From: owner-scribes@castle.org (scribes digest) To: scribes-digest@castle.org Subject: scribes digest V7 #67 Reply-To: Sender: owner-scribes@castle.org Errors-To: owner-scribes@castle.org Precedence: bulk scribes digest Thursday, January 24 2002 Volume 07 : Number 067 ======================================================================== 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]: Thanks for the sources [scribes]: preprint scrolls. [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? [scribes]: The Pen or The Sword? April 20 Flyer [scribes]: Alex of Drachenvald RE: [scribes]: dumb question 3,985 Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? RE: [scribes]: dumb question 3,985 Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Re: [scribes]: Unlurk...promissories (LONG) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 12:09:40 -0500 From: ESTAVASH@cs.com Subject: [scribes]: Thanks for the sources Thanks to all who have helped with my search for feathers. I'm looking forward to a lot more practice trying them out... Ellen =================================================================== 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: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 12:24:04 EST From: PDRUSS@aol.com Subject: [scribes]: preprint scrolls. Wow, I'm surprsied at the number of folks who have offered of to send me scrolls. Thanks to everyone who has been so nice to me. Once the scrolls arrive I'll be busy now, so it will be best not to take any more right now. Thanks a lot. SCA folks are wonderful. Tamara =================================================================== 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: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 21:37:12 -0500 From: "E. Brown" Subject: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Greetings, I last posted inquiring about cleaning oooold pens. Many of them turn out to be Mitchell's, bought in England about 40 years ago. Included were two penholders (a wooden handle, w/ a thin brass pointy thing, intended to fit under the nib, and act as a second resevoir). Each nib has a small round resevoir on it, running down to the point, which is split in two (unlike my Osmiroid pens, which are split in three). Anyway, now I want to know if there's any particular trick to using this reservoir on the penholder. The nibs slide into the penholder easily, but it isn't clear how far in they should go - if pushed all the way in, the reservoir rests right below the split tip of the pen (seems too far to me). If not all the way in, it rests further away from the tip...and appears to keep the reservoir of ink safe from use! I've tried several of the nibs (numbered from 0 to 5, and some half-sizes too). Most of them start off very smoothly, no blobbing on the paper (very encouraging), but then appear to 'dry out' quickly and get scratchy, like within a word or so. I can *see* ink hiding in the reservoir under the nib, and am wondering how to get it flowing nicely out the end. Any hints from the collective readers? Many thanks, regards, Genevieve la flechiere Skraeling Althing, Ealdormere - -- GUNPOWDER, n. An agency employed by civilized nations for the settlement of disputes which might become troublesome if left unadjusted. Ambrose Bierce, US writer (1842-1914) =================================================================== 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: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 22:01:49 -0500 From: "Helen Schultz" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Hello Genevieve: The only problem with the Mitchell reservoir "thingie" is that it tends to squeeze the nib too much and won't allow you the wonderful flexibility you can achieve with Mitchell nibs. I was taught by a wonderful mundane instructor to not use those "thingies" and to just load the nib with a brush from the back of the nib. The Mitchell nibs are almost as flexible as a real feather quill, and you can do some wonderful "manipulations" with them... it is my belief that the long "s" and the "f" of the Batarde hands was done with manipulations of the nib, not with two strokes. I can make my letters look just like the ones in the manuscripts using Mitchell nibs (and feathers), just by using pressure at the center of the down-stroke. However, to use this nib without the "thingie" means you MUST do your calligraphy with a 30 to 45 degree angle slant board. On a flat surface, gravity will work against you. I was taught to load the nib fully, touch the front part of the nib with the brush to help "prime" it, and then give the nib a healthy shake into/towards the ink container to remove the excess fluid. You do end up working much slower, as