From: owner-scribes@castle.org (scribes digest) To: scribes-digest@castle.org Subject: scribes digest V7 #8 Reply-To: Sender: owner-scribes@castle.org Errors-To: owner-scribes@castle.org Precedence: bulk scribes digest Friday, September 21 2001 Volume 07 : Number 008 ======================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with unsubscribe scribes-digets in the body of the message. Leave the subject line blank. Do not include any additional text. [scribes]: My new website is loaded RE: [scribes]: My new website is loaded [scribes]: Own a book written in 1500's for $1.00 Re: [scribes]: My new website is loaded Re: [scribes]: My new website is loaded [scribes]: Greetings and a question Re: [scribes]: Greetings and a question Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) [scribes]: Quill info Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Re: [scribes]:Quill information Re: [scribes]: Greetings and a question Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 02:36:45 -0400 From: Randy Asplund Subject: [scribes]: My new website is loaded Hello friends on multiple e-lists, I've been spending a lot of time over the last month adding to my website. It has gotten really big. There is a lot of new SF, Fantasy, and medieval manuscript style art, but there are also "How To" articles and the PDF version of the Middle Kingdom Scribes' Handbook. There should be something for everybody. If you have been to the site before, the old material is still there, but it has a whole new look. There is quite a lot of newly added material. If you had old pages bookmarked, you should update them. I'll have forwarding links from the old pages, but the content will shift. The website is divided in two. One half is for publishers and the other half for everybody else. You choose on the home page. Have fun! Randy - -- VISIT RandyAsplund.com To see a Universe of art ranging from Magic: The Gathering to Star Trek and Medieval Manuscripts Randy Asplund (734) 663-0954 Science Fiction and Fantasy Illustration 2101 S. Circle Dr., Ann Arbor, MI. 48103 =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 08:11:50 -0300 From: "Martin Higgins" Subject: RE: [scribes]: My new website is loaded Well Randy.... I think I would prob like to see you website... where is it? Griet =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 08:17:38 EDT From: BRNDALSTON@aol.com Subject: [scribes]: Own a book written in 1500's for $1.00 - --part1_53.b9ea33c.28db3862_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Greetings unto the scribes of the Known World: A couple months ago I posted a message about a period book that the Barony of Marinus in Atlantia bought and was raffling off at $1.00 per ticket. There followed some discussion about not being able to sell tickets due to the new proposed policy of the Society Exchequer. This policy was not approved by the board, and therefore we are allowed to sell tickets Society wide. So, the raffle is back on and the date for the raffle is Sept. 29 at A Viking Thing in Atlantia. (You do not need to be present to win) The book was written in the 1500's and is a reprint of an older work. It has woodblock prints, not hand illumination. It has been printed and not hand calligraphied (from what I can tell). It is in Latin. It is about the saints and their symbols and stories. There are three sections to it. Some introductory information about the book and links to photos of pages can be found at: http://marinus.atlantia.sca.org/misc/martyr/martyr.html Additional information about the book, its author, and its publisher can be found at: http://marinus.atlantia.sca.org/misc/martyr/book.html You can mail your money for the tickets to: Lady Felicia Catriona Morgan (Barbara G. Dodge) 8044 Kirby Haigh Circle Norfolk VA 23518 (757) 588-8753 awench2000@yahoo.com But HURRY! Tickets must be purchased before the 29th when the drawing will be held. Please include your mailing address (A SASE for the tickets would be nice too) so Lady Felicia can mail your tickets back and get in touch with you for shipping arrangements should you win. This is a fundraiser for the Barony of Marinus. The proceeds will go towards purchasing a new pavillion to replace the one that did not fair so well this year at Pennsic. (Not to mention the tumble over the ravine on the way home from Pennsic). If raffles are prohibited by law where you live, please do not purchase a ticket. Please check with your local law before you send in any money to avoid possible legal complications. Thank you, Brandy (Lady Brandwyn Alston of the Rift, Deputy Clerk of the Signet, Atlantia) - --part1_53.b9ea33c.28db3862_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Greetings unto the scribes of the Known World:

