Make a calligraphy pen out of a bulrush (cattail) reed

A very serviceable pen made out of a reed in about 10 minutes work.

I noticed some bulrushes when I was out by the lake today, and remembered reading that you can make dip pens out of them. I grabbed one to bring home, and gave it a shot. It is a bit of a finicky writer, but pretty good results for a first try!

Step 1 Get a sturdy reed

You need a dead bulrush or similar reed. Pull off the ragged layers until you are down to something that is firm and stiff.

You only need about 8 inches, but you will probably want a whole stick so you have plenty of chances to mess up.

I could not get my cat to leave this long, thin stick alone :D

Comments

[joen]

Nice! You can use a dowel rod (1/4 inch or so) and do the same thing. You can create a great chiseled edge that can give you those fine lines and broad strokes. If you do it right they can work better than the store baught ones!

Enjoy!

[red-king]

I used to do this with the quill of a feather.

[kraM]

culd i use regular pen ink?

[Rectifier]

Like, ballpoint pen ink? Or fountain pen ink? There's no way to get ballpoint ink to flow properly - it's a gel type ink that requires the motion of the ball to apply it to the paper. That's why it only comes in the little tubes in the pens, not in bottles. Fountain pen ink - probably will work. It is a lot thinner though and will likely be absorbed into the reed. I'm guessing it may write kind of sputtery, but you can give it a shot. The india ink is only $1 for a bottle though, it's practically free compared to any other sort of ink.

[$ NAB $]

Will bamboo work?

[Smalfrii]

kool

[jtobako]

What's a bulrush look like? Could you give a link or picture so someone can find one if they call it something else (like cattails)?

[Rectifier]

Yep, a bulrush is called a cattail in the USA, I believe. Updated the title to clarify. Any long, hollow, woody reed will do, however.

[Sunbanks]

That is awesome! You explained it really well and I like your kitty =3 Meow.

[GorillazMiko]

Woah... nice. I will finish it up to the 5th step... and use it for other reasons. Just kidding, hahahaha.