you end up reloading fairly often, depending upon the size of the nib (i.e.; the smaller the nib, the longer you can write without reloading -- the larger the nib, the fewer letters you can complete). You can keep these nibs in wonderful working order by simply washing them in warm water with the help of an old soft bristled tooth brush, then dry them. I hope this helps you a bit. (Can you tell I really love my Mitchell's??? ) Meisterin Katarina Helene von Schoenborn (KHvS), OL Shire of Narrental (Peru, Indiana) Middle Kingdom http://ww1.comteck.com/~meisterin =================================================================== 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: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 22:26:28 -0500 From: "Sally Burnell" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? (Can you tell I really love my Mitchell's??? I'm personally partial to Brause nibs, myself, having found Mitchell's to be too difficult to work with. Those reservoir thingys drive me nuts and seem like they are more problem than they are worth, but this is just me. Every scribe has his or her preference. Mine just happens to be Brause. YMMV........................ ~Saradwen Midrealm =================================================================== 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: Tue, 22 Jan 2002 20:02:55 -0800 (PST) From: Peter Steiner Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? - --- "E. Brown" wrote: > I last posted inquiring about cleaning oooold pens. > > Many of them turn out to be Mitchell's, bought in England about 40 > years > ago. > > Included were two penholders (a wooden handle, w/ a thin brass pointy > thing, intended to fit under the nib, and act as a second resevoir). Lady Genevieve, Mitchell nibs are my favorites - and I have a special fondness for the old variety. The older Mitchell nibs were hand-finished, with great attention to detail. That said....I must warn you that the old Mitchell penholder, with attached reservoir, is among the most frustrating inventions in the history of the written word. There is no "correct" way to place the nib, if by "correct" you mean "a manner of placement which will not collect unwanted, dried ink." :-) I own one of the blasted things - and I despised it for 25 years. Then I cut off the reservoir, hollowed out the center of the nib end, and affixed a small, polished hematite crystal. Thus I transformed a terrible penholder into a very nice burnisher. I suggest you do the same. - -Peter- Peter Gwer Rychen von Bern Lapidary and Scribal Arts Aethelmearc __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail! http://promo.yahoo.com/videomail/ =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 06:57:01 -0800 (PST) From: Hrefna in heppna Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? - --- Helen Schultz wrote: > Hello Genevieve: > > The only problem with the Mitchell reservoir > "thingie" is that it tends to > squeeze the nib too much and won't allow you the > wonderful flexibility you can > achieve with Mitchell nibs. I was taught by a To over come this, try loosening the tabs on the reservoir so that they don't grip the nib as tightly. The reservoir will stay on and you retain the flexibility of the nib. Hrefna P.S. Sorry, Meisterin Katarina Helene. This was suppose to go to the entire list. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail! http://promo.yahoo.com/videomail/ =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 09:22:36 -0600 (CST) From: "Pixel, Goddess and Queen" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? On Wed, 23 Jan 2002, Hrefna in heppna wrote: > --- Helen Schultz wrote: > > Hello Genevieve: > > > > The only problem with the Mitchell reservoir > > "thingie" is that it tends to > > squeeze the nib too much and won't allow you the > > wonderful flexibility you can > > achieve with Mitchell nibs. I was taught by a > > To over come this, try loosening the tabs on the > reservoir so that they don't grip the nib as tightly. > The reservoir will stay on and you retain the > flexibility of the nib. > > Hrefna > While we're on the subject of Mitchells, I have a bunch of them that I used until my hands began shaking too much to control the nib. Now I use a Brause (ground straight) because I find I exert more pressure on the nib in keeping my hand steady. I'd like to continue to use the Mitchells, but it's too hard to keep an even pressure. Any suggestions, anyone? Margaret FitzWilliam =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 10:31:34 -0500 From: "E. Brown" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Helen Schultz wrote: > > Hello Genevieve: > > The only problem with the Mitchell reservoir "thingie" is that