A couple months ago I posted a message about a period book that the Barony of Marinus in Atlantia bought and was raffling off at $1.00 per ticket. There followed some discussion about not being able to sell tickets due to the new proposed policy of the Society Exchequer. This policy was not approved by the board, and therefore we are allowed to sell tickets Society wide. So, the raffle is back on and the date for the raffle is Sept. 29 at A Viking Thing in Atlantia. (You do not need to be present to win)

The book was written in the 1500's and is a reprint of an older work. It has woodblock prints, not hand illumination. It has been printed and not hand calligraphied (from what I can tell). It is in Latin. It is about the saints and their symbols and stories. There are three sections to it.

Some introductory information about the book and links to photos of pages
can be found at:
 http://marinus.atlantia.sca.org/misc/martyr/martyr.html

Additional information about the book, its author, and its publisher can be
found at:
 http://marinus.atlantia.sca.org/misc/martyr/book.html

You can mail your money for the tickets to:


Lady Felicia Catriona Morgan (Barbara G. Dodge)
8044 Kirby Haigh Circle
Norfolk VA 23518
(757) 588-8753 awench2000@yahoo.com

But HURRY! Tickets must be purchased before the 29th when the drawing will be held. Please include your mailing address (A SASE for the tickets would be nice too) so Lady Felicia can mail your tickets back and get in touch with you for shipping arrangements should you win.

This is a fundraiser for the Barony of Marinus. The proceeds will go towards purchasing a new pavillion to replace the one that did not fair so well this year at Pennsic. (Not to mention the tumble over the ravine on the way home from Pennsic).

If raffles are prohibited by law where you live, please do not purchase a ticket. Please check with your local law before you send in any money to avoid possible legal complications.

Thank you,
Brandy
(Lady Brandwyn Alston of the Rift, Deputy Clerk of the Signet, Atlantia) - --part1_53.b9ea33c.28db3862_boundary-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 11:46:33 -0400 From: Randy Asplund Subject: Re: [scribes]: My new website is loaded Hello Griet, I'm glad you are interested. The answer was on the original email. See my name almost at the bottom? Now look at the next line where it says: VISIT RandyAsplund.com. RanthulfR Martin Higgins wrote: > > Well Randy.... I think I would prob like to see you website... where is it? > > Griet > > =================================================================== > To unsubscribe from this list, send email to > with a blank Subject: line and > unsubscribe scribes > in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in > the body. - -- VISIT RandyAsplund.com To see a Universe of art ranging from Magic: The Gathering to Star Trek and Medieval Manuscripts Randy Asplund (734) 663-0954 Science Fiction and Fantasy Illustration 2101 S. Circle Dr., Ann Arbor, MI. 48103 =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 13:15:54 -0300 From: "Martin Higgins" Subject: Re: [scribes]: My new website is loaded He he he... I can be very blind at times.... hope it doesn't affect my work *grins* Griet =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 21:28:38 -0400 From: "Kelley" Subject: [scribes]: Greetings and a question This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_00A3_01C142E4.60E854A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Greetings good gentles, I have been lurking on this list for some time now and have a small = question - is there anyone who may have information on how to cut a = quill so it is fit to do calligraphy with? (My interest in doing scrolls = has just been tickled recently and hope to be forgiven if I use the = wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made the process sound so very = difficult, and was hoping there is a less tedious way, or at least one = with the steps more clear.=20 If anyone does have information, please contact me off list. Thank you!!=20 In Service to the Dream...... Leah of Newcastle - ------=_NextPart_000_00A3_01C142E4.60E854A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Greetings good=20 gentles,
 
I have been = lurking on this=20 list for some time now and have a small question - is there anyone who = may have=20 information on how to cut a quill so it is fit to do calligraphy with? = (My=20 interest in doing scrolls has just been tickled recently and hope to be = forgiven=20 if I use the wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made the process = sound so=20 very difficult, and was hoping there is a less tedious way, or at least = one with=20 the steps more clear.
 
