by Adrianne Proctor, VP-Programs, Feb 2017
At times, we mention “other usual tools and materials” in the meeting supply lists, so I came up with the list below. As you read it, don’t be alarmed: kind and helpful fellow members can probably help you fill in the blanks.
* Clean-up cloths (I pre-fold 15 or so paper towels, which are easy to grab.)
* Small water container that won’t tip over.
* If you’re using a dip pen (alternative to the Pilot Parallel pen), bring nibs and a straight (not offset) penholder (H39 from John Neal is priced well at $1.70).
* Black ink, such as Higgins Eternal (good beginner ink). Cut a hole in a kitchen sponge to seat your ink container. Or use a dropper to transfer ink a little at a time to a dinky dip (both also available from John Neal), seated safely in a sponge or holder (also available …).
* A little piece of crocus cloth to smooth your nib if it has any tiny burrs. (I have decided to order several sheets of it from John Neal and cut them up for the group for this meeting. You only need a smallish piece.)
* A little dropper bottle with distilled water to dilute ink if it gets thick.
* A pen rest (glue together two wine bottle corks … or order from John).
* A travel-size tube of toothpaste and old toothbrush to clean ink off nibs.
More tools and supplies tips – from Feb 11, 2017 Meeting Minutes:
WAYS TO PROTECT CARPET FROM INK SPILLS
Use an ashtray to hold ink container and put tape under the container to hold it in place. Can use the butt indentions to hold the paintbrush in place. Use tape under all ink containers to hold them in place. Use dinky dips to control the amount of ink that might be open at one time. We want to protect the carpet when we are in the room, especially when we are using ink or paint as these are difficult to remove once spilled.