Friday, April 8, 2011

Calligraphy Flourish Friday - Oblique Pen Holders

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
I am back! Here is a full body shot of the penholder pictured in this March 25th post.
A few readers asked about it, and Heather Held is correct! It is a Bill Lilly original.
It is one of my favorites. Not only is it beautiful but the neck is a little larger which I prefer.
It has a little chip in it, because I accidentally dropped it. 
(Shhh....Don't tell Bill, or I will be in the doghouse.)
Isn't the marbled, background paper gorgeous? 
I'll have to tell you more about it in a future post.

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
 The top part of the pen is a cool looking, poly resin and the bottom is rosewood (I think).
It pulls apart.....
©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
.....to reveal a hidden compartment for a spare nib.
Typical Bill Lilly cleverness!!! 
©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
Here is my collection of oblique penholders to date.
I know some folks look down their pointed pen noses at the Speedball Oblique Pen Holders (the black, plastic ones), but I learned Copperplate with the Speedball and I have a soft spot in my heart for them. :)

©Jane Farr Calligraphy & Design LLC
Here are close-ups of my other, favorite Bill Lilly pens.
He calls them Natural Grip pens, and I love, love, LOVE them.
If you're interested in a Bill Lilly penholder. Just contact him via email. You can find his email address at his blog just beneath the photo here.  Kim over at The Constant Scribe has a post about her new, luscious Jake Weidmann penholder. Read about it here.

I have received another parcel of ZIG markers from Kuretake!  I asked the Kuretake representative if it would be okay to do a ZIG marker giveway, and I was given the go ahead. Please visit A Place To Flourish next Friday for a chance to win some of these terrific markers!

Tom and I are off to Chicago this morning. I am so excited to see the Chicago Calligraphy Collective's Exploration exhibit at the Newberry Library tomorrow!!!

Have a great weekend everyone.
Go forth and flourish!
xo

13 comments:

  1. Hi Jane! GORGEOUS oblique pen holder!!! I'm drooling! I thought perhaps the top was actual stone, but to find out it's resin and can hold an extra nib is equally fantastic! Have a great time in Chicago, I'm envious of that little trip... I KNOW you'll have a great time! And yes, I'd LOVE to hear about that beautiful marbled paper. Take care, have a great time!
    xoxo

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  2. These pens are beautiful, but more so is the art you create with them.

    Sounds like you are headed for a wonderful weekend...have fun!

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  3. Hi Jane!

    I LOVE seeing your pen collection. (I'm nosy that way). I have only been doing pointed pen for a few years, so I don't have a very big collection, but I love every one of my pens and get very attached to them. My Ziller gray is cracked but I can't throw it away. David Ogden sent me a Bill Lilly pen and I love it, although it is so tiny in my hand that I can't use it very long with my arthritis. I'm going to pass it along to the next person I help to learn calligraphy.

    I wish I had time to take the Metra into the city to see the CCC exhibit on Saturday. I'd love to meet you!

    (PS: Thanks for the link! I want everyone to see how cool Jake's work is and how customized my pen is. He's a marvel, that's for sure!)

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  4. Oh how fun to see your collection! I have never seen a penholder like the Natural Grip ~ and I have quite a few myself! I think I am over 20 now.... ;0

    Now, I have to go over and see these others and possibly add to my growing collection!

    Have a lovely weekend! ~~

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  5. And to think some people collect little ceramic figurines! These are much more beautiful...especially in your hand. Have fun in Chicago!

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  6. Great collection Jane, have a wonderful time in Chicago!

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  7. Hi, Jane, trust you to make a beautiful design out of your pen display. Totally beautiful. I have heard of the Bill Lilly pens from Linda but have never seen one before. Exciting. Hit the ground running in the Mainland and hosting a 60th birthday party for my husband on Sunday. Fun stuff! Happy Lettering, let us know all about the exhibit and the marbled paper.

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  8. Boo hoo, boo hoo. One of my handmade Lillys won't hold the nib anymore...the oblique holder is loose. I think the wood cracked around it. I love your collection. The new pen is crazy looking, but of course I want one now, : ). Quite novel, and I take your word for it that it is a winner. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Hi,My first visit to your blog.I'm excited to learn from you.I'm learning about zentangles,and think they would be perfect with calig.

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  10. Gorgeous collection, Jane. It's like writing with a Stradivarius.
    I'm afraid I only have 2 wooden oblique holders and use the black plastic ones built up with tape. I need a big grip because of my RA. My hands do not close, unfortunately. I am blessed that I can still do calligraphy however.

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  11. How was the exhibit? I'd love to hear about it! Hey, come on by to see something I think you'll like on my blog... looking forward to seeing your post about the exhibit, have a terrific day!
    xoxo

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  12. Hi, was looking for an oblique pen holder when i stumbled on this post! Beautiful work btw! I was wondering where did you get your speedball oblique nib holder?

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    1. I took my first pointed pen class in 1998 and the Speedball oblique was part of the supplies included with the fee. They are available here in the USA at craft and hobby stores, as well as Paper & Ink Arts and John Neal Bookseller. (see my "calligraphy supplies" page for links). Hope this helps.

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