If anyone does = have=20 information, please contact me off list.
 
Thank you!! =
 
In Service to the = Dream......
Leah of=20 Newcastle
 
 
- ------=_NextPart_000_00A3_01C142E4.60E854A0-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 22:06:06 -0500 From: "Corinna Taylor/Al Frank" Subject: Re: [scribes]: Greetings and a question This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0012_01C14220.7212B5A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Greetings Kelley, There are clear instructions in "The Calligraphers' Handbook" and = "Writing, Lettering & Illuminating" by Edward Johnston, to name a few. = It really isn't terribly difficult. After all, at one time it was a = commonplace skill! I found the most difficult part was = sharpening/reshaping the knife blade properly, but now I just use = scalpels and xactos. I found that a double-edged razor blade such as a = Gillette Blue Blade is ideal for making the slit. Might I suggest that you begin by acquiring a couple of ready-cut quills = and get the feel of them. I found it very helpful in learning to cut my = own to know what I was aiming for. Corinna Midrealm ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Kelley=20 To: scribes@castle.org=20 Sent: Friday, September 21, 2001 8:28 PM Subject: [scribes]: Greetings and a question Greetings good gentles, I have been lurking on this list for some time now and have a small = question - is there anyone who may have information on how to cut a = quill so it is fit to do calligraphy with? (My interest in doing scrolls = has just been tickled recently and hope to be forgiven if I use the = wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made the process sound so very = difficult, and was hoping there is a less tedious way, or at least one = with the steps more clear.=20 If anyone does have information, please contact me off list. Thank you!!=20 In Service to the Dream...... Leah of Newcastle - ------=_NextPart_000_0012_01C14220.7212B5A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Greetings Kelley,
 
There are clear instructions in "The = Calligraphers'=20 Handbook" and "Writing, Lettering & Illuminating" by Edward = Johnston, to=20 name a few.  It really isn't terribly difficult.  After all, = at one=20 time it was a commonplace skill!  I found the most difficult part = was=20 sharpening/reshaping the knife blade properly, but now I just use = scalpels and=20 xactos.  I found that a double-edged razor blade such as a Gillette = Blue=20 Blade is ideal for making the slit.
 
Might I suggest that you begin by = acquiring a=20 couple of ready-cut quills and get the feel of them.  I found it = very=20 helpful in learning to cut my own to know what I was aiming = for.
 
Corinna
Midrealm
----- Original Message -----
From:=20 Kelley=20
Sent: Friday, September 21, = 2001 8:28=20 PM
Subject: [scribes]: Greetings = and a=20 question

Greetings good=20 gentles,
 
I have been = lurking on this=20 list for some time now and have a small question - is there anyone who = may=20 have information on how to cut a quill so it is fit to do calligraphy = with?=20 (My interest in doing scrolls has just been tickled recently and hope = to be=20 forgiven if I use the wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made the = process=20 sound so very difficult, and was hoping there is a less tedious way, = or at=20 least one with the steps more clear.
 
If anyone does = have=20 information, please contact me off list.
 