it tends to > squeeze the nib too much and won't allow you the wonderful flexibility you can > achieve with Mitchell nibs. I was taught by a wonderful mundane instructor to > not use those "thingies" and to just load the nib with a brush from the back of > the nib. The Mitchell nibs are almost as flexible as a real feather quill, and > you can do some wonderful "manipulations" with them... it is my belief that the > long "s" and the "f" of the Batarde hands was done with manipulations of the > nib, not with two strokes. I can make my letters look just like the ones in the > manuscripts using Mitchell nibs (and feathers), just by using pressure at the > center of the down-stroke. > > However, to use this nib without the "thingie" means you MUST do your > calligraphy with a 30 to 45 degree angle slant board. On a flat surface, > gravity will work against you. I was taught to load the nib fully, touch the > front part of the nib with the brush to help "prime" it, and then give the nib a > healthy shake into/towards the ink container to remove the excess fluid. You do > end up working much slower, as you end up reloading fairly often, depending upon > the size of the nib (i.e.; the smaller the nib, the longer you can write without > reloading -- the larger the nib, the fewer letters you can complete). > > You can keep these nibs in wonderful working order by simply washing them in > warm water with the help of an old soft bristled tooth brush, then dry them. > > I hope this helps you a bit. (Can you tell I really love my Mitchell's??? > ) > > Meisterin Katarina Helene von Schoenborn (KHvS), OL > Shire of Narrental (Peru, Indiana) > Middle Kingdom > http://ww1.comteck.com/~meisterin > Greetings, Thank you for your excellent suggestions. Given that the underside reservoir seems to be a fight to use, could I put the Mitchell's nib in my bottom-of-the-line Osmiroid penholder (plastic hourglass handle), and let the Mitchell's penholder go to its worthy rest? If it fits, I can't imagine it coming to any harm. Another question: As I mentioned, these are old nibs, that were not cleaned before they were last put away. I have brushed them and soaked them, and this is not budging the old build-up of ink one inch. I was contemplating a very fine steel wool to try to dislodge the most persistent of the crud. Is this reasonable? (Please don't jump on me if it isn't - I'm new at this!) RSVP, regards, Genevieve la flechiere Skraeling Althing, Ealdormere - -- GUNPOWDER, n. An agency employed by civilized nations for the settlement of disputes which might become troublesome if left unadjusted. Ambrose Bierce, US writer (1842-1914) =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 09:42:48 -0600 From: "Amy L. Hornburg Heilveil" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? At 10:31 AM 1/23/2002 -0500, E. Brown wrote: >As I mentioned, these are old nibs, that were not cleaned before they >were last put away. I have brushed them and soaked them, and this is not >budging the old build-up of ink one inch. > >I was contemplating a very fine steel wool to try to dislodge the most >persistent of the crud. Is this reasonable? (Please don't jump on me if >it isn't - I'm new at this!) Personally, I have used a scalpel to scrape old ink off of nibs at various times and have found no detriment to their performance. The trick is to take small slices and be sure you're catching only ink. SMiles, Despina =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 09:00:12 -0800 (PST) From: Hrefna in heppna Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? - --- "E. Brown" wrote: > Given that the underside reservoir seems to be a > fight to use, could I > put the Mitchell's nib in my bottom-of-the-line > Osmiroid penholder > (plastic hourglass handle), and let the Mitchell's > penholder go to its > worthy rest? Yes. Mitchell nibs can be used in Osmiroid, Speedball and Bruse holders easily. Hrefna __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail! http://promo.yahoo.com/videomail/ =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 14:15:13 EST From: BRNDALSTON@aol.com Subject: [scribes]: The Pen or The Sword? April 20 Flyer - --part1_22.22749101.298065c1_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Language: en Below is a flyer for an event. Please excuse any scrambling AOL may make of=20 my Word document, Brandy: April 20,2002 - THE PEN OR THE SWORD? Barony ofMarinus, Chesapeake, VA =20 Calling allfighters, artisans and scribes in the kingdom. Now is= =20 your chance to determineonce and for all which is mightier - the pen or the=20 sword? Come to the balmyshores of Marinus and bring your swords and your pen= s=20 and enter thecompetitions, tournaments and attend classes. Every person will= =20 be counted forone side or the other and every activity you participate in=20 will give your sidea point! =20 The Site is Stonebridge Elementary Schoolwhere Marshal's, Herald's and=20 Scribe's was held the summer before this pastone. It is located at 1629=20 Jolliff Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. The site is dryand no pets are allowed.