Homemade Nibs

I spent some time in the yard today collecting our rescued/rehabbed chickens’ fallen feathers to make into quills.

One of the things I liked about digital tools was the authorship I felt over the custom brushes I would make. That opportunity exists with analog and I haven’t taken advantage of it as much. I think by making tools we better learn how to use them to the fullest.

Figuring out the angle of the cut for the nib, the type of cut it to retain a good amount of ink, and the sensitivity level I’m looking for (and having direct control over it) is pretty fantastic. After a half dozen or so attempts, I’m starting to figure out what it is I’m looking for in a nib. It beats buying nibs in the store!

Feathers have more give and less snag than metal nibs. It’s akin to a brush. Good thick to thin. A light touch. I like them more than their metal counterparts.