Thank you!!=20
 
In Service to = the=20 Dream......
Leah of=20 Newcastle
 
 
- ------=_NextPart_000_0012_01C14220.7212B5A0-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 07:50:39 -0700 From: "Susan Holt" Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01C14272.1B4FBCC0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I'm posting to the list on this one because you never know who might = also want this information.=20 I happen to have several books on my shelves (as I'm sure most of us = do by now) about calligraphy. In these books there are sections on how = to make quill pens. I'm only going to list the top 3 for the sake of = time.=20 1. Calligraphy & Illumination, A History & Practical Guide, by = Patricia Lovett. I recommend this book to EVERYONE on this list. This = lady is English. She takes you through some history, calligraphy, making = inks, pens, illumination, how to gold leaf, different gessoes, making = your own pigments, papers, how to bind books, heraldry, and much more = I'm not listing, including color photos of every step. This book has = knocked the socks off of everyone I've shown it to so far! It is = published by Abrams, and I got it at either Barnes & Noble or Borders = for about $40.00, and the ISBN # is 0-8109-4119-8. GO BUY THIS BOOK! It = is fantastic. 2. The Calligrapher's Handbook, Edited by Heather Child on behalf of = The Society of Scribes and Illuminators. This one has how to make pens, = both quill and reed, and inks. It also has line drawing pictures. This = one is also very good! It is published by Taplinger, runs about $15.00, = and was purchased at Borders. The ISBN # is 0-8008-1198-4. 3. The Complete Calligrapher, A comprehensive guide from basic = techniques to inspirational alphabets ,by Emma Pallery. This one is = pretty good too. It has pens and inks in this one and a bit of = illumination with photos as well. This one will definitely get you where = you're going. It runs about $15.00 and I got it from Barnes & Noble. It = is published by Barnes & Noble, the ISBN # is 0-7607-1933-0.=20 I certainly hope this helps you in your quest for quill making = information. The process does take a bit of time and patience and some = mistakes. Don't get discourages if you don't get it right the first few = times. If you do get it right the first time (and it has happened), good = for you. If you need more sources, I've got some. Let us know how they = turn out. S/Hrefna/the artist formally known as Raven Phoenix, AZ/Barony of SunDragon, Atenveldt -----Original Message----- From: Kelley To: scribes@castle.org Date: Thursday, September 20, 2001 6:44 PM Subject: [scribes]: Greetings and a question =20 =20 Greetings good gentles, =20 I have been lurking on this list for some time now and have a small = question - is there anyone who may have information on how to cut a = quill so it is fit to do calligraphy with? (My interest in doing scrolls = has just been tickled recently and hope to be forgiven if I use the = wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made the process sound so very = difficult, and was hoping there is a less tedious way, or at least one = with the steps more clear.=20 =20 If anyone does have information, please contact me off list. =20 Thank you!!=20 =20 In Service to the Dream...... Leah of Newcastle =20 - ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01C14272.1B4FBCC0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I'm posting to the list on this one = because you=20 never know who might also want this information.
    I happen to have = several=20 books on my shelves (as I'm sure most of us do by now) about = calligraphy. In=20 these books there are sections on how to make quill pens. I'm only going = to list=20 the top 3 for the sake of time.
    1. Calligraphy = &=20 Illumination, A History & Practical Guide, by Patricia Lovett. I = recommend=20 this book to EVERYONE on this list. This lady is English. She takes you = through=20 some history, calligraphy, making inks, pens, illumination, how to gold = leaf,=20 different gessoes, making your own pigments, papers, how to bind books,=20 heraldry, and much more I'm not listing, including color photos of every = step.=20 This book has knocked the socks off of everyone I've shown it to so far! = It is=20 published by Abrams, and I got it at either Barnes & Noble or = Borders for=20 about $40.00, and the ISBN # is 0-8109-4119-8. GO BUY THIS BOOK! It is=20 fantastic.
    2. The = Calligrapher's=20 Handbook, Edited by Heather Child on behalf of The Society of Scribes = and=20 Illuminators. This one has how to make pens, both quill and reed, and = inks. It=20 also has line drawing pictures. This one is also very good! It is = published by=20 Taplinger, runs about $15.00, and was purchased at Borders. The ISBN # = is=20 0-8008-1198-4.
    3. The Complete = Calligrapher,=20 A comprehensive guide from basic techniques to inspirational alphabets = ,by Emma=20 Pallery. This one is pretty good too. It has pens and inks in this one = and a bit=20 of illumination with photos as well. This one will definitely get you = where=20 you're going. It runs about $15.00 and I got it from Barnes & Noble. = It is=20 published by Barnes & Noble, the ISBN # is 0-7607-1933-0. =
    I certainly hope = this helps=20 you in your quest for quill making information. The process does take a = bit of=20 time and patience and some mistakes. Don't get discourages if you don't = get it=20 right the first few times. If you do get it right the first time (and it = has=20 happened), good for you. If you need more sources, I've got some. Let us = know=20 how they turn out.
    S/Hrefna/the = artist formally=20 known as Raven
    Phoenix, = AZ/Barony of=20 SunDragon, Atenveldt
-----Original = Message-----
From:=20 Kelley <shameless741@home.com>
To:=20 scribes@castle.org = <scribes@castle.org>
Date:= =20 Thursday, September 20, 2001 6:44 PM
Subject: = [scribes]:=20 Greetings and a question