=20 Classes will be indoors with all other activitiestaking place outdoors.=20 Merchants are welcome to come and set-up in the hall oroutside around the=20 tourney field. The site opens at 8am for set-up withactivities beginning at=20 10 am. Clean up begins at 6pm and the site closes at8pm. =20 Martial Activities: There will be an armored combattournament/workshop, a=20 Rapier tournament/workshop and a target archerytournament and practice.=20 Contact the MIC, Sir Otto von Schwartzkatz, atroberteday@hotmail.com or (757= )=20 306-0479 for more details. =20 A&S Activities: There will be scribal tracksoffering classes from beginner t= o=20 advanced in the scribal arts. There will be ascroll competition with=20 categories from beginner to advanced and a ScrollDisplay for those who want=20 to show off their work and receive comments. Therewill be an A&S competition= =20 - - all entries must have something to do with anyof the martial combat areas=20 of the SCA and can be in any medium. Thecompetition of the day will be the & quot;Which is Mightier Contest." Eachactivity participated in by every=20 attendee will be tallied up at the end of theday and we will determine which= =20 is mightier, the pen or the sword! Contact LadyKara in Danska at=20 kara-is@home.com or (757) 366-0543 for more details oncompetitions and=20 displays. =20 Merchants: Merchants are welcome to come andset-up in the hall or outside=20 around the tourney field. Please contact theautocrat if you plan to merchant= =20 at this event. Please provide your own tablesand shade. =20 Lunch: $3.00 each.This will be a fundraiser for the new Kingdom Clerk of th= e=20 Signet Scribe Fund.There will be no feast. Contact the Head Cook Lady Jane=20 Devereux atladydevereux@hotmail.com or (757) 938-9988 for any dietary=20 concerns and todonate a dish to the lunch. Period recipes based on the theme= =20 of the Crusadesare preferred for donations. Each donated dish will also coun= t=20 as a point foryour side in the "Which is Mightier Contest." =20 Fees: Pre-registered adult (in mail by April 10): $7.00,At-the-door adult:=20 $9.00 Pre-registeredchild (ages 5-12): $3.00, At-the-door child: $4.00 Childrenunder age 5 are guests of the Barony. =20 Autocrat: Lady Brandwyn Alston of the Rift(Stella Brindle, 612 Jewell Ave.=20 Portsmouth, VA 23701 (757) 488-3597brndalston@aol.com.) *** Reservations:=20 Send all reservations to thetroll, Baroness Rosine of Rowanwald, (Terri=20 Morgan, 905 Spring Garden Lane,Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4923,=20 rowanwaldcentral@msn.com (757) 468-2823). Makechecks payable to: Barony of=20 Marinus/SCA Inc. The only reservation is a paidreservation. =20 Directions: From the South and West: From I-95 North take the exit atEmporia onto VA=20 state road 58 East (towards Norfolk, Virginia Beach). Stay on58 East (do not= =20 take any business 58 routes) until it reaches theI-664/I-264/I-64 split=20 (route 58 / 13 / 460 ends here and turns into AirlineBlvd. in Portsmouth, VA= )=20 When you get to the split, take I-664 North (leftexit) follow the signs=20 towards Hampton onto I-664 North. Take the first exitonto Dock Landing Road=20 West (Exit #12) follow * below=E2=80=A6 =20 From the North: Take your best route to Hampton, Virginia(down I-64 East).=20 Take the exit for I-664 South (Exit #264 toSuffolk/Chesapeake). Go through=20 the Monitor/Merrimac Bridge Tunnel and continueSouth on I-664 to Dock Landin= g=20 Road (Exit #12) West. Follow from * below=E2=80=A6 =20 From the East: Take your best route to Dock Landing Road(Exit #12 off I-664)= =20 and follow * below. =20 * When you come down the ramp on Exit #12, follow the signsfor West Dock=20 Landing Road. Go to the T-intersection and first stop light andturn left ont= o=20 Jolliff Road. Go past three streets on the left and turn leftinto the school= =20 (Stonebridge Elementary/ Faith Baptist Church) on the left(right on the curv= e=20 and the top of the hill) at 1629 Jolliff Road. SCA signswill be posted. =20 Hotel Info: Call or email the autocrat for details. Moreinfo next month. (Please forward this to any appropriate lists. Thank You!) - --part1_22.22749101.298065c1_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Language: en Below is a flyer for an e= vent. Please excuse any scrambling AOL may make of my Word document, Brandy:=


April 20,2002 - THE PEN OR THE SWORD?
