlss...
Kakimori Brass Nib - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Kakimori pen holder - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Kuretake GOLD MICA Ink - amzn.to/3oG04dt
Kuretake Gold mica Paste - amzn.to/3V2EpYZ
Raphael SoftAqua Brushes - amzn.to/3L5Bpq7
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 4 - amzn.to/3pkXPgg
Winsor & Newton Bamboo Brush - amzn.to/41U1Aa3
Posca Extra Fine Marke - amzn.to/3N7WOSd
sennelier oil pastels - amzn.to/3MPaYam
Sennelier Cardboard Oil Pastel Set, 72 Count - amzn.to/3WL5OPX
SENNELIER D'Artigny Oil Pastel Fixative - amzn.to/3X9DfMg
Sennelier - Savoir-Faire Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set - amzn.to/3YpHG69
SENNELIER Latour Spray Fixative Soft Pastels - amzn.to/3Pgsd5Z
Artist tape - amzn.to/3Hf6fLP
Art Sponges - amzn.to/3L9xf0k
Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color set - amzn.to/3qaThZW
Kuretake Art Nouveau set - amzn.to/3ZWACgp
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
POSCA Colouring - PC-3M Warm Neutral Tones - amzn.to/423TMCr
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Set of 60 Colors - amzn.to/3MxPKwp
Jack Richeson Grey Matters Disposable Paper Palette, 6 x 9 - amzn.to/3IBeD8Y
Jack Richeson Grey Matters Paper Palette (50 Sheets), 9" x 12 - amzn.to/423Q7o2
Kuretake on Blick - www.dickblick.com/products/ku...
Hardboard art panels - you see me tape things down to these and they come in several different sizes: amzn.to/3C8EK3z
Painters Color Diary - 9x12 watercolor - amzn.to/3NHFCSm
Painters Color Diary - 9x12 oil - amzn.to/3NowCCv
Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels - amzn.to/468tdPw
Dual Edge Ripper Original Watercolor Paper Deckle Edge Tool 1-24 inch - amzn.to/3qdW19m
Derwent charcoal blocks - amzn.to/3OiOzle
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 - amzn.to/3s48vAX
Faber-Castell Graphite Pencil Pitt Graphite Matt 14B - amzn.to/443RhB0
Fiskars SureCut Portable Paper Trimmer, 12 Inch Cut - amzn.to/3quCKR2
The Color Cube - sarahrenaeclark.com/colorcube... (Affiliate link)
Art Prompt cards: The Color Meditation Deck - amzn.to/3IT1bxC
Where you can find me:
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Facebook Page: / 2lilowls
*New Facebook Group for Art Peeps: / deniselovecreativecomm...

[@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.

[@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!! 🥰

[@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! 🥰

[@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!! 😊

[@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! 🥰

[@Lainers2000]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@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!! 🥰

[@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! 🥰

[@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!! 🥰

[@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! 😊

[@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!! 🥰

[@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😁😁😁😁

[@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! 😊

[@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🥰🥰🥰

[@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! 🥰

[@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!! 🥰

[@patsiehopkins7881]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@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! 😊

[@kellybeale1895]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@trinapatterson8872]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are welcome! 😊

[@cherrycato1940]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@michellespohrer6395]

Very helpful, Denise. Thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@pamsims3436]

Thank you. This was what I needed

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it helped! 😊

[@debbieekes5718]

Very helpful tutorial. Thank you.❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@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!! 🥰

[@Colleen1978]

Thanks! Very helpful information!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@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! 😊

[@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! 🥰

[@ohiokid7]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@maestra730]

great explanation! thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@maryloucacciatore4936]

♥️ thank you

[@2lilowlsstudio]

🥰

[@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! 🥰

[@jacquelineremus8674]

Thanks for the info! Great stuff

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@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!! 🥰

[@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!! 🥰

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Good info. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome 😊

[@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! 🥰

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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!! 🥰

[@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. 😊

[@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. 😊

[@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! 💜💜💜

[@ginainfantino411]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you! 🥰

[@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. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@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!! 🥰

[@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!

[@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.

[@raheelazam6385]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@SLMPetersen]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! Thank you! ☺️

[@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. 😊

[@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! 💜💜💜

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@user-zv4qc4fd7r]

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

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Next time! 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. 😊

[@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. 😁