Greetings = good=20 gentles,
 
I have been = lurking on this=20 list for some time now and have a small question - is there anyone = who may=20 have information on how to cut a quill so it is fit to do = calligraphy with?=20 (My interest in doing scrolls has just been tickled recently and = hope to be=20 forgiven if I use the wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made = the=20 process sound so very difficult, and was hoping there is a less = tedious way,=20 or at least one with the steps more clear.
 
If anyone = does have=20 information, please contact me off list.
 
Thank you!!=20
 
In Service to = the=20 Dream......
Leah of=20 Newcastle
 
 
- ------=_NextPart_000_0017_01C14272.1B4FBCC0-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:23:56 -0500 From: Janice Safran Subject: [scribes]: Quill info Just a note: most calligraphy books focus on a quill curing technique that was much more popular post-period, when quills were produced in larger quantities by specialists who sold them commercially, than they were in period. (Stationers did sell all manner of writing supplies even as early as the 14th century, but really large-scale commercial production-- bundles of quills sold by weight for export-- is largely an 18th century development). Jan, a quill nut - -- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 12:39:56 -0300 From: "Martin Higgins" Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) oh... while we are on this subject.... I was wondering if anyone here ever used a peafowl wing feather to make a pen? I have very few, but the shafts seem very ridged and strong as any goose or even swan feather... what do you think? Griet =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:50:10 -0500 From: Janice Safran Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) I don't think that I've used peafowl, but I've tried lots of other feathers (parrot, seagull, chicken, turkey, duck), and while lots of them have lots of strength in the shaft (the part of the feather where the barbs attach and make a flight surface), most have thinner walls to the hollow barrel end than goose or swan (I think this is why so many writing masters specifically praise goose and swan quills-- because the width of the barrel walls allowed for a stiff, springy pen even if it was uncured). Duck feathers are a little greasy and need to be cured carefully (a little -- but just a little!-- longer in the hot sand for dutching, or much longer hanging in the attic for air-curing. I've never oven-cured a duck feather). Jan, who wuvs quill-making >oh... while we are on this subject.... I was wondering if anyone here ever >used a peafowl wing feather to make a pen? I have very few, but the shafts >seem very ridged and strong as any goose or even swan feather... what do you >think? > >Griet - -- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 10:57:58 -0500 From: "Amy L. Hornburg Heilveil" Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information - --=====================_183643815==_.ALT Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 12:39 PM 9/21/2001 -0300, Martin Higgins wrote: >oh... while we are on this subject.... I was wondering if anyone here ever >used a peafowl wing feather to make a pen? I have very few, but the shafts >seem very ridged and strong as any goose or even swan feather... what do >you think? I have two quills made from peafowl feathers and they are just as good as the ones I have from turkey, which are just as good as the ones that I have from swan, etc...... Smiles, Despina - --=====================_183643815==_.ALT Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" At 12:39 PM 9/21/2001 -0300, Martin Higgins wrote:
oh... while we are on this subject.... I was wondering if anyone here ever
used a peafowl wing feather to make a pen?  I have very few, but the shafts
seem very ridged and strong as any goose or even swan feather... what do you think?

