1. Place cards

    Card stock + pencil guide lines

    Rule faint lines in pencil, letter the names in ink and erase the lines once it's dry.

  2. Ink wash

    A few drops of ink + water

    Mix light and dark grays in small dishes and paint with a soft brush.

  3. Fill a fountain pen

    Converter + bottled ink

    Dip the nib past the hole, twist the converter to draw ink up, then wipe the nib.

Write with a dip pen

How to · With ink

Write with a dip pen

15 minutesAny timeEasy

Steps

  1. 1Wash a new nib in warm soapy water to take off its factory oil, dry it, and push it firmly into the holder.
  2. 2Dip the nib in the ink just past the small hole, then touch it to the rim of the bottle to drain the extra.
  3. 3Hold the pen at about 45 degrees. Press lightly on the upstrokes for thin lines and a little harder on the downstrokes for thick ones.
  4. 4Dip again every few words. When you're done, rinse the nib in water and dry it with the cloth so it doesn't rust.

  • Match the pen

    Fountain pens need fountain pen ink. India ink and many calligraphy inks can clog them, so keep those for dip pens and brushes.

  • Waterproof or washable

    Waterproof ink won't run if it gets wet, for envelopes and art. Washable ink comes out of clothes more easily.

  • A steady bottle

    A wide, heavy bottle is easier to dip into and harder to knock over.