Barony ofMarinus, Chesapeake, VA

         &= nbsp; Calling allfighters, artisans and scribes in the kingdom. Now is=20= your chance to determineonce and for all which is mightier - the pen or the=20= sword? Come to the balmyshores of Marinus and bring your swords and your pen= s and enter thecompetitions, tournaments and attend classes. Every person wi= ll be counted forone side or the other and every activity you participate in= will give your sidea point!
=20
The Site is Stonebridge Elementary Schoolwhere Marshal's, Herald'= s and Scribe's was held the summer before this pastone. It is located at 162= 9 Jolliff Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. The site is dryand no pets are allowed= . Classes will be indoors with all other activitiestaking place outdoors. Me= rchants are welcome to come and set-up in the hall oroutside around the tour= ney field. The site opens at 8am for set-up withactivities beginning at 10 a= m. Clean up begins at 6pm and the site closes at8pm.
=20
Martial Activities: There will be an armored combattournament/wor= kshop, a Rapier tournament/workshop and a target archerytournament and pract= ice. Contact the MIC, Sir Otto von Schwartzkatz, atroberteday@hotmail.com or= (757) 306-0479 for more details.
=20
A&S Activities: There will be scribal tracksoffering classes=20= from beginner to advanced in the scribal arts. There will be ascroll competi= tion with categories from beginner to advanced and a ScrollDisplay for those= who want to show off their work and receive comments. Therewill be an A&= ;S competition - all entries must have something to do with anyof the martia= l combat areas of the SCA and can be in any medium. Thecompetition of the da= y will be the "Which is Mightier Contest." Eachactivity pa= rticipated in by every attendee will be tallied up at the end of theday and=20= we will determine which is mightier, the pen or the sword! Contact LadyKara=20= in Danska at kara-is@home.com or (757) 366-0543 for more details oncompetiti= ons and displays.
=20
Merchants: Merchants are welcome to come andset-up in the hall or= outside around the tourney field. Please contact theautocrat if you plan to= merchant at this event. Please provide your own tablesand shade.
=20
Lunch:  $3.00 each.This will be a fundraiser for the new Kin= gdom Clerk of the Signet Scribe Fund.There will be no feast. Contact the Hea= d Cook Lady Jane Devereux atladydevereux@hotmail.com or (757) 938-9988 for a= ny dietary concerns and todonate a dish to the lunch. Period recipes based o= n the theme of the Crusadesare preferred for donations. Each donated dish wi= ll also count as a point foryour side in the "Which is Mightier Con= test."

Fees: Pre-registered adult (in mail by April 10): $7.00,At-the-do= or adult: $9.00
           Pre-r= egisteredchild (ages 5-12): $3.00, At-the-door child: $4.00
           Child= renunder age 5 are guests of the Barony.
=20
Autocrat: Lady Brandwyn Alston of the Rift(Stella Brindle, 612 Je= well Ave. Portsmouth, VA 23701 (757) 488-3597brndalston@aol.com.) *** Res= ervations: Send all reservations to thetroll, Baroness Rosine of Rowanwa= ld, (Terri Morgan, 905 Spring Garden Lane,Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4923, row= anwaldcentral@msn.com (757) 468-2823). Makechecks payable to: Barony of Mari= nus/SCA Inc. The only reservation is a paidreservation.