I have two quills made from peafowl feathers and they are just as good as the ones I have from turkey, which are just as good as the ones that I have from swan, etc......

Smiles,
Despina

- --=====================_183643815==_.ALT-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:14:22 -0500 From: "Amy L. Hornburg Heilveil" Subject: Re: [scribes]: Greetings and a question - --=====================_184628161==_.ALT Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Leah, I am giving this to the list, as more people might be interested in the information. As you had said you had looked at sites, I thought you might be looking for online references as well as the fantastic book references you have already been given. These are the three that I could come up with out of my book marks fairly quickly. I know that there is one more that I would dearly love to post, but I can't find it and I apologize. Personally, I just started cutting my own quills a few months ago and I love it! They write wonderfully! Good luck and let us know how it goes. Cu Drag, Despina http://www.regia.org/quill2.htm Shows how to do it fairly simply. The pictures are not quite as clear as they could be, but I think that is due to the style in which they were drawn. http://www.ukans.edu/~bookhist/handouts.html This site has two handouts on how to cut a quill. The pictures are a fairly clear and should give you a good idea on how it is done. http://www.merrycoz.org/parleys/QUILL.HTM this one is on how to cut a quill for a proper young lady in the nineteenth century. The pictures are *very* good in my opinion. - --=====================_184628161==_.ALT Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Leah,
I am giving this to the list, as more people might be interested in the information. As you had said you had looked at sites, I thought you might be looking for online references as well as the fantastic book references you have already been given.  These are the three that I could come up with out of my book marks fairly quickly.  I know that there is one more that I would dearly love to post, but I can't find it and I apologize.

Personally, I just started cutting my own quills a few months ago and I love it!  They write wonderfully!  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Cu Drag,
Despina


http://www.regia.org/quill2.htm
Shows how to do it fairly simply.  The pictures are not quite as clear as they could be, but I think that is due to the style in which they were drawn.

http://www.ukans.edu/~bookhist/handouts.html
This site has two handouts on how to cut a quill.  The pictures are a fairly clear and should give you a good idea on how it is done.

