As our products continually change, develop and increase in diversity, we have had to move to a more nimble digital format to provide more detailed information and photo examples of the best practices for the use of the various items. Thank you for arriving at our informational landing pad. Please scroll down to see the current information about the product that you purchased or are interested in.
QUILL CARE & MAINTENANCE
- Visker & Scrivener quills feature fine-point vintage metal nibs crafted during the late-1800s and early-1900s; perfect for general writing and drawing. These metal tips have been waiting in unopened boxes for over a century; we are pleased that they now have a place in this modern world.
- All quills feature interchangeable nibs & point protector case to keep your nib safe and protected when not in use.
- The mini inks can be used as an inkwell and you can dip your quill directly into the bottle, but we recommend the addition of an inkwell for the large bottles of ink (mostly so you don't end up with ink coating the handle of your quill).
- Upon first use of your quill, dip the metal nib into the ink and wipe clean with a cloth a few times to remove the factory-applied anti-rust coating. To begin writing, dip the nib about one-half inch into the ink. Hold the quill at a 45 degree angle from the page with the curve of the nib facing up (like an arch, not a trough) and write lightly on the page. We recommend using paper with a smooth surface for best results.
- When your writing session is over, transfer remaining ink from your inkwell back into the bottle, or replace the cap onto screw-top bottles. The nib can be cleaned with a mild soap/glass cleaner, water, and small brush or q-tip. Allow to dry to avoid rust.
- If your quill is damaged in any way, send us the broken quill and we will repair or replace it free of charge (if mailed, return shipping charge will apply).
- Glass Handle Quills, Artisan Quills and Hand-painted feathers are not covered by our lifetime breakage warranty (for obvious reasons).
INK & INKWELL INFORMATION
- All ink bottles have a screw top for easy storage. Though we recommend the addition of an inkwell for the large bottles of ink, quill pens can be directly dipped into the small travel-size ink bottles. Twist the cap in a counter-clockwise direction to open.
- Our dip pen India inks are formulated for dip nibs and is permanent; it is not intended for fountain pens or tattooing. If pigment separates, gently shake while holding cap firmly on to bottle. Do not ingest. Keep ink bottles upright after opening. Children should always be supervised.
- Ink wells include a glass dropper for removing ink from the bottle and filling the ceramic ink well or brass cup.
- When your writing session is over, transfer remaining ink from your inkwell back into the bottle, replace the cap onto screw-top bottles.
BULLET QUILL INFORMATION & HISTORY
- "Bullet Quills" were a form of "Trench Art" made by soldiers during World War I. We stumbled upon our first versions of quills made from spent shell casings while traveling in England in 2008. After beginning to research them we found a whole culture of Bullet Pencils that were popularized post-war and used for advertising because the design allowed you to carry a pencil in your pocket conveniently. The Bullet Quills that we sale are of two different styles: Repurposed Advertising pencils from the 1920s through the 1970s made into quills instead of pencils and newly fabricated (yet vintage looking) quills made from spent shell casings.
- These quills feature fine-point vintage metal nibs crafted during the late-1800s and early-1900s; perfect for general writing and drawing. These metal tips have been waiting in unopened boxes for over a century; we are pleased that they now have a place in this modern world.
- Because of their history and 1-of-a-kind nature, only the nibs of our Bullet Quills are protected by our Lifetime Warranty. The nibs however are, if your nib becomes damaged, simply email us a picture of the nib and your address to visker@gmail.com and we will mail you a replacement.
FOUNTAIN PENS & INKS
- Visker & Scrivener Fountain Pens are a great way of having the style and function of a quill with the convenience of a self-contained ink source. We do not offer disposable cartridges, only reusable/refillable piston-style cartridges.
- Our specially formulated fountain pen inks are designed to offer an exceptional writing experience. Made at our shop on Galveston Island, The smooth flowing properties, rich pigmentation, and consistency of the ink makes them a perfect choice for fountain pen enthusiasts. Inks can be used with all standard fountain pens.
- To refill the cartridge on your Visker & Scrivener Fountain Pen: (1) Unscrew the blind cap of the pen barrel and twist the piston forward toward the nib of the pen. If there is already ink in the pen do this over your ink container as it will push any remaining ink out of the pen. (2) Fully submerge the nib into a bottle of ink and twist the plunger to draw ink back into the pen cartridge. (3) Wipe the excess ink off the tip and you are ready to go..
- All of our Fountain Pens have the same Lifetime Warranty as our quill pens. If your Visker & Scrivener Fountain Pen is damaged in any way, send us the broken pen and we will repair or replace it free of charge (if mailed, return shipping charge will apply).
SEALING WAX INSTRUCTIONS
- This wax seal set features a hand-made handle, ornate initial / symbol, and wax stick.
- To create a seal, light the wick of the wax stick and allow the wax to drip onto the surface you wish to seal. Once a pool of wax about the size of a nickel is formed, press the stamp onto the wax and then remove the stamp. The sealing wax stick will create approximately 25 seals.
SEALING WAX FURNACE INSTRUCTIONS
- The Visker & Scrivener Sealing Wax Furnace makes the process of doing multiple seals faster, cleaner and easier.
- To make your seal, simply light up a tea light candle, set the base over the candle, place the spoon in the recess above the flame and add your sealing wax pellets into the spoon. After the pellets are melted (we recommend stirring the wax with a toothpick to make sure it is evenly melted), gently pour your wax and stamp your seal.
OAK GALL INK INFORMATION
- Oak Galls are protective nodes formed by a deciduous tree after a wasp lays eggs within an early-growth branch. Tannic acid within the galls together with copperas and Gum Arabic (a tree sap) creates a permanent ink used since 400 AD. This ink is acidic, so be sure to clean your nibs well after using!
WALNUT INK INFORMATION
- Walnuts (from the Old English wealhhnutu meaning “foreign nut”, as they originated from Italy and Gaul) have been used in ink and fabric dye since early Roman times. The husks contain tannins which are extracted to create a rich brown sepia-toned ink.
- Visker & Scrivener Walnut Ink is handmade on Galveston Island using Texas walnut husks.
SUMI & "SIRIUS BLACK" SUMI INK INFORMATION
- Sumi Ink is a traditional Japanese ink used for calligraphy. There are two main styles of Sumi - Yuenboku (Sumi made of lamp soot) and Shoenboku (Sumi made of burnt pine) - The Visker & Scrivener version is made in the Shoenboku style.
- As one of our premium inks, this recipe has been formulated to deliver a superior writing with quill pens (unlike the brush for traditional Japanese calligraphy).
- Handmade at our workshop on Galveston Island.
MAGICKAL INK INFORMATION
- Our Magickal Inks come in three popular versions: Dove's Blood (Love spells & incantations), Bat's Blood (Curses) & Dragon's Blood (General Spells and Grimoire Writing)
- Handmade at our workshop on Galveston Island.
FAERIE (IRIDESCENT) INK INFORMATION
- Our Iridescent Faerie Inks add a shimmery element to your writing. Because of the glittery nature of these inks, they will need to be shaken well before (and sometimes during) your writing process.
- Handmade at our workshop on Galveston Island.