=20
Directions:
From the South and West: From I-95 North take the exit atEmporia onto VA= state road 58 East (towards Norfolk, Virginia Beach). Stay on58 East (do no= t take any business 58 routes) until it reaches theI-664/I-264/I-64 split (r= oute 58 / 13 / 460 ends here and turns into AirlineBlvd. in Portsmouth, VA)=20= When you get to the split, take I-664 North (leftexit) follow the signs towa= rds Hampton onto I-664 North. Take the first exitonto Dock Landing Road West= (Exit #12) follow * below=E2=80=A6
=20
From the North: Take your best route to Hampton, Virginia(down I-64 East= ). Take the exit for I-664 South (Exit #264 toSuffolk/Chesapeake). Go throug= h the Monitor/Merrimac Bridge Tunnel and continueSouth on I-664 to Dock Land= ing Road (Exit #12) West. Follow from * below=E2=80=A6
=20
From the East: Take your best route to Dock Landing Road(Exit #12 off I-= 664) and follow * below.
=20
* When you come down the ramp on Exit #12, follow the signsfor West Dock= Landing Road. Go to the T-intersection and first stop light andturn left on= to Jolliff Road. Go past three streets on the left and turn leftinto the sch= ool (Stonebridge Elementary/ Faith Baptist Church) on the left(right on the=20= curve and the top of the hill) at 1629 Jolliff Road. SCA signswill be posted= .
=20
Hotel Info: Call or email the autocrat for details. Moreinfo next month.


(Please forward this to any appropriate lists. Thank You!)

- --part1_22.22749101.298065c1_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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 15:07:45 -0600 From: "Amy L. Hornburg Heilveil" Subject: [scribes]: Alex of Drachenvald Would you please email me privately? I'm relatively sure that I have your name misspelt. You used to live in Trimaris and are now MoAS of another kingdom, Atenvelt, I believe...... Thanks, Despina =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 13:27:52 -0800 From: Shannon Yoffe Subject: RE: [scribes]: dumb question 3,985 Russell, I personally dont think that useing a marker to illuminate a scroll is a very good way to go about it, but on more of a historical note, My mother's pell scroll(which I am in the proscess of re-doing for her) was done completely in colord markers! A pell scroll!! (pelican) and that was only about 3 years ago...so yes it has been done in the not so far past, but i dont think it should be used in the near future. ~ In service to the dream, Lady Sorca Nuala Ni Domnahl - -----Original Message----- From: Russell Husted [mailto:husted@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, January 18, 2002 3:54 AM To: scribes@castle.org Subject: [scribes]: dumb question 3,985 o.k. Here is dumb question number 3,985. Having heard all these comments about marker, is there any one anywhere using markers to create scrolls? It is not that I want to. I just want to know if it is really still being done, or if we are simply beyond that now. your servant, mahee _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 18:11:42 -0500 From: "Helen Schultz" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Hrefna: The only problem with your suggestion is that even with loosening the tabs will continue to restrict the flexibility of the nib. And, I never could get the tension just right... the reservoirs kept slipping off. I was so happy when shown how to use them without the reservoirs. I actually prefer it now. KHvS - ----- Original Message ----- > To over come this, try loosening the tabs on the > reservoir so that they don't grip the nib as tightly. > The reservoir will stay on and you retain the > flexibility of the nib. > > Hrefna =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 18:09:03 -0500 (EST) From: john j cash Subject: RE: [scribes]: dumb question 3,985 Dear folks, Sorcha writes about a recent scroll (for peerage in fact) being colored with markers. Perhaps this was intended as _The Real Scroll_ for the recipient, or perhaps instead it was intended as the promissory. This is the question I ask when I read about it. I wonder if, in talking over this point, we are thinking of marker-colored scrolls as in any sense the "Real" scrolls or as promissories intended to be replaced. - -- Johannes "Those who don't read ... have no advantage over those who can't" -- Mark Twain =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 18:20:56 -0500 From: "Helen Schultz" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? LOL... an inch thick!!! how could you see the nib underneath?? Actually, Despina's suggestion might work, also perhaps soaking in a varnish solvent of some sort "might" work. As I have never had this problem, I am grasping. About nib holders... I use the Brause double-ended ones (I think they are quite inexpensive, too), that way I can