http://www.merrycoz.org/parleys/QUILL.HTM
this one is on how to cut a quill for a proper young lady in the nineteenth century.  The pictures are *very* good in my opinion. - --=====================_184628161==_.ALT-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 12:35:55 EDT From: EowynA@aol.com Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) In a message dated 9/21/01 8:57:08 AM, jks6@cornell.edu writes: << I don't think that I've used peafowl, but I've tried lots of other feathers >> I have use peacock (and peahen) wing feathers, and like them a lot. They are very large in the barrel, and sturdy. My theory is that wing feathers are sturdy, not thin-walled,when birds are supporting their weight on their wings regularly. Since my sister's peafowl are free-ranging, and fly around her yard, into the cottonwood trees, etc., the quills have moderately thick walls. Eowyn in Caid =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 09:46:21 -0700 From: Carolyn_Richardson@prosystemfx.com Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) I've got a quill made from a peacock wing feather, Griet. It works fine. The tail feathers are useless, however. Tetchubah Cry "Bother" and let loose the Poohs of War... =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:47:49 -0500 (EST) From: john j cash Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) Dear Griet, Strange you should ask: I did this two weeks ago. The stuff inside the feather was harder to get out than other feathers, and the brittle ridge that runs down all feathers ran low enough on this one that while cutting it cracked; but I ended up with an altogether usable nib of about 1/16 of an inch all the same. - -- johannes "If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." -- Cathering Aird =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:54:42 -0500 From: "Corinna Taylor/Al Frank" Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) I think you should try it and let us know what you think. Corinna - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Martin Higgins" To: Sent: Friday, September 21, 2001 10:39 AM Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) > oh... while we are on this subject.... I was wondering if anyone here ever > used a peafowl wing feather to make a pen? I have very few, but the shafts > seem very ridged and strong as any goose or even swan feather... what do you > think? > > Griet > > =================================================================== > To unsubscribe from this list, send email to > with a blank Subject: line and > unsubscribe scribes > in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in > the body. > =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:43:18 -0500 From: "Corinna Taylor/Al Frank" Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a question) This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - ------=_NextPart_000_0067_01C14292.9B724420 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Thank you, S/Hrefna, for being precise with the titles. And you're = right, it does take a little time to learn, especially if you want the = pen to look nice as well as function. The ones I cut with scalpels and = Xacto knives work fine but often look quite ugly! Once you know how, it = only takes a minute or so to cut a quill. Two little details to add: A quill has at least two or three usable inches, and the prepared = feathers are pretty cheap, so you can screw up a lot on one feather and = still come up with a decent quill pen. Have a lot of band-aids on hand. Corinna Midrealm ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Susan Holt=20 To: Kelley=20 Cc: Scribes=20 Sent: Friday, September 21, 2001 9:50 AM Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill information (was Greetings and a = question) I'm posting to the list on this one because you never know who might = also want this information.=20 I happen to have several books on my shelves (as I'm sure most of = us do by now) about calligraphy. In these books there are sections on = how to make quill pens. I'm only going to list the top 3 for the sake of = time.=20 1. Calligraphy & Illumination, A History & Practical Guide, by = Patricia Lovett. I recommend this book to EVERYONE on this list. This = lady is English. She takes you through some history, calligraphy, making = inks, pens, illumination, how to gold leaf, different gessoes, making = your own pigments, papers, how to bind books, heraldry, and much more = I'm not listing, including color photos of every step. This book has = knocked the socks off of everyone I've shown it to so far! It is = published by Abrams, and I got it at either Barnes & Noble or Borders = for about $40.00, and the ISBN # is 0-8109-4119-8. GO BUY THIS BOOK! It = is fantastic. 2. The Calligrapher's Handbook, Edited by Heather Child on behalf = of The Society of Scribes and Illuminators. This one has how to make = pens, both quill and reed, and inks. It also has line drawing pictures. = This one is also very good! It is published by Taplinger, runs about = $15.00, and was purchased at Borders. The ISBN # is 0-8008-1198-4. 3. The Complete Calligrapher, A comprehensive guide from basic = techniques to inspirational alphabets ,by Emma Pallery. This one is = pretty good too. It has pens and inks in this one and a bit of = illumination with photos as well. This one will definitely get you where = you're going. It runs about $15.00 and I got it from Barnes & Noble. It = is published by Barnes & Noble, the ISBN # is 0-7607-1933-0.=20 I certainly hope this helps you in your quest for quill making = information. The process does take a bit of time and patience and some = mistakes. Don't get discourages if you don't get it right the first few = times. If you do get it right the first time (and it has happened), good = for you. If you need more sources, I've got some. Let us know how they = turn out. S/Hrefna/the artist formally known as Raven Phoenix, AZ/Barony of SunDragon, Atenveldt -----Original Message----- From: Kelley To: scribes@castle.org Date: Thursday, September 20, 2001 6:44 PM Subject: [scribes]: Greetings and a question Greetings good gentles, I have been lurking on this list for some time now and have a small = question - is there anyone who may have information on how to cut a = quill so it is fit to do calligraphy with? (My interest in doing scrolls = has just been tickled recently and hope to be forgiven if I use the = wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made the process sound so very = difficult, and was hoping there is a less tedious way, or at least one = with the steps more clear.=20 If anyone does have information, please contact me off list. Thank you!!=20 In Service to the Dream...... Leah of Newcastle - ------=_NextPart_000_0067_01C14292.9B724420 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Thank you, S/Hrefna, for being precise = with the=20 titles.  And you're right, it does take a little time to learn, = especially=20 if you want the pen to look nice as well as function.  The ones I = cut with=20 scalpels and Xacto knives work fine but often look quite ugly!  = Once you=20 know how, it only takes a minute or so to cut a quill.
 
