Cola pen
May 7, 2016 2:20 PM   Subscribe

A cola pen is a calligraphy pen with a nib curved so that line width can be varied with pressure or holding the pen differently. It's called a cola pen because you can make one yourself with a cola can! Be careful, though.
posted by Elementary Penguin (10 comments total) 22 users marked this as a favorite
 
Oh this is interesting, thanks Elementary Penguin!

I found another diagram of how to make one and also some samples of writing, for those, like me, who are no good with the videos.
posted by infini at 2:45 PM on May 7, 2016 [1 favorite]


Thanks, infini! That diagram is way better than what I found.
posted by Elementary Penguin at 2:49 PM on May 7, 2016 [1 favorite]


We did something like this in art class 100 years ago when I was in high school. I remember a lot of cut fingers during the tin-snipping process, but it's so cool, being able to make your own writing instrument!
posted by xingcat at 3:18 PM on May 7, 2016


nope nope nope I do NOT need another calligraphy implement nope I am perfectly fine with my collection as it stands
posted by DoctorFedora at 4:16 PM on May 7, 2016 [3 favorites]


At this point you may have quite a few cuts on your fingers. I know I did. Try not to do this anymore.
posted by Flashman at 4:35 PM on May 7, 2016 [1 favorite]


I have the Emerald of Chivor ink from the first video; it really is that beautiful. Highly recommended. :)
posted by aurynn at 5:24 PM on May 7, 2016


nope nope nope I do NOT need another calligraphy implement nope I am perfectly fine with my collection as it stands
posted by DoctorFedora at 7:16 PM on May 7 [2 favorites −] [!]


lyingcat.gif
posted by Elementary Penguin at 6:25 PM on May 7, 2016 [4 favorites]


The first video has it. Ink and paper are far more important than the pen, yet we focus upon the pen.

We can select an ideal ink, and we can select the ideal paper for that ink, in the video, its the one printed with little unobtrusive dots rather than lines, and of a weave that would drink in greedily fine inks.

Pens are much more variable an subjective. Yes, you can make a dip-pen that lays down a cartoonishly broad line from a beverage can. Why not go with a calligraphy brush at that point?

While we are at it, why not just buy a Bic ballpoint?

Because there is music.

I am not a composer. I want to be, just to put that elegant of a pen to paper. Instead, I write ordinary things about my ordinary day, and fantastic in-ordinary things my brain kicks up. I have a rotating collection of lovely green-blue felt-tips, deep blue and broad gels, broad-tipped space pens in the black-matte finished little brass bulllet, and cheap and pricey fountain pens.

The fountain pens require so much attention and maintenance, and yet write so well! Smooth and flowing.

Those music nibs? Not cheap. I got to write my name with one of them once, on a guestbook. It was like my hand was possessed, as there is no way I could ever lay down a line as pretty. Yet I did.

Send me your unwanted music-nibbed fountain pens!I will rehabilitate them!
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:51 PM on May 7, 2016 [3 favorites]


No. Yank them from my cold, dead hands.
posted by infini at 1:01 AM on May 8, 2016 [1 favorite]


Neat-o. This sounds like something I might want to try my hand at.
posted by Too-Ticky at 9:28 AM on May 9, 2016


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