put a Brause EF-66 (like a crow quill) in one end and my writing nib in the other... you'd be surprised how nice it is to be able to do some flourishes as you write your letters. Although, with practice, the edge of the writing nib will work without having to resort to the EF-66. Or, you could put two different sizes of writing nibs in the holder, one for the larger script of the recipient's name (I like to make the name one nib size larger than the text), and the other for the body of the text. I also liked Peter's suggestion on what to do with the old holder... sounds most efficient!! M. KHvS =================================================================== 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: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 20:55:11 -0800 (PST) From: Peter Steiner Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? > Given that the underside reservoir seems to be a fight to use, could > I put the Mitchell's nib in my bottom-of-the-line Osmiroid penholder > (plastic hourglass handle), and let the Mitchell's penholder go to > its worthy rest? YES!!! :-) > If it fits, I can't imagine it coming to any harm. Not a bit.... > Another question: > As I mentioned, these are old nibs, that were not cleaned before they > were last put away. I have brushed them and soaked them, and this is > not budging the old build-up of ink one inch. First, rinse the nibs in distilled water to remove any trace of the cleaners you've already tried. (This is especially important if you've tried anything which contains chlorine!) Second, prepare a mixture of one cup household ammonia (the non-sudsing variety), one cup plain liquid dishwashing detergent, and one cup isopropyl alcohol (the 70% variety which can be purchased in any pharmacy or supermarket.) Soak the nibs in a sealed clear jar of this mixture until you can see that the ink is loosening. Remove the nibs, and scrub them gently with an old toothbrush. If the ink doesn't come off the nibs quickly and easily, put them back in the jar for another long soak. Handle this liquid with latex gloves, because it will remove the essential oil from your skin as easily as it removes ink from nibs. :-) Finally, rinse the clean nibs with distilled water, and dry them with a lint-free tissue. You can purchase those from your local optician. "Kimwipes" is the brand I use. If this doesn't work, you can always resort to sandblasting! - -Peter- __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Great stuff seeking new owners in Yahoo! Auctions! http://auctions.yahoo.com =================================================================== 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, 24 Jan 2002 10:52:45 -0500 From: "E. Brown" Subject: Re: [scribes]: used a mitchell's pen before? Helen Schultz wrote: > > LOL... an inch thick!!! how could you see the nib underneath?? Actually, > Despina's suggestion might work, also perhaps soaking in a varnish solvent of > some sort "might" work. As I have never had this problem, I am grasping. > Whoops, some misunderstanding. I originally wrote: "As I mentioned, these are old nibs, that were not cleaned before they were last put away. I have brushed them and soaked them, and this is not budging the old build-up of ink one inch." I didn't mean that the build up was an inch thick...I meant that it wasn't moving *at all*, using the expression, 'not moving an inch'. Sorry for the confusion, good lady! You're right, if the buildup was an inch thick, it would be hard to find the nib under it... Regards, Genevieve, the apparently confusing! - -- GUNPOWDER, n. An agency employed by civilized nations for the settlement of disputes which might become troublesome if left unadjusted. Ambrose Bierce, US writer (1842-1914) =================================================================== 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, 24 Jan 2002 13:49:07 -0500 (EST) From: Todd Rich Subject: Re: [scribes]: Unlurk...promissories (LONG) On Thu, 24 Jan 2002, Kinga de la Roux wrote: > To discuss Torin's missive: > > Todd Rich wrote: (snip) > > Kinga here (delurking) the current Artemisian Kingdom Scribe, which is now > called the Sable Plume Clerk of the Signet. First, I feel for Torin, I > understand all too accurately how frustrating this position can be. But I am > working on fixing that. At this point, the reigning royalty are responsible > for their own scrolls through a "crown scribe" that serves Them during Their > reign only. My primary job is the 500 (give or take a few) backlog of scrolls > still needed to be completed. As well as, designing, implementing, and > maintaining a new database (we are using 4th dimension). This will allow us > to not only track all awards and to whom they were given to and