Two little details to add:
 
A quill has at least two or three = usable inches,=20 and the prepared feathers are pretty cheap, so you can screw up a lot on = one=20 feather and still come up with a decent quill pen.
 
Have a lot of band-aids on = hand.
 
Corinna
Midrealm
 
 
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From:=20 Susan Holt=20
To: Kelley
Cc: Scribes
Sent: Friday, September 21, = 2001 9:50=20 AM
Subject: Re: [scribes]:Quill = information=20 (was Greetings and a question)

I'm posting to the list on this = one because=20 you never know who might also want this information.
    I happen to = have several=20 books on my shelves (as I'm sure most of us do by now) about = calligraphy. In=20 these books there are sections on how to make quill pens. I'm only = going to=20 list the top 3 for the sake of time.
    1. Calligraphy = &=20 Illumination, A History & Practical Guide, by Patricia Lovett. I = recommend=20 this book to EVERYONE on this list. This lady is English. She takes = you=20 through some history, calligraphy, making inks, pens, illumination, = how to=20 gold leaf, different gessoes, making your own pigments, papers, how to = bind=20 books, heraldry, and much more I'm not listing, including color photos = of=20 every step. This book has knocked the socks off of everyone I've shown = it to=20 so far! It is published by Abrams, and I got it at either Barnes & = Noble=20 or Borders for about $40.00, and the ISBN # is 0-8109-4119-8. GO BUY = THIS=20 BOOK! It is fantastic.
    2. The = Calligrapher's=20 Handbook, Edited by Heather Child on behalf of The Society of Scribes = and=20 Illuminators. This one has how to make pens, both quill and reed, and = inks. It=20 also has line drawing pictures. This one is also very good! It is = published by=20 Taplinger, runs about $15.00, and was purchased at Borders. The ISBN # = is=20 0-8008-1198-4.
    3. The Complete = Calligrapher, A comprehensive guide from basic techniques to = inspirational=20 alphabets ,by Emma Pallery. This one is pretty good too. It has pens = and inks=20 in this one and a bit of illumination with photos as well. This one = will=20 definitely get you where you're going. It runs about $15.00 and I got = it from=20 Barnes & Noble. It is published by Barnes & Noble, the ISBN # = is=20 0-7607-1933-0.
    I certainly = hope this helps=20 you in your quest for quill making information. The process does take = a bit of=20 time and patience and some mistakes. Don't get discourages if you = don't get it=20 right the first few times. If you do get it right the first time (and = it has=20 happened), good for you. If you need more sources, I've got some. Let = us know=20 how they turn out.
    S/Hrefna/the = artist=20 formally known as Raven
    Phoenix, = AZ/Barony of=20 SunDragon, Atenveldt
-----Original = Message-----
From:=20 Kelley <shameless741@home.com>
To:=20 scribes@castle.org = <scribes@castle.org>
Date:= =20 Thursday, September 20, 2001 6:44 PM
Subject: = [scribes]:=20 Greetings and a question

Greetings = good=20 gentles,
 
I have been = lurking on this=20 list for some time now and have a small question - is there anyone = who may=20 have information on how to cut a quill so it is fit to do = calligraphy with?=20 (My interest in doing scrolls has just been tickled recently and = hope to be=20 forgiven if I use the wrong terms.) The sites I have searched made = the=20 process sound so very difficult, and was hoping there is a less = tedious way,=20 or at least one with the steps more clear.
 
If anyone = does have=20 information, please contact me off list.
 
Thank you!!=20
 
In Service to = the=20 Dream......
Leah of=20 Newcastle
 
 
- ------=_NextPart_000_0067_01C14292.9B724420-- =================================================================== To unsubscribe from this list, send email to with a blank Subject: line and unsubscribe scribes in the body of the message. Do not include any additional text in the body. ------------------------------ End of scribes digest V7 #8 ***************************