The easiest, most common mistake to make is also the hardest to fix. Improper lettering. There are many ways I do this. The trick is to know the easiest way to correct them? In my opinion, it’s using a scratchboard knife. Scratch Art knives from Dick Blick Scratch nibs are commonly used to scratch through…
Today I’m inviting you to my scribal workspace. I enjoy seeing how other’s work, so I thought you’d like to see mine. My “studio” is now half an SCA craft room. It’s a few steps from a bathroom for easy access to water. It’s on the same floor as the walk-out to the back yard,…
I’ve heard that some people lick their brush to shape it to a point. Since most watercolor and gouache paints are listed as “non-toxic”, that should be safe to do. But is it? What does “paint toxicity” mean for scribes? How much paint does it take to be considered toxic…one lick or do you have to…
For years, I used a cartridge pen, because I hated dipping to write each letter. But then I realized my work looked better when I used a dip pen. So I switched. But how do you find the perfect nib? I asked other scribes what they used. Several brands were offered, especially Mitchell and the easily found…
Recently I posted about my lightbox setup. This has changed slightly. I now have an LED light pad and I’m very excited about it. I wouldn’t have bought this but M. Rolf came to Lonely Tower’s scribes’ class and showed us his. I was so thrilled about it I went on Amazon to look for it….
There are two general gouache price points, affordable and expensive. With affordable gouache paints, I get the look and feel I expect just not its full potential. Gouache paint consists of pigment suspended in a binder, usually gum Arabic, just as is watercolor. However gouache has larger particles and more pigment in its binder. It…
My Tracing Lightbox Set-up I’ve owned a tracing lightbox for years and use it often. While light boxes themselves were not used in the Middle Ages, tracing often was. So I think using this tracing method is fine for scroll production if you choose. If my goal were to create a completely authentic work I…
Like the seven deadly sins, art media have behaviors that are a challenge to overcome. The key to dealing with them is avoiding or limiting their effects. As a scribe, I’ve messed up work every way possible. Those were my gouache learning experiences while detecting its sins. Let me tell you what I’ve found. An…
Are you puzzled about paper? Even in this digital age it supports writing today, as it did in the past. Besides it has myriad other uses I’ll avoid. I prefer to focus on the papers commonly used in the SCA. Paper selection for calligraphy is knotty. The best looking papers may be too slick and…
Scribes painting preprint scrolls. When I was painting preprint awards with scribes at a recent event, I was asked what colors I preferred. I had commented on colors I missed having because the paints provided for our use were Reeves gouache paint sets. I missed the colors I used at home. Gouache is an opaque watercolor used by…
I’m a brush collector. I have all types and sizes. I even have some for oil painting, which I’ve never tried. With each purchase, I feel that brush will be my best brush for it’s intended task. If that’s true, why do I keep going back for more? Why do I have so many? Brushes are…
Teaching scribes in the Barony of the Lonely Tower I’ve been asked the difference between watercolor and gouache paints. I thought you would like to know too. Simply put, watercolor paints are transparent, gouache paints are opaque. That’s it in a nutshell. Watercolor paints use the white of the “paper” for their white. Lighter gouache…
I prefer to use a dip pen, but that wasn’t always the case. I started learning calligraphy using a cartridge pen. Why did I switch? What is the difference? I switched from a cartridge pen to a dip pen to create scrolls in a more medieval manner. Quill pens would be even more medieval but…
Are you a scribe wondering what to get that want-to-be scribe in your life for Christmas or 12th Night? How about putting together a scribal gift-pack collection? When looking at John Neal Bookseller‘s web page, like a kid dreaming for a Christmas present, I came across this unique item offered by a professional watercolorist. It is a paint…
I’ve been a scribe way over 20 years and along the way I have collected materials and tools. Some end up in a bin never to see the light of day again. Other’s become as necessary to me as water. Here’s my 10 favorite scribal materials and tools, except for paint and paper towels. Things…
I now have a larger, enhanced sewing and painting room by turning a guest room into my craft and cardio space. Before: Closet Studio Before my calligraphy, illumination, and other painting was done in a walk-in closet. I used it as a studio. It had electricity, shelving, and tables but was devoid of inspiration, sun, and space. I had to organize…