when, but > also: presenting royalty, date, event, level, and who the scribe/illuminator > was. Also, a scribal/illuminator base from which to draw on...pun intended. > Hey, you took the job, it's yours now ;). Seriously though, it is good to hear what you've been doing. I think in part I was just too timid to put my foot down on some issue. I probably would have been replaced fairly early, but things might have turned out better. > We are using printed copies of scrolls. We are, however, having each one > individually painted by someone, and also leaving a space for arms, > description of arms, and place for the Kingdom Herald to sign (remember, it is > not an official scroll without the heralds signature if it displays arms). My > deputy, Lady Adele de Carlisle and I draw our scrolls with a general degree of > details, so as to leave it up to the painter to add minute details in order to > 'customize' it. So, although the overall design may be the same, each will be > an individual work of art (kind of like coloring in a coloring book, although > you each have the same page, you can do different things with yours to make it > 'original'). > Speaking of the heralds sig, I probably won't have the heralds seal done by Estrella (my kidney stone put a 'kink' in my plans, so to speak), but it should be ready only a few weeks after. The main Kingdom seal should be done before May. (1" and 2" respectively) > > Torin wrote: > "........So I found a print shop that could take scroll artwork and make a > plate so we could use actual ink on a real press. For a run of 100 it would > be about a $1 a copy, much cheaper than color photocopies, but at that price, > I would need to supply the paper."..... > > Were these black and white photocopies? And, would you be willing to share the > place that was willing to do this for you, with me? I would be interested in > speaking with them again about this. > These weren't photocopies, but actual etched plates with ink done on a real press. We would be able to keep the plates for future runs. However, I don't think I still have this information anymore...I'll see if I can find anything on my computer in my old reports though. However, if you have somebody in Boise call the local printing shops, you can probably recreate the information. I'd do it for you, but the calls would be just a little bit pricy right now (I'm in Pennsylvania). > > Torin wrote: > > ".....I couldn't get the kingdom to approve the funds...." > > We are currently looking into making the scribal office an office in and of > itself. This way, I will be able to do my own fundraising events to help with > the cost of maintaining my office expenses. Also, was Mistress Shauna the > Herald when you had this office? Because she has been the single most > wonderful person to work with. Since I am currently a deputy under her, she > has given me a little money to work with from her budget to cover expenses for > teaching/mailing, etc. > She was Herald for most of the time I had the office, and she was a dream to work with. The original idea for the separation of the offices came from Seonin (screwed up that spelling) who had the office before her, but aftwards there wasn't much action on it, but Shauna did think it was a good idea. > > Since my current backlog is so extensive, I would REALLY, REALLY appreciate > any and all black and white (unpainted), photocopied scrolls anyone would like > to donate to help me catch up. Please place your name and Kingdom on the back > of the scroll (it will be transferred to any copies to give credit to you), > and mail them COD to me. If you would like to do this, please contact me and > I will give you my mundane name, mail, phone, etc. > > I enjoy this list immensely, and even though I am a lurker, I learn a very > great deal from all of you. I would love to learn about paper, etc. > (periodness) from Carynn, she's incredible.....hint, hint.... Carynn is great isn't she...I'm sorry I wasn't able to stay around for her reign. > > And just so you know Torin, HE Carynn was also the only Crown to actually say > thank you for all the events I went to and ended up doing last minute > scrolls. The thank you card will always be worth more to me than any 'award' > will ever be. (I have it framed...hehe). > Given her experience in scribal things, I wouldn't expect anything less from her. She KNOWS what goes into them. That, and she is a generally cool person. > Regards, > Lady Kinga de la Roux > Artemisian Kingdom Scribe > aka Sable Plume Clerk of the Signet Torin, now freelance scribe (if I could get the time away from work and school that is) =================================================================